Brunch isn’t just a meal — it's a lifestyle. And where better to indulge in this lifestyle than the foodie haven of Austin, Texas? Whether you’re a dedicated pancake devourer, a Benedict enthusiast, or a farm-to-table aficionado, this city is bubbling over with options to tickle your taste buds. 

But if you’re trying to decide where to brunch at the last minute with a hangover and the group chat waiting for your expert advice, choosing where to eat this all-important weekend feast can be challenging. To help guide you in embracing the brunch lifestyle, we’re about to embark on a culinary expedition that will take us to some of Austin’s finest brunch spots. 

Pass the mimosas, and let’s dig in!

Magnolia Cafe

Picture a homey, eccentric spot peppered with local art, offering an array of delectable dishes around the clock — it’s pretty much the ideal vibe for brunch, isn’t it? If you’re looking for a place for classic brunch hangs and delicious food, Magnolia Cafe has you covered.

Let’s not dally, though, as it's high time we dive into their menu. Their migas are something of a local legend — the perfect medley of scrambled eggs, onions, tomatoes, and cheese served with warm tortillas. It’ll have you leaping out of bed first thing on a Sunday before your alarm clock just so you can be the first one in the door to taste these babies.

But the pièce de résistance, you ask? That title belongs to the Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes. Fluffy, zesty, and downright sinful — it's like biting into a sweet, sunny day and makes the perfect companion to a citrusy mimosa on a lazy weekend afternoon.

The Peached Tortilla

If you’re bored of the usual Austin standbys of good ol’ American comfort food meets Southwestern charm, first of all, you’re crazy. But second of all, The Peached Tortilla might just be the perfect brunch spot for you. 

This is one eatery that knows a thing or two about bending the rules — in the best way possible, of course. This funky fusion spot weaves together Southern comfort food and Asian flavors in a way that makes everything feel new and exciting while still ticking the familiar box of brunch. 

Between mouth-watering Brisket Hash featuring a tender Korean style brisket served on a bed of Japanese sweet potato hash and other fusion delights, you’ll have trouble making up your mind when it comes to this revolutionary menu, which is why this is one joint that’s best visited with friends so that you can pick off of their plates.

Here’s a little something to sweeten the deal — The Peached Tortilla was once a food truck serving up fusion tacos on the Austin streets. That was before it found a permanent home and our brunches were never the same. So yes, dreams do come true…especially when they’re drizzled in red miso gravy.

Bouldin Creek Café

For those of you who stick to a strict veg-only diet or those of you who have maybe gone a little bit overboard lately indulging in Austin’s meaty barbecue scene, Bouldin Creek Café is an Austin brunch haven that boldly proclaims that you don’t need meat to have a fabulously hearty brunch. 

Nestled in the heart of the hip Bouldin Creek neighborhood, this all-vegetarian eatery has cultivated quite the reputation for satisfying even the most carnivorous brunch goers.

From pancakes in eye-popping yet vegetarian-safe flavors to scrambles that will make you wonder why you ever thought bacon was a staple of the brunch scene, you really can’t go wrong with their diverse and delicious menu.

Did we mention that Bouldin Creek Café is a fierce supporter of local artists, too? Their walls proudly showcase the vibrant works of Austin-based painters and photographers. They serve up art with a side of brunch — truly a feast for all the senses!

Kerbey Lane Cafe

No Austin brunch guide would be complete without a visit to the legendary Kerbey Lane Cafe. This eatery has been serving up joy and pancakes 24/7 since 1980, making it the veritable grand dame of Austin brunches.

Their Pancake Specials are notorious for making taste buds do the Texas two-step. Whether it's the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, a sweet cinnamon swirl embedded in buttermilk pancake goodness, or the Gingerbread Pancakes, it's a dance of flavors that leaves you craving more.

But don't overlook their savory offerings! The Paris Texas Platter is where the Lone Star state meets the City of Love. A crispy croissant filled with fluffy eggs, bacon, and cheese, accompanied by home fries or fruit, this dish is what dreams are made of and then some.

Here's a morsel to munch on — Kerbey Lane Cafe was initially a house! The original restaurant, nestled at the corner of Kerbey Lane (hence the name), was a cozy little bungalow before it bloomed into the beloved city-wide chain. That totally explains why having brunch at Kerbey feels a little bit like coming home…or rather, to the home we all wished we had: one that serves pancakes at all hours of the day.

Odd Duck

If you’ve ever been told that you’re a little bit of an odd duck, it’s time to venture to the brunch spot, where that’s less of an insult and more of an honor! The Odd Duck is a gem of Austin’s brunch scene that’s serious about farm-to-table dining — they source their ingredients from local Austin farmers, and the menu changes monthly to reflect what's in season.

Partly because they start with the most delicious ingredients, their brunch is the stuff of legends. Think house-ground brisket, melty cheese, a sunny-side-up duck egg, and house pickles all sandwiched between brioche buns to make up the ideal brunch burger, and a gorgeous bar at the center of it all to serve breakfast-friendly cocktails to take your meal to the next level. One bite, and you’ll realize why it’s an Austin must-try. 

Like another one of our go-to brunch spots, Odd Duck started as a food trailer back in 2009. It was an 'odd duck' in the food truck scene, specializing in locally sourced, chef-driven food. 

The trailer might have been odd then, but the restaurant it evolved into is one of Austin’s finest brunch destinations today. There’s something extra charming about knowing that the gastronomy wizards behind Odd Duck came from humble beginnings!

Snooze A.M. Eatery

Say goodbye to hitting the snooze button on your alarm and hello to leaping out of bed to beat the rush at Snooze A.M. Eatery — a place that dares to make your morning meal a merriment of color and taste. With a funky retro vibe and dishes that make your eyes pop as much as your taste buds, Snooze is a brunch utopia that knows how to keep the mimosas pouring.

A little birdie told us that Snooze also engages in community service and sustainability efforts. So you're getting a fantastic brunch and supporting a business that cares. Who knew eating pancakes could make you feel so good? Well, everyone — but trusting the company that makes them is a delicious added bonus.

June's All Day

June's All Day is the chic bistro that makes your brunch not just a meal but an experience by transporting you from Austin, Texas, to the French capital of chic-ness, Paris. It has a wine list as long as your arm and dishes that will make your taste buds weep. 

Chic, stylish, and always delicious — June's All Day is what brunch is like after it’s taken a few years away from home to study abroad in Paris and come back with a whole new appreciation for food.

June's All Day is named after the restaurant's sommelier, June Rodil — a master sommelier who ensures the wine list is just as impressive as the menu. Don’t be shy about ordering a glass to pair with your brunch dish, and let June's take your brunch to new heights.

Bring On the Mimosas

And just like that, we've sauntered, savored, and sipped our way through some of Austin’s most beloved brunch spots. From the ever-inviting ambiance of Magnolia Cafe to the bold fusion flavors of The Peached Tortilla in Austin, you’ll be able to feast your eyes and your appetites on a little bit of everything…and that’s all before dinner!

Knowing the best brunch institutions in any city is an invitation to culinary wonderlands that blend atmosphere, flavor, and a good ol’ Austin personality to deliver a mid-morning meal that's as fabulous as you are. 

Whether you're an Austinite looking for a new go-to spot or a visitor eager to experience what makes this city's brunch scene so special, rest assured — your next unforgettable meal is just an order away. 

One last tip before heading off to your brunch-time feast: life’s too short not to order a mimosa!

Sources:

Magnolia Cafe

Bouldin Creek Café

Kerbey Lane Cafe

Odd Duck

Snooze A.M. Eatery

June's All Day

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