A Foodie's Guide to Weekend Brunch Bliss
East Riverside/Oltorf in Austin is a vibrant neighborhood brimming with diverse culinary options. But when it comes to weekend brunch, the choices can feel overwhelming. This guide navigates the best of the best, showcasing 16 fantastic spots offering everything from classic American fare to international flavors. Whether you crave pancakes, tacos, or something more adventurous, this list has you covered. We’ll explore what makes each spot unique, helping you choose the perfect brunch experience for your next weekend.
Top Picks for Every Brunch Craving
This section dives deep into our top 16 brunch selections in East Riverside/Oltorf, categorized for easier navigation.
Classic American Brunch
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Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: Famous for its creative pancake flights and extensive breakfast taco menu, Snooze is a brunch staple. Their whimsical atmosphere and delicious food make it a popular choice, especially for larger groups. Expect a wait, especially on weekends.
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Magnolia Cafe: A true Austin institution, Magnolia Cafe is known for its generous portions and late-night hours. Their breakfast tacos are legendary, and their homemade tortillas are a must-try. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxed brunch.
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Juan in a Million: While not exclusively a brunch spot, Juan in a Million's breakfast tacos are so good, they deserve a mention. Their breakfast tacos are a cheap and cheerful alternative to more expensive brunches.
Upscale Brunch Experiences
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Josephine House: This elegant restaurant offers a refined brunch experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Expect beautifully plated dishes and a sophisticated atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended.
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Odd Duck: Known for its farm-to-table cuisine, Odd Duck’s brunch menu showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients in innovative dishes. This is a great option for adventurous eaters. Expect a higher price point.
International Flavors
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** Veracruz All Natural:** This popular food truck offers authentic, delicious tacos. Their breakfast tacos are simple, flavorful, and perfect for a casual brunch. Lines can be long, but they move quickly.
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Matt's El Rancho: A long-standing Austin favorite, Matt's El Rancho offers a variety of traditional Tex-Mex dishes, many perfect for brunch. They have a great selection of margaritas to accompany your meal.
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Hopdoddy Burger Bar: While known for its burgers, Hopdoddy also offers a solid brunch menu with creative burger options, breakfast bowls, and delicious sides.
Casual & Relaxed Brunches
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Franklin Barbecue (for the truly dedicated): While known for its legendary smoked meats, Franklin Barbecue sometimes offers brisket tacos during brunch hours. Be prepared for incredibly long lines.
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Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden: Banger's offers a large selection of sausages and beers, alongside brunch classics like pancakes and eggs. The outdoor seating is a plus on a nice day.
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Amy's Ice Creams: Treat yourself to a delightful brunch of sweet treats and coffee. Amy's offers a great selection of ice cream flavors perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Unique Brunch Experiences
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The Original Pancake House: This classic diner is a great option for a traditional pancake-centric brunch. Their pancakes are fluffy and delicious, and their portions are generous.
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Kerbey Lane Cafe: Another Austin institution, Kerbey Lane Cafe is known for its late-night hours and its massive menu, perfect for picky eaters. Expect a lively, casual atmosphere.
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Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ: A unique fusion of Tex-Mex and BBQ, Valentina's offers a fun and flavorful brunch experience. Their smoked meats and unique tacos are a must-try.
Hidden Gems
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Elizabeth Street Cafe: This Vietnamese restaurant serves up amazing pho and other Vietnamese dishes, some of which are perfect for a brunch-style meal.
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Peter Pan Mini Golf: After a round of mini golf, enjoy a casual brunch at their on-site cafe. Perfect for a fun, family-friendly outing.
Finding Your Perfect Brunch Spot: A Quick Guide
This table summarizes our top picks, helping you quickly decide what best fits your needs:
| Restaurant | Style | Price Range | Atmosphere | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snooze | Classic American | $ | Lively, Whimsical | Pancake Flights |
| Magnolia Cafe | Classic American | $ | Casual | Breakfast Tacos |
| Josephine House | Upscale | $$ | Elegant | Seasonal Specials |
| Odd Duck | Upscale, Farm-to-Table | $$ | Sophisticated | Chef's Specials |
| Veracruz All Natural | Casual, International | $ | Casual | Breakfast Tacos |
| Matt's El Rancho | Casual, Tex-Mex | $ | Lively | Migas |
| Hopdoddy Burger Bar | Casual, Burgers | $ | Casual | Brunch Burgers |
| Franklin Barbecue | BBQ | $$ | Casual | Brisket Tacos (when avail) |
| Banger's | Casual, Sausage & Beer | $ | Lively, Casual | Sausages & Beer |
| Amy's Ice Creams | Dessert | $ | Casual | Any Flavor You Like! |
| The Original Pancake House | Classic American | $ | Casual | Pancakes |
| Kerbey Lane Cafe | Classic American | $ | Lively, Casual | Breakfast Tacos |
| Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ | Tex-Mex & BBQ Fusion | $ | Casual | Smoked Meats & Tacos |
| Elizabeth Street Cafe | Vietnamese | $ | Casual | Pho |
| Peter Pan Mini Golf | Casual, Family-Friendly | $ | Relaxed | Cafe Menu Items |
Note: $ = Inexpensive, $ = Moderate, $$ = Expensive
Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead for hours, reservations, and any special brunch menus! Happy brunching!
