Brunch is an American staple—meaning everyone’s desperately looking for the hottest spots to have it. This is not one of those things. This is simply a short list of “sneaky” brunch places that might not be at the top of Austin’s collective consciousness. Some will surprise you, some will bore you, but they’ll all leave you full and satisfied. This is your unofficial, unverified and unapologetically random cluster of places that you might want to check out on the seldom weekend you’re not on the schedule.
Tamale House
Tamale House is not only tucked away in East Austin’s rapidly developing area, but it’s also hidden by it’s name—you simply wouldn’t expect to find kick-ass brunch in a house full of tamales. Insert: Spicy chipotle migas & queso. There’s nothing more quintessential to this city than the combination of eggs, queso and tex mex. Breakfast tacos, a full bar, and some back patio ambience more than fill in the rest of the gaps. And how about an extra pork tamale for the table? You kind of have to.
Lucy’s Fried Chicken
Chicken and waffles. Need we say more? No wonder they’re all over Austin—if you make bomb food, people will notice. And if you’re going to consistently deliver an eggs benedict with cornbread muffins, you’re going to consistently blow our minds. If you’re down to get a little (a lot) bit messy, dive face first into “The Dandy Resurrected”—the french fry, Texas chili and sunny-side up egg combo is a worthy battle.
Clark’s Oyster Bar
Clark’s has a lot more going for it than brunch (fresh fish that revitalizes your soul, etc), but do you know what else is has going for it? Brunch. Seafood and breakfast are one of the sneakiest combos in the food game, and it’ll take one bite of the lobster with farm eggs to turn you into a believer. If you’re embarrassed to admit you’re only interested in crab cakes or the tuna salad sandwich or straight up oysters—just order some banana pancakes on the side and you’ll feel better about it.
The Little Darlin’
Let your dogs, toddlers and buzzed friends run around the massive backyard patio while at this South Austin oasis. The vibe here says “quaint live music venue,” but the rueben eggs benedict says “brunch.”
Drinks Lounge
*INDUSTRY BRUNCH ALERT*
These guys know the industry works late and wakes up even later, and that’s why they offer their comforting brunch menu to the folks that are in the weeds with them from 12PM-5PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Tucked away from crowds you were dealing with the night before, grab a pancake slider (or 5) and let the good times roll.