Story by Julia Oppenheim // @joppenheim_ // she/her
Graphic by Vildan Karaca // @vzkrc // she/they
One of the first words that comes to mind when thinking about Austin is “food”.
Recently, brunch has overtaken the Austin food scene. Brunch is the perfect meal to enjoy with friends and family, but with the plethora of outstanding choices in Austin, picking the “best” one can be overwhelming.
Have no fear, though! I have sampled almost every one of Austin’s popular brunch spots and developed a detailed list to help you choose. From simple eggs and toast to extreme pancake stacks, this guide will help you pick the perfect brunch location, even during the pandemic.
If your parents or other visitors are in town, I recommend Café No Sé. Café No Sé is in the heart of South Congress, allowing one to get a real sense of the Austin bustle. Its outdoor seating is shaded by a front patio facing the street: however, the cars and passersby add to the vibe, giving visitors a taste of Austin’s culture. The menu also has a lot to offer and is sophisticated enough for both adults and students.
“It’s right on South Congress which is my favorite area of Austin so the vibes are great,” said University of Texas at Austin freshman Kyra Gruenberger. “They have everything like pancakes, burgers, bowls, avocado toast and it’s all so good and such a reasonable price too.”
A fan favorite is the breakfast sandwich which is a classic, but if you are more in the mood for lunch, the quinoa bowl is the way to go. I recommend the quinoa bowl if you’re looking for something that is savory, hearty and fresh. Overall, Café No Sé is a the best way to show off the city over an amazing meal with loved ones.
If you are looking to experience more great vibes and gaze at Austin’s beautiful views, P6 at the LINE Hotel is the place for you. P6 is a rooftop restaurant that overlooks Lady Bird Lake. Stepping onto the rooftop, your mood will instantly shift when you see its colorful decor and tables lined by couches for seating. As far as cuisine is concerned, the pastries are delicious, and every dish is extremely fresh and carefully crafted, but it’s really the lakeside view that elevates the experience.
The concept of brunch is all about having a meal that satisfies you both in the moment as well as for the rest of the day. You shouldn’t feel “hangry” shortly after eating brunch, so having a meal that will fills you up is important. Hanks Austin (and specifically their sweet potato fries) is here to do just that.
“The sweet potato fries are hands down the best side dish I have ever had. They are extra crispy and seasoned with the perfect amount of salt. They leave you wanting more and more,” said Macy Shutan, a freshman at UT Austin.
“I always get them with Avocado toast, and they really complete the meal. I also recommend that the table gets a separate order, after lots of experience with people asking to taste mine and falling in love with them.”
Another great spot is FoodHeads, a true diamond in the rough. It is more of a lunch place, but if you are craving a sandwich at 11AM, FoodHeads is for you.
A sandwich shop that is super rustic and so delicious, FoodHeads will make you feel at home the moment you arrive with its outdoor picnic table seating. You order inside a wooden cabin, then sit outside and wait. The staff is friendly and always greets you with a smile, and the sandwiches are made with unique ingredients that magically work perfectly together. All the sandwiches come with a side of homemade pickles as well, a tasty touch.
Another great aspect of FoodHeads is its location. Located at 616 W 34th St, it is super close to West Campus and offers affordable prices, setting it apart from many of the other brunch places in the area.
Finally, the Queen of all brunches has got to be Cenote on East Cesar Chavez St. Cenote has such a large menu, so you can never go wrong. Everything has a bit of a Tex-Mex flair, something you can only find in Texas. Cenote is also a super affordable spot, just like FoodHeads.
A fan favorite that checks every box for what makes a perfect breakfast is the Grande Grilled Breakfast Burrito, which is only 8 dollars, but will keep you full for hours. It is a crispy tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, breakfast meat, and salty potatoes. Another great choice is ordering a half sandwich half salad, for 11 dollars. The ingredients are so fresh and delicious that any pairing of a salad and a sandwich is perfect. Cenote overall is just a great place, always fills you up and is a sure crowd pleaser.
The list for the best brunch in Austin could go on and on, but these are some of my favorites for any occasion, all ages and every craving. Although we are living in a pandemic, it is still exciting to eat your way through Austin.
