Greet a Lazy Sunday With Brunch at These Two Austin Restaurants

There’s no better way to end a fun-filled weekend than with a relaxing brunch and something sweet to sip. Austin is filled with stylish eateries that offer unique combinations of brunch foods and strong libations, and these are just two of the city’s favorites:

South Congress Café
Arguably one of the most buzzed about brunch spots in town, South Congress Café is a distinctly Austin eatery with a hip, relaxed atmosphere and a creative menu to boot. Shrimp and grits, carrot cake French toast, and crawfish omelets are just a few of the most popular items, best paired with a frozen peach Bellini or a signature bloody Mary. Although the line for a table can be quite long, you can wander eclectic South Congress Street while you wait.
1600 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704; (512) 447-3905

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is a popular brunch eatery with a menu of incredibly filling, interesting Southern fare. The expansive buffet is filled with buttermilk biscuits, various meat-filled casseroles, cornflake-encrusted fried chicken, and other delicious (though not exactly health-conscious) dishes. There’s also an expansive list of whiskey and bourbons, which offers a taste of Austin’s most popular drink of choice. Come hungry and be prepared for a long nap afterward, because Moonshine Patio is certainly delicious indulgence.
303 Red River St., Austin, TX 78701; (512) 236-9599

Try Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar for All Your Seafood Favorites

Whether you want to grab a quick bite on the go or relax with friends to watch the game, Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar is a popular choice in Austin. This eatery offers all the Cajun cuisine classics you'd expect, including a spicy gumbo, jambalaya filled with shrimp and sausage, and crawfish etouffee.

In fact, it's crawfish in any form that's the main draw for this place. Yelp reviewers report traveling for miles to feast on the Crawfish Shack's crawfish, which is best simply ordered by the pound, hot from the pot. Choose a few add-in extras, like corn, potato, and fried oysters for a truly decadent meal. Whatever you order, don’t forget to ask for the restaurant's signature moist towelettes to clean up your fingertips after you're finished eating!

The restaurant itself is clean, with brightly colored walls and offbeat decorations, like fishing nets draped here and there. There's even free Wi-Fi in case you've got a few emails to answer while waiting for your meal.

Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar
2013 Wells Branch Parkway
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 252-7556
www.crawfishshacktx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crawfish-shack-and-oyster-bar-austin

Troy Restaurant: Don’t Hum-Miss Out on This Mediterranean Eatery

The delicious combination of Turkish and Mediterranean fare is a treat that you won’t find just anywhere, which is exactly what makes Troy Restaurant such a gem in North Austin. Its bright red walls and modern decor create a unique backdrop for your traditional Mediterranean meal, but the long, shared tables and natural light make the entire experience feel friendly and relaxing.

Troy Restaurant’s sampler plates are arguably the best way to get a true feel for the menu, as they include an assortment of meats, rice, and salad, as well as unlimited tea and an authentic Turkish dessert at the end of the meal. Made-from-scratch hummus and Turkish coffee are made true to Turkish tradition, and the prices are affordable, as well.

Stop by for the lively Thursday night karaoke or a quiet weekend lunch and you’ll likely see why so many locals love Troy!

Troy Restaurant
8105 Mesa Drive
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 897-2860
www.facebook.com/troy.restaurantaustin
www.yelp.com/biz/troy-austin

An Authentic Mexican Panaderia: Juarez Restaurant & Bakery

Serving “home-style” Mexican cuisine, Juarez Restaurant & Bakery first got its start as a bakery serving Mexican pastries. The bakery is still in full operation, and everything in the bakery and restaurant is made from scratch.

Breakfast is served until noon, with the menu centering around egg dishes served with beans and potatoes. The lunch and dinner menus list authentic Mexican fare favorites like chips and guacamole, chicken flautas, fajitas, tacos, and chimichangas. Try the chicken enchiladas in green sauce or the chiles relleno, both favorites of Yelp reviewers. Don't skip a pass by the bakery case, which houses a tempting array of Mexican sweet breads.

Juarez Restaurant & Bakery is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Juarez Restaurant & Bakery
1701 S. Mays
Round Rock, TX 78664
512-255-6262
www.juarezrestaurantbakery.com
www.yelp.com/biz/juarez-mexican-bakery-round-rock

Cafe Java: Your Neighborhood Bistro

Delicious breakfast fare meets quality coffee at Cafe Java in Austin. Reviewers on Yelp may not agree about much, but they do think the coffee at this shop is excellent. Brunch is the best thing on the menu, according to customers, so be sure to try some pancakes or an omelet with a side of hashbrowns.

Breakfast is often a busy time at Java, so expect a bit of a wait before you order is served. Reviewers say the wait is worth the tasty reward, however! The migas (scrambled eggs and corn chips with your choice of toppings) come with high praise. As one reviewer put it, “If you're looking for a place that seems like Grandma is in the back cooking your breakfast, you've found it.”

Cafe Java is open seven days a week.

