Austin, Texas, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and within that scene lies a surprisingly competitive egg sandwich arena. Forget boring breakfast sandwiches; Austin's chefs are elevating this classic breakfast staple to an art form. This comprehensive guide explores 19 of the best egg sandwiches in Austin, offering a diverse range of flavors, styles, and price points to satisfy any craving. We’ll delve into what makes each sandwich special, helping you plan your next Austin egg sandwich adventure.
Top 5 Must-Try Egg Sandwiches in Austin
These five sandwiches stand out from the crowd, offering unique flavor combinations and exceptional quality.
1. Veracruz All Natural's Migas Quesadilla: A Tex-Mex Masterpiece
Veracruz All Natural consistently earns accolades for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Their migas quesadilla isn't just an egg sandwich; it's a culinary experience. Scrambled eggs mingle with tortilla chips, cheese, and onions, all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. The result is a savory, slightly spicy explosion of flavor that perfectly embodies Austin's culinary fusion.
- What makes it special: The perfect blend of textures and the use of high-quality ingredients. The migas are perfectly crispy, the cheese is melty and gooey, and the tortilla holds it all together beautifully.
2. Juan in a Million's Breakfast Taco (Egg & Cheese): A Classic Reimagined
While technically a taco, Juan in a Million's breakfast taco deserves a spot on this list. Their simple egg and cheese taco uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients, resulting in a surprisingly flavorful and satisfying breakfast. The fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and warm tortilla create a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
- What makes it special: The simplicity and quality of the ingredients. It's a testament to how great ingredients can elevate a simple dish.
3. Josephine House's Croque Madame: A French-Inspired Delight
Josephine House offers a sophisticated take on the classic egg sandwich with its Croque Madame. This French-inspired sandwich features perfectly cooked eggs, Gruyère cheese, and a rich béchamel sauce, all sandwiched between buttery brioche bread. The addition of a fried egg on top adds a touch of elegance and richness.
- What makes it special: The richness of the béchamel sauce and the luxurious Gruyère cheese. The brioche bread provides a soft and slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory filling.
4. Odd Duck's Fried Egg Sandwich: Farm-to-Table Freshness
Odd Duck, known for its farm-to-table approach, delivers a memorable fried egg sandwich. The emphasis is on fresh, seasonal ingredients, resulting in a sandwich that tastes as fresh as it looks. Their variations change seasonally but always incorporate high-quality, locally sourced produce and meats.
- What makes it special: The freshness and seasonality of the ingredients. This is a sandwich that truly reflects the bounty of the local farms.
5. Franklin Barbecue's (Secret Menu) Egg Sandwich: A Carnivore's Dream
While not officially on the menu, whispers circulate about Franklin Barbecue offering a secret egg sandwich. This sandwich is legendary among Austinites, incorporating their famous brisket alongside perfectly cooked eggs. This is a truly unique and indulgent option for the adventurous eater.
- What makes it special: The unlikely yet genius combination of Franklin's world-famous brisket and a perfectly fried egg.
Exploring Diverse Egg Sandwich Styles in Austin
Austin’s culinary diversity translates into a wide array of egg sandwich styles:
Classic Breakfast Sandwiches
Many Austin diners offer classic breakfast sandwiches – think fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, cheese, and toast. These are your go-to comfort food options, perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
Gourmet Egg Sandwiches
Upscale restaurants and cafes are elevating the egg sandwich to new heights. Expect to find gourmet ingredients like artisanal bread, locally sourced meats and cheeses, and unique flavor combinations.
Tex-Mex Inspired Egg Sandwiches
Given Austin's rich Tex-Mex heritage, it's no surprise that many egg sandwiches incorporate Tex-Mex flavors. Think migas, chorizo, various cheeses, and flavorful salsas.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Egg Sandwich
- Price: Prices range widely, from affordable diner fare to gourmet restaurant options.
- Ingredients: Consider your preferences for meat, cheese, bread, and other additions.
- Location: Choose a location convenient to you, keeping in mind wait times, especially at popular spots.
- Ambiance: Some restaurants offer a casual atmosphere, while others provide a more upscale dining experience.
Beyond the Top 5: 14 More Exceptional Egg Sandwiches
This list is just the beginning. Austin has a wealth of fantastic egg sandwiches waiting to be discovered. Here are 14 more spots you should explore:
- Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden: Their sausage and egg sandwiches are a must-try for sausage lovers.
- Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: This popular spot offers creative and delicious pancake-sandwich options alongside excellent egg dishes.
- Justine's Brasserie: A French-inspired café with a sophisticated take on classic breakfast sandwiches.
- Magnolia Cafe: A classic Austin diner with a variety of delicious breakfast options.
- Home Slice Pizza: While known for pizza, their breakfast pizza is a hidden gem.
- Matt's El Rancho: A classic Tex-Mex spot with excellent breakfast tacos and migas.
- Kerbey Lane Cafe: Another Austin institution known for its late-night breakfast options.
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar: Surprisingly great breakfast sandwiches available during brunch hours.
- Paperboy: Stylish eatery offering high-quality breakfast and brunch choices.
- Walton's Fancy and Staple: High-end grocery store with a surprising cafe serving incredible egg sandwiches.
- Micklethwait Craft Meats: Famous for BBQ, but also serves impressive breakfast tacos.
- Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ: A delicious fusion of BBQ and Tex-Mex with amazing breakfast options.
- Gourdough's Public House: Known for its unique donut burgers, they also do an impressive breakfast sandwich.
- The Salt Lick BBQ: A legendary BBQ joint that also offers a tasty breakfast sandwich on occasion.
This list provides a starting point for your Austin egg sandwich adventure. Remember to explore, try new places, and discover your personal favorites. Happy eating!
