Best brunch in Austin
31 brunch places that Austin locals recommend — the real reasons, and the caveats.
Austin brunch suggestions, including Paperboy, Mattie's and Phoebe's Diner, with the cited recommendations and mixed views.
Drawn from real discussions in r/austinfood, r/UTAustin and r/Austin — 31 brunch places in Austin that people actually recommend. Each one shows why people rate it, the caveats they raised, and a link straight to the original comment — so you read the source yourself instead of trusting a laundered rating. Places cluster around Downtown, Guadalupe and On 183.
How this map is made: Built from 314 Reddit comments across 266 people in r/austinfood, r/UTAustin and r/Austin. Last refreshed November 10, 2026. We paraphrase — never copy — and never take payment for a place. How we make our maps
Showing 31 places
Filters
Map
The map and place list use the same cited directory records. Every public entry has a stable Maps We Made ID and geopoint.
Places
1.Paperboy
45 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/austinfood
Most people recommend Paperboy for brunch, and many simply name it. It is recommended across its Austin outlets: most commenters who name an outlet mean the East Austin one, which is the address listed, and one commenter praises a newer South Lamar location. One diner calls the food tasty, another says the pancakes are still memorable, and one visitor likes the biscuits. Several advise booking well ahead, and one suggests a weekday visit because weekends get packed. The caveats: one diner found the burger and fries too rich, two commenters say Suerte is far better, and one of them calls Paperboy fine but not especially special.
- RecommendsNames Paperboy as its answer to the brunch question. r/austinfood, Mar 2024
- CaveatSays Suerte is clearly better than Paperboy for a birthday brunch. r/austinfood, Jul 2025
2.Phoebe's Diner
27 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/austinfood
Most commenters recommend Phoebe's for brunch. It is recommended across its Austin outlets; the Oltorf diner, at the address listed, is the outlet named most often, and others mention the downtown branch and newer locations. One diner praises the big portions, and two others say the menu goes beyond basic breakfast fare. One diner who tried the plain pancake once calls it the best they have eaten, and a few people suggest joining the online waitlist before going. Not all reports are positive: three diners criticise the Benedict, one of them at the Oltorf outlet and one at a newer location, one of whom says things feel off on most visits, and one commenter strongly dislikes the place.
- RecommendsAuthor visited the newer Brodie-area branch, found everything delightful, and suggests joining the online waitlist first. r/austinfood, Apr 2026
- CaveatAdvises skipping Phoebe's, saying something is off nearly every time they visit. r/austinfood, May 2024
3.Mattie's
23 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/austinfood
Many commenters name Mattie's as a brunch pick, and many people praise the setting, with a few mentioning peacocks wandering the grounds. A few diners praise the food, and one recommends it for a special occasion. Caveats: one commenter said it is not good, though the setting is pretty, and one who was seated upstairs found it awkward with a stroller. Another commenter notes the restaurant is separate from the wedding venue on the property, and one says it no longer offers a buffet, only a brunch menu.
- RecommendsCalls Mattie's fantastic and notes peacocks wander the grounds. r/austinfood, Sep 2024
- CaveatCorrects their own earlier pick: the place seems to no longer offer a buffet, only brunch. r/austinfood, Jun 2024
4.Moonshine Grill, Downtown
19 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many people recommend Moonshine Grill for brunch, mostly without naming an outlet, so it is recommended across its Austin locations; the downtown one is the address listed. Several commenters suggested it when asked about brunch buffets. One diner who visited more than one location praised the selection and the atmosphere at each. Two diners were less impressed: one said the selection is small but decent, though not the best, and another found the food at the North location less impressive than the room, though the buffet seemed to have variety.
Downtown
- RecommendsNames Moonshine Grill's downtown branch as its brunch pick. r/austinfood, Jun 2024
- MixedSays the selection there is small but decent, though not the best. r/austinfood, Jun 2024
5.Sour Duck Market
18 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many people name Sour Duck Market as a brunch pick, and one commenter praises its pastries, coffee and cocktails. One diner says there is ample seating and that it is not full service, and another mentions an outdoor patio and space for chalk art. Two commenters call it casual, and one diner found the food outstanding but noted no Bloody Marys or mimosas on their visit. One more thinks the brunch leans Tex-Mex rather than traditional.
