Best Brunch Spots Austin Locals Love for Weekend Dining

For the bigger picture and full context, make sure you read our main guide on Best Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch Spots Worth Visiting.
Austin’s brunch scene isn't just a meal; it's a weekend ritual, a culinary adventure, and often, the highlight of a local's week. But with so many incredible options, figuring out the best brunch spots Austin has to offer can feel like navigating a delicious labyrinth. From sun-drenched patios serving up Southern comfort to bustling counters slinging inventive tacos, the city delivers diverse flavors and unforgettable atmospheres.
The real challenge isn't finding a brunch spot, but pinpointing the one that perfectly matches your mood, your company, and your craving. Do you want live jazz with your eggs benedict, or chilaquiles that transport you straight to Mexico? Is a casual biscuit sandwich on the go more your speed, or a celebratory mimosa carafe with friends? This guide cuts through the noise, helping you discover Austin's local favorites for every type of weekend dining.

At a Glance: Crafting Your Ideal Austin Brunch Experience

Match the Vibe: Austin brunch ranges from upscale and celebratory to casual and counter-service. Know what experience you're seeking.
Reservations are Key (Sometimes): Popular spots, especially those with coveted patio seating, often require booking ahead.
Embrace the Wait: For no-reservation hotspots, a delicious meal often comes with a patient wait – plan accordingly.
Beyond Eggs Benedict: Explore Austin's unique Mexican, Southern, and Asian-inspired brunch dishes for a true local flavor.
Boozy or Brewed: Decide if you're seeking craft cocktails and mimosas, or a meticulously poured specialty coffee.
Consider the Company: Some spots are ideal for groups, others for intimate dates or solo dining.

Unpacking Austin’s Brunch Landscape: More Than Just a Meal

Austin's reputation for fantastic food extends seamlessly into its brunch offerings. This city thrives on culinary innovation, local sourcing, and a laid-back, welcoming vibe, all of which are perfectly encapsulated in its diverse brunch establishments. You’ll find everything from classic American diners given a gourmet twist to authentic interior Mexican cuisine and even farm-to-table experiences that showcase the best of Texas ingredients. Understanding this spectrum is the first step in finding your personal "best." For a broader perspective on all three meal categories across the city, you might also find our guide to Best breakfast, brunch & lunch spots helpful.

The Heart of American Brunch: Classics with an Austin Twist

Sometimes, you just crave the familiar comforts of an American brunch – but in Austin, "familiar" rarely means boring. These spots elevate classics, often with a focus on local ingredients or a unique atmosphere.

Launderette (East Austin): Housed in a beautifully renovated former laundromat, this award-winning spot combines cute ambiance with serious culinary chops. Don't miss their delicious pastries or the famous plancha burger with crispy fries. It's an ideal setting for a relaxed, quality meal.
Paperboy (East Austin): What started as a beloved food truck has blossomed into a full-fledged brunch destination, serving it daily. Their chicken and biscuit with a sunny egg and spicy honey is a standout, as is the Texas breakfast hash featuring roasted pork and pecan mole. Expect vibrant flavors and a bustling energy.
Josephine House (Clarksville): Nestled in a charming renovated bungalow, Josephine House offers American brunch staples like fluffy pancakes. Its coveted outdoor seating makes it perfect for sunny Austin mornings, providing a picturesque backdrop for your meal.
Café No Sé (South Congress Hotel): This bright, picturesque spot on South Congress is Instagram-ready and serves brunch daily. Their pastry program, overseen by James Beard Award-nominated chef Amanda Rockman, is exceptional. Try the lemon ricotta hotcakes or a gravlax bagel, alongside a selection of healthier options.
Hillside Farmacy (East Austin): Step into a chic, repurposed 1950s drugstore for a delightful American brunch. Their menu features phenomenal dishes like gulf shrimp, thick buttermilk pancakes, and a classic farm eggs bowl. It's a charming blend of vintage aesthetics and modern flavors.
Tiny Boxwoods (Central Austin): Known for its stunning ambiance and high-quality food, Tiny Boxwoods is perfect for celebrations. Indulge in their famous chocolate chip cookies, blueberry pancakes, or a refreshing avocado toast. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity and slightly higher price point.
Geraldine's (Hotel Van Zandt, Rainey Street): For an upscale experience with a view, head to the 6th floor of Hotel Van Zandt. Geraldine's offers a contemporary American menu with the added bonus of a live jazz trio during weekend brunch. Start with a pecan sticky bun and a mimosa carafe before diving into short rib quesadillas or smoked salmon benedict.
Dai Due (East Austin): This farm-to-table restaurant takes "local" seriously, sourcing hyper-locally with a focus on unique Texas fare like wild boar and venison. The seasonal menu might include crispy Sunday fried chicken, sourdough pancakes, or biscuits with antelope sausage gravy, providing a true taste of the region.
Foreign And Domestic (North Loop): A neighborhood gem offering a farm-to-table, nose-to-tail experience with a rotating seasonal menu. They offer elevated takes on classics, such as their pork and grits or a veggie-heavy cast iron frittata.

