Cenote’s breakfast sandwiches overflow with local ingredients and pasture-raised eggs
Before we begin, and in an effort to avoid any hurt feelings, I should make one thing clear: I love breakfast tacos. The combination of scrambled eggs, black beans, pico de gallo, and avocados on a freshly-made corn tortilla is one of the most satisfying meals I could ever order. It’s a dish that hasn’t let me down yet.
But when I relocated to Austin from the East Coast, my taste buds longed for something familiar to home: I was craving a breakfast sandwich. When my first Sunday morning in town rolled around, I set out to find the best breakfast sandwich Austin had to offer.
Sure enough, I found it. Actually, I found ten.
Here’s a list of my favorite Austin breakfast sandwiches that are sure to please East Coast natives and Austinites alike.
1/ Cenote
Built in 1887, this historic home-turned-café is a favorite among eastside residents and beyond, with a breakfast menu that boasts local ingredients, pasture-raised eggs and bacon from Flying Pig Provisions.
Cenote’s breakfast sandwich is served on ciabatta with egg and cheese. I choose bacon for my meat and add tomatoes and avocados—because you know, balance. While I would prefer my eggs a little more runny, the bacon is cut into bits instead of strips, a feature I appreciate.
Breakfast served daily, open-4 p.m. – Website
2/ FoodHeads
Eggs & Greens breakfast sandwich at FoodHeads
“Fresh & Hand-Crafted Daily” is FoodHead’s ethos. Located between North Campus and Hyde Park, this little house is a gem. I recently tried the Eggs & Greens because it comes with both arugula and sliced avocados—one of my favorite combinations on an egg sandwich.
Served on homemade multigrain toast, the arugula was crisp and the scrambled eggs were cooked with grape tomatoes, grilled onions and serrano peppers. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Breakfast served Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Website
3/ Republic of Sandwich
Editor’s Note: As of late March 2017, Republic of Sandwich is Capitol Sandwich, a trailer at 2308 Hancock Dr.
Located just off Burnet Road, tiny Republic of Sandwich cooks up sandwiches that are grandiose in flavor. With house-cured meats and artisanal sides, chefs Thomas and Pete invent sandwiches that are both creative and delicious.
For my recent meal, I chose the Meltastic on an everything bagel. The J-Roc’s pulled pork was tempting, but the Meltastic included arugula. Like I mentioned before, it’s an ingredient I can rarely forgo.
Between the substantial amounts of flavorful turkey, melted cheddar and fresh arugula, I was in breakfast sandwich heaven—exactly where I wanted to be on a Sunday morning.
Breakfast served Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. – Website
4/ Counter Café
Counter Cafe’s Egg Sandwich is simply delicious
If you’ve been to Counter Café, you know it’s the perfect location to eat fresh, local foods while still getting that cozy diner feel. I recommend sitting at the bar for the ultimate experience.
During my last visit, I ordered the Egg Sandwich. While it’s one of the simpler breakfast items on the menu, it didn’t disappoint. Even with a heavy dose of bacon, it was one of the lightest breakfast sandwiches I’ve eaten. The yolk was perfectly runny and the crisp bib lettuce offered the greens I craved.
Breakfast served daily, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. – Website
5/ 24 Diner
My own breakfast sandwich creation at 24 Diner: BLT with fried egg
Before I even arrived in Austin, I had heard of 24 Hour Diner. So when it came time to test some breakfast sammies, this local hotspot was already on my list. Instead of selecting the traditional Fried Egg Sandwich, I opted for a classic BLT and added a fried egg to make it breakfast-worthy.
The sky-high layers of lettuce, bacon and tomatoes were almost too intimidating to tackle, but the balanced proportions and rich flavors were well worth the large bites I took throughout the meal.
Breakfast served daily, 24 hours – Website
6/ Wholy Bagel
To get the full breakfast sandwich spectrum, I had to break away from my typical egg, bacon and cheese selection and try something different. Thankfully, there’s Wholy Bagel.
I ordered the Nova Lox on an everything bagel. The scratch-made, toasted bagel combined with smooth cream cheese and fresh salmon was more refreshing than I expected. With its crunchy onions and salty capers, this bagel sandwich is a delicious option if you’re looking for an alternative to egg and cheese.
Breakfast served Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. – Website
7/ Noble Sandwich Co.
Pork belly is on the menu at Noble Sandwich Co.
Two words: pork belly. The PBLT at Noble Sandwich Co. has the ingredients of a classic BLT. But instead of bacon, the sandwich is packed with thick pieces of pork belly…and it’s heavenly. The meat is juicy, tender and incredibly flavorful.
You won’t find this sandwich on the breakfast menu. Alas, I arrived shortly after noon and breakfast was no longer available. But if you’re craving this pork belly masterpiece for breakfast, fear not: lunch begins at 10 a.m.
Breakfast served Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., lunch and dinner served 10 a.m.-close – Website
8/ Quickie Pickie
Quickie Pickie’s open-faced breakfast treat
It was definitely the fun, slightly absurd name that brought me to this eastside institution, but it’s the breakfast sandwich that’ll keep me coming back for more.
The Breakfast Sandwich at Quickie Pickie is an open-faced delight, served on a toasted baguette and topped with fresh greens, crisp bacon and a perfectly runny fried egg.
I love open-faced sandwiches (it’s like you get two in one!). But if you’re a traditional sandwich eater, don’t be afraid to close it. Your taste buds will thank you either way.
Breakfast served Monday-Friday, 7-11 a.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. – Website
9/ L’Estelle House
Mind blown by L’Estelle House
A friendly Sunday brunch brought me to L’Estelle House. I had no idea they offered a breakfast sandwich, but when I saw Sammie on the menu, I knew it was fate. This melted Havarti, arugula-donned, thick ham and fried egg breakfast arrangement surpassed all my expectations of what a breakfast sandwich should be.
But what impressed me the most was the fried egg. Somehow—I think magic—it was still runny when I cut the sandwich in half. I’m already planning my next visit.
Brunch served Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – Website
10/ Veracruz All Natural
Last, but definitely not least, there’s Veracruz All Natural. While they don’t serve a breakfast sandwich per se, I want to honor Austin’s taco culture.
I must admit that I’ve tried every breakfast taco on the menu and still can’t choose a favorite. On my last visit, though, I went for the Migas. The crispy tortilla chips, creamy avocado and fresh pico make these breakfast tacos well worth the 10-15-minute wait during the morning or early afternoon rush.
Breakfast served daily, hours by location – Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
What are your favorite breakfast sandwiches in Austin?
Sommer Brugal is a freelance writer in Austin, Texas. She loves all things food, coffee and music, and is always looking for new places to try around town.
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