Must Visit Breakfast Spots
I’m a longtime breakfast lover. There’s something about a great breakfast, from an elegant Quiche to a simple Breakfast Taco that literally jump starts my business day or sets the stage for a leisurely weekend. These are some of my favorite breakfasts around the River City.
Hoe Cakes at Hoover’s Cooking
This is both a delicious and historic dish. It’s name derives from pre-Civil War days when field hands working with hoes would mix cornmeal and a little flour and cook these cakes on the flat blades over an open fire. They’d use the flat blades of their hoes.
Today Hoover Alexander pays homage to this part of history with his own version of the hoe cake.
To say they are delicious as well as filling is an understatement. The crispy exterior covers the soft and tasty interior. I ate two and was stuffed. Alas they are only available on weekends. But do try them!!!
Huevos Rancheros at Joe’s Bakery
I don’t how long I’ve been going to this cozy little spot on E 7th but now that papa Joe has passed, Rosie and the gang haven’t changed a thing. The Huevos Rancheros are still the best in town. Get the eggs over easy with an order of their grilled bacon dipped in an egg wash and flour. The frijoles and corn tortillas finish it off. The ranchera sauce is also irresistible. Magnifico!!!!!
The Lobster Eggs Benedict at Cafe Blue
Ben Nathan has always been one of my favorite chefs. Love his Clam Chowder and his Cubano. But the Sunday brunch showcases one of his best dishes: the Maine Lobster Eggs Benedict.
This is purely and simply culinary bliss. The crisp English Muffin is adorned with a perfectly poached egg, hollandaise, and ample chunks of sweet Maine lobster tail. Damn these are good. No more Canadian Bacon for me:)
The Pancho Villa at the Austin Diner
This almost perfect dish is not even on the menu. You have to ask Silviano to make one. But that is a request you’ll feel good about.
It’s kind of a cross between Huevos Rancheros and a frittata with queso but it is smoking good. Made with layers of flour tortillas, this dish resonates with wonderful flavors and textures.
Breakfast Tacos at Curras
Austin has tons of breakfast taco spots, some of which merit the attention they get and some which frankly don’t but Curras on East Oltorf remains my favorite.
Jorge and his crew (his mother made the tacos for quite some time) have continued the delicious tradition.
My favorite is the bacon, egg, onion and cheese on a warm corn tortilla. I can polish three off without even coming up for air. There’s something I can’t quite put a finger on that ratchets these up from the rest. Maybe it’s their house made salsas, or the homemade tortillas but it’s hard to find a more compelling breakfast taco in our town.
Sweet Potato Hash at 24 Diner
This is another killer breakfast which I’ve had for lunch and dinner as well.
The N Lamar diner offers consistently great fare but the has is over the top. It’s diced sweet potatoes, sausage, onions, jalapeños and two fresh cooked eggs stirred in. The flavors are irresistible and it’s a fairly low carb dish as well (due to the glycemic index of the sweet potatoes).
Kudos to 24 Diner on this one.
Blueberry Pancakes at Kerbey Lane Cafe
No story about breakfast would be complete without mentioning the mouth watering Blueberry Pancakes at Kerbey Lane Cafe.
These are plump, hot-off-the-griddle cakes have extremely engaging yet wonderfully nuanced tastes. They aren’t stingy with the blueberries either making sure the balance is always right.
We usually go to the one off William Cannon but there are other locations as well. This local chain has been around for quite some time and for good reason.
Email Rob at rbbalon1@gmail.com with your recommendations.