Southern Charm: Biscuits, Gravy, and Grits Done Right

Austin embraces its Southern roots, especially when it comes to brunch. These restaurants excel at comforting, hearty dishes steeped in Southern tradition, often with a refined touch.

Mattie's (South Austin): Consistently ranked among the most beautiful brunch spots, Mattie's is set in a stunning 19th-century historic mansion. Their Southern classics like biscuits and gravy, fried chicken benedict, and crispiest home fries make for a memorable experience. Start with their famous buttermilk biscuits and local honey.
Jacoby's Restaurant and Mercantile (East Austin): This family-run spot prides itself on locally-sourced meat from their own ranch. Enjoy Southern favorites like buttermilk biscuits with house sausage gravy, a pimento grilled cheese (add bacon!), or chicken fried steak and waffles on their stellar patio during weekend-only brunch.
Colleen's Kitchen (Downtown): A bright and bustling restaurant with exceptional decor, Colleen's Kitchen offers inspired Southern dishes. Their skillet cornbread with whipped honey butter is a must-try starter, followed by entrees like low country gulf shrimp and grits or the full Southern breakfast.
Fixe (Downtown): Known for having some of the best biscuits in the city, made with three kinds of butter, Fixe offers an elevated Southern experience. Their brunch menu features various biscuit sandwiches, mile-high deviled eggs, and sophisticated entrees like brioche French toast or heritage pork chop. These biscuits alone are worth the visit.
Moonshine Grill (Downtown): Housed in a historic 1852 mansion, Moonshine offers an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet featuring Southern classics. From hot pretzel sticks with whipped pimento to cathead biscuits and king ranch casserole, it's a feast. Don't miss the iconic hoss’ deluxe biscuit with cornflake chicken.
Sawyer & Co. (East Austin): This retro diner brings Southern and New Orleans-style favorites to the table with a dose of Texas hospitality. Look for brunch specials like the Breaux Bridge Benedict or creole shrimp with grits for a taste of the Bayou.

Spice It Up: Tex-Mex & Interior Mexican Brunches

Austin's Tex-Mex and Mexican food scene is legendary, and brunch is no exception. Whether you're craving traditional flavors or fun, lively takes on regional cuisine, these spots deliver.

El Naranjo (South Austin): For traditional interior Mexican cuisine, James Beard Award-winning chef Iliana De La Vega delivers. Dishes like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles are prepared with rich, housemade salsas, offering a distinct and phenomenal experience far from typical Tex-Mex.
Suerte (East Sixth Street): A bright, modern Mexican restaurant perfect for a fun and lively Sunday brunch with amazing tequila cocktails. Their menu boasts fresh, homemade corn tortillas, unique pastries like seasonal conchas, and chilaquiles that are a permanent favorite, available "divorciados" (half rojos, half verdes). Reservations are recommended.
La Condesa (2nd Street District): A two-time James Beard nominated restaurant since 2009, La Condesa offers modern Mexican cuisine. Favorites include queso flameado (add short rib), huevos rancheros, and churro waffles – perfect for a stylish brunch downtown.
Joann's Fine Foods (South Congress): This retro diner on South Congress offers a groovy patio and Tex-Mex inspired plates. Enjoy fresh juices (spiked options available!), pastries from sister restaurant Swedish Hill, and dishes like green chile enchiladas or red corn pancakes.
Phoebe's Diner (South Austin): A South Austin comfort food favorite that leans heavily into Tex-Mex and Southern flavors. Highlights include perfectly fried tots, migas with hatch chile hollandaise, and a hearty smoked brisket burrito. Expect a line, but it’s worth the wait.
Ciscos (East Austin): An iconic, no-frills East Austin Mexican restaurant serving classic breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, and biscuits since the mid-1900s. It’s a beloved spot for its throwback atmosphere and reliable fare.
Grizzelda's (East Austin): A fun, pink Tex-Mex restaurant that's ideal for a girlfriend's weekend brunch. Their queso, migas, and churros are staples, all served with great hospitality and ambiance.
Gabriela's Downtown (Downtown): A top choice for bachelorette parties, Gabriela's is known for big, boozy margaritas, delicious tacos, and their "tipsy French toast." It’s a vibrant spot for a festive brunch.
Veracruz All Natural (Multiple Locations): A prominent spot for breakfast/brunch tacos in Austin, serving homemade corn tortillas with flavorful fillings like migas originales or the classic "el traditional" bacon, egg, cheese, and potato taco. Pair them with their refreshing aguas frescas.

