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$$ | West Austin |
Local critics consistently rank this Clarksville newcomer as one of the city's best restaurants, and the sprawling patio is almost always packed. It's a lovely downtown-adjacent atmosphere to enjoy upscale, indulgent takes on juicy burgers and pastrami (as a sandwich or a queso topping), and with great coffee and cocktails to boot. There are even more burgers at the Quonset hut next door, where Hold Out Brewing slings food and beer all day. Both eateries have a hot brunch ticket.
406 Walsh St., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
Known For
- Pet-friendly patio seating
- Decadent hair-of-the-dog destination
- All-day menus
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$$ | East Austin |
The newest location of this beloved German-style bakery and beer garden features 15,000 square feet of outdoor space, plus a spacious interior, for beer and sausage lovers. The sprawling outdoor patio attracts lively lunch, happy hour, and late-night crowds with a full menu of artisan sandwiches, house-made sausages, and “big as your face” pretzels, as well as one of the best beer selections in the city. The wholesale bakeshop, which provides several local restaurants with specialty breads and pastries, opens bright and early every morning; don't miss the $6 “Easy Morning” deal (weekdays, 7–10 am) that includes a small coffee and any pastry.
1501 E. 7th St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Dog-friendly outdoor patio and weekend crowds
- Wholesale bakeshop with excellent early-morning special
- Charcuterie-fueled happy hours
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$$ | South Austin |
This clever nouveau Vietnamese-French concept from chef-restaurateur Larry McGuire—of Lamberts and Clark's fame—sits on the corner of South First and Elizabeth Streets as a cozy little café serving a delectable menu of banh mi and pho as well as a fantastic array of French pastries, including daily macaron specials. Fresh shrimp spring rolls, pork meatball banh mi (served on fresh baguettes), and spicy beef and pork buns with thick, soft, airy noodles are safe bets. In addition to sake, beer, and creative punch offerings, the wine list is short and sweet, brimming with French-only wines that pair beautifully with this cuisine. Brunch is offered on weekends.
1501 S. 1st St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Bright and cheery wait staff
- Mouthwatering macaron display cases at the hostess stand
- Cozy outdoor patio that's perfect for a weekday happy hour
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$ | East Austin |
Local chef and native east Austinite Hoover Alexander has created one of the city’s best comfort-food oases, blending Mama's home cooking, diner short-order specials, Tex-Mex favorites, and Cajun influences in one Southern comfort mecca. The self-styled "Smoke, Fire & Ice House" is known for its large portions and flavorful recipes, like a Jamaican jerk chicken and a chicken-fried steak that puts most others to shame. "Side mates” like mac 'n' cheese, fried okra, and creamed jalapeño spinach round out any home-style cravings. A full bar serves popular staples like beet margaritas. It’s hard to save room for dessert, but the homemade pies are excellent—and their New Orleans–influenced breakfasts are worth a try.
2002 Manor Rd., Austin, Texas, 78722, USA
Known For
- Fast and casual service
- Portions that will have diners leaving with leftovers
- Finger-licking-good pies
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | South Congress District |
Though its sister location in the Second Street District attracts a more chichi crowd, the original Jo's on South Congress is where you're likely to run into your neighbor, catch the latest gossip on the Austin music scene, or spot a celebrity visiting town. The morning rush hour for their delicious coffee is intense, yet somehow cool and lively; local beers and frozen rosé (frosé) are also available. There's limited seating, and it's outside-only, so come early on a Saturday and bring a good read. You may witness patrons dancing in the parking lot by afternoon. Jo's is an integral part of South by San José during SXSW—a definite must-visit, with live music in a lively outdoor setting throughout the week.
1300 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Excellent coffee
- Limited, outdoor-only seating
- SXSW hot spot
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | East Austin |
The not-so-secret weapon of this classic east Austin breakfast spot is its owner and namesake, local legend Juan Meza, who has run his modest eatery since 1981 and still greets every diner with a bone-crushing handshake and a smile. Juan's strong community spirit is infectious, but the simple, filling, and reliably good fare will start your day off right on its own. The Don Juan taco (a massive mound of eggs, potato, bacon, and cheese) is the true east Austin breakfast of champions; the machacado con huevo (shredded dried beef scrambled with eggs), migas (eggs scrambled with torn corn tortillas, onions, chile peppers, cheese, and spices), and huevos rancheros are also above average. A variety of inexpensive Tex-Mex and Mexican specialties is served at lunch.
