1886 Cafe & Bakery Reviews

4.3

37 of 3,585 Restaurants in Austin


Reviews

Great Breakfast!!

By Gretchen M |

Food was very good, but service was a bit disappointing. Had to flag down waiter several times just to order. Don't go here if you are in a rush

BEAUTIFUL OLD TIME SETTING.

By Carole Lynn S |

This is a gorgeous old hotel and restaurant. From 1886. Attention to detail is impeccable. Get one of the giant cinnamon buns. We also had soup and a burger. Everything was delicious and well priced. The service was lovely and we then went into the hotel lobby itself to see the sights and view the ladies and little girls all dressed up to enjoy afternoon high-tea.

Great breakfast!

By AvdV80 |

Stopped by here on an early Saturday morning while in Austin for the weekend. Had walked by the Driskill the evening before and when I saw the 1886 was here I decided to go for it. Really nice experience; beautiful design of the cafe / good seating area and good service. Patrick was my waiter and he made sure everything went well. Timely on ordering / good on topping up coffee etc. I had the Paris Benedict which was delicious. All together a really nice experience!

A gem in Austin

By Carol D |

We stayed at the Driskill Hotel for 4 nights and ate breakfast there each day. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. The staff was very professional. The eggs benedict and the fruit covered waffle are outstanding. All of this deliciousness comes at a price. Be prepared to spend $45 for 2 people.

Thanksgiving dessert

By Cujoe |

Great way to end the day with some chocolate and coffee. Very interesting location in the Driskill Hotel. Restaurant looks really good, maybe next time.

Great Service and Breakfast Place Cafe Style

By 736cathy |

We were so thankful this cafe is attached to the Driskill Hotel from the lobby as we loved eating our daily breakfast here. The food is fresh, all breakfast choices from steak and eggs, breakfast bowls, etc, and with fresh baked goods (cupcakes, etc.) and good hot coffee, etc. They were very efficient and provided friendly service. It opens 7 am daily. Closed later in the day. Wish they served dinner here too. The architecture inside is beautiful. Clean and several tables to sit at. A little pricy but I think worth it.

family time in Austin

By karin |

What a way to start your day in the Capitol. Fabulous variety and tasty. Love the old world feeling, so beautifully preserved

Customer service is seriously lacking!

By EmilyHennessey |

We came for breakfast on our last day in Austin. Literally the most rude and miserable waitress ever, Krista. Couldn’t answer my questions, abrupt and seriously looked like she didn’t want to be there. The hostess was also very unfriendly. Such a shame as this spoilt our experience. Food was good, so that was something! Wouldn’t visit again due to the service.

Delicious food, beautiful space

By Emily T |

This Cafe & Bakery is inside the Driskill hotel, and has the same historic beauty. There is a small cafe where you can order drinks and pastries to go. We ordered coffee there to pass the wait time for our table (they said 30 minutes, we waited about 20). After seeing the cinnamon roll my friend and I knew we had to order it, so we split that along with chicken, biscuits and gravy, and a fruit bowl. Everything was delicious and we definitely had way more food than we needed! I would highly recommend a visit to this breakfast spot while in Austin for some good food and to enjoy the beautiful architecture. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

Great for Brunch.

By MomRocco |

After visiting the Bullock Museum my friend and I decided to walk to the Driskill and have lunch. We decided that the bakery/cafe was a good option and we were not disappointed. We both had a mimosa and huevos rancheros which were delicious. I'm not from Texas and found the huevos pretty spicy, but in a good way. I had a peach mimosa and my friend had her's with grapefruit juice. The cafe is elegant in a casual way and the hotel lobby with its artwork and architectural niceties is stunning. Highly recommend for lunch/brunch.

Texas Lunch

By Sarah T |

After a tour of the impressive lobby pf the Driskill Hotel, my roommates and I enjoyed a late brunch / lunch at the 1886 Cafe & Bakery, located in a corner of the hotel lobby. I loved the eclectic but luxurious period decor - stained glass doors, mirrored and paneled walls, toile wallpaper and green painted moldings. I really enjoyed the Vegan Avocado Sandwich (I'm not a vegan). It was very tasty! After lunch we were ideally situated to explore the Austin music scene around Sixth Street.

