The most important meal of the day
Every morning we make decisions. To take the freeway or surface streets for the morning commute? Coffee or tea? These trivialities pale in comparison to the most important question Austinites must face on an almost daily basis: Corn or flour?
Vaquero Taquero: Build Your Own Breakfast Taco
Guests are implored to squeeze a rubber chicken in lieu of the classic bell to receive service at the walk up window at Vaquero Taquero’s North Campus location. This less-than-serious custom stands in cheeky contrast to the seriously delicious tacos they serve. In the mornings, the moderately-sized, bustling kitchen lures in passersby with the siren-call scent of sizzling bacon. While the choices to build your own breakfast taco are plentiful, there’s something about a classic bacon, egg, and cheese on their homemade flour tortillas (arguably the best in town) that’s just irresistible.
Tuesday-Sunday 8am-9pm, closed Mondays
104 E 31st St., Unit C
vaquerotaquero.com
@vaquerotaquero
Marcelino’s: Papas Ranchero with Bacon Breakfast Taco
East Austin institution Marcelino’s has been serving up breakfast to the Govalle neighborhood since the Vargas family purchased the Tillery Street storefront in 1987. Though the restaurant has gone through several reinventions in its nearly four-decade stint slinging tortillas, the welcoming spirit has held steady. While they have plenty of early lunch options (hello menudo), they’re famous for their early morning bites. Guests can build their own taco from the tortilla up (flour is the winner here). The Papas Rancheras is a particular standout featuring the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, strips of potato, onion, and mild peppers. The addition of crispy bacon makes for a perfect savory kick-start for the day. The Anaranjado salsa is a must. This creamy sauce starts sweet but finishes with a heated flourish.
Monday-Friday 7am-1pm (or sold out), Saturdays 8am-1pm, closed Sundays
901 Tillery St.
marcelinosfoods.com
@marcelinosatx
Mica’s: Chilaquiles Burrito
Whether rushing out the door at the break of dawn to beat the Austin traffic or getting off to a late start shuffling to the car donning slippers and bedhead, sometimes a drive-through is the only option to tackle the morning. Mica’s Burritos opens early to feed generously stuffed burritos to their bleary-eyed patrons. Their chilaquiles (choose between green or red) is swaddled in a large flour tortilla and paired with classic refried pinto beans. Get the Horchata Cold Brew to shock the senses with a burst of caffeine and just the right balance of cinnamon and sugar.
Sunday-Monday 7am-2pm
4507 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Bldg. 2
micasburritosandcoffee.org
@micasburritosandcoffee
Cisco’s: Migas Plate
Neighborhoods evolve and skylines change, but Cisco’s iconic blue brick building remains a bastion that has presided over East 6th for more than 75 years. The family-run joint was opened by Rudy “Cisco” Cisneros in 1950 and is now led by his grandson Matt and his team. The generous Migas Plate at this historic gathering place, known for attracting journalists, politicians, and artists alike, is a hearty cure for hangovers. Fluffy eggs with a nice ratio of tortilla chips mixed in is served alongside refried beans for a make-your-own taco plate. For those seeking a classic diner feel, friendly service, and a deep connection to local history, Cisco’s checks all three.
Cisco’s is tied to Texas political history.
It became known as a place where major Texas political figures met, including Lyndon B. Johnson and John Connally. One historic account says many statehouse deals were made there over coffee, biscuits, and migas.
Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm
1511 E 6th St.
ciscosaustin.com
@ciscosaustin
Veracruz All Natural: Migas Poblanas Taco & Furioso Taco
Veracruz is now a near ubiquitous presence in Austin’s fast-casual scene, but the Webberville location holds a special place in our hearts. Situated in a food truck park (along with fan favorite neighbors Desnudo, Kerlaches, and a smattering of other tasty options), the school-bus-turned-taqueria is a fun attraction in its own right. The Migas Poblanas is a pleasantly smoky take on a classic Tex-Mex dish that’s well worth the wait. Omnivores and veganos alike are well-served at Veracruz. Unwrapping the vegan Furioso taco reveals a shock of red from the salsa macha that smothers roasted cauliflower and smoky refried black beans. The combination makes for a veggie taco that needs no comparison to an animal protein-based counterpart.
Monday-Wednesday 7am-3pm, Thursday-Sunday 7am-9pm
2505 Webberville Rd.
veracruzallnatural.com
@veracruztacos
Tacos Guerrero: Nopales Taco
Tacos Guerrero is a quintessential, old-school taco trailer. This cash-only business, located in an unassuming parking lot on North Pleasant Valley, offers friendly service and exceptional breakfast tacos. They have a minimal digital footprint and their success has relied largely on enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations driven by not only the food but also Yolanda Guerrero’s warm hospitality. Grab a nopales taco in the morning. The slightly tart cactus on a bed of fluffy eggs is equal parts comforting and nourishing.
Sunday-Monday 7am-4pm
96 N Pleasant Valley Rd.
@tacosguerreroatx
Pueblo Viejo: Taco Azteca
In a sea of Tex-Mex, it’s exciting to shake things up from time to time. Pueblo Viejo’s fare is more reminiscent of Sonoran-style Mexican food most popular in Arizona. Their menu highlights soft flour tortillas, refried beans, and simple tacos that feel flavorful yet simple. The Taco Azteca has a particularly Southwestern flare, featuring eggs and ham, jalapeños, and refried beans. The Tillery Street location is right by Flitch, so guests can grab their morning joe alongside their morning grub.
Monday-Sunday 7am-2pm
641 Tillery St.
puebloviejoaustin.com
@puebloviejoaustin
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