Best Brunches in Austin

Austin takes brunch seriously. Between live music, weekend markets, and lake days, this is a city where late mornings often start with strong coffee, fluffy pancakes, and a well made mimosa. Classic diners, cozy cafés, rooftop patios, lakeside views, aur stylish downtown spots sab kuch yahan milta hai.

If you are hunting for the best brunch in austin tx, you will find everything from classic eggs Benedict and Texas shaped waffles to veggie heavy plates, pastries, and bold cocktails. Brunch poore Austin mein phaila hua hai—North Austin ke relaxed neighborhood cafés, downtown ke lively patios, aur pani ke qareeb khoobsurat terrace spots tak.

Kicking off with Quick Picks for immediate cravings, this guide then breaks down the best brunch places in Austin by neighborhood, style, and mood, offering honest pros and cons to help you choose before the wait begins.

Quick Picks: Where to Find the Best Brunch in Austin

Need a fast answer? Here are some of the best brunch spots in austin to plug straight into your map app.

• Paperboy – Modern Texas brunch
  Stylish East Side and South Lamar spots with dishes like Texas Hash, chicken and biscuits, and strong coffee in a bright, design forward setting.
• Kerbey Lane Cafe – Classic all day comfort brunch
  Local chain known for pancakes, queso, and a huge brunch menu with vegan and gluten free options, great when your group wants a bit of everything. 
• Magnolia Cafe – Old school Austin brunch
  A longtime South Congress favorite serving breakfast all day, known for its migas, fluffy pancakes, and weekend Benedict specials, all enjoyed in a laid-back dining room with a subtle retro feel.
• Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill – Big Southern brunch
  A well-known downtown spot serving generous Southern-style dishes, especially popular for its weekend brunch that’s perfect for large groups and hearty appetites.
• Bouldin Creek Cafe – Vegetarian and vegan friendly brunch
  A much-loved South Austin café known for bold coffee, inventive vegetarian dishes, and a welcoming patio that fills up quickly around lunchtime.
• Perla’s – Seafood brunch on South Congress
  Coastal inspired restaurant with oysters, seafood plates, and one of the prettiest patios in town for people watching and sunny day brunch.
• Cafe Java – North Austin diner style brunch
  This local favorite serves generous breakfasts, satisfying omelets, and strong coffee in a laid-back setting that truly feels like the neighborhood’s spot.
• Quince Lakehouse – Lakefront brunch with a view
  Set along Lake Austin, this scenic spot offers internationally inspired brunch plates and waterside seating—ideal when brunch with a view is the main priority.

Top Austin Spots for Timeless Brunch Favorites

Kerbey Lane Cafe

Kerbey Lane is an Austin original that has been serving comfort food since 1980, with multiple locations around town. Get ready for generous pancake stacks, seasonal dishes, creamy queso, Eggs Benedict, and a menu that suits both friends recovering from a night out and families with children. Many locations serve brunch or breakfast all day, which makes it easy to slot in whenever you wake up.

Pros:

• Huge menu with gluten free and vegan sections
• Multiple locations, including central and north Austin
• Sampling their iconic pancakes and queso is a true Austin tradition.

Cons:

• Can get very busy on weekends
• Food leans heavy and rich, so not ideal if you want something very light

Magnolia Cafe

South Congress’ Magnolia Cafe remains a beloved spot for enjoying classic brunch in Austin. The menu features everything from migas and Tex-Mex dishes to omelets, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and pies, with breakfast served nearly all day. Weekend brunch emphasizes eggs Benedict and special plates, and there is both indoor seating and a patio.

Pros:

• Open long hours, great for early birds and night owls
• Big menu with Tex Mex, American breakfast, and baked desserts
• Casual atmosphere that still feels very “old Austin”

Cons:

• Wait times can be long at peak hours, especially Sunday
• Decor is charming but a bit worn, which some people love and others do not

Paperboy

Paperboy started as a food truck and is now a full service brunch restaurant with locations on East 11th Street and South Lamar. The menu focuses on modern, produce driven comfort dishes, like Texas Hash with roasted pork, sweet potato, kale, and poached egg, plus pancakes, grits, and strong coffee. The Eastside location has a rooftop style feel with lots of natural light.

Pros:

• Thoughtful, creative plates that still feel like comfort food
• Great for both classic brunch and lighter options like grain bowls
• Stylish interiors that photograph well for visiting friends

Cons:

• Less budget friendly than some diners and cafes
• Limited hours, focused on daytime rather than late night

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

Moonshine sits just off 6th Street in a historic building with stone walls and shady patios. Brunch leans Southern: think chicken and waffles, biscuits, hearty plates, and big portions that match the lively downtown energy. It’s a favorite spot for visitors seeking top brunch in Austin, conveniently close to hotels and the convention center.