2300 E. César Chávez St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Hangover cure for the ages
- Weekend crowds of sunglasses-wearing hipsters
- Extra tortillas to help finish the signature Don Juan breakfast taco
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | Clarksville |
For quite possibly the best coffee in Austin, visit this little Clarksville coffee house that draws quite a crowd for quick business meetings and weekend socializing. Here, baristas pull exquisite shots for espresso drinks and even leave creative designs in latte and cappuccino foam. Don't be surprised to hear music wafting from inside during SXSW. There are also branches on Congress Avenue and Guadalupe Street along with a location in the airport.
1101 W. Lynn St., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
Known For
- Family-friendly outdoor seating
- Exceptional house roasts popular with coffee aficionados
- Homey neighborhood feel
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$ | West Austin |
On any given sunny day, Austinites flock to Mozart's spacious lakeside patio to enjoy great coffee and indulgent baked goods. The expansive, multitiered deck overlooking Lake Austin can get crowded with weekend patrons, and weekdays are equally popular times for locals to post up and work remotely. Live music on weekends is an added bonus, and their annual Christmas lights display is a seasonal sight to behold.
3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
Known For
- Lake Austin views
- Sprawling patio seating open until midnight
- Top winter destination thanks to signature hot cocoa and award-winning Christmas light display
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$ | South Austin |
This local drive-through and fast-food chain turned burger empire is an Austin favorite for a reason. What started as a humble mom-and-pop operation on the corner of South Lamar and Barton Springs Road has evolved into a sprawling web of locations all over Austin and beyond, but the original location is still the ideal spot to experience the simple pleasures of a fresh patty of hormone-free Black Angus beef (or black-bean veggie), hand-cut fries, and hand-spun shakes that make eating bad feel good.
404 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Impeccable service and attention to detail
- Cult local following
- Best bet for a post–Barton Springs refresh
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$ | North Austin/Hyde Park |
Hyde Park's iconic neighborhood bakery has been a local staple for over 40 years, serving scratch-made breakfast pastries, cupcakes, cookies, and various seasonal and custom creations. The friendly vibe of the bustling coffee shop attracts a loyal tribe of locals, usually seen hanging out on the outdoor patio tables throughout the day, as well as streams of UT students, families, and fans of the house-made chai.
411 E. 43rd St., Austin, Texas, 78751, USA
Known For
- Long-standing local favorite for coffee and sweets
- Adorable neighborhood setting on the corner of Duval Street
- Mouthwatering cinnamon rolls, carrot cake cupcakes, and theme sugar cookies that sell out quickly
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$$ | South Austin |
Relaxed and locally sourced, this Bouldin Creek café is a staple for lovers of high-quality Thai food in a casual neighborhood setting. Part grab-and-go market and coffee bar, part café, and part cooking-class destination, Thai Fresh is a popular lunch and dinner spot, with a diverse range of curries, stir-fries, and noodle and fried-rice dishes. Homemade breakfast tacos are also available throughout the day. Locals drop by for their iced chai lattes and sparkling Thai basil lime aguas frescas, or stick around to indulge in one of their organic vegan ice creams and kombucha cocktails with sake, sparkling rosé, or white wine. A popular brunch service happens on weekends as well.
909 W. Mary St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Homemade breakfast tacos with a Thai twist
- Hidden-gem quality tucked in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood
- Terrific vegan offerings
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$ | East Austin |
Veracruz wears a taco tiara in the Austin food scene and for good reason. The migas lives up to the local lore, and this always-hopping original location has a convivial patio where its best to enjoy tasty quesadillas, barbacoa, vegetarian and fish tacos on homemade tortillas, and fresh aguas frescas alfresco.
2505 Webberville Rd., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Original spot for chain with growing number of local locations
- Signature migas taco and diverse vegan options
- Homemade tortillas and chips
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Mon.–Thurs.
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$ | East Austin |
What started as a streamlined coffee and craft beer purveyor with sparse hours has evolved into an all-day east Austin mainstay. The industrial garage vibe blends in well with its I–35-adjacent neighbors and attracts a hip clientele from morning to night, who flock here for cold brews and stacked breakfast sandwiches and then like to stick around for their local lineup of draft brews.
500 San Marcos St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- In-house specialty sub shop with expanded lunch menu
- Popular hangout for locals working remotely
- Skyline views from the side patio
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$$$$ | South Austin |
This casual Bouldin Creek neighborhood bistro with a breezy back patio is a refreshing respite for a leisurely happy hour or a midday meal during a day of shopping around nearby South Congress. The French-inspired cuisine is light and straightforward, with a wonderful wine list and craft cocktail selection.
