Weekend Brunches Around the River City
District – Eggs Benedict
District Kitchen + Cocktails
This newish bistro at Escarpment and Slaughter has a really interesting brunch. Eggs Benedict that stand out from the pack. And beignet style biscuits with syrup that are irresistible. The beet salad is also quite good.
Fonda San Miguel
This is the El Rey (king) of Mexican brunches, and it’s always packed on Sundays. Fonda San Miguel is one of Austin’s oldest and most endearing restaurants, and their brunch is a must-visit affair. I always get the Nopalitos which is made from the Prickly Pear Cactus. The ceviches are the best in the city.
Café Blue
Chef Ben Nathan has crafted a Sunday brunch out at the Galleria that just rocks. The Eggs Benedict with Maine Lobster are decadent and delicious. Ditto for the Bananas Foster French Toast and the Blue Corn Migas.
Moonshine
From the mini Kolaches to the Green Chile Cheese grits Larry Perdido and his team have come up with a buffet style brunch that reflects what foodies have come to know about the delights of Moonshine.
Chavez
Never thought I’d ever set foot into the Radisson on Lady Bird Lake again until Shawn Cirkiel opened Chavez in the restaurant. Well, I went for brunch the other day and it was as I expected: lots of tasty Hill Country style dishes blending culture and cuisine into a highly appealing melange of tasty chow. Nice move, Shawn!
Trio
The best and most expensive of all Sunday brunches, but once in a while one must throw the budget to the winds. We went on Father’s Day and started with nigiri sushi and maki that were exquisite. The Pork Loin slicing tray accompanied with a huge dollop of Horesradish cream sauce was superb. The salads were delightful and the Bourbon Street Bread Pudding…well, let’s just say that it’s a good thing Father’s Day comes once a year.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Like Moonshine, JAK has a comfort food brunch on Sundays that reflects the regular offerings of the restaurant. They also offer up pancakes and egg dishes not on the buffet. Price is reasonable but be prepared for a wait!
Freda’s Seafood Grill
On Pecan Park at 620, this neat and lovely restaurant does a brunch with the emphasis on New Orleans style seafood. I like the Crab Stuffed Avocado and the Bourbon Street Pasta along with the Fried Shrimp and Seafood Gumbo. And there’s always Freda herself. She’s a blast and a great hostess.
Chinatown
Dim Sum is the Chinese version of Brunch. Ronald Cheng and his crew at the newly reopened Chinatown on Bee Caves are serving up a kick-butt dim sum feast. A delicious assortment of pork and shrimp dumplings and shumai along with soups and congee. This has got something for everyone
Green Pastures
One of Austin’s oldest and most stately buildings also houses one of Austin’s most enduring brunches. I’ve enjoyed the Hot Pepper Pork Ribs with Wasabi BBQ, The Flat Iron Steak, The Pork with Dos Lunas Cheddar and Jalapeno, The Split Pea Dip with Parmesan and Won Tons and so much more. One of the higher priced brunches at $38 but worth it. They serve a ton of food here.
Barlata
One of the newest additions to our Top 20, this South Lamar gem offers up a variety of Tapas and Paellas. I love the Tortilla de Espinacas which features, spinach, onion and a Manchego omelet. The Pincho Moruno is a must try: a lamb brochette cucumber salad and a red pepper sauce. Then try Arros Negre Paella. This is a wonderful dish and features Spanish Rice, Squid, Clams, Sepia, and Squid Ink. Marveloso!
062620141541
