Where to eat the best breakfast in Austin

On weekdays beginning at 8am, refined Clarksville eatery Josephine House serves a small menu of elevated dishes alongside Stumptown coffee, Steeping Room teas, fresh juices and house-made pastries. The indigo-colored bungalow is part of the Moorman McGuire Hospitality Group and boasts its signature white-washed walls and marble countertops. Just try to resist these standout dishes: lemon ricotta pancakes (blackberries, cultured butter, maple syrup) or the egg sandwich (fried egg and chicken sausage, Grafton cheddar, whole grain English muffin, harissa aïoli with a side of seasonal fruit) accompanied by a very dignified cup of Eastside Earl Grey tea.

You may know Irene’s as the playful, modern Southern spot with the ivy wall and neon sign that begs to be Instagrammed. Irene’s vibe is inspired by one of the owners’ grandmother, Irene, who is described as a “drinking, smoking, gambling woman with an immense heart and a keen understanding of true hospitality.” While the dining room opens later, the counter window in front opens every day at 7am and serves coffee, pastries, fancy toasts… and even Kool-Aid. Everyone loves the sweet PB&J toast (Easy Tiger oat toast, Confituras jam, HomePlate peanut butter) and the savory avocado toast (tomato, feta, olive oil, sea salt). For your caffeine fix, we recommend Irene’s original coffee (hot or iced) with house-made butterscotch-almond cream. Yum!

If you haven’t tried Veracruz All Natural’s nationally-recognized tacos, you have been missing out. Order the migas taco and enjoy a handmade flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, crispy tortilla strips, pico de gallo, Monterey jack cheese and an avocado slice that are complemented by a homemade creamy red or green hot sauce.

Chef Andrew Curren (the genius behind Irene’s and Italic as well) and his team consistently deliver elevated comfort food using top-notch ingredients at this local diner. Open around the clock (with the exception of a middle-of-the-night cleaning session midweek), the diner serves breakfast all day. May we suggest ordering the biscuits and gravy (house-made buttermilk biscuit, two eggs, sausage gravy, side of fruit) and the chicken and waffle (marinated, boneless, skinless fried chicken breast and thigh, brown sugar butter, Grade A Michigan maple syrup) dish?

Paperboy owner Ryan Harms teamed up with Odd Duck’s Zecheriah Perez in developing the menu (which is small but ensures quick service). In addition to supporting multiple local farms and purveyors, Paperboy also exclusively serves coffee from Tweed coffee roasters (from the guys behind Houndstooth Coffee). The menu changes seasonally, so make sure to pay a visit fairly often.

The newest project from the Moorman McGuire Restaurant, June’s All Day boasts pastel walls, black and white tile and gilded cafe tables. The breakfast offerings will make you want to wake up a little earlier than you have to, we promise. Open at 8am during the week, the eatery offers coffee and grab-and-go pastries, like the crème fraîche cake donut and “lamb in a blanket.” Have time for a heartier meal? Try the cafe breakfast: your choice of sliced ham, gruyere and house-made jam with a buttered English muffin.

Yes, Bouldin Creek Cafe is a vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurant, but that shouldn’t deter carnivores from visiting as the food’s flavor is delectable, no matter your dietary restrictions. Expect the space to be adorned by art from local artists, an unpretentious coffee bar and a colorfully not-basic staff. What to order? The potato leek omelet is a tasty option (three organic pasture raised eggs, caramelized potato shreds, leeks, Gruyère cheese, topped with black pepper sour cream and scallions) and so are the tofu and veggie chorizo tacos. Try the lavender mocha (latte, chocolate, lavender syrup) or the Mexican mocha (latte, spiced Mexican cocoa) when selecting your drink. The eatery opens at 7am Monday through Friday and at 8am on weekends.