Originally written in July 2021, updated July 2023
Brunch is a lifestyle. It’s a fun outing with friends, a chance to snag a reservation at one of the newest places in downtown Austin or the solution for missing breakfast. Head downtown to find some of the best brunches in Austin. If you don’t know where to start, we have done the research for you. Check out our list, make a reservation, throw on the stretchy pants and get ready for some delicious brunch foods and drinks!
1886 Cafe and Bakery
If you don’t want to have to worry about reservations, check out the 1886 Cafe and Bakery at the Driskill, which is open from 6:30am-2pm daily and serves brunch seven days a week. This elevated locale has a beautiful spread; many of its menu items are named after local favorites. Will you have the Hippie Hollow, or would you prefer the Lady Bird Omelet?
Arturo’s Underground Cafe
Arturo’s Underground Cafe is a brunch spot that prides itself on home-cooked flavor and original takes on traditional breakfast items. When you take a look at the menu, which includes Eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches, and scrambles, we guarantee that your mouth will water and your stomach will start grumbling. If you need a pick-me-up, Arturo’s offers freshly brewed fair-trade coffee.
Corner Restaurant & Bar
Corner is a sleek, modern space appropriately named because of its location at the corner of Congress and 2nd Street. The brunch menu includes starters, salads, tacos, sandwiches and a “rise and shine” egg section. This open-air bar and restaurant is perfect for people-watching while staying cool under perimeter fans.
The Courtyard ATX
Brunch and a show? Oh, honey – you have our attention! Enjoy the Big Gay Drag Brunch every Sunday at noon at The Courtyard ATX. The brunch buffet runs from 12pm – 1:30pm and the drag show starts shortly after. Get your tickets here.
Devil May Care
Devil May Care is upping the ante on Sunday brunch. In addition to a delicious menu, diners can select from a carefully curated specialty cocktail menu just for brunch. If you prefer your brunch later, book your reservation anytime between noon and 4pm. With your choice between a breezy rooftop patio covered in hanging plants or dining in its lush, cool interior, you may have trouble deciding where to sit at Devil May Care.
Forthright
Sip on various caffeinated beverages, cocktails, juices, waters and sodas while enjoying a menu of dishes made from scratch with high-quality ingredients. Forthright‘s menu features crowd favorites like a strawberry and cream “Poptart” that is simply indulgent, along with bread pudding, biscuits and gravy, salads and toasts, along with a delicious variety of plates.
Foxy’s Proper Pub
Foxy’s Proper Pub is a delicious addition to Austin’s brunch scene. Change it up and try some delicious Irish-themed breakfast items and wash it down with a signature “foxtail”. Try a Flogging Mary (instead of a Bloody Mary) and enjoy the creative menu names with your brunch squad.
Halcyon
Saturday afternoons are the time to head to Halcyon on 4th Street if you would like your brunch served with a side of entertainment. Halcyon hosts a weekly Saturday Drag Brunch with Candy Van Wales and her crew. Drag brunch tickets include two free mimosas, s0 making a stop at Halcyon is one fabulous way to start the weekend.
Irene’s
If you are a big believer that brunch isn’t just for Sundays, head to Irene’s for brunch on Fridays between 11am and 4pm or book your reservation for Saturdays & Sundays between 10am and 4pm. The brunch menu is accurately named “Biscuits and Booze Weekend Brunch” because it features four different styles of biscuit, brunch punch and $5 mimosas, bloodies, and frosé. If that doesn’t float your boat, you can order other brunch favorites, including grits, grilled cheese with bacon and eggs, baked eggs, French toast and more.
Jo’s Coffee
Jo’s isn’t just for coffee, as this downtown favorite has ample indoor and outdoor dining space for a laid-back brunch. Jo’s menu includes breakfast sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and even a brunch burger. If you want something stronger than coffee, you can order beer, wine and frosé. Jo’s Coffee is in the 2ND Street District, so you can easily window shop after dining.
La Condesa
If you’re craving Mexican food, try La Condesa on 2nd Street. Brunch is served between 11am and 3pm on Sundays. Even better news, La Condesa has a brunch happy hour with half-off signature cocktails! And before you ask, yes, you can have churros for breakfast.
Moonshine Grill
Moonshine Grill, in the Red River Cultural District, serves brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm with a dose of Southern charm. Gorge yourself with comfort food and delightful cocktails, and then walk off your meal downtown. We highly recommend the bourbon slush. (See chicken and waffles on this post’s cover)
The Perch
Location, Location, Location! It doesn’t just apply to real estate; it applies to brunch as well. Enjoy a beautiful patio in a quiet spot of downtown looking out over Lady Bird Lake. The Perch serves breakfast tacos specifically for your weekend delight. On weekdays, they still offer a variety of locally sourced coffee, tea, bagels, pastries and smoothies. If you go at the right time, you can even watch the rowing teams practice while you dine.
Taverna
Taverna is a great spot downtown to grab $3 mimosas and bellinis to go with your chicken and waffles or avocado toast, among other brunch items. Taverna and the Baci Room have a lovely indoor dining area if you prefer air conditioning and a gorgeous outdoor patio if you’re hoping to soak up the Texas sun.
Taquero Mucho
Welcome to the pinkest brunch you ever did see. Speaking of seeing- keep an eye out for themed brunches at Taquero Mucho on West 6th Street. They have been known to throw a themed brunch party for anything from Bad Bunny to Barbie. Enjoy cleverly named pink drinks and yummy foods from Mexican classics to American favorites.
Verbena
For a completely Zen vibe, check out Verbena‘s 6th Street courtyard for your next brunch outing. It’s beautiful, complete with comfortable chairs, a fireplace for colder months, lush plants and a water feature with fish and lily pads! The brunch menu is small enough you won’t be overwhelmed but good enough that you will have difficulty deciding. Choose from delicious items, including oysters and shrimp cocktails to pancakes and steak and eggs.
Enjoy your time downtown at brunch, and we hope this list helps you find a new favorite spot!