Best Brunch in Austin TX

Best Brunch in Austin TX: 14 Spots Worth Waking Up For

Last updated: February 2026

Austin takes brunch seriously. What started as lazy weekend plates of migas and biscuits has evolved into something bigger — a city-wide tradition that pulls from Southern comfort food, Tex-Mex heritage, and the kind of creative modern cooking that earns Michelin recognition. Whether you want white tablecloths and a seafood tower or a paper-wrapped biscuit sandwich eaten standing up in a parking lot, Austin has a brunch spot that fits.

We put together this list for guests at our South Congress hotels and downtown properties near 6th Street, but it works for anyone exploring the city on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Every restaurant here is currently open and serving brunch as of early 2026.

One universal tip before we start: 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday is the worst possible time to walk into any popular brunch spot in Austin. You will wait. Arrive at 9 a.m. when doors open, or hold off until after 12:30 p.m. when the first wave clears out. Your weekend will be better for it.

Worth Getting Dressed Up For

These are the brunches you plan around. The kind where you actually put on a real outfit, maybe make a reservation a few days out, and settle in for a long, leisurely morning. The food matches the setting, and the setting is something special.

Lutie’s at the Commodore Perry Estate

If you only do one upscale brunch in Austin, make it Lutie’s. The Commodore Perry Estate is one of the most beautiful properties in the city — a restored 1920s mansion with manicured grounds that feel far removed from the bustle of downtown. The pastry program alone is worth the trip: the Pain au Chocolat and Kouign Amann are outstanding. For something more substantial, the Croque Madame is rich and perfectly executed, the waffle with roasted banana is a standout, and the Seafood Tower with caviar turns brunch into an event. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend brunch on the terrace.

Mattie’s

Mattie’s occupies a South Austin farmhouse set on 23 acres of historical land, and yes, there are live peacocks wandering the grounds. The outdoor seating beneath enormous old trees is genuinely stunning — this is one of the best patios in Austin, full stop. The food keeps things approachable: start with biscuits drizzled with local honey and work your way through a menu that balances Southern staples with lighter options. It is a wonderful choice for a romantic weekend brunch or any morning where you want to slow down. Reservations are a good idea, particularly if you want a table outside.

Honey Moon

A newer addition to Austin’s upscale brunch scene, Honey Moon operates out of a renovated house on 34th Street with a colorful, moody interior that feels like walking into someone’s beautifully eccentric dining room. The menu swings from decadent biscuit dishes to a full Seafood Tower, and the kitchen does not hold back on richness or portion size. This place has gained a loyal following quickly, so weekend waits can build. Going early or on a weekday morning, if your schedule allows, is the move.

Classic Austin

Every city has its institutions — the places that have been feeding people for years or decades, where the menu barely changes because nobody wants it to. These are Austin’s.

Moonshine Grill

Moonshine holds the number one brunch ranking on Yelp in Austin, and the famous Sunday brunch buffet is the reason. Located downtown in a historic limestone building, the buffet spreads across comfort food classics, carving stations, and Southern sides that keep regulars coming back week after week. It gets crowded — this is one of those spots where arriving right at opening will save you a significant wait. If you are staying at one of our downtown hotels, Moonshine is likely within walking distance.

Kerbey Lane Cafe

Kerbey Lane is Austin’s all-day breakfast institution. Multiple locations across the city, open around the clock, with a menu that covers pancakes, queso, migas, and everything in between. It is not fancy and does not try to be. This is where you go when you want a big, reliable plate of food without fuss or a reservation. Locals have been eating here for decades, and the consistency is part of the charm. Every location is solid, but the original on Kerbey Lane has the most character.

Josephine House

Tucked into a cozy cottage near the UT campus, Josephine House serves brunch every day of the week — a rarity in Austin. The front porch is one of the most pleasant places to eat breakfast in the city, shaded and quiet despite being close to campus. The lemon ricotta pancakes are the signature dish and deserve their reputation. It is a calm, unhurried spot that works well for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants brunch on a Tuesday without planning ahead.

The Food-Obsessed Picks

For those who care deeply about where food comes from and how it is made, these two East Austin spots represent the best of Austin’s serious food culture. Both carry Michelin recognition, and both earn it every service.

Dai Due

Dai Due is a butcher shop and restaurant on the east side that sources almost everything from Texas farms, ranches, and waters. The Infatuation gave it a 9.6 rating — the highest brunch score in Austin — and it holds a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. The menu changes with the seasons and reads like a love letter to Central Texas ingredients. This is not a place for a quick bite; it is a place to sit down and pay attention to what you are eating. Expect a wait on weekends, and know that it is worth every minute.

Suerte

Suerte serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the house-made tortillas alone justify the trip. This is elevated Mexican cooking — think shrimp tostada, chilaquiles done with real depth of flavor, and pan dulce that belongs in a bakery case in Mexico City. The East Austin dining room is open and energetic without being loud. If you are choosing between Dai Due and Suerte for a weekend brunch, the honest answer is to do both on separate days.