Casual & Coffee-Focused: Grab-and-Go Goodness and Relaxed Vibes

Sometimes, a full-service brunch isn't the goal. For those seeking quality coffee, quick bites, or a more laid-back experience, Austin's coffee shops and walk-up counters offer fantastic brunch options.

Forthright Cafe (Downtown): A darling spot by Lady Bird Lake, Forthright is praised for its excellent coffee program and classic American brunch dishes like pork shoulder hash, pastrami eggs benedict, and avocado toast. Their fluffy biscuits are a must-order for the table.
Better Half Bar (Near Downtown): A popular all-day eatery where you order at the counter, Better Half offers cappuccino, cocktails, pastrami toast, and a breakfast sandwich on a homemade English muffin. Their large outdoor patio is perfect for a relaxed meal.
Walton's Fancy and Staple (Downtown): Owned by Sandra Bullock, this downtown counter-service spot in a quaint historic building serves up challah French toast (creme brûlée batter, mascarpone, berries) and blackened gulf shrimp over jalapeño cheddar grits. No reservations needed.
Little Ola's Biscuits (North Austin): From the renowned Olamaie team, this spot specializes in delicious biscuits, hand pies, and pastries. Perfect for to-go orders or a casual weekend meal on-site if you don't have reservations elsewhere.
Sour Duck Market (East MLK): A kid-friendly, farm-to-table restaurant with a relaxed, self-seated atmosphere where orders are placed via QR code. Everything is made in-house, inspired by local farmers, and the original Odd Duck food truck is on-site for play.
Patika (South Lamar): A hidden gem coffee shop offering no-reservations brunch. Coffee is ordered at the counter, while a full brunch menu is prepared from a food trailer. Known for phenomenal pastries and brunch staples, though finding a table on weekends can be a challenge.
Bird Bird Biscuit (Multiple Locations): Famous for huge, delicious biscuit sandwiches like the Queen Beak and Bird Bird Bacon, which serve as an entire brunch meal. You can order ahead for quick pickup or grab a spot on their small patio or indoor seating.
Nervous Charlie’s Bagels (North Austin): Offers authentic New York-style bagels using local ingredients and goods shipped from New York. Popular choices include the salt bagel with scallion cream cheese or a French toast bagel (which often sell out quickly!). Don't miss their breakfast bagel sandwiches.
Swedish Hill (Clarksville): A classy local gem known for its gorgeous pastry assortment (cinnamon rolls, chocolate croissants, kouign amanns) and savory options like bagel with lox or a pastrami reuben. Their patio is a lovely spot to enjoy.
Ovenbird (South Austin): A newcomer bakery and bistro with Central and Eastern European influences. Highlights include a rich breakfast sandwich on a Bavarian croissant, unique breakfast tacos on house-made marble rye tortillas (try with boursin cheese), and phenomenal French toast. Their pastry case is a visual feast.

Unique & Niche Vibes: Seafood, Asian, Fusion & Boozy Brunches

Austin's culinary landscape is dynamic, with spots offering specialized menus or particularly festive atmospheres.

Perla's (South Congress): If you're craving seafood, Perla's offers a fancy seafood brunch on what many consider the "best patio" on South Congress. Indulge in dishes like crab florentine or a lobster and egg white frittata before a shopping spree.
Salt Traders Coastal Cooking (North Austin): A more casual seafood option than Perla's, Salt Traders offers a scratch Bloody Mary, shareable bacon maple fritters, and a delicious blue crab grilled cheese.
Lin Asian Bar (Central Austin): For a different kind of brunch, Lin Asian Bar offers a popular Saturday/Sunday dim sum brunch known for its amazing bao buns. It’s recommended to order many items to share.
Elizabeth Street Cafe (South Austin): An insanely popular French Vietnamese restaurant, often with a wait. Enjoy Vietnamese coffee, spring rolls, and French pastries. Brunch specialties include sticky rice with ginger sausage and a poached egg, or house-baked brioche French toast. Go early for patio seating.
Wu Chow (Downtown): A farm-to-table modern Chinese restaurant that delivers locally sourced, fresh, and tasty Chinese brunch dishes in a bright, airy setting downtown.
Peached Tortilla (North Austin): This fun fusion spot (modern Asian/Southern) originated as a food truck. Their Saturday and Sunday brunch menu includes BBQ pork buns, Korean braised short ribs benedict, and avocado toast with miso scallion creme fraiche.
Bar Peached (Near Downtown): Sister restaurant to Peached Tortilla, Bar Peached offers excellent cocktails and a casual vibe with a large patio. Brunch dishes include udon noodles with bacon, egg, and cheese, and brioche French toast with strawberry yuzu.
Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden (Rainey Street): The quintessential boozy group brunch spot on Rainey Street. Expect a massive beer list, house-made sausages, and a lively atmosphere. They don't take reservations, so plan for a wait.
Carpenters Hall (South Austin): Known for its post-war, mid-century ambiance and high-quality food. Features delectable pancakes with caramelized toffee sauce and candied pecan crunch, and an Egg Sammie on house-made milk bread.

