Austin, Texas, is known for its live music, cool vibes, and, of course, amazing food!
When I first moved here I thought... HOLY CRAP these prices are outrageous for food. In general I even found it much higher than New York City.
While Austin can get pricey for food, especially when it comes to breakfast, it doesn’t have to be. I've found some of the best budget-friendly breakfast spots in Austin that will be a treat for you and won't break the bank.
Here’s a guide to some of the best breakfast spots in Austin where you can fill up without emptying your wallet.
All of these gems offer top-rated breakfasts that range from $10 - $20 per person. Let’s dig in! 🥞🌮
1. Juan in a Million
📍 Location: 2300 E Cesar Chavez St
If you’re in Austin and haven’t heard of Juan in a Million, you’re missing out! Famous for its gigantic portions, this spot serves up the Don Juan El Taco Grande—a massive taco filled with potatoes, eggs, bacon, and cheese for under $7. It’s big enough to share, but you might not want to! Their menu also features other Tex-Mex classics like Huevos Rancheros and Migas, all at budget-friendly prices. Plus, owner Juan Meza’s legendary handshake is a must-experience. 🤝🌮
2. Bouldin Creek Café
📍 Location: 1900 S 1st St
For all the veggie lovers out there, Bouldin Creek Café is your go-to spot. This local favorite serves up delicious vegetarian and vegan breakfasts that are as affordable as they are tasty. Try the Renedict ($12), a vegetarian take on Eggs Benedict, or any omelete as a Tofu Scramble, which is packed with flavor and hearty enough to keep you full till lunch. The café’s artsy, laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect place to start your day. 🌱🍳
3. Kerbey Lane Café
📍 Location: Multiple locations, including 3704 Kerbey Lane and 2200 Aldrich St
Kerbey Lane Café is an Austin classic, perfect for any time you crave breakfast. Their Breakfast Platter ($11.49) is a must-try, featuring huge, fluffy pancakes that come in seasonal flavors like pumpkin or gingerbread. Don’t miss out on their Migas ($11.49), a Tex-Mex classic. Scrambled eggs with pico de gallo & tortilla chips, topped with choice of homemade sauce & melted cheddar jack cheese. With a menu full of diverse options, there's something for everyone at Kerbey Lane. 🥞🧀
4. Tacodeli
📍 Location: Multiple locations, including 4200 N Lamar Blvd and 7301 Burnet Rd
Tacodeli is the spot for breakfast tacos that won’t break the bank. For me I need at least two to three tacos to feel full. Favorites include the Migas Taco ($3.95), featuring scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, and cheese, and the Jess Special ($4.25), with scrambled eggs, jack cheese, and avocado. Tacodeli prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. 🌮🥑
5. Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop
📍 Location: 2305 E 7th St
Step into Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop for a dose of nostalgia and some seriously good Tex-Mex. Since 1962, this family-owned spot has been serving up breakfast classics. Try the Huevos Rancheros ($12) or Chorizo & Egg Tacos (Starting at $2.75 each), both packed with authentic flavors. The warm, retro diner atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a comforting, affordable breakfast. 🥚🌶️
6. Counter Café
📍 Location: 626 N Lamar Blvd
Counter Café is a small diner with big flavor. Their Eggs Any Style ($11), served with a biscuit, your choice of meat, is filling delicious and affordable. The Biscuits & Gravy ($8 for 2), featuring homemade biscuits smothered in rich, savory gravy, is another favorite. The cozy, nostalgic atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot to start your day. 🍳🍞
7. Magnolia Café
📍 Location: 1920 S Congress Ave
Magnolia Café is another local favorite, known for its eclectic menu and quirky atmosphere. Start off with their The Economical ($11), two eggs any style and Two Breakfast Sides (Home Fries, Black Beans, Fruit, Toast, English Muffin). Their Love Migas ($13.50), with eggs, tortilla strips, tomatoes, onions, and cheese, is another popular choice. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, Magnolia Café offers something for everyone, any time of day open until 10pm daily. 🥑🌮
8. El Primo
📍 Location: 2011 S 1st St (food truck)
El Primo is a food truck serving up some of the best breakfast tacos in town. Simple and delicious, you can’t go wrong with the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Taco ($2.50) or the Chorizo, Egg, and Cheese Taco ($2.50). Each taco is made fresh to order, ensuring you get a warm, tasty meal every time. Perfect for a quick and affordable breakfast on the go. 🚚🌮
9. Vegan Nom
📍 Location: 2324 E Cesar Chavez St (food truck)
For vegan breakfast tacos that pack a punch, check out Vegan Nom. The Rockin’ Migas ($4.75), featuring tofu scramble, black beans, and avocado, and the Del Ray Fish Taco ($5.50), breaded lemon-pepper fish, cabbage, avocado, crema, and cilantro are both crowd-pleasers. The relaxed food truck setting and innovative menu make Vegan Nom a unique and satisfying breakfast experience. 🌮🌱
10. Eggman ATX Breakfast Sandwiches
📍 Location: 1311 S 1st Street (Bouldin Creek area)
A change up from the typical breakfast taco and Tex-Mex scene in Austin, Eggman ATX specializes in breakfast sandwiches that hail from NYC. Inspired by the bodegas he grew up with the born-and-raised New Yorker owner features a variety of mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches ("A taco free zone") like the Bacon Egg and Cheese ($8.79), Sausage Egg and Cheese, and The Big Mess servied on an Italian Kaiser roll and your choice from his house made daily Eggman Sauce. The owner noticed a major gap in the Austin breakfast food scene and decided to open up this food truck to share with others his passion for cooking. Each sandwich is made with high-quality ingredients, eggs are cracked for every order and served fresh. The food truck park and setting adds a fun, casual vibe to your morning meal. 🍳🥪
Austin might be known for its pricey food scene, but these breakfast spots prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a fantastic meal.
From classic Tex-Mex to vegan delights to NYC-inspired breakfast sandwiches, there’s something for everyone—and all for under $20 per person.
So go ahead and treat yourself to a delicious, budget-friendly breakfast at one of these top-rated Austin spots. You deserve it! ☕🍴 Enjoy your breakfast adventure in Austin! 🌟