Second Helpings: Mexican Breakfast

Arturo's Bakery & Cafe

314 W. 17th, 469-0380 Monday-Friday, 6:30am-3:30pm; Saturday, 7:30am-1:30pm
This cozy little treasure tucked into a side street is a real find in the artsy district between the Capitol area and the UT campus. You can't go wrong with more than 50 varieties of hearty breakfast tacos, an assortment of breakfast sandwiches, omelets, or breakfast platters with eggs and pancakes.

Cisco's Restaurant Bakery & Liar's Club1511 E. Sixth, 472-4720, 478-2420 Daily, 7am-2:30pm
Cisco's has been in the breakfast business for 50 years and is still going strong, though the second generation of the Cisneros family runs the place these days. They still serve good migas, huevos rancheros, and hot biscuits with healthy doses of Austin political history (check out the photos on the dining room walls).

Dario's Restaurant

1800 E. Sixth, 479-8105 Tuesday-Thursday, 7am-4pm; Friday-Saturday, 7am-6pm; Sunday, 7am-3pm
Check the parking lot for police vehicles, because this place is a longtime favorite of many of Austin's finest. The aroma of fajitas attracts hungry diners to this often-crowded little restaurant tucked into a small business center on East Sixth.

El Nopalito2809 S. First, 326-2026 Tuesday-Friday, 7am-3pm; Saturday-Sunday, 8am-2pm
Patrons of this brightly painted little South Austin neighborhood joint swear by the hefty breakfast tacos and exemplary migas. It's also known as a quiet weekend spot in which to consume a credible version of the well-known Mexican hangover cure, menudo.

El Sol y la Luna

1224 S. Congress, 444-7770 Sunday-Tuesday, 7am-3pm; Wednesday-Saturday, 7am-10pm
This whimsically decorated eatery is as great a place to people-watch as it is to eat breakfast – and that's saying a lot. Late sleepers needn't worry; the stellar menu of breakfast specialties is available all day.

Enchiladas y Mas Restaurant

1911 W. Anderson, 467-7100 Sunday-Monday, 7am-2:30pm; Tuesday-Saturday, 7am-9:30pm
The dining area and full bar only enhance our affection for this former campus-area favorite. Hundreds of satisfied customers will testify that the flavorful chorizo migas are worth a drive across town.

Joe's Bakery and Mexican Food2305 E. Seventh, 472-0017 Tuesday-Sunday, 7am-3pm
An Eastside landmark since 1963, Joe's is a great place to belly up to the counter and devour a steaming plate of huevos rancheros, migas, or award-winning menudo. Wash it down with bottomless cups of hot coffee and grab a few delicious pan dulces out of the pastry case to tide you over till lunch.

Juan in a Million

2300 E. Cesar Chavez, 472-3872 Daily, 7am-3pm
The breakfast menu here has a loyal following, and regular customers chat back and forth between tables like old friends. This friendly joint offers one of our favorite "heart attack" breakfasts, gorditas with chorizo and fried eggs slathered with chile con queso.

La Reyna Restaurant1816 S. First, 447-1280 Monday-Friday, 7am-9:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 8am-8:30pm
This bustling South Austin eatery serves breakfast fit for a queen, just as the name implies. There is something very reassuring about reliable versions of traditional Mexican breakfasts such as huevos rancheros, migas, and huevos con chorizo served in a friendly family atmosphere.

Las Manitas Avenue Cafe

211 Congress, 472-9357 Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 7am-2:30pm
Long recognized as the preferred breakfast spot for political power brokers and SXSW pilgrims alike, this small downtown cafe run by the formidable Perez sisters is equally famous for the quality of the food. Relax on the back patio with a refreshing glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice or a frosty agua de horchata and devour a plate of Migas Especiales con Hongos or Huevos Motulenos, and you'll be ready to take on the world.

Taco X-Press

2529 S. Lamar, 444-0261 Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm; Saturday, 8am-3pm; Sunday, 9am-3pm
Taco queen Maria Corbalan's funky little joint with the brightly decorated patio is the heart and soul of South Austin. If you arrive early enough, the hundreds of breakfast taco variations can be eaten on fresh homemade corn tortillas. Great migas, great hot sauce, full bar.