Practical Playbook: Mastering Your Austin Brunch Reservation

Navigating Austin's popular brunch scene requires a bit of strategy. Here’s how to ensure your weekend dining is as smooth as possible.

Prioritize Reservations: For upscale spots, popular patios, or celebratory occasions, reservations are almost always a must. Tiny Boxwoods, Geraldine's, Josephine House, Mattie's, Suerte, and Perla's are prime examples where booking ahead will save you significant wait time and potential disappointment. Check Resy or OpenTable well in advance, especially for larger groups.
Embrace the Walk-In Culture: Many beloved Austin spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Phoebe's Diner, Banger's, and Patika are notorious for lines, but the food often justifies the wait. Arriving right when they open (or even 15-30 minutes before) is your best bet to minimize standby time. For quick, high-quality options, places like Bird Bird Biscuit, Little Ola's, or Nervous Charlie's are great for order-ahead or counter service.
Consider the Time of Day: Peak brunch hours are typically 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. If you're flexible, aiming for an earlier 9:00 AM start or a later 2:00 PM seating can often cut down on wait times, even at reservation-only places.
Know Your Vibe Match:

Lively & Loud: Banger's, Gabriela's, Suerte.
Charming & Picturesque: Mattie's, Josephine House, Tiny Boxwoods, Café No Sé.
Casual & Local: Phoebe's Diner, 24 Diner, Patika, Bird Bird Biscuit.
Upscale & Refined: Geraldine's, Perla's, Fixe.

Parking Prowess: Parking can be tricky, especially downtown or on South Congress. Utilize ride-shares, look for nearby garages, or be prepared for street parking challenges. Many East Austin spots have their own lots, but they fill up fast.

Quick Answers to Your Austin Brunch Questions

Q: What's the best brunch spot in Austin for a special occasion?
A: For a truly memorable experience, Mattie's offers stunning ambiance and Southern classics. Tiny Boxwoods is also exceptional for its beautiful setting and quality food. Geraldine's provides upscale dining with live jazz.
Q: Where can I go for a casual, no-fuss brunch in Austin?
A: For counter-service quality, try Better Half Bar or Forthright Cafe. If you want a classic diner experience, 24 Diner or Phoebe's Diner are great. Bird Bird Biscuit and Little Ola's Biscuits are perfect for delicious, quick-serve options.
Q: Are there any good all-you-can-eat brunch options in Austin?
A: Yes, Moonshine Grill offers a popular all-you-can-eat Southern brunch served buffet-style in a historic downtown mansion.
Q: What are the best Austin brunch spots with outdoor seating?
A: Austin boasts many fantastic patios. Josephine House, Café No Sé, Jacoby's, Perla's, Better Half Bar, Suerte, and Swedish Hill all offer excellent outdoor dining options, often highly sought after.
Q: I'm looking for a unique brunch in Austin, something beyond eggs and bacon. Any suggestions?
A: Absolutely! Consider El Naranjo for authentic interior Mexican chilaquiles, Lin Asian Bar for dim sum, Elizabeth Street Cafe for French Vietnamese specialties, or Peached Tortilla for Asian-Southern fusion like Korean braised short ribs benedict. Dai Due also offers unique Texas fare.

Your Perfect Austin Brunch Awaits

Choosing the "best brunch spots Austin" has to offer ultimately comes down to what you're in the mood for. Whether it's the comforting embrace of Southern fried chicken and biscuits, the vibrant flavors of Mexican chilaquiles, or a classic American breakfast with a gourmet twist, Austin's culinary scene delivers. Use this guide to match your cravings to the perfect setting, plan your visit wisely with reservations or early arrivals, and prepare for a weekend meal that truly captures the spirit of the city. Enjoy the feast!