If there’s one thing about Texas, the portions are generous and Mexican cuisine and BBQ are king. The lively city of Austin has both of these and so much more. According to Eater Austin, “the ample selection of excellent Tex-Mex and barbecue is a given at this point. But not everyone knows that this is the city where everyone tests out ideas with food trucks, which pop up every which way to see what dishes really stick enough to expand with their own physical restaurants. The city also takes pride in sourcing locally, despite the heat and levels of drought Central Texas often faces. It all fuses together to create that specific oh-so-very Austin brand of eating and drinking.”
Black restaurant owners have carved a niche for themselves here with great success. In addition to the expected BBQ and soul food, there are Black-owned restaurants offering pancakes, African food, pastries and more. And as you check these places out, be sure to show love to the other Black-owned businesses in Austin, some of which we’ve listed here.
Here are 6 Black-owned eateries offering brunch in Austin.
Bird Bird Biscuit
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Nothing slaps like fried chicken and biscuits for brunch! Located on Manor Road, Bird Bird Biscuit is co-owned by a Black man.
As of now, they have have an advance order/pickup model. Everything is made fresh to order.
Aside from the chicken sandwiched between buttery biscuits, there are other items including Little Dipper (a grilled cheese biscuit sandwich). There’s a broad selection of drinks and snacks as well.
Habesha
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Habesha has been servicing the Austin area since 2013 and offers a warm and beautiful environment to dine and drink.
According to the website, “Habesha is a term Ethiopians and Eritreans use to refer to themselves. It’s a term of pride.”
Ethiopian food is known to be loaded with flavor and offers something for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
JP's Pancake Company
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We’ve featured this Austin-based food truck before. It’s the first of its kind in the city.
This technically is more of a dinner spot since it opens around 5PM. Pancakes for breakfast? Absolutely.
You choose the kind of pancake you’d like as your base. Then you can add as many toppings as you crave from syrups to nuts, fruits to spreads. You can even request a dollop of whipped cream!
The Rolling Rooster
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Treat yourself to some of the best soul food in Texas at The Rolling Rooster. The top food there is said to be the chicken and waffles.
The Instagram page is a feast for the eyes for sure. Hush puppies, mac and cheese, fried fish, onion rings, collard greens- you may have to take some home with you!
You can eat in the restaurant, pick up or have the food delivered.
Hoover's Cooking
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This eatery was founded by Hoover Alexander, who grew up in Austin. He’s a master at making farm-to-table meals, because that’s what he learned growing up.
The restaurant offers southern fare, BBQ, Tex-Mex and Cajun. There are also salads, sandwiches, desserts and beverages like the unique sweet potato coffee.
The restaurant has been featured in Zagat and USA Today among other publications.
Cajun Skillet
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Cajun Skillet offers a Sunday Brunch from 11 to 2. Try the Magnolia omelette which is filled with jambalaya. There’s also the shrimp grits, chicken and waffles and beignets (French donuts covered in powdered sugar).
If you have an event, Cajun Skillet has food truck packages. Find more info about them here.
