Second Helpings: Breakfast Ole!
Where to find the best huevos rancheros, migas, and other tasty Mexican breakfast items in Austin.
Fri., March 15, 2002
"Second Helpings" offers tasty, bite-sized listings compiled from new and previous reviews. Today's entries were updated by MM Pack. For quick, reliable info about Austin eateries, check here.
Las Manitas
211 Congress, 472-9357 Mon-Fri, 7am-4pm; Sat-Sun, 7am-2:30pmLong recognized as the preferred breakfast spot for political power brokers and SXSW pilgrims alike, this small downtown cafe run by the formidable Perez sisters is equally famous for the quality of the food. Relax on the back patio with a refreshing glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice or a frosty agua de horchata and devour a plate of Migas Especiales con Hongos or Huevos Motulenos, and you'll be ready to take on the world.
El Sol y la Luna1224 S. Congress, 444-7770 Sun-Tue, 7am-3pm; Wed-Sat, 7am-10pm www.elsolylaluna.citysearch.com
This whimsically decorated eatery serves as the coffee shop for the SoCo chic South Austin Motel and is as great a place to people-watch as it is to eat breakfast -- and that's saying a lot. Late sleepers needn't worry; the stellar menu of breakfast specialties is available all day. Try the Omelette del Sol (eggs with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and cheddar) or the Omelette de la Luna (eggs with spinach, onions, tomatoes, and jack cheese) or the Omelette del Eclipse with all of the above.
El Nopalito2809 S. First, 326-2026 Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm; Sat-Sun, 8am-2pm
Patrons of this little, brightly painted South Austin neighborhood joint swear by the hefty breakfast tacos and exemplary migas. It's also known as a quiet weekend spot in which to consume a credible version of the well-known Mexican hangover cure, menudo.
Dario's1800 E. Sixth, 479-8105 Tue-Thu, 7am-4pm; Fri-Sat, 7am-10pm; Sun, 7am-3pm
Check the parking lot for police vehicles, because this place is a longtime favorite of many of Austin's finest. The aroma of fajitas attracts hungry diners to this often-crowded little restaurant tucked into a small business center on East Sixth. Try the Fajita Omelette with grilled peppers, onions, potatoes, and beans. Que rico!
Juan in a Million2300 E. Cesar Chavez, 472-3872 Daily, 7am-3pm
The breakfast menu here has a loyal following, and regular customers chat back and forth between tables like old friends. This friendly joint offers one of our favorite "heart attack" breakfasts, gorditas with chorizo and fried eggs slathered with chile con queso. Arteries are hardening all around the room, but the food's so good, no one seems the least bit concerned.
Cisco's Bakery1511 E. Sixth, 478-2420 Daily, 7am-2:30pm
Cisco's has been in the breakfast business for 50 years and is still going strong, though the second generation of the Cisneros family runs the place these days. They still serve good migas, huevos rancheros, and hot biscuits and healthy doses of Austin political history (check out the photos on the dining room walls).
Enchiladas y Mas 1911 W. Anderson, 467-7100 Tue-Sat, 7am-9:15pm; Sun, 7am-2:30pm
Several Chronicle staffers mourned when these folks lost the lease on their I-35 location, but the move to a new northwest home hasn't damaged the quality of the food one bit. The expanded dining area and full bar only enhance our affection for the former campus-area favorite. Hundreds of satisfied customers will testify that the flavorful chorizo migas are worth a drive across town. The hearty breakfasts here are the kind of meals that stay with you all day.
Joe's Bakery2305 E. Seventh, 472-0017 Tue-Sun, 6am-2pm
An Eastside landmark since 1963, Joe's is a great place to belly up to the counter and devour a steaming plate of huevos rancheros, migas, or award-winning menudo. Wash it down with bottomless cups of hot coffee and grab a few delicious pan dulces out of the pastry case to tide you over till lunch.
La Reyna1816 S. First, 447-1280 Mon-Thu, 7am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 7am-10pm;
Sun, 8am-9pm www.lareyna.citysearch.com
This bustling South Austin eatery serves breakfast fit for a queen, just as the name implies. There is something very reassuring about reliable versions of traditional Mexican breakfasts such as huevos rancheros, migas, and huevos con chorizo served in a friendly family atmosphere.
Arturo's Bakery & Cafe314 W. 17th, 469-0380 Mon-Fri, 7am-2:30pm; Sat, 8am-1pm
This cozy little treasure tucked into a side street is a real find in the artsy district between the Capitol area and the UT campus. You can't go wrong with more than 50 varieties of hearty breakfast tacos, an assortment of breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, or breakfast platters with eggs and pancakes. With a menu this diverse, breakfast can always be the most important meal of the day.
Taco X-Press2529-A S. Lamar, 444-0261 Mon, 7am-3pm; Tue-Fri, 7am-9pm;
Sat, 8am-9pm; Sun, 9am-2pm
Taco queen Maria Corbalan's funky little joint with the brightly decorated patio is the heart and soul of South Austin. If you arrive early enough, the hundreds of breakfast taco variations can be eaten on fresh homemade corn tortillas. Great migas, great hot sauce, full bar.
