The 5 Best Brunch Spots in Austin
Nothing says the weekend like bottomless mimosas and some good old fashioned brunch food, and I can confidently say (from experience) that Austin knows how to do brunch right. They definitely put their own spin on your classic brunch foods, but I’ve found that the combinations that sound the strangest have been some of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Because there’s so many possibilities for brunch in Austin, we’ve put together this list of the 5 best spots you NEED to check out the next time you find yourself in the Lone Star State.
Lupe Tortilla
Lupe Tortilla is THE PLACE for Tex-Mex; in fact, they’re so confident in their tex-mex recipes that their website doesn’t even have their restaurant’s name in it...it’s simply “tex-mex.com”. That’s a pretty high standard to set for yourself, but don’t worry, we checked them out to make sure they live up to the hype. And we’re happy to report THEY DO. They have a huge brunch menu featuring everything from tacos to pancakes, waffles, omelettes, and even some new fun favorites like breakfast nachos. Their tortillas are the size of your face, and Dylan and I have definitely driven 5 hours just to get some. They’re that good. Hands down I think Lupe has the best Tex-Mex in Texas, and whether you go there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner you’ll leave full and happy.
Elizabeth Street Cafe
The Elizabeth Street Cafe is a restaurant like none-other...it’s part vietnamese cafe and part french bakery, so you can order your bahn mi with a side of macarons! It may sound like a scary combination, but damn do they do it well. We highly recommend the breakfast bahn mi with pork belly. They’re also known for their selection of Pho, and their beignets are the closest I’ve found to tasting like Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans (a difficult standard to live up to, but they do it well!) Don’t forget to check out the daily flavors of macarons that are baked in-house every morning. Today is salted caramel, lime coconut and four berry- yum!
Sixth and Waller
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Sixth and Waller is a new restaurant located inside the East Austin Hotel. They call themselves a global diner and their menu has everything from breakfast to amazing gochujang queso and chips, sandwiches, and desserts...all with an international flair. And the best part is, they serve breakfast all day so you don’t even have to wake up early to enjoy their delicious brunch foods. Whether you try the spiced lamb kebabs, latkes, the West African peanut and tomato soup, or the pastrami, egg, potato and queso taco, you won’t be disappointed. I, for one, love my breakfast with a side of queso. Sixth and Waller is a super fun spot for both couples and families, and definitely needs to be on your list of places to experience in Austin.
Mattie’s Green Pastures
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Mattie’s is located in a 19th century home with super cute antique furniture, a stunning bar and lounge area, and a really nice outdoor patio. Theirs is a more traditional brunch menu with items like housemade quiche and brioche french toast, but then they also have some more upscale options like foie gras mousse and duck confit hash. We highly recommend the Mattie’s mini donuts- flavored with lemon curd and blueberry, you’ll crave these tiny snacks long after you leave. Between the food and the ambiance, Mattie’s is definitely a must-do on our list of brunch recommendations.
EastSide Tavern
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Rounding out our list is EastSide Tavern, the perfect place for a boozy brunch. AND EastSide offers brunch not just on the weekends, but during the week day as well. Nothing starts off your morning better than a cocktail and a delicious breakfast skillet, and EastSide has the best of both. Their whiskey-infused banana french toast is an amazing take on the traditional breakfast fare, and any of their menu items featuring their slow-cooked beef brisket will melt in your mouth. Texas knows BBQ, and EastSide Tavern definitely does it right. Their brunch menus differ depending on whether it’s a weekend or week day (the week day brunch menu is a little less extensive and has options like breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and bowls (all which are easy to grab and take to work!)) but both menus have delicious creations that you definitely won’t regret trying out. What’s more, you can order online and have your food waiting for you whenever you’re ready. Doesn’t get much easier than that!