13 Must-Try Breakfast Tacos in Austin

Surely you’ve heard by now: Austin reigns supreme when it comes to breakfast tacos. Don’t go home without sampling several of these iconic flavors. (Missing your favorite? Try this list of pizza, tacos, barbecue, and burgers.)

1) Mi Madre’s

Mi Madre’s menu has taco options #0-18, with standard issue fillings like egg, potato, rice, and refried beans, and more specialized treats like carne asada, adobada, and machacado. Vegetarians have plenty of choices at this Manor Road staple, too.

2) Joe’s Bakery and Coffee Shop

If you’ve not yet had chicharron, barbacoa, or picadillo for breakfast, you’re not living your best life. If you’re extra hungry, try the Miga Taco Con Todo. (Pro tip: They’ve got menudo, which, by the way, magically cures hangovers.)

3) El Primo

El Primo has a bunch of breakfast items in many shapes and sizes. In addition to the taco, try the breakfast burrito or torta. Scarf down a simple bean and cheese taco or place bets on who can finish a burrito with migas, ham, chorizo, and cheese.

4) Juan in a Million

Winner of our first-ever Thrilla in the Tortilla competition, and home of Don Juan El Taco Grande, this Cesar Chavez spot has been a neighborhood staple for decades, and now it’s a favorite of newcomers, too. Nopalitos, barbacoa, chorizo, and machacado are just a few of their tasty options that combine authenticity with Austin tradition.

5) Maria’s Taco Xpress

Owned by “South Austin’s Taco Queen” Maria Corbalan, this restaurant (and free live music venue), is loved by celebrities and locals alike. In addition to kickass tacos, they’ve got Hippie Church and free mimosas on Sundays.

6) Taco-Mex

A small window (literally) into the authentic kitchens of Mexican cuisine, Taco-Mex serves some of the best tacos in Austin at very low prices. Don’t miss this hidden space (next to a mini-mart and barber shop) where you can fulfill your migas, papas rancheras, and cactus breakfast taco needs.

7) Tamale House East

Don’t let the name fool you: This spot is a shining light in the taco world. We can’t stop ordering the grilled mushrooms, spinach, black beans and guacamole taco with a Mexican iced coffee.

8) El Chilito

El Chile’s little brother, El Chilito, has a variety of homemade-tasting breakfast tacos. The best part – aside from their farm eggs, vegan options, and warm tortillas – is that you can order them anytime of day.

9) Papalote Taco House

Scrambled eggs are the denim of breakfast tacos: They go with everything. Try boosting your veggie intake with surprise menu items like cactus, calabaza, and green beans. Yes, of course they also have bacon.

10) Marcelino Pan y Vino

So true to Mexican cuisine that stepping through the door feels like you’ve crossed the border, the breakfast tacos here are a real taste of Mexico. Try the papas rancheras and chorizo, or egg and bean for a wake-up call that’s certainly better than anything your concierge can offer.

11) Tyson’s Tacos

They’ve got a funky patio, a menu as strange and lovely as the city itself, and a breakfast taco named after our beloved mascot, Hank the Chron dog (veggy chorizo, scrambled egg, avocado, and queso fresco). We’re also all about The Rage because fried avocado and creamy Sriracha is a great way to kick off the day.

12) Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

Barbecue for breakfast? Absolutely. It’s potato, egg, cheese, and smoked brisket with tomato serrano salsa, to be exact. Fair warning: There’s no more breakfast served after 11am sharp.

13) Veracruz All Natural

Now with four locations, including a new convenient spot right off Hwy. 183 N., you’ve got no excuse to miss out on these tacos. We recommend the migas poblanos on their in-house corn tortillas.