13 spots serving the best breakfast in Austin

Yes! Picnik’s Paleo-friendly cuisine, previously only found on a trailer, is now also available at the eatery’s stylish new digs. The impeccably-designed space is bright and airy with lots of natural textures found throughout. Whatever branch you visit, butter cappuccino, designed to send your energy through the roof, is an absolute must. We’re obsessed with the golden milk matcha (coffee, butter, MCT oil, turmeric, coconut milk, matcha chai blend, maple, grass-fed whey and optional cayenne) and certainly recommend the seasonal harvest hash (roasted sweet potato, grass-fed beef, house sausage, seasonal veg, eggs and pecans).

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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? A 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.

Most people know about épicerie’s brunch but their breakfast menu earns it a spot on our list. Trust us when we say that there is no better way to start your day than with pour-over coffee and artfully-presented breakfast in this crisp and welcoming space. The French-American cafe has a highly Instagrammable cured salmon toast with cream cheese, capers, dill and radishes served alongside cucumber salad and soft-boiled farm egg that ends up being a nice departure from the heavier fare.

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On weekdays beginning at 9am, 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 cooks up irresistible standout dishes like the 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.

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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.

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’ grandmothers, 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 for breakfast 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.

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 middle-of-the-night cleaning sessions), 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?

June’s All Day boasts pastel walls, black and white tile and gilded cafe tables. 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.

Handmade flour tortillas that are powdery and still warm? Sign us up. Amongst the standouts at Joe’s Bakery & Coffeeshop: the migas dish (scrambled eggs with corn chips topped with cheese and served with beans and two tortillas with onions, jalapeños and tomatoes) and huevos a la Mexicana (scrambled eggs with tomatoes, onions and jalapeños served with beans, bacon and two tortillas).

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Just a stone’s throw from the Four Seasons, Forthright’s menu and location are a welcome addition to downtown. The juxtaposition of stark white walls with wood and marble in the dining room is perfectly non-distracting when prepping yourself for a long workday. Start with energy-boosting quinoa porridge or organic chia pudding with fresh berries with an iced cashew milk latte or opt for breakfast tacos and indulgent cinnamon rolls. 

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Stop in for a giant cup of coffee, a butter croissant and Belgian waffles topped with fruit and Vermont maple syrup. The atmosphere of the European bistro is cozy and encourages chatting with neighbors at one of the few communal tables. The eatery also offers light, fresh options for those of us who struggle with the typical eat-everything-while-being-healthy. Keep it simple with Greek yogurt or homemade granola with fresh berries.

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Paperboy owner Ryan Harms teamed up with Odd Duck’s Zechariah 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.