Fun Sunday Brunch Spots in Austin

There are two types of people on this planet: those who go to brunch, and those who are way too tired to even attempt to leave the house that early on a weekend morning. I fall into the second camp. However, pretty much all of my friends belong in the first. That means for the past two years that I’ve been in Austin, I have been forced out of my Sunday slumber to come try a new brunch spot with them.

Now, I try to look at the positive of all situations. One on hand, I can secretly resent my friends for forcing me out of the house so early. Or on the other hand, I can relax, have a mimosa, and add an entire list of brunch places to my Austin restaurant rolodex. Well, I chose the latter and here is exactly that: 4 brunch spots you have to check out when in Austin!

1. Paper Boy

This was the first brunch spot I went to when I moved to Austin. Paper Boy has a special place in my heart for that reason, as well as for it's awesome staple “Paper Boy pancake”. Overall, the restaurant has a casual, community-oriented vibe. The relaxed, modernly decorated, feel inside the restaurant uplifts your mood. It feels perfect for a Sunday morning outing. When it comes to food, the pancake isn’t the only good thing on the menu. Their Chicken Biscuit offers a solid, crispy piece of fried chicken on a fresh biscuit that’s topped with a fried egg. Their steak and eggs dish is also a delicious choice to go with. Of course, they have so many more items on the menu that I have yet to try, but I am sure taste great as well. Paper Boy also has a wide selection of specially made toasts and pastries, along with an eclectic cocktail menu. Everything is freshly made, and instantly tastes that way the minute you bite down.

I would rate Paper boy based on the food and ambiance an 8.9/10.

A must try in Austin for sure!

2. Stella San Jac

If you happen to find yourself roaming in Downtown Austin or are staying there when traveling, Stella San Jac is a great choice for brunch. Located in the Westin Austin, Stella San Jac has a variety of popular brunch options. It’s outside seating is also a perfect to people watch downtown. The restaurant has a green color scheme all around the inside and outdoor areas, which adds a nice feeling to the ambience. The color scheme is one of the things that I remember most about Stella San Jac, and it definitely makes it memorable amongst the many restaurants in downtown Austin. The deviled eggs and biscuits were pretty good appetizers. The pancake I had also made for a solid brunch entree.

I rate Stella San Jac a 8.6/10

3. Colleen’s

If you want a classic Southern brunch in Austin, Colleen’s is the way to go. Located in the heart of the Mueller district, Colleen’s brings a nice charm to your Southern brunch favorites. Instantly from walking in, the interior decor brings you straight into the past. The restaurant has the feeling of an old generational family home with whimsical wall paper, and old black and white family photos covering the walls.

For the food, the deviled eggs and biscuits were some of my favorite starters on the menu. They were classic dishes and well executed. I had the fried chicken for the main dish and it was also delicious. The waffles came in the shape of the state of Texas; a fun flare to the dish. The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside; a perfect combination.Colleen’s also has a full craft cocktail that I have to try when I go back.

Colleens’ is great spot for Sunday brunch with friends. Mueller Lake Park is right across the street from the restaurant, so after brunch you can take a relaxing stroll around the pond.

For final score, I give Colleen’s an 8.8/10

A must add to your Sunday brunch list

4. Este

This wouldn’t be the first place I would think of for brunch due to its eclectic menu filled with great Mexican seafood options, but Este will permanently have a spot on my “must try in Austin” list! Located on the east side of Austin, you can’t miss Este’s iconic blue house-looking building on Manor Rd. Este’s bright and modern interior functions for any occasion; casual to slightly more formal, brunch or dinner. Este’s menu offers creative Mexican twists and flavors to seafood favorites. If you’re going with a group of friends and are feeling celebratory, the seafood tower will guarantee to get the party started. The tower consisting of lobster, shrimp, oysters, and more, comes smoked and marinated in red chile.

Other menu items my friends and I enjoyed were the fish tacos (sword fish fried and served with shredded cabbage and habanero piquin hot sauce) and the Este ceviche( rockfish, avocado, chile oil, and carrot-peper salpicon)

Este is not a place you would instantly think of for brunch, but you won’t be disappointed with this out of the box option.

I would give Este a 9.1/10.

By Chloé Gouraige