Pros:

• Generous, crowd pleasing portions
• Great downtown location near the river and attractions
• Historic building and patios add atmosphere

Cons:

• Very busy on weekend mornings, reservations help when available
• Not the best fit if you are looking for vegan or gluten free focused menus

Best Brunch in Austin for Drinks and Social Vibes

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

Better Half, near downtown on West 5th, combines a coffee shop, full bar, and all day cafe with a big patio. Brunch here means breakfast sandwiches, chicken biscuits, and fun plates paired with espresso drinks, cocktails, and their neighboring brewery Hold Out Brewing. It is a classic choice when you want the best brunch in austin with strong drinks and a relaxed, creative crowd.

Pros:

• Excellent coffee and cocktail programs in one place
• Large patio that works well for groups and dogs
• Daytime menu works from early breakfast through late brunch

Cons:

• Parking can be tricky during busy hours
• Noise level can be high inside when it fills up

Honey Moon Spirit Lounge

Honey Moon Spirit Lounge feels like a cozy, slightly glamorous neighborhood bar, with a menu of creative brunch dishes and polished cocktails. The space mixes velvet, vintage touches, and a leafy patio. Expect dishes like French toast, Benedicts, and shareable plates paired with clever drinks, which is why it often shows up in lists of best brunch spots in austin for a social, date friendly atmosphere.

Pros:

• Strong cocktails and wine list for boozy brunch
• Romantic interior that works well for dates or small groups
• Menu has both rich comfort food and a few lighter options

Cons:

• Smaller space, so reservations are smart on weekends
• Not ideal if you want a very casual kid friendly brunch

Culinary Dropout (The Domain)

Up at The Domain, Culinary Dropout brings live music, a big patio, yard games, and a menu built for sharing. Brunch offerings include chicken and waffles, breakfast burritos, and brunch cocktails, all in a space that feels like a mix of bar and restaurant.

Pros:

• Lively Atmosphere with Games and Occasional Live Music
• Great for groups, birthdays, or visitors staying near the Domain
• Big menu with approachable favorites

Cons:

• Can be loud and crowded, especially on game days or holidays
• Food is tasty but leans more toward comfort than refined

Best Brunch in Austin With a View

Quince Lakehouse

Quince sits on Lake Austin Boulevard with a deck that overlooks the water, ideal for long weekend meals. The menu is global, with brunch dishes that range from omelets and enchiladas to steak and eggs, giving you lots of flexibility for mixed groups. The combination of lake views and a wide menu makes it one of the better options for view focused brunch.

Pros:

• Direct water views and outdoor seating
• Broad menu that covers Tex Mex, American, and more
• Good choice for visitors wanting a “this looks like Austin” setting

Cons:

• Prices reflect the location and view
• Parking around the lake area can be tight at peak times

Bulevar’s Sunday Brunch

Bulevar is a contemporary Mexican eatery in North Austin, offering stunning Hill Country views from its raised patio. Sunday brunch features dishes like huevos rancheros, duck huarache, and tequila friendly cocktails, so it feels special without being too formal. The daytime light on the hills makes the patio especially appealing.

Pros:

• Hill Country views without leaving the city
• Inventive Mexican inspired brunch plates
• Good for groups that want a more polished setting

Cons:

• Only available for Sunday brunch, not daily
• Trendy spot, so reservations are smart

Perla’s

Perla’s on South Congress is known for seafood and oysters, but it also does a strong daytime menu, with a large oak shaded patio that feels tailor made for long brunches. You get people watching along SoCo, plenty of natural light, and dishes ranging from oysters and crab to rich egg plates and pastries.

Pros:

• One of the best patios in the city
• Excellent seafood options for brunch
• Walkable to shops and murals on South Congress

Cons:

• Prices are on the higher side
• Can be very busy during peak tourist seasons

Best Brunch in Austin Downtown

1886 Cafe & Bakery (The Driskill)

Inside the historic Driskill Hotel, 1886 Cafe & Bakery serves brunch in a Victorian style dining room that feels straight out of old Austin. The menu features Texas shaped waffles, migas, Benedicts, burgers, pastries, and of course their 1886 Chocolate Cake. It is a classic option for best brunch in austin downtown when you want history with your pancakes.

Pros:

• Beautiful, historic setting that is very “only in Austin”
• Central downtown location close to hotels and the Congress bridge
• Mix of savory plates and bakery items

Cons:

• Valet or paid parking if you are not staying nearby
• Slightly pricier than neighborhood cafes

Local Foods (Second Street)

Local Foods downtown focuses on seasonal Texas produce, with salads, sandwiches, and a brunch menu that includes items like caramel apple French toast and butternut squash soup in the cooler months. It is bright, modern, and an easy pick when you want something fresher before walking around the Second Street district.

