Parents coming in town for the weekend? You know what that means — grocery shopping, maybe a little clothes shopping if you’re lucky, and most importantly, lots of good food. Take advantage of the fact that your family is in town and show them the best that Austin has to offer in terms of great cuisine. The following are the best of the best brunch spots to hit up in Austin, especially when your parents can foot the bill.
1. New Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant
You can catch up with your parents about school, life, boys, etc. while you wait in line for delicious soup dumplings, pork buns, and more. Weekend brunch starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m., so don’t be late.
2. Freedmen’s
Freedmen’s, aka a BBQ lover’s heaven, will have both you and your parents salivating over brisket, sausage, and jalapeño grits. Be a little adventurous and order the smoked meat trio of brisket, sausage, and spare ribs. Get it hot Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3. Eastside Cafe
Weekend brunch is served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and trust me y’all — you will not want to miss it. From apple almond waffles, blueberry blintzes and migas to enchiladas, smoked salmon ravioli, and French toast served with cheese grits, both you and your parents will not be disappointed.
4. Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden
Beg your parents to bring your pup with them, because what more does a college student need than good music, good food, their parents and their dog in a canine-friendly atmosphere? On Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can order dishes such as corned beef hash, avocado toast, fried chicken and waffles, and more. Don’t forget to add their special “manmosa“.
5. Bouldin Creek Cafe
If you’re searching for a vegetarian and/or vegan-friendly brunch spot, look no further. Brunch starts at 8 a.m. on weekends, so get up early so you can take your parents on a hike or show them around South Congress. Don’t forget to take advantage of the egg substitute tofu scramble in dishes like tacos, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches.
#SpoonTip: Here are some more vegan friendly restaurants.
6. Paperboy
If your parents are coming in early and you want weekday brunch, Paperboy serves brunch 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekends. Operating from a food truck on both East 11th Street and Manchaca Road, your appetite will be satisfied with their array of breakfast sandwiches, toasts, and various hash dishes.
7. Le Politique
If your parents prefer a classier, French brasserie-style brunch, they’ve met their match. Served from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, Le Politique’s brunch menu features dishes like omelettes, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and more.
8. Holy Roller
Brunch is served daily here, but Sunday brunch is the best from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The unique downtown diner features pastries, dishes, and cocktails based on the seven deadly sins, such as lust, wrath, gluttony, pride, etc. Check out the cocktail menu for not only a good laugh, but good drinks, too.
#SpoonTip: If this pic made you drool and you’re now craving French fries, here is where to find the best fries in Austin.
9. Juliet Italian Kitchen
Located in Barton Springs, this restaurant has a new, to-die-for menu. Beginning at 11 a.m. on weekends, find yourself drooling over gnocchi hash, truffle polenta and eggs, and bread pudding French toast.
10. Tiny Boxwoods
As a native Houstonian, this is a personal favorite and I’m ecstatic Tiny’s has found its way to Austin. Have your parents treat you to a white wine mimosa, sangria, or beer with avocado toast or the beet and bean veggie burger. Don’t you dare forget a cookie for yourself and a couple for your parents to take on their trip back home. Saturday brunch is served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday brunch is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In case you need some more options, here you go. And here are some more restaurants you might want to eat at while your parents are in town. Here’s to great food and a great Parents’ Weekend.