Best Brunch Spots In The North Loop Area Of Austin, Texas

Richard Tulis

Beat the heat in Texas’s scorching capital city, Austin– jump up early and venture out to one of our top picks for brunch in the Lone Star State.

Austin, Texas

1. Fonda San Miguel

Restaurant, Mexican

1. Fonda San Miguel
© Tracey Maurer

This sensational Mexican restaurant opened its doors to Austin in 1975. This place is known for its impressive, hacienda-style architecture, colorfully decorated interior, and, of course, its deeply authentic fare. Fonda San Miguel qualifies as one of the city’s finest brunch hubs. The restaurant slings hearty portions and killer margaritas, making it a pleasant place to enjoy Sunday morning. Find dishes of every style, from traditional with a twist to ancient recipes that are timeless and tasty. Much of the produce comes from Fonda San Miguel’s own garden, the rest from locally sourced providers.

2. Biscuits and Groovy

Food Truck, American

Biscuits and Groovy, Austin
Stephanie/Flickr
Austin is known for its charming small town feel and captivating charm. Foodies popularly rejoice in its elaborate network of food trucks, small cafes, and stands. One such food truck is daytime favorite Biscuits and Groovy, located in the North Loop on Duval Street. Beloved by its customers for delicious vegan options and a variety of biscuit dishes, Biscuits and Groovy is open from 8.30am to 2pm – prime-time hours for a casual brunch. The truck is usually packed – call-in orders on the weekends generally are not accepted due to the high volume of the truck’s crowds. You can’t go wrong with their classic, the ‘biscuits + groovy,’ which comprises three freshly baked buttermilk biscuits smothered in white pepper gravy and sprinkled with sausage and chives.

3. Blue Star Cafeteria

Restaurant, American, French

Blue Star Cafeteria
© austin.happel/Flickr
Weekend brunch at Blue Star Cafeteria is always a good time. This is thanks, in part, to their sparkling grapefruit drinks, Bloody Marys, and mimosas). Beyond drinks, the menu careens on, listing brunch-time hits like vanilla-battered French toast, eggs Benedict and buttermilk flapjacks. Blue Star Cafeteria also sets its guests up with a complimentary starter plate of fresh fruit, contributing to the family-friendly atmosphere and warm vibes. Visit Blue Star Cafeteria on a Saturday or Sunday morning to experience satisfying uptown cuisine in a casual, modern setting.

4. Pacha Café

Cafe, Coffee Shop, American

Settle in at this organic coffeehouse and start off your morning with a locally owned Austin original. Featuring all organic pancakes that are ‘fruit-filled’ and ‘perfectly done,’ this enjoyable locale surpasses the expectations for just any old coffeehouse. Its pastries are sweet and meticulously prepared in house. Biscottis, scones, muffins, and pecan drops make for excellent light choices, while the breakfast tacos follow up for something a little heartier. Making the Austin A-List for ‘Best Coffee Shop,’ Pacha is adored by the community for its welcoming feel and spectacular organic picks.

5. Hyde Park Bar & Grill

Bar, Restaurant, Belgian

Hyde Park Bar & Grill, Duval Street
Laura Taylor/Flickr
This restaurant is a bit hard to miss courtesy of the giant fork sculpture sitting outside of the storefront. Comfortably designed inside of a 1920s home, the establishment is a stalwart centerpiece of Austin dining. Satisfying entrees such as chicken fried chicken, juicy burgers, and wings are masterfully balanced against an intriguing brunch menu. Options include southwestern themed omelets, eggs Benedict, and fluffy Belgian waffles. For those with monster appetites, the side menu allows customers to top off their orders with additions of eggs, sausage, toast, fruit cups, and more.

6. Russell's Bistro

Bistro, Restaurant, American

Banana & Pecan Pancakes
feministjulie/Flickr
The brunch menu at Russell’s Bistro could be significantly weaker, and a weekend reservation at the restaurant – with its sunbathed patio plus two-dollar mimosas – would still be a complete hit. Luckily, this isn’t the case, and an order of scratch batter banana pecan pancakes, served with two eggs (any style) works to convince visitors of that rather well. Try the Russell’s Migas (eggs, tortillas, green chilies, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocados, and house potatoes) for a Southwestern taste of Texas. Or, simply sample a house breakfast – either way, Russell’s more than makes the cut for best brunches in Austin’s North Loop.

7. épicerie

Cafe, Restaurant, Grocery Store, American, French

épicerie, Austin
stu_spivack/Flickr 
This restaurant specializes in French-American fusion cuisine and is located on Hancock Drive, directly next to North Loop Boulevard. Its Sunday brunch focuses on many inventive dishes with French roots: brioche toast with fried egg, the croque madame (grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg), and quiche take up a few examples. The cheese selection is full-bodied, and the beignets are a crucial dessert choice. The doors open at 10.30am on Sundays, so make your way over and indulge in this fresh venue’s cuisine.

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