1417 S. 1st St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Strong reputation as a "from-scratch kitchen"
- Spacious outdoor patio that's popular with the brunch crowd
- Generous portions
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$$ | Clarksville |
The upscale breakfast fare and comfort food of this Clarksville favorite might carry an unconventional price tag for a diner, but the quality of dishes (from Belgian waffles to meat-loaf sandwiches) has earned a loyal fan base. The always bustling interior is an efficient mix of mid-century retro and contemporary efficiency, with booths and barstool seating at high tables. The menu rotates with the seasons, but staples include chicken and waffles, three types of breakfast hash, and a weekly chicken and dumpling special. There’s an expected list of coffee drinks, plus a full bar and specialty milk shakes, from chocolate cherry to coconut cream, to satisfy any craving.
600 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
Known For
- Savory sweet signatures like fried chicken and waffles
- Long wait times on weekends
- Specialty milk shakes
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$ | South Austin |
A vegetarian-only restaurant might sound like a bland option at first, but even devoted carnivores frequent this hip South First neighborhood café, home to some of the best meat-free dishes in the city. Friendly servers help newcomers navigate their vegan and gluten-free options, whether it’s a maple latte and plate of zucchini migas, a tofu and broccoli salad, or a draft beer to pair with the Fajitas Italianas, made with roasted portabello and zucchini strips and chipotle pecan pesto. The lively gathering place always seems to be bustling, from brunch crowds to midday business meetings.
1900 S. 1st St., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
Known For
- Hip but casually unpretentious atmosphere
- Large crowds of beautiful people waiting for tables on weekends
- Super-affordable
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$$ | |
Downtown’s Radisson hotel finally ousted an outdated TGI Fridays location on their ground floor and made way for yet another hit from chef and restaurateur Shawn Cirkiel. The delicious contemporary Southwestern cuisine is delivered in shareable or a la carte portions, from oyster taquitos to grilled hen with yellow mole. A limited menu is available in between lunch and dinner service and the Sunday brunch features more than 50 dishes served buffet style. Interiors are chic and floor to ceiling windows show off spectacular views of Lady Bird Lake.
111 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
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$ | East Austin |
The interior of this family-owned east-side bakery and restaurant might be shabby, with worn linoleum floors and various Texas-theme memorabilia and fading newspaper articles hanging on the walls, but the hole-in-the-wall's classic Mexican fare still attracts a loyal breakfast and lunch crowd seven days a week. They are drawn by straightforward trademarks like migas (generously covered in melted cheese) and huevos rancheros that aren’t accompanied by the typical Austin-brunch price tag. Diners are offered the choice of flour or corn tortillas or a side of homemade biscuits that can be dressed with drawn butter or honey, both found in squeeze bottles on the tables.
1511 E. 6th St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Local east-side landmark
- Frequented by UT fans and a "who's who" of alumni
- Weekend crowds
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$ | East Austin |
Austin’s iconic Counter Cafe closed its original (beloved, but tragically tiny) diner on North Lamar, but this east-side location doubles the square footage and offers an extended menu with signatures like polenta-fried oysters. The mid-century–styled interior looks almost identical, from the wooden countertops and blackboard of daily specials to the line of expert short-order chefs knocking out the familiar menu of classic breakfast and lunch dishes. Patrons will still find crab cake Benedict, enormous pancakes, quail and eggs, and succulent grass-fed burgers.
1914 E. 6th St., Austin, Texas, 78702, USA
Known For
- Hypnotic views of speedy short-order chefs
- Very loud during peak weekend hours
- Heaping portions
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | Clarksville |
It’s hard to think a drive-through could have such high-quality fare, but Fresa’s has built a name for its charcoal-grilled chicken al carbon, which is slow-roasted over post oak and served with homemade tortillas and sides like Mexican street corn and crispy brussels sprouts out of this trendy Clarksville take on fast food. Breakfast tacos, aguas frescas, and Stumptown coffee service the early morning crowd, but the family-style lunch and dinner menu is the real signature, with whole- or half-chicken orders (choose from achiote and citrus or Yucatán spice), accompanied by house-made salsas, corn tortillas, charro beans, and rice. Fresh salads, queso, and guacamole, plus a selection of beer, wine, and margarita kits are available for drive-through or walk-up orders.
915 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
Known For
- Heaping family-style sides to mix and match
- Fast and friendly service
- Healthy and vegan options on-the-go
