It’s finally the weekend and it’s time to relax, recover and reward yourself with some seriously good food and entertainment. And, lucky for you, the food fixated city of Austin is the place to find restaurants and chefs that are just as passionate about breakfast food as you are! Why settle for an ordinary egg breakfast from an ordinary place when you could have your crepe and eat it too? So from frittatas and French toast to mimosas and music, here’s where to find the most brunch for your buck in Austin:
South Congress Café – South Austin
Brunch: Mon-Fri from 10AM-4PM and Sat-Sun from 8AM-4PM
South Congress is one of the most eventful and action-packed places to be on a Saturday and Sunday, and the popular South Congress Café has a prime spot right in the heart of it all. This high-end café offers amazing American cuisine, daily brunches with flowing mimosas and a beautiful patio tucked behind the bustle of South Congress. Go for Saturday or Sunday brunch and order a ridiculously tall Bloody Mary (I mean these things are huge), or try their delightfully cool and refreshing Peach Bellini. Some popular brunch menu items include Eggs Benedict South Congress Style with crab cakes, the classic Croque Madame served on a brioche bun with home fries and the massive South Congress Burger. And the best part about visiting South Congress Café is you can load up on breakfast food and drinks then step right onto SoCo and spend the rest of the day exploring and shopping and nearby places like Yard Dog Art Gallery, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds and South Congress Books.
Geraldine’s – Downtown Austin
Brunch: Sundays from 9Am-1Pm
Located in the heart of downtown Austin near Ladybird Lake, new American restaurant Geraldine’s offers innovative contemporary cuisine with fresh local ingredients, gorgeous views of the city skyline and lake, and nightly live music! This hip new addition to Austin’s food scene has plenty to offer hungry Austinites, from hand-crafted cocktails and swanky décor to an amazing rooftop lounge with private cabanas. The extensive food and drinks menu at Geraldine’s covers the entire spectrum of food from breakfast and brunch to dinner, drinks and dessert. Try one of their quirky brunch cocktails like the “Swedish Saint” with Absolut Vodka and Pear Puree or the “Mellow Yellow” with yellow chartreuse and lemon and pair it with a devilishly decadent dish like the Shrimp Roulade with bacon and grits or Fried Potato Tot Hash with Pulled Pork. To get the most brunch for your buck at Geraldine’s, go on a Sunday and enjoy a Geraldine’s Jazz Brunch featuring live smooth jazz from local musicians so you can sit back and savor every last moment.
Juniper – East Austin
Brunch: Sundays from 10:30AM-2:30PM
Located in the up and coming east Austin, Juniper is a modern take on classic Italian cuisine that boasts a gorgeously designed interior and outdoor patio, gourmet fusion fare from talented chefs and a hip urban locale. Spend your Sunday morning at Juniper and try something absurdly decadent off the “Oh My Goodness” menu like Puffy Potatoes with whipped Dijon, Dippin’ Donuts with Espresso Ganache or a Caramel Apple cinnamon Roll and pair it with an equally saucy cocktail like the “Giancarlo, No!” with gin, aperol and grapefruit or a “Shpritz” cocktail with bubbles, Campari and vermouth. For something savory and fully satisfying, order one of Juniper’s popular brunch plates like the Trout and Toast with Mascarpone spread, Lamb Frico with potato and crème fraiche or go all out with cheesy, melty Lasagna with oxtail and smoked mozzarella! Why not, right?! After you’re full to the brim with deliciousness, head out on E. Cesar Chavez and explore the adorable boutiques and awesome street murals by local street artists like “El Federico” Archuleta.
Moonshine Bar & Grill – Downtown Austin
Brunch: Sundays from 9AM-2PM
The historic and beautiful Moonshine Bar & Grill has been an important cultural establishment and hip food and drink spot in Austin for several years. And the story behind this centuries old complex is just as rich and fun as the food, with a Carriage House – turned bar, underground speakeasy – turned wine cellar, old dry goods mercantile and weekend boarding house converted to a dining room. Practically every inch of the gorgeous Moonshine Grill is filled with history and tradition, but what makes this place truly great is the unbelievably good food, awesome whiskey and drink menu, friendly service and an all you can eat Sunday Brunch buffet loaded with sweet and savory offerings for all palates and moods! Plan on waiting, because the killer Sunday Brunch spread at Moonshine is no secret to Austin, but the meal will be well worth the wait; because, once you’re in, the only thing you’ll be concerned with is how much delicious southern-style comfort food you can fit onto your plate in one trip!
Sophia’s – Downtown Austin
Brunch: Sundays starting at 11AM
Located on the historic West Sixth Street, Sophia’s is a new addition to Austin’s fine dining scene that offers modern Italian-fusion fare with an Austin twist. This classy supper club has it all: stylish sex appeal, mouth-watering family recipes from experienced chef Jack Sparacino and craft cocktails served in an intimate cocktail-lounge setting. While guests can enjoy late night drinks and bites Thursdays-Saturdays, many visit this swanky spot for the fantastic brunch menu served Sundays starting at 11AM, so you can take in the amazing nightlife of Sixth Street on Saturday, then sleep in and enjoy a fantastic breakfast at Sophia’s. Try the sinfully sweet Giannicakes with lemon ricotta polenta and blueberry, or the savory Strata with roasted bread housemade Italian sausage and apple jam and pair them with a fresh cocktail like “La Donna” with housemade limoncello, raspberries and prosecco or “La Rosa” with Ketel One, grapefruit, strawberry and lemon.
*Update Nov. 2019: Sophia’s is now Devil May Care, a Mediterranean style nightspot with shareable healthy fare and creative cocktails.
Citizen Eatery – North Austin
Brunch: Mon-Fri starting at 10:30AM and Sat-Sun starting at 9AM
Of course Austin has to have a legit gluten free, meat free brunch option for all the Earth-friendly eaters, and Citizen Eatery provides those with special dietary restrictions a hip place to hangout on Saturdays and Sundays and enjoy fresh-baked goods, health-conscious breakfast foods and a full bar with wine, beer and vegan craft cocktails to get your weekend started right! The interior of Citizen Eatery is bright, airy and modern, with whimsical art lining the walls, soft lighting and mason jars filled with flowers. Super chic and cozy, this modern eatery offers something delicious and guilt-free for all. Some popular menu items include the Californian Toast with avocado; fried egg, asparagus and herb oil and the gluten free Parsnip Waffle & BBQ with wilted greens and bbq’d soy shreds, with thoughtfully curated cocktails like the “Lavender Underground” with rosemary, apple cider shrub and highborn Texas gin and the “Green Light” with pressed cucumber, citrus and monopolowa vodka.
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