You could argue that brunch is a lifestyle. Perhaps it’s a fun outing with friends, a chance to snag a reservation at one of the newest places in downtown Austin or simply an answer for what to do if you missed breakfast and you can’t make it until lunchtime to eat. Luckily, you just need to head downtown to find some of the best brunches in Austin. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve done the research for you. Check out our list, make your reservation, put on those stretchy pants and get ready for some delicious food and drinks!
1886 Cafe and Bakery
If you don’t want to have to worry about reservations, or want to grab and go, check out the 1886 Cafe and Bakery at the Driskill, which is open from 8am-2pm daily and serves brunch 7 days a week. This elevated locale has a beautiful spread, and many of their menu items are named after local favorites. Will you have the Hippie Hollow, or would you prefer to dig into the Lady Bird Omelet?
Alta’s Cafe
Does it get better than enjoying locally-sourced food and drinks in a quiet spot of downtown looking out over Lady Bird Lake? Alta’s has a lovely, large deck for outdoor dining and an all-day menu you will love if you’re too late for the “Early Eats” menu. Better yet, Alta’s has wine and beer all the time for those looking for a boozy brunch. You can also order a smoothie or kombucha if you’re looking for something healthy before taking a kayak on the water. First Saturdays even feature live musicians on the deck, along with $2 mimosas.
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. Take a look at the menu, which includes Eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches, and scrambles, and 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 brunch 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.
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 a specialty cocktail menu just for brunch. If you prefer your brunch at a later hour, 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, Devil May Care is a great addition to downtown.
Forthright
Sip on a wide variety of caffeinated beverages, cocktails, juices, waters, and sodas while enjoying a menu of dishes made from scratch of high-quality ingredients. Forthright‘s menu features crowd favorites like a strawberry and cream “Poptart” that sounds 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 newer brunch spot to the Austin 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 posé.
Halcyon
Saturday afternoons are the time to head to the Halcyon on 4th Street if you would like your brunch served with a side of entertainment. That’s because Halcyon hosts a weekly Saturday Drag Brunch with Candy Van Wales and her crew. Drag brunch tickets include two free mimosas, making a stop at Halcyon 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’re looking for something stronger than coffee, you can order beer, wine, and frosé. Jo’s Coffee is in the 2ND Street District, so you can do for window shopping once you’re done dining.
La Condesa
If you’re craving Mexican food, be sure to try La Condesa on 2nd Street. Brunch is served between 11am and 3pm on Sundays. Even better, La Condesa has a brunch happy hour with half-off signature cocktails!
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. (See chicken and waffles at the top)
Taverna
Taverna is a great spot downtown to grab $3 mimosas and chicken and waffles, 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 in the sun.
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 so you aren’t overwhelmed, but offers enough variety that you will have a hard time making a decision. 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!