Ah, South By. That time of year when the live music capital of the world becomes one massive block party. Days stretch into nights and back into days again. If nonstop entertainment, jetlag, or general laziness has you waking up craving migas and mimosas at 4pm, these 12 eateries ensure you can break your fast on your own schedule.
24 DINER
600 N. LamarOpen 24 hrs. daily, except Wed., 1am-6am
This upscale American diner covers the classics, while also offering chicken ‘n’ (Belgian) waffles, a killer shrimp and grits, and a decadent roasted banana/brown sugar milkshake. Cage-free eggs, nitrate-free pork, and local, organic produce comes standard here.
THE VEGAN NOM
120 E. North Loop; 913 E. Cesar ChavezTue.-Sun., 7:30am-4pm
This all-vegan Tex-Mex joint now operates two trailers serving breakfast tacos all day. Try the SXSW BRK: tofu scramble, cheddar, and seitan brisket. Vegan migas, country sausage, chorizo, and tempeh bacon are all made in-truck.
COUNTER CAFE
626 N. Lamar; 1914 E. SixthDaily, 7:30am-4pm
Southern poached eggs, crab cake Benedict, and biscuits and gravy are just a few of the Southern comforts at this American diner. Now serving more of Austin with east and west locations.
CRÊPE CRAZY
3103 S. Lamar; @crepecrazy on Twitter for food truck locationMon.-Sat., 9am-9pm; Sun., 9am-4pm
Making decisions before you’ve had coffee can be hard. At this deaf-owned and -operated South Austin crêperie, the important question is: sweet or savory? Is it a yogurt-banana-strawberry-toasted almonds-and-honey kinda day? Or more like smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, whipped cream cheese, and capers? We personally like a little bit of both – prosciutto, arugula, brie, apricot jam, and extra virgin olive oil. “Point and ye shall receive.”
TAMALE HOUSE EAST
1707 E. SixthTue.-Wed., 8am-3pm; Thu.-Sat.,
8am-10pm; Sun., 8am-5pm
The Valera family’s tamaleria and patio is more than a hipster hangout. The breakfast tacos hit the spot, and the tamales are tops – duh. But we always go for Mom’s Migas. And a Mexican iced coffee made with horchata. And a carafe of mimosas.
THE OMELETTRY
4631 Airport Ste. 131-ADaily, 7am-5pm
This is our big plate breakfast go-to: eleven specialty omelettes, French toast, Benedict, flapjacks, and some of the most crave-worthy home fries in town.
BLUE DAHLIA BISTRO
1115 E. 11thMon.-Fri., 8am-10pm; Sat.-Sun., 9am-10pm
We love this quaint French bistro and its secret garden back patio for a break from the bustle. Petit déjeuner options include the daily frittata, blueberry blintzes, an open-faced tartine with brie, walnuts, and jam, or a fresh Parisian baguette with butter, ham, Havarti, and dill cream cheese.
MI MADRE’S
2201 Manor RoadMon.-Tue., 6am-2pm; Wed.-Sat., 6am-10pm;
>Sun., 8am-4pm
Make your way to this Manor Road Tex Mex joint for a Texas-sized breakfast burrito and our favorite table chips and salsa. Or if you’re on the go, stop in at the taco window. Grab a sweet horchata if your thirst need a quench.
BOULDIN CREEK CAFE
1900 S. FirstMon.-Fri., 7am-12mid.; Sat.-Sun., 8am-12mid.
This vegan/vegetarian cafe is a South Austin hot spot. Head here for the Granola Sunrise with vegan ambrosia; the eggs Renedict with tofu bacon and vegan hollandaise; or the zucchini migas.
JOE’S BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP
2305 E. SeventhTue.-Sun., 6:30am-3pm
Joe Avila’s family has served Austinites for over 75 years. For under seven bucks, you get a mountain of migas. Still hungry? Grab a pumpkin empanada or an apple turnover from the bakery case on your way out.
TACODELI
1500 Spyglass; 4200 N. LamarBreakfast all day Sat.-Sun., 8am-3pm
The Vaquero taco with eggs, roasted peppers, and crunchy grilled corn is a favorite, but you can’t go wrong with any choice paired with Tacodeli’s award-winning salsa doña.
CHERRYWOOD COFFEEHOUSE
1400 E. 38th ½Daily, 7am-12mid.
We love the fact that this neighborhood coffeeshop has a build-your-own breakfast sandwich, great espresso drinks, and free yoga – if you can get up in time. Shoestring potatoes in the breakfast tacos are also a nice touch.
This article appears in March 11 • 2016.