Top 10 Weekend Brunch Spots in Austin
Photo courtesy of Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
Sometimes you wake up mid-morning on the weekend and you just don't want anything to do with cooking. Several local restaurants offer tasty options just for you. Here's a list of 10 noteworthy brunches in the Austin area. If you've got one of note, please feel free to leave a comment to let other readers know.
1. Capital Brasserie
This cool downtown eatery feels like a mix between an upscale diner and an Americanized sidewalk cafe. The French-inspired restaurant offers a $17 prix fixe Sunday brunch from 10am to 3pm. Included is a fresh basket of breads and pastries (nothing like indulging in warm chocolate croissants!) and a choice between several salads, egg dishes, sandwiches and mussels.
2. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
This comfortably casual downtown spot offers a true Southern spread every Sunday morning from 10am to 2:30pm for $13.95 (be aware that special occasions can cost more.) This buffet-style breakfast features real comfort food like corned beef hash, green chile grits and chicken-fried steak fingers. A little advice: eat slow so as to make the most of this generous feast.
3. Lambert's
Nothing like some help-yourself barbeque to get your day started. This fairly new Second Street district restaurant (opened in December 2006) provides a mixed bag--traditional breakfast items alongside BBQ staples, like tender brisket, ribs and standard sides for just over $20. Feel good about eating here: the tasty dishes are made with local, sustainable ingredients.
4. Starlite
This uber-tasteful downtown restaurant is good, that's why the Zagat guide gave them the highest score for food (25,) decor (25) and close to perfect on service (23.) On that note, be prepared to pay a little more for the Sunday brunch here. Dishes are priced individually, with classics like french toast (topped with warm berry preserves, mascarpone cheese, and powdered sugar) running $7 with sides priced a la carte. Keep in mind that this particular restaurant has been a favorite place to eat for under-the-radar couple Gwyneth Paltrow and rocker Chris Martin.
5. Fonda San Miguel
Enjoy an authentic Mexican brunch in a beautiful setting Sundays from 11am to 2pm at this established, renowned eatery (also the supposed location where President George W. Bush proposed to Laura back in 1977.) This is a great place to take a special someone or celebrate a big event, just be sure to make reservations which you can do conveniently on their website. Their brunch isn't cheap, though--expect to pay upward of $35 plus the price of your favorite drink.
6. Green Pastures
This traditional Southern restaurant not only sits on beautiful property complete with peacocks, it also offers up an impressive Sunday brunch. From 11am to 2pm, Green Pastures' kitchen serves up a buffet offering dishes like cold boiled shrimp, seared duck breast and eggs benedict. And don't pass up a chance to try their milk punch with bourbon, rum and brandy. This spread changes from time to time, so don't expect to experience the same dishes on consecutive visits. Reservations are recommended, and be prepared to spend about $33 a person on this expansive meal.
7. Manuel's
This modern Mexican joint puts on a jazz brunch each and every Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Local jazz artists perform from 11:30am to 2:30pm while hungry patrons feast on breakfast tacos ($3 each,) huevos rancheros ($8,) and fautas ($8,) all individually priced. Complement the late-morning meal with a signature Mexican mimosa ($4) or mango daiquiri ($5.)
8. Cafe at the Four Seasons
This upscale downtown hotel offers a popular Sunday brunch overlooking Town Lake. From 10:30am to 2pm, hungry customers indulge in traditional brunch dishes, including a custom omelette station. A flowing chocolate fountain offers a quick and easy dessert option. For those wanting a bird's eye view of the inner workings of the kitchen, reserve the Chef's table. Expect to pay about $30 a person for this hearty meal.
9. Stubb's Bar-B-Q
This Gospel Brunch is one of the most well-known Sunday rituals in the live music capital. From 11am to 1pm, Southern favorites fill the buffet--from fried catfish and brisket to grits and migas while live gospel music wafts over focused eaters. Top off the experience with a made-to-perfection Bloody Mary from the bake-your-own-Bloody-Mary bar. Make reservations for hassle-free seating for the $20+ meal.
10. Chez Zee
This central Austin restaurant offers brunch both Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm. On the menu: breakfast platters with pancakes, waffles and French toast; several variations on eggs Benedict; quiches; light salads; sandwiches; and much more. Prices are per dish and range from about $7 to $17. Another item of note: a children's menu is also available.
**Please keep in mind prices are subject to change and are meant solely as a guide.
