Moonshine is located on Waller Creek at the corner of 3rd and Red River
If there’s one thing all real Texans love, it’s comfort food. Give us fried chicken, grits, and basically anything with melted cheese, and we’re a happy bunch.
Combine our appreciation for comfort food with our pride in Texas history, southern hospitality, and a good Bloody Mary, and we are in love.
For these very reasons, Battle of the Brunches Round 3 goes to Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill.
Rich History
Most Austinites have either visited or passed by the old Hofheinz-Reissig Store, a National Register property located at 3rd and Red River across from the Convention Center.
This 160 year old dry goods store, originally built as part of the Waterloo Compound, now operates as Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill, one of the most unforgettable brunch spots in the city.
Part of what makes Moonshine so special is the warm, communal-feeling atmosphere. The restaurant opened in 2003, nearly 150 years after the building was constructed, but the cedar and limestone dining rooms and tucked away patio above Waller Creek emanate deep Austin roots.
Grits, sausage, casserole, and more at Moonshine’s Sunday brunch (Credit: Charles Kim via Flickr CC)
Food Fit for Texas Royalty
Get crazy and try a Pomegranate Mimosa (Credit: Charles Kim via Flickr CC)
It’s probably best you walk into Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill expecting to expend your entire caloric budget for the day. With green chile cheese grits, fluffy biscuits, King Ranch casserole, pesto eggs (my favorite), and baked macaroni and cheese on your plate, you definitely won’t have room for any guilt.
If you’re looking to dine on the lighter side, you’re in luck: Moonshine also offers up some of the city’s best salads with their brunch buffet. You’ll also find seasonal fresh fruit and various miniature options (like tiny, adorable bagels), great for sampling a little bit of everything while still leaving room for, say, bread pudding.
Breakfast staples like Belgian waffles, cinnamon rolls, and biscuits and gravy almost always make an appearance. Like any good buffet, though, the selections vary each week, making multiple Sunday brunch visits a must.
As you’d expect with such a fantastic spread, Austinites flock to Moonshine’s Sunday brunch like moths to a flame. Get there early, closer to their 9 AM opening time, and you can expect to dodge the majority of the crowd.
If, like me, you amble into brunch around noon, don’t be turned off by a long wait time. Grab their summertime special, a glass of peach sangria, and take a seat on one of the heavy rocking chairs lining the front porch. The food and experience is well worth the wait.
@samwchampion asks:
Have you ever checked out Moonshine’s Sunday brunch?
Battle of the Brunches Round 1: South Congress Cafe
Battle of the Brunches Round 2: Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Battle of the Brunches Round 4: Magnolia Cafe
Battle of the Brunches Round 5: Josephine House
Battle of the Brunches Round 6: Bouldin Creek Cafe
- Battle of the Brunches Round 6: Bouldin Creek Cafe - October 27, 2014
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- Ranch to Table with River View at Jacoby’s - September 1, 2014
My favorite brunch is NOT a buffet, and Searsucker is the best in Austin. If you like Eggs Benedict, the Confit Benny will blow you away. Excellent food, knowledgeable and friendly staff, $10 mimosa carafes. If you love dessert, start with a sticky bun to share. Bon appétit!
@teamcinnaman:disqus, we love the folks at Searsucker and have worked with them through Eric’s events company, Zuver Events. Unfortunately, they weren’t founded here, so they’re not a fit for Austinot coverage!