- RecommendsLists Sour Duck among its brunch picks. r/austinfood, Jul 2025
- MixedNotes many dogs there, but says its brunch leans Tex-Mex rather than traditional. r/austinfood, Mar 2026
6.Bouldin Creek Cafe
16 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/austinfood, r/Austin
Bouldin Creek Cafe is a brunch spot that many people recommend, and several describe it as vegetarian. A couple of diners praise its potato leek omelette in particular. Another visitor says it is usually great but has heard of bad visits happening more than once. One diner who used to like it stopped returning after a visit that went badly.
- RecommendsNamed as one of three suggested spots answering the brunch request. r/austinfood, Jan 2024
- CaveatUsed to like this cafe, but stopped returning after a bad visit and a weak response to the complaint. r/austinfood, Jan 2024
7.Toasty Badger
14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/austinfood
Many commenters recommend Toasty Badger for brunch, and several single out its pancakes, with two calling it the best pancake spot in town. One commenter says the patio allows dogs, and another says seats are tough to get. On the downside, one diner said pancakes came out underdone more than once.
- RecommendsGives Toasty Badger an honorable mention, noting seats are hard to get. r/austinfood, Aug 2025
- CaveatPancakes came out underdone twice, so they left without eating. r/austinfood, Nov 2025
8.Proud Mary's
13 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many people recommend Proud Mary's for brunch, and a few praise the coffee. One diner calls the scrambled egg roti a standout, and a couple of commenters note it does not take reservations, one adding that it opens early. Another says dishes can have unusual touches that may not suit everyone and that the room is loud at midday on a Saturday; they liked the meal and atmosphere but their companions did not. One more diner ranks it a close second to Snooze and visits mainly for the pour-over coffee rather than the food.
- RecommendsNames Proud Mary as an early walk-in option, noting it opens early and takes no reservations. r/austinfood, May 2024
- MixedPlaces Proud Mary second for brunch, though mainly visits for pour-over coffee rather than food. r/austinfood, Apr 2026
9.Josephine House
13 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many people recommend Josephine House for brunch, and one diner praises the lemon ricotta pancakes. One diner praises the coffee and pastries, and several people describe it as cute or lovely. One diner calls it a yearly treat, and one visitor notes the indoor seating is limited.
- RecommendsSays the brunch is amazing, praises the lemon ricotta pancakes, and calls it a yearly treat. r/austinfood, Jun 2026
- MixedCalls it cute for small groups, but says the indoor seating is limited. r/austinfood, Jun 2025
10.Launderette
13 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Overall, people recommend Launderette, and many diners name it as a brunch option. One diner calls the brunch fantastic and singles out the blueberry pancakes. A diner who brought a baby twice found both visits fine and thought it came out ahead of the other spots tried. Another diner always loves the pancakes but finds it inconsistent across many things.
- RecommendsLists Launderette among its brunch picks. r/austinfood, Jul 2025
11.Day Maker Cafe
13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/austinfood
Many commenters recommend Day Maker Cafe for brunch; one praises the coffee and cocktails, and two others like the atmosphere and the cute interior. One diner praises the chorizo eggs benedict and recommends booking ahead, as the room was packed; another notes counter seats are first-come, first-served. One commenter warns that festival weekends could make the cafe hard to reach because they say it sits right beside Zilker.
- RecommendsVisited for brunch and recommends trying it and booking ahead; praises the chorizo eggs benedict and the chipotle aioli side. r/austinfood, Jan 2026
- CaveatWarns Day Maker is hard to reach during the festival weekend because it sits right beside Zilker. r/austinfood, Oct 2026
12.Hillside Farmacy
12 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Hillside Farmacy is a brunch spot in East Austin that many people name among their brunch picks, with one calling it their favorite for brunch and another calling it an original, longstanding brunch favorite. One person describes its design as cute, while another lists it among brunch spots they consider cuter and better. Overall, people recommend it for brunch.
