The 13 best breakfast spots in Austin, revealed (2024)

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).

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.

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).