Lovely Day

We know your Burger City tote is stuffed with enough energy bars to build a fortress, but, admit it, you're kinda over flax. And you're not too busy to eat something better. These open-early eateries will get you ready for panels, early showcases, and mid-afternoon naps. Remember, if it doesn't have eggs in it, it's probably not breakfast.

Counter Cafe (Photo by John Anderson)

Counter Cafe

Yes, you can get biscuits and gravy, steak and eggs, and a fluffy stack of hotcakes – but don't you dare call Counter Cafe a greasy spoon. Here, diner classics are made from organic and locally sourced ingredients, and you'll get more class than sass from the waitstaff. It's worth lingering for the bottomless cup of coffee.

1886 Cafe & Bakery

Why is everybody suddenly dressing like Grover Cleveland? The 1880s are cool, of course, but you already knew that. And this historic cafe inside the Driskill Hotel knows it too. Here you can titter about last night's peccadilloes and whooperups over a pecan waffle, a Brie Benedict, and some very strong coffee. But be warned that the dining room is quite bright. Throw on some shades, even if they are newfangled.

Veracruz All Natural

There are breakfast tacos and then there are the tortilla-wrapped spells that Veracruz conjures. If Stevie Nicks, Lorde, and Melissa Joan Hart were to form a super megacoven, they probably couldn't make as much magic as the Vazquez sisters do with eggs, cheese, and cilantro. We're not saying you should sell your soul for their migas taco; we're just saying it's probably worth it.

Easy Tiger (Photo by John Anderson)

Easy Tiger

So your day's outfit is too hot for you to sit still. That doesn't mean you get to skip breakfast. Besides, you can artfully lean on one foot while standing in line at Easy Tiger. On weekday mornings, get a small cup of Texas Coffee Trader's brew and pair it with perfect pastries like Danish snails, tiger claws, and pain au chocolat. It's only $5 – good news since you maxed out your Amex boot shopping at Helm.

Cisco's

Add up the ages of all the performers at Fader Fort. Cisco's has (probably) been around longer. They achieved that staying power by sticking to a few simple plates – huevos rancheros, migas, omelets, and breakfast tacos – done perfectly time after time. The focus is on Tex-Mex, but don't leave without trying one of their biscuits.

Still hungry? Search hundreds of restaurants by location, cuisine, neighborhood, and price at austinchronicle.com/restaurant.