Cafe Java
2051 Gattis School Road
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 238-0700
cafejavaroundrock.com
yelp.com/biz/cafe-java-round-rock

Truluck’s: Fete a Special Occasion Over Steak and Seafood

The next time you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider making a reservation at Truluck’s. This upscale steak and seafood restaurant in Austin has a festive feel, from its light-covered marquee and beautiful stone patio to its romantic, old-fashioned interior. The eatery is very large and features a dark wooden bar and spacious tables that can accommodate the whole family.

On the menu, Truluck’s offers premium cuts of steak, Florida stone crab, and Chilean seabass, and its extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails pair perfectly with any entree. Appetizers like the famous smoking shrimp cocktail start the meal off right, while the dessert martinis and extravagant cakes conclude every meal on a sweet note.

Truluck’s serves dinner seven days a week. Happy hour is held between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. daily.

Truluck’s
10225 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 794-8300
www.trulucks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/trulucks-austin-2

Cool Off With Fruity Shaved Ice at The Purple Tongue

“Keep Austin Weird” is a mantra among locals in this Texas oasis, and the Purple Tongue is a great example of what they mean. This roving food truck offers a unique menu of hot dogs and shaved ice, and it’s won a dedicated following. If all you know about shaved ice is carnival stands pouring artificially-flavored sugary syrup, you’re in for a real surprise here. They make all of their syrups with fresh fruits and other ingredients.

Some favorite offerings include the strawberry banana, which might be the most popular, but also praised is the grapefruit mojito. The flavor menu is extensive, featuring classics like cherry and grape and more advanced flavors like dark chocolate and chai tea. You can get your ice topped with whipped cream, caramel, sweetened condensed milk, you name it. If you’re hungry, their dogs are well-regarded – locally-made bratwurst on a fresh roll slathered with mustard and onions will hit the spot.

The Purple Tongue
1012 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 413-7329
www.facebook.com/ThePurpleTongue.ATX
www.yelp.com/biz/the-purple-tongue-austin-2

Taste of Ethiopia: Enjoy Ethiopian Cuisine

From the spongy injera bread to the flavorful doro wot, every Ethiopian dish is a uniquely delicious culinary experience. Taste of Ethiopia is a wonderful way to experience Ethiopian fare in Austin, though it takes a bit of exploring to uncover this hidden gem tucked away in the Pflugerville area. The restaurant itself is modern and stylish, with tasteful Ethiopian baskets and other knick-knacks scattered about.

Taste of Ethiopia's owners are dedicated to providing authentic, healthy foods to each of their customers, so all of the dishes here are made with fresh, high quality ingredients and without harmful preservatives. Dishes like lentil stew, beef and lamb with flavorful sauce, and vegetarian sampler platters are served in the traditional Ethiopian way, which involves using injera bread to eat with instead of utensils. Taste of Ethiopia also offers a vegetarian lunch buffet on weekdays.

Taste of Ethiopia is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Taste of Ethiopia
1100 Grand Ave. Parkway
Pflugerville, TX 78613
(512) 251-4053
www.tasteofethiopiaaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-ethiopia-pflugerville

24 Diner: Austin Comfort Food

24 Diner offers classic American fare with a modern twist in a fun, laid-back Austin atmosphere. The inspired menu, plus a great beer, wine and cocktail selection turn up the volume on the ordinary diner experience. Partygoers love the fact that they stay open round the clock right in the heart of central Austin.

24's all day breakfast menu means you can sidle up to Eggs, Sausage and Waffles at any hour. Burger and sandwich options include a French Dip with gruyere & horseradish, Chicken Salad with spicy pepper relish and a Bacon Avocado Burger with smoked aioli. Entrees include Meatloaf with sweet onion gravy, Pork Chops with sage butter, Roast Chicken with shallot jus, Vegetable Plate with lemon vinaigrette, and No-Bean Chili with cornbread.

Austin's 24 Diner is open daily.

24 Diner
600 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-5400
www.24diner.com
www.yelp.com/biz/24-diner-austin

Mother’s Cafe: Eclectic Vegetarian Fare in a Colorful Atmosphere

From its colorful outdoor patio tables to its equally bright, cheery interior, Mother’s Cafe is an eclectic eatery through and through, and a visit here is sure to brighten your mood. The menu is entirely vegetarian or vegan, but each dish is thoughtfully prepared and very filling. Soups and salads are made with fresh vegetables and spices, and the restaurant offers a number of different types of meat-free enchiladas. Specialty dishes, such as ravioli marinara and mushroom stroganoff, come in heartier portions that are great for dinner, while the quiches and sandwiches make great grab-and-go items for takeout.

Mother’s Cafe also offers a full wine and beer selection, while the eatery's made-from-scratch desserts are some of the restaurant’s most popular items. Add in convenient parking, friendly service and affordable prices and Mother’s Cafe will quickly become a staple on any Austin vegetarian or vegan’s go-to restaurant list.

Mother’s Cafe is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Brunch is served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

Mother’s Cafe
4215 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-3994
www.motherscafeaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mothers-cafe-and-garden-austin

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