Breakfast tacos were once the ultimate to-go food, but the trend toward overstuffed tacos has made some of them downright unwieldy. Whether they’re presented in traditional tubular form or as super-sized mega-tacos, these breakfast creations are part of a deeply satisfying Austin weekend tradition.
Juan in a Million
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The Don Juan taco is so full of potatoes, eggs, bacon and cheese that it can’t easily be folded into traditional taco form. Most reasonable people order extra tortillas and split it with a friend. The migas taco with cheese, tomatoes and onions is another crowd favorite. Wash it down with an ice-cold horchata with cinnamon. Launched by two school teachers in 1980, Juan in a Million continues to be the go-to breakfast spot for anyone looking for a spicy, satisfying meal at a reasonable price. Owner Juan Meza often greets customers with a warm handshake, and the friendly atmosphere attracts legions of loyal regulars. 2300 East Cesar Chavez Street; (512) 472-3872
Torchy's Tacos
As with many wildly popular Austin restaurants, Torchy’s runs the risk of becoming a victim of its own success. It’s always crowded, but you’ll soon understand why when you taste any of their tacos. Their meal-sized breakfast tacos range from simple (potato, egg and cheese) to decadent (migas taco with eggs, green chiles, corn tortilla chunks, avocado, cheese and pico de gallo). Serious carnivores will enjoy The Wrangler, with smoked beef brisket, eggs, potatoes and tomatillo sauce. 2809 South 1st Street; (512) 444-0300
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
In addition to a wide variety of coffees from around the globe, Cherrywood Coffeehouse is known for its friendly neighborhood vibe and overstuffed breakfast tacos. The gargantuan Sol taco is made with eggs, black beans, bacon, sausage, cheese and potatoes. The Terra taco is an amazing mix of fried tofu, eggs, avocado and cheese. 1400 East 38 1/2 Street; (512) 538-1991
Tacodeli
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The Otto is a savory combination of bacon, avocado, refried black beans and Monterrey Jack cheese. Many people opt for adding an egg to the Otto, but it’s chock full of pleasing tastes and textures either way. Another popular taco, the Jess Special is packed with avocado, jack cheese and migas. There are always four freshly made salsas available to spice up your tacos, but the Salsa Doña has earned numerous awards. The extra-spicy salsa includes jalapeño and garlic, in addition to a few top-secret ingredients. Tacodeli uses products that are locally sourced and organic whenever possible. 1500 Spyglass Drive; (512) 732-0303
Taco Joint
Featuring house-made tortillas and a well-stocked salsa bar, the Taco Joint excels at all the basic breakfast tacos, such as potato-and-egg and sausage-and-egg. But don’t overlook their specialty tacos. The steak-and-egg with Gouda cheese is gooey, tasty and unforgettable. On Saturdays only, the restaurant makes the extra-special Benedicto taco, with ham, eggs, avocado and a spicy version of Hollandaise sauce. 134 East Riverside Drive; (512) 599-5144
Granny's Tacos
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Run by an adorable couple, Granny’s Tacos uses freshly made corn and flour tortillas. The chilaquiles tacos with mole sauce are one of the main reasons for this food truck’s growing popularity. The migas and chorizo-and-egg tacos are also beloved by loyal customers. And if you’ve never had a breakfast taco with cactus slices, this an excellent spot to try your first one; it comes with egg, nopal (prickly pear), spinach and avocado on a corn tortilla. An array of multicolored salsas are available to put the perfect finishing touch on Granny’s creations. 1401 East 7th Street; (512) 964-5068
Cafe Java
In addition to the build-your-own breakfast tacos, the ultimate migas and huevos rancheros tacos are excellent. Located in far north Austin, Cafe Java is also known for its sublime carrot cake pancakes and biscuits with gravy. 11900 Metric Boulevard; (512) 339-7677
Kerbey Lane
The migas tacos are chock full of spicy, cheesy goodness. For sheer variety, it’s hard to beat Kerbey Lane’s breakfasts. Beyond the taco realm, the pumpkin pancakes are the best in town. Pumpkin pancakes not sweet enough for you? How about cinnamon roll pancakes? Want a completely over-the-top breakfast? Go for the crispy chicken Benedict, a biscuit layered with an egg, fried chicken, hollandaise sauce and grilled onions. 3704 Kerbey Lane; (512) 451-1436
Mi Madre's
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The breakfast tacos at Mi Madre’s are all numbered for your ordering convenience, and most people don’t need to look beyond #1. The hearty taco is stuffed with eggs, potatoes, sausage and cheese. What more do you need? Fans of Mexican-style dried beef will appreciate #9, featuring eggs, pico de gallo and machacado that’s made onsite. Add a steaming cup of Ruta Maya coffee, and you’ll be ready to face the day. 2201 Manor Road; (512) 322-9721
Magnolia Cafe
For serious spice, try the three alarm tacos, with eggs, potatoes, jalapenos and chipotle sauce. The Love Migas tacos have a generous dose of garlic and cheese, so they may not be the best choice if you have a date within the next two days. In addition to tacos, the giant gingerbread pancakes are among the most popular breakfast items. 2304 Lake Austin Boulevard; (512) 478-8645
Pueblo Viejo
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The hefty tacos at Pueblo Viejo are the perfect way to start your morning or close out the night. The Don Chago is a savory blend of eggs, bacon, avocado, beans and cheese. If you like a little more spice, go for the Taco Viejo, with chorizo, eggs, potatoes and beans. A veritable rainbow of salsas can add even more punch to your tacos. 1606 East 6th Street; (512)-373-6557
Bouldin Creek Cafe
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Bouldin Creek Cafe
The veggie chorizo breakfast tacos offer healthy eating with a kick. For a slightly mellower option, try The Neal, which is made with scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, spinach and jack cheese. The ideal breakfast destination for vegans and vegetarians, Bouldin Creek also features creative concoctions like the potato leek omelet and the oven cake breakfast with blueberry cornbread and agave syrup. All egg dishes can be made with Bouldin Creek’s custom tofu scrambler. 1900 South 1st Street; (512) 416-1601
Veracruz All Natural
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Veracruz All Natural is one of the many food trucks in Austin giving brick-and-mortar restaurants a run for their money. The migas taco, with pico de gallo and avocado, was rated as one of the Top Five Tacos in America by the Food Network. Get the version with poblano peppers for an extra hint of smoky spiciness. La Reyna is a slightly healthier but equally tasty taco, with egg whites, spinach, jack cheese, carrots and mushrooms. The avocado salsa adds a spicy, creamy touch to any of the tacos. 1704 East Cesar Chavez; (512) 981-1760
Joe's Bakery
The Migas Taco con Todo is a must-have for Tex-Mex breakfast lovers; it’s a tongue-tickling mix of eggs, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, cheese and tortilla chips. The Chorizo con Huevos provides enough sustenance for about a day and a half. Fans of menudo contend that this is the best place in town for the traditional Mexican dish. 2305 East 7th Street; (512) 472-0017
Cisco's Restaurant & Bakery
One of the oldest restaurants in Austin, Cisco’s has been serving up breakfast tacos and homemade biscuits for more than 50 years. If you’ve never tried migas before, this is a great place to sample the spicy egg dish. The restaurant is also known for its chorizo-and-egg tacos. 1511 East 6th Street; (512) 478-2420
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