- RecommendsCalls it a solid, dependable brunch spot. r/austinfood, Jun 2026
13.Sawyer & Co
12 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/austinfood
Many people recommend Sawyer & Co for brunch, and one visitor describes the vibe as laid-back with a great retro feel. One diner praises the breakfast potatoes, and another says the poached eggs on a Barbacoa Benedict were excellent. The main drawback people raise is that a few diners say some favourite items were dropped from the menu.
- RecommendsCalls it an underrated brunch spot since a menu update. r/austinfood, Aug 2025
- CaveatFormer brunch regular who quit going after the menu changed; says some favourite items were dropped. r/austinfood, Aug 2025
14.Better Half
10 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many diners name Better Half as a brunch pick in Austin. One commenter suggests it as a backup on a nice day when reservations are hard to find, and notes that seating is open. One diner who enjoys the brunch there finds the selection a bit limited.
- RecommendsLists it among recommendations for brunch. r/austinfood, Dec 2023
15.Chez Zee
10 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/austinfood
Diners recommend Chez Zee for brunch, and a couple call it excellent or fantastic. One diner says they never mind a brunch there even though it's old-school, and another calls it a great pick for a brunch outing with grandparents. One diner says the complimentary croissants with strawberry butter served before the meal make it worth it. Be ready for noise, since one diner warns the piano makes the inside quite noisy, though another thinks it is better for brunch than for lunch.
- RecommendsSays they never mind a brunch there, even though it's old-school. r/austinfood, Dec 2023
- CaveatWarns that this spot's piano makes the interior quite noisy. r/austinfood, Oct 2025
16.Kerbey Lane Cafe, Guadalupe
10 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/austinfood, r/UTAustin
Diners lean toward recommending Kerbey Lane for brunch. It is recommended across its Austin locations; the Guadalupe outlet near campus is the address listed, and three commenters answering a near-campus request mean it. Two diners say weekday visits should be fine, one notes the Guadalupe location gets crowded, and one says it has worked well for a table with both vegans and meat eaters. One commenter loves the pancakes. Two diners say quality has declined over time, and one finds the food poor and doesn't see the hype; another says the food, though not great, has improved lately, and a third feels it suits hungover, family or rushed brunches more than a cute one.
Guadalupe
- RecommendsCalls Kerbey Lane a popular spot on Guadalupe that often gets busy, but says weekdays should be fine. r/UTAustin, Jul 2025
- CaveatSays the quality has declined over time and that this is common knowledge. r/austinfood, Dec 2023
17.Jack Allen's Kitchen
9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/austinfood
Most people recommend Jack Allen's Kitchen for brunch. It is recommended across its Austin outlets; the Oak Hill one is the address listed, matching the one commenter who points to the south location. One diner really likes its barbacoa Benedict, one commenter finds the brunch pretty decent, another calls the place pretty solid, and one diner says repeat visits have been good despite it being a bit out from downtown. Opinions on the buffet are split: one commenter says it has been discontinued, a different commenter says it is still offered but not the best, and a couple of diners remember it as great before things changed.
- RecommendsReally likes its barbacoa Benedict and rates the pancakes and biscuits as strong. r/austinfood, Apr 2026
- CaveatSays the brunch buffet there was discontinued some time ago. r/austinfood, Jun 2024
18.Aba
8 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Aba is a restaurant that many diners recommend for brunch. One diner suggests it especially when the weather allows patio seating. Another notes that a reservation may be hard to get for a weekend visit, though they still think it is worth trying.
