Where to Find Top-Notch Omelets, Breakfast Tacos and Pancakes
Eating out for breakfast is so popular that one-hour waits are common at most restaurants on weekends. Fortunately, most of them offer free coffee and low-priced mimosas to help you while away the time. Newcomers are often surprised by the popularity of spicy Tex-Mex fare for breakfast in Austin. If you prefer a sweeter or lighter breakfast, there are plenty of options for that too.
Bird Bird Biscuit
Address: 2701 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722, USA
Phone: +1 512-761-4922
While the concept sounds almost too simple, Bird Bird Biscuit builds some amazing flavors around the core ingredients of chicken and a biscuit. First, it’s not just any biscuit; they’re dense yet flaky and buttery. The Bird Bird Bacon sandwich is a meal unto itself, stuffed with an organic egg, bacon, cheddar, and chipotle mayo. The Lovely Day sandwich offers a savory blend of tastes and textures, including chicken sausage made on-site, an over-medium egg, basil pesto, and cheddar cheese. Don’t forget to order some cinnamon-and-sugar-coated doughnut holes, known as Dough-Doughs, to go.
South Congress Cafe
Address: 1600 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Owned by the same people who run Trudy’s Tex-Mex restaurants around town, South Congress Cafe is a little more upscale but not snooty. Even the fancy dishes have some link back to traditional Texas fare or Tex-Mex cuisine. The eggs Benedict with crab cakes dish is a must-have. All the omelets are well executed, featuring uncommon ingredients such as artichokes and portabella mushrooms. For those with a sweet tooth, consider the carrot cake French toast. The migas enchiladas are a masterful concoction, stuffed with spicy eggs and cheese and topped with avocado slices, complemented by refried beans and a gouda potato pancake.
Phoebe’s Diner
Address: 533 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Phone: +1 512-883-9682
In addition to classics like bacon and eggs and buttermilk flapjacks, Phoebe’s Diner offers a creative twist on migas, made with crispy masa cakes. The meat-heavy ’04 Plate features brisket smoked on-site, two eggs, pickled chiles, and hashbrown casserole. For those seeking something sweeter, the deep-fried French toast topped with maple syrup and whipped cream is a must-try.
Kerbey Lane
Kerbey Lane is an Austin breakfast institution for all the right reasons. The pumpkin pancakes are undoubtedly the best in town, and the migas plate is packed with spicy, cheesy goodness. If the pumpkin pancakes aren’t sweet enough for you, consider the cinnamon roll pancakes. For a truly indulgent breakfast, try the crispy chicken Benedict, a biscuit layered with an egg, fried chicken, grilled onions, and hollandaise sauce. With seven locations around the city, it’s easy to find a Kerbey Lane to satisfy your cravings.
Maria’s Taco Xpress
Address: 1210 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Phone: +1 512-444-0261
If you’re interested in a heaping helping of Austin weirdness along with your breakfast, head to Maria’s Taco Xpress. The Sunday brunch at Maria’s attracts a loyal following of aging hippies who enjoy dancing to live music. The migas tacos are a crowd favorite, and all breakfast tacos are served on fluffy tortillas made on-site.
Magnolia Cafe
The giant gingerbread pancakes are a popular breakfast option, however, the Love Migas are preferred by those who like a jolt of hot spice. Chock full of garlic and cheese, the migas plate may not be the best choice if you have a date later on. For those craving extreme spiciness, try the three-alarm tacos, filled with eggs, potatoes, jalapenos, and chipotle sauce. There are two locations, both open 24 hours.
Bouldin Creek Cafe
Address: 1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704-4254, USA
Phone: +1 512-416-1601
Bouldin Creek specializes in creative breakfast concoctions suitable for vegans and non-vegans alike. Dishes like the potato leek omelet and the oven cake breakfast with blueberry cornbread and agave syrup are popular choices. The Tamale Breakfast features sweet potato and pecan tamales served with house-made salsa and beans. All egg dishes can be made with Bouldin Creek’s custom tofu scrambler.
Z’Tejas
Address: 9400 A, 9400 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759-6392, USA
For those with hearty appetites, the Mighty Z migas will leave you satisfied. The crab cake eggs Benedict, served with rosemary potatoes and hollandaise sauce, is less spicy but equally delicious. For dessert lovers, the restaurant’s dark and decadent version of Bananas Foster is a must-try, featuring walnut cinnamon bread covered in vanilla bean custard, grilled, and topped with roasted bananas. If you’re in the mood for day-drinking, try the Ruby Red mimosa, made with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka, grapefruit juice, and champagne. The restaurant also offers an outdoor balcony with stunning views of rolling hills.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Address: 1400 E 38th 1/2 St, Austin, TX 78722, USA
Phone: +1 512-538-1991
Cherrywood Coffeehouse is well-known for its relaxed neighborhood vibe and outstanding massive breakfast tacos, such as the terra taco, which blends fried tofu, eggs, avocado, and cheese. For adventure seekers, try the shrimp and grits or the unique sweet potato hash featuring red bell peppers, onions, two eggs, and hollandaise sauce. The Peanut Power smoothie, made with peanut butter, bananas, almond milk, and apple juice, offers a healthy option.
Juan in a Million
Address: 2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702-4604, USA
Phone: +1 512-472-3872
The restaurant’s signature breakfast dish, the Don Juan, is a breakfast masterpiece comprising layers of egg, tortillas, bacon, and secret ingredients. Complement this delightful dish with a refreshing ice-cold horchata with cinnamon. Despite its rough exterior, this east-side eatery offers a warm ambiance and exceptional food that will make you forget the decor.
Joe’s Bakery
Address: 2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Phone: +1 512-472-0017
If you love sweet Mexican pastries and fiery Tex-Mex breakfasts, this place is extraordinary. The chorizo con huevos offers ample sustenance, while the migas tacos are perfect for those seeking a spicy kick to wake them up. Menudo fans often declare this as the best place in town for the traditional dish.
Cisco’s Restaurant & Bakery
Address: 1511 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Phone: +1 512-478-2420
As one of the oldest eateries in Austin, Cisco’s has been serving delicious breakfast tacos and homemade biscuits for over 50 years. Though biscuits and spicy Tex-Mex might seem unconventional, one taste will convert you. Highlights include picadillo served in fresh house-made buns. If you’re new to the migas experience, this is an excellent spot to try the spicy, cheesy egg dish. Following tradition from San Antonio, coffee here features a dash of cinnamon for an extra kick.
