You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.
Set in Austin, TX, Counter Cafe has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Counter Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
The space leans casual — exposed brick, mismatched chairs, a chalkboard menu that changes with the seasons — but the cooking is dialed in.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
If you're a group of four or more, call ahead. They sometimes take small reservations for parties of four-plus, even when the website says walk-in only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Austin, Counter Cafe is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It's the kind of brunch that reminds you why we made brunch a tradition in the first place.
Tips from the regulars
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 07:00-15:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Counter Cafe open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 07:00-15:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Counter Cafe take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Austin are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Counter Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes — Counter Cafe welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Counter Cafe serve?
It's classified under brunch — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Austin.
Is there outdoor seating at Counter Cafe?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 603 West 29th Street. Coordinates: 30.2954, -97.7433. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.