The New Wave

Austin’s brunch scene keeps growing. These newer spots have earned devoted followings through excellent coffee, creative menus, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

Proud Mary

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Proud Mary brought its renowned coffee program to South Lamar, and the food turned out to be just as impressive. The housemade roti is outstanding — flaky, warm, and unlike anything else on the Austin brunch circuit. The coffee menu goes deep, with single-origin options and careful preparation that coffee people will appreciate. It gets busy, but the wait moves reasonably fast. A strong option if you are staying near South Lamar or Zilker.

Paperboy

Paperboy started as a food truck in East Austin and grew into a brick-and-mortar restaurant with a rooftop seating area and a walk-up coffee window that serves excellent pastries and croissants. The original location is great, but Paperboy South has become one of the buzziest brunch destinations in the city. The food is creative but not overwrought — well-executed plates that let good ingredients do the work. Grab a coffee from the window while you wait for a table and you will not mind the line.

Bird Bird Biscuit

Bird Bird Biscuit landed on Yelp’s top 10 brunch list in Austin, and the concept is straightforward: really good biscuit sandwiches. The biscuits are big, buttery, and loaded with creative fillings that change with specials. This is a fast-casual operation — order at the counter, grab a seat, and eat a very satisfying breakfast without the formality of a sit-down restaurant. Perfect for mornings when you want something great but do not want to commit two hours to the experience.

Cafe No Se

Located inside the South Congress Hotel, Cafe No Se serves daily brunch with a menu that leans lighter and more health-conscious than most Austin spots — without sacrificing flavor. The SoCo location puts you right in the middle of the South Congress neighborhood, so you can roll brunch into a morning of wandering the shops and galleries along the strip. It is a polished, easygoing room that works well for hotel guests and locals alike. No reservations needed most weekdays.

Tex-Mex Morning

You cannot talk about brunch in Austin without talking about Tex-Mex. These two spots are as essential as any fine-dining brunch on this list — arguably more so. This is the food Austin was built on.

Tamale House East

The Tamale House name has been part of Austin since 1958, and Tamale House East carries that legacy with some of the best tamales and migas in the city. Open Friday through Sunday only, which means weekends draw a dedicated crowd. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the food tastes like it has been perfected over decades — because it has. Get there early on Saturday morning and you will be rewarded. Check out our cheap eats guide for more affordable Austin favorites.

Veracruz All Natural

Veracruz All Natural has multiple locations across Austin, and the migas tacos have earned national attention — Food Network named them among the top five tacos in America. The ingredients are fresh, the tortillas are made in-house, and the salsa selection is excellent. This is the kind of place where you order at a window, sit at a picnic table, and eat one of the best tacos of your life for a few dollars. Every location is good, but the ones with outdoor seating and shade are the most enjoyable on a warm Austin morning.

Austin Brunch Tips

  • Beat the rush: Most brunch spots hit peak crowds between 10 a.m. and noon on weekends. Arrive at 9 a.m. when doors open, or wait until after 12:30 p.m. for shorter waits.
  • Best patios: Mattie’s (sprawling farmhouse grounds), Josephine House (charming cottage porch), and Paperboy (rooftop) are the standouts for outdoor seating.
  • Best for groups: Moonshine’s buffet handles large parties well. Lutie’s and Mattie’s can accommodate groups with advance reservations. Kerbey Lane’s multiple locations mean you can usually find seating without too much wait.
  • Reservations matter: Book ahead at Lutie’s, Mattie’s, Honey Moon, Dai Due, and Suerte. The casual spots — Kerbey Lane, Bird Bird Biscuit, Tamale House East, Veracruz All Natural — are first-come, first-served.
  • Weekday brunch: Josephine House and Cafe No Se serve brunch daily if your schedule is flexible. Weekday mornings are dramatically calmer than weekends at every restaurant on this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best brunch in Austin right now?

It depends on what you are after. For the best overall food quality, Dai Due holds the highest critic scores in the city and its Michelin Green Star speaks for itself. For the best full experience — setting, service, and food together — Lutie’s at the Commodore Perry Estate is hard to beat. For a casual, no-fuss breakfast that represents what Austin eating is really about, Veracruz All Natural and Tamale House East are essential.

Where should I go for brunch near South Congress?

Cafe No Se is right on South Congress inside the South Congress Hotel. Mattie’s is a short drive south. For Tex-Mex options, Veracruz All Natural has a location nearby. Browse our guide to South Congress hotels if you are planning a stay in the neighborhood.

Do Austin brunch spots take reservations?

The upscale spots — Lutie’s, Mattie’s, Honey Moon, Suerte, and Dai Due — accept and encourage reservations, especially for weekend brunch. Most casual and Tex-Mex spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Moonshine’s popular buffet can go either way, so calling ahead is smart for larger parties. For the walk-up spots, arriving before 10 a.m. is your best strategy.

Explore More Austin Dining

Austin’s food scene goes well beyond any single category. Here are our other dining guides to help you eat your way through the city:

About the Author

Jake Sullivan writes the hotel reviews and neighbourhood guides on Hotels-Austin.com. Reviews are compiled from operator information, official property data, location research, and verified guest feedback, and are updated as properties change. Read more about our editorial process.