- RecommendsLists it among recommendations for brunch. r/austinfood, Dec 2023
19.Magnolia Cafe
8 people recommendvia r/Austin, r/austinfood
Many commenters name Magnolia Cafe as a brunch option, and one calls it their favorite. One commenter says its traditional Benedicts are very good, and another names it among their top picks for local, casual brunch. One suggests it for those who want omelettes or vegan food. Several mentions name it only briefly, as a backup or as one tentative option among others.
- RecommendsLists this healthy diner among nearby cafes suited to brunch, with kid-friendly and vegetarian options. r/Austin, Apr 2025
20.Tiny Boxwoods
7 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Commenters point to Tiny Boxwoods for brunch, with a couple suggesting it for a spot north of downtown and another suggesting sitting at the bar. One visitor describes it as a beautiful hidden spot they loved after a friend brought them there, and another lists it among brunch spots they consider cuter and better.
- RecommendsSuggested as a pick for a spot north of downtown. r/austinfood, Mar 2026
21.Counter Cafe
7 people recommendvia r/austinfood, r/UTAustin
Many people recommend Counter Cafe, mostly as a brunch or pancake pick. It is recommended across its two Austin outlets, East 6th Street and near campus; the one near campus is the address listed, and two commenters answering a near-campus request mean it. Two diners back the strawberry pancakes with whipped cream, and two others single out the crab Benedict. One diner calls it really nice but small.
- RecommendsCalls the switch to brunch a great idea and suggests this cafe for it. r/austinfood, Jun 2026
22.Dai Due
7 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many people recommend Dai Due for brunch. One diner describes it as a little upscale, while another sees it as the more typical brunch pick. A couple of diners also suggest it as a fun option when bringing a toddler, one visitor lists it among their go-to spots, and one diner says a brunch visit there was great.
- RecommendsNamed alongside Jacoby's as a fun brunch option for a toddler. r/austinfood, Jun 2026
23.Suerte
7 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many people recommend Suerte for brunch. A couple of diners praise the chilaquiles, and one commenter names the tlayuda as a favorite dish. Another loves the brunch menu and rates the salmon tostada as great, and two commenters put it ahead of Paperboy.
- RecommendsSays Suerte clearly beats Paperboy for the brunch pick and calls it the better choice for a birthday. r/austinfood, Jul 2025
24.El Dorado Cafe
7 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many people recommend El Dorado Cafe, and several name it as a brunch pick. One diner praises its vegan options, and another says it offers plenty of choices across different diets. One diner says brunch isn't a strength in their area, but names it as a Tex-Mex standout. The diner who praises the vegan options also notes it is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- RecommendsNames Eldorado as a brunch pick. r/austinfood, Sep 2024
25.Elizabeth Street Cafe
6 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Several people recommend Elizabeth Street Cafe for brunch, and one diner says they enjoy the brunch there every time they go. Another diner had a walk-in visit that worked out well, and one commenter calls the brunch excellent and the place very cute. One commenter feels the brunch selection is limited, though they point to vegetarian and vegan options.
- RecommendsSays they enjoy the brunch at Elizabeth St Cafe on every visit. r/austinfood, Jul 2025
- MixedNotes limited brunch offerings, but says it has vegetarian and vegan options. r/austinfood, Jan 2024
26.Arturo's
6 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Several people point to Arturo's as a brunch pick. One visitor finds it quirkier than cute but a fun spot, and another says it has true Austin vibes. A different diner calls the food excellent but notes it serves no alcohol.
- RecommendsNames Arturo's Underground Cafe as its brunch answer. r/austinfood, Mar 2024
- MixedWarns there is no alcohol there, though calls the food excellent. r/austinfood, Apr 2025
27.Little Darlin'
6 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Several people recommend Little Darlin' as a brunch pick. A few diners praise the food, two mention outdoor seating, and one praises its kitchen, social vibe and frequent live music. One diner finds it less cute than other spots, and another believes it does not do weekday brunch, only lunch.
- RecommendsCalls the food delicious and says there's plenty of room, though less cute than the others listed. r/austinfood, Oct 2025
28.Jim's Diner, On 183
6 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/austinfood
Diners recommend Jim's Diner for brunch, recommended across its Austin outlets; the Research Boulevard one is the address listed, and only one diner names an outlet (the one on 183), so the praise may not apply to every branch. One diner says the pancakes are very good.