Pros:

• Lighter brunch options that still feel satisfying
• Great location for pairing brunch with shopping or the trail
• Indoor seating plus a sidewalk patio

Cons:

• Menu rotates, so a favorite dish may not always be available
• Not the place for very traditional greasy spoon style plates

Comedor

Comedor is a sleek, modern Mexican restaurant just west of I-35 that offers a refined brunch on select days, often focusing on masa based dishes, egg plates, and craft cocktails. The architecture and interior are striking, with a central courtyard that feels calm even though you are close to downtown.

Pros:

• Elevated takes on Mexican flavors and brunch cocktails
• Architecturally impressive space that feels special
• Good choice for a celebratory meal or foodie friends

Cons:

• Reservations are usually required
• Menu is smaller and more focused than large diners or cafes

Best Brunch in North Austin

Cafe Java

Cafe Java is a classic neighborhood diner with big plates, omelets, pancakes, and bottomless style coffee, plus a steady stream of regulars. It feels like the kind of spot you end up at every weekend if you live nearby, which is why it often shows up on local best brunch lists for the north side.

Pros:

• Affordable, generous portions
• Friendly, local vibe with lots of regular customers
• Great for families and relaxed weekend mornings

Cons:

• Decor is simple and more functional than stylish
• Expect a wait on peak weekend mornings

Taverna (Domain NORTHSIDE)

Taverna is an Italian driven restaurant at the Domain that serves brunch with dishes like eggs Benedict, truffle fries, and prosecco friendly plates. Reviews often shout out the quality of the Benedict and the option to sit outdoors in the Domain’s walkable area.

Pros:

• Nice patio in the middle of the Domain action
• Brunch feels a bit more polished without being too formal
• Easy to combine with shopping or a movie

Cons:

• Parking garages can be busy on weekends
• Prices reflect the mall setting and imported ingredients

Easy Tiger (The Linc)

Easy Tiger at The Linc is a bakery and beer garden serving pretzels, pastries, sausages, kolaches, and coffee, with an upgraded menu under new hospitality management. It is not a traditional brunch restaurant, but it works very well for casual weekend breakfast with friends or kids, especially if you want to sit outside.

Pros:

• Excellent breads, pretzels, and baked goods
• Large outdoor beer garden with picnic tables
• Good mix of coffee, beer, and simple breakfast plates

Cons:

• More limited brunch menu compared to full service restaurants
• Atmosphere leans casual and open air, which can be hot in summer

Best Brunch in Austin on Sunday

Bouldin Creek Cafe

Located on South First, Bouldin Creek Café is a vegetarian hotspot and a beloved Austin favorite. Sunday brunch means scrambles, vegan tacos, tofu plates, and big breakfast combos, plus strong coffee and a constant line out the door. The vibe is relaxed and creative, with lots of locals reading, chatting, or lingering on the patio.

Pros:

• Fully vegetarian menu with many vegan options
• Reasonable prices and big portions
• Great people watching and a very “Austin” crowd

Cons:

• Long waits are common on Sundays
• Parking around South First can be limited

Tips for Enjoying the Best Brunches in Austin TX

• Try to arrive early or join online waitlists for popular places, especially if you are chasing the best brunches in austin on sunny weekends.
• Check whether a spot takes reservations, since some of the best brunch in austin tx options book out well ahead on holidays.
• Share plates so you can taste both sweet options like pancakes or French toast and savory dishes like migas or Benedicts.
• Consider weekday brunch if your schedule allows, lines are usually much shorter and parking is easier.
• Ask servers about vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options, many Austin brunch spots have dedicated menus or flexible substitutions.
• Check seasonal menus for limited time pancakes, French toast, or special cocktails, especially at places like Kerbey Lane and Local Foods.
• Combine brunch with nearby activities, like walking the Butler Trail, shopping the Domain, or wandering South Congress, so the meal feels like part of a bigger outing.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and patience on hot days, patios are very popular and you may spend some time outside.

Conclusion

The truth is, there is no single best brunch in austin. The Best Brunches in Austin depend on what you are craving that day. Maybe you want classic pancakes and migas in a diner that feels like it has been here forever, maybe you are in the mood for cocktails and people watching downtown, or maybe you want a lazy Sunday on a patio with Hill Country or lake views.

Use this guide to match your mood to the neighborhood and style that fits. Try a couple of different spots, mix classic comfort food with view heavy patios or boozy brunches, and save this list for the next time friends ask where to meet. With so many options across the city, working your way through the best brunch places in austin is a pretty fun project.

FAQ – Best Brunches in Austin