Whether you’re celebrating something special or just catching up with your besties, there’s no better way to kick off any day of the weekend than with brunch.
Austin’s brunch scene is as diverse as it is delicious, so let’s dive in~
Brunch Planning 101: The Essentials You Need to Succeed
Brunch with friends or family should be easy, fun, and stress-free, especially for those of us who thrive on planning. If you’re a type-A gal like me, a little preparation can go a long way in making your girls’ day out enjoyable.
Here are a few quick tips to help you navigate Austin’s brunch scene with confidence:
- Make Reservations: Some of these popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Expect to compete with plenty of other walk-ins for a table, especially at popular spots that are getting buzz. When I take the chance, I often find there’s a wait of about 1.5 hours—particularly if a restaurant is busy.
The good news for tourists is that Austin locals tend to sleep in on weekends, so brunch really gets crowded after 10 a.m. Going out for breakfast is usually a much easier option. - Split a Few Dishes: Family-style dining benefits everyone! By sharing a mix of savory and sweet dishes, you get to sample more of the menu while ensuring everyone enjoys something they love.
Plus, breakfast items like pancakes and eggs don’t travel well as leftovers, so ordering together helps you gauge how much you really want. I know my eyes are often bigger than my stomach in the morning, so this approach ensures you don’t over-order and waste food.
It’s a fun way to bond with friends while making sure you’re satisfied! - Extend the Fun: Austin has so much to offer during the day on the weekends, making it easy to turn your brunch into a full-day adventure.
After you eat, why not check out a nearby farmers’ market or hit the local shops? Places like the Mueller Farmers’ Market or South Congress Avenue are bustling from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, providing plenty of opportunities for exploring unique vendors and grabbing some local goodies. You could also join a fun activity, like a painting class or a brewery tour.
I mean why did we go out to brunch in the first place? – To create lasting memories with your friends!! <3
Must-Try Brunch Locations I Stand Behind
Now that you’ve got the game plan, here are my top picks for where to brunch in Austin for girls.
It’s all about finding a place where you and your friends can truly relax and enjoy great food together. These spots not only serve up delicious dishes but also create an inviting atmosphere that makes planning the rest of your day a breeze.
1. Bar Peached
- Location: Clarksville
- Vibe: Cozy and Welcoming
- Seating: Indoor and Outdoor
- Cuisine Type: Asian-Inspired American Comfort Food
- Alcohol: Full Bar Available
- Eating Out Austin’s Must-Try Dish: Gochujang Chicken and Waffles
Bar Peached may be my ideal place to relax and catch up with a loved one, for any time of day – but I think they do brunch food exceptionally well.
I may be biased. My friends threw me a surprise “Congrats on Your First Event” brunch to celebrate Eating Out Austin’s Nasha Dinner, and the staff at Bar Peached made it so special, you can tell the front of house team there really cares, in addition to their back of house putting out insanely good food.
They pretty much let us have a side room to ourselves (there were 5 of us – not enough to rent the room but I could tell the hosts were thinking of us). They could tell it was a special occasion to us so they brought out a big, old polaroid camera and asked if we wanted to commemorate the day (see the photo above).
I took that idea right back to the restaurant I work for – I was blown away!
2. Bouldin Creek Cafe
- Location: Bouldin Creek
- Vibe: Artsy and Eclectic
- Seating: Indoor and Outdoor
- Cuisine Type: Vegetarian Comfort Food with Global Influences
- Alcohol: Limited Beer and Wine Options
- Eating Out Austin’s Must-Try Dish: Vegan Blueberry Cornbread with Maple Syrup
If you’re visiting & want to experience what the city loves about itself, this is the place to be. It’s a gathering spot where locals feel at home.
Austin locals love Bouldin Creek Cafe because it embodies the city’s laid-back, colorful, & sustainable vibe. The cafe offers a vegetarian/vegan menu with creative dishes that even non-vegetarians enjoy. Plus, it’s a great spot for hanging out with a cozy patio, making it a quintessential Austin experience.
Expect to see lots of dogs if you sit outside!
3. Phoebe’s Diner
- Locations: South Congress, Downtown, & North Loop by The Domain
- Vibe: Retro and Bright
- Seating: Indoor and Counter Seating
- Cuisine Type: Southern-Inspired American Diner Food with Texas BBQ
- Alcohol: Limited Beer and Wine Options
- Eating Out Austin’s Must-Try Dish: Crab Cake Benny (Eggs Benedict), served with sautéed asparagus
Phoebe’s Diner is a retro-inspired diner that hits all the right spots.
I love Phoebe’s Diner because it strikes the perfect balance of letting me feel cute and order my Eggs Benedict & at the same time, letting the dude bro I’m dating watch Sunday football on one of their many TV screens. They have a menu full of classic diner favorites & then also feature smoky Texas BBQ from their smoker (named Flapjack lol). It’s a cute place – I like to wear a dress – I also feel comfortable hanging out and getting a little toasty on a carafe of mimosas.
BTW – If the waitlist online says there are 55 parties in front of you, don’t worry, people in Austin love to make a reservation or join a waitlist and not show up – it’s kind of the culture here. I just join the waitlist anyway and then check in with the hosts to tell them I’m in person actually there, ready to eat. I’ve never waited more than 5 minutes but that’s always when I’ve been a 2-top, so I can’t speak for squeezing in your 10 friends last second.
There’s nothing quite like the roller coaster ride of waking up early on a day off: starving and really not wanting to cook. Then comes the familiar frustration that Austinites know all too well—checking online waitlists and seeing “75th party in line,” which leaves you deciding between standing in the Austin sun at a food truck, delivery fees, or turning back to that empty fridge. Avoid the stress of scrambling for a table by making a reservation now for this weekend at one of my favorite spots—trust me, your future self will thank you!
Brunch isn’t just about the food; you’ll also have the opportunity to optimistically plan your day, while riding the dopamine high of a delicious meal.
Starting your day with brunch gives you the motivation to make the most of your free time in Austin. A whole free weekend day in Austin, TX, truly is a gift, so go have fun! Dive into some classic Austin activities: soak up the sun at Zilker Dog Park, explore the shops around SoCo (South Congress), or visit the naturally-chilly Barton Springs Pool.