On 183
- RecommendsNames Jim's on 183 as the pick for brunch. r/austinfood, Sep 2024
29.Original Pancake House
6 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many people recommend Original Pancake House. One diner says it is the best they have tried, and a commenter says its pancake is the best in town. Another commenter names it as a brunch option, and one says the food is excellent. Another calls it a dependable choice.
- RecommendsSays they go there and calls it the best they've had. r/austinfood, Aug 2025
30.El Mesón
6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/austinfood
Many diners recommend El Meson for brunch, and a few describe a buffet; one says the large buffet covers both Mexican and American food, and another suggests ordering margaritas with it. One diner says the French toast is among the best they have had. One visitor was less impressed on their visit.
- RecommendsRecommends El Meson's buffet for brunch and suggests ordering margaritas. r/austinfood, Sep 2024
- CaveatHas visited El Meson and found it underwhelming. r/austinfood, Jun 2024
31.Nido
5 people recommendvia r/austinfood
Many people point to Nido for its setting: one suggests the lobby and rooftop for photos, and another calls the outdoor brunch spot the main draw and says the food is also very good. A different visitor says the rooftop offers brunch with great views but has not tried the brunch themselves, and another names it for the view.
- RecommendsSuggests Nido for its vibe, noting lobby spots and a rooftop that suit photos. r/austinfood, Oct 2026
Questions people ask
- Which brunch places do Austin locals recommend most?
- Right now the most-recommended are Paperboy, Phoebe's Diner and Mattie's, ranked by how many different people vouched for each one. Every place lists the reasons people gave and the caveats they raised, with a link to the original comment.
- How is this list made?
- It is built from public Reddit discussions — 314 comments from 266 people across r/austinfood, r/UTAustin and r/Austin. We paraphrase why each place is recommended, keep the negatives and caveats in, and link to the original comment so you can read the source yourself. We never invent details.
- Are these paid placements?
- No. Nothing here is sponsored, paid or ranked by a business. Places are included only because real people recommended them in public conversations, and every claim links back to its source.
- How recent are these recommendations?
- This map was last refreshed November 10, 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time, so confirm current details directly before you rely on them.
Did this page answer your question?
More maps to explore
Austin
Best cafés
Austin cafés discussed for coffee, from South Lamar to neighbourhood coffee stops, with the original recommendations and caveats.
Open the mapAustin
Best pizza
Austin pizza recommendations across different neighbourhoods and styles, with the original discussions and caveats for each place.
Open the mapAustin
Best breakfast
Austin breakfast recommendations covering diners, bakeries and morning meals, with the source discussions behind each place.
Open the mapAustin
Best sushi
Austin sushi recommendations spanning neighbourhood sushi restaurants and omakase, with the cited praise and reservations.
Open the mapAustin
Indian restaurants
Austin-area Indian restaurant recommendations, including goat curry, garlic naan and tikka masala, with cited praise and disagreements about particular dishes and locations.
Open the mapAustin
Best burgers
Austin burger recommendations, including local chains and veggie burgers, with cited orders, location-specific comments and the reservations diners report.
Open the mapAustin
Best bars
Austin bar recommendations, from brewery pizza and lagers to neighborhood hangouts, with cited opinions on food, atmosphere and crowds.
Open the mapAustin
Best restaurants
Burgers and Italian restaurants dominate these Austin recommendations, from Casino El Camino to Quattro Gatti; disagreements about JewBoy remain visible.
Open the mapAustin
Best steak
Austin steak recommendations, from Jeffrey's and J. Carver's to ALC Steaks, with the source conversations behind the picks.
Open the mapAustin
Best BBQ
Austin barbecue recommendations, from brisket and beef ribs to Egyptian-influenced barbecue, with diners' caveats about queues, selling out and uneven meals.
Open the map