Carrob’s Café

Carrob’s Café

Austin seems to be perpetually starved for great little breakfast and lunch joints. This is especially true in the downtown area. So it is with a sense of something bordering on relief that I introduce you to Carrob’s Café at 603 Sabine, just around the corner from The Boiling Pot on E 6th St,

The name Carrob’s comes from an amalgamation of the first names of the two owners, Carol and Rob. They’re from Jefferson City, MO and man, I am glad they’ve relocated to the River City.

I’m an unrequited breakfast freak and I adore a proper omelet. Carrob’s has a virtually unlimited number of ingredients: hence endless possibilities and all good. I love the Omelet with three eggs, American cheese, mushrooms, onions, and sausage. The key is to make it on the soft side and Carrob’s delivers. I love the way they grill their bread that comes along with the omelet. Another favorite omelet of mine is the Spinach, Tomatoes, Cheese and fresh Habaneros. This is both zesty and mellow, but again, very hard to pass by. And no self respecting breakfast joint would be worth its sea salt without a Chicken Fried Steak with gravy, eggs, hash browns, and toast. You need to get the eggs scrambled to take full advantage of the seriously tasty gravy. This little slice of southern Americana is just perfect.

And there’s more. They make serious Pancakes at Carrob’s and as well as a very serviceable biscuits and gravy. If you’re looking for tasty carbs, both of these will more than suffice. The biscuits are actually amazing with incredible texture (and I’m not usually a biscuit fan).

The lunch side of the menu at Carrob’s is one that should not be overlooked because they whip some serious vittles! They make a Cheddar Cheese and Broccoli soup that really got my attention. Great flavors here. The Ms. Patty Melt is also a great representation of the genre. Wonderfully gooey and just laden with flavor, this rocks. Likewise for the Carrob’s Club Sandwich with shaved ham, bacon, avocados and all the fixings. This one goes down beautifully. The Chili Cheese Hot Dog is another lip smacker. The hot dog is typically overlooked at most places like this but Carrob’s gives it its full due. And you want to talk about great taste and a great deal: how about a dozen expertly prepared Buffalo wings for $5.75? Now that’s compelling on many levels. Vegetarians need not shy away from Carrob’s either. The Veggie Quesadilla is packed with flavor and a virtual garden of healthy and colorful vegetables. It’s a nice choice among many.

Still hungry? Top it off with their unique BBQ Baked Potato. I like mine with their scrumptious pulled pork and a mound of accoutrements. The flavors in this spud are worth remembering. So its densely caloric: what the heck. Live a little.

Carrob’s Csfe is open for lunch and dinner. The staff is unfailingly pleasant and each visit here is better than the last.