Much better then I expected

By Michael D |

Had breakfast here Sunday morning, while busy, we were pleasantly surprised. First the service was great for how busy they were, have to give it to the staff, they didn't let us down. The food was also very good, I had the hangover omelet, it was fluffy and cooked perfectly. My son had a Veggie scramble that he said was great and my wife had the eggs benedict which she loved. We also shared the Pecan waffle which was fabulous. I would highly recommend trying this place.

Fantastic eggs, pastries and great coffee

By sandtravel |

Husband got Hangover omlet, I got a chocolate croissant, literally fresh out of the oven! My latte and his brewed coffee were great. Free refills on the brewed coffee, located around the corner from the Aloft Hotel downtown, in the Driskell hotel. Coming out of COVID you place your order and pay at register (18% gratuity is automatically included) you are given a number to put on your table, they bring food out to you. looks like the offer some nice lunch items too.

Brunch with family

By bsalvatore |

Excellent food in a charming location inside the historic Driscoll Hotel. Street parking nearby and easily found. Quiche and salad very tasty. Pricey, but excellent.

You can enjoy good food, and apart from feeling in a very original ancient environment.

By Alucard66 |

We really went because it was a place with a lot of history, but really its flavors, attention and quality are on a great level. Very highly recommended.

Great breakfast choice downtown Austin

By roadwarrierMD |

Went here for breakfast. Classic old Austin hotel. Beautiful setting, very tasty choices, great coffee. Service was good, even though they were short staffed. If you are staying downtown, definitely check it out.

Nice place for brunch

By DavidPerezS |

Cool place to have brunch with friends. They don’t even give a dessert for a birthday but a friendly waitress got us a candle for my friend. Food has a good flavor. You have to pay at the counter every time you want something new.

A grand brunch in a grand hotel.

By Lee A |

We had a fantastic brunch. I had the Texas-shaped waffle and my husband had the salmon a la plancha. Both were perfect. Justin, Greg and the entire staff we so friendly and efficient. This was our last meal in Austin and it was a lovely memory of our trip.

Great food, not great service

By Kim23434 |

We were guests at the Driskill and came in for coffee and breakfast. The waitress was not at all attentive; we had to keep asking for coffee and she seemed a bit put off by our requests, even though she only had a few tables. The food was wonderful - ordered the Brazos Rancheros and Quiche Lorraine. Portions were plentiful.

Great spot to grab light meal!

By K F |

Stopped for a light meal before heading upstairs. Enjoyed Helen Corbitt’s Cheese Soup and Butter Lettuce & Pear Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Cheese soup was excellent!! Salad was nice as well. Both hit the spot for a light but filling dinner. Love the atmosphere! Great service as well!

Great food, awful parking

By Anon8815 |

The hostess seemed a bit out of it, and we were told it would be a 30 min wait. It was less than that thankfully, but suprising there was a wait at all since I counted at least 6 empty tables when we walkes in. Food was great. Parking was awful though - the garage next door os horrendously designed and you can only pay for the day, not hour. So our breakfast cost us an additonal $24 because we were leaving town after.

Beautiful Cafe!

By Ash World Peace |

Delicious coffee with attractive architecture. Highly recommend visiting and staying a while. Nice place to sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere.

Delicious brunch

By EPB1977 |

Excellent service, delicious food and just a classy vibe yet relaxed. Turkey BLT WITH the cheese soup is a must!

Great Coffee and Awesome food

By Blondtp |

To start when the coffee is the best you have a head start to a great breakfast and it was The food was fantastic, the Huevos Ranchero and Eggs Benny were so good. I had the gluten free turkey BLT and it was too die for. My husband also had a cranberry scone and it was gone before I even had a chance to ask his it was (obvi) also amazing. We will be back. We didn’t partake in any of the breakfast cocktails (next time) but they all looked delic.

Delicious! A must in Austin!

By María G |

Everything was delicious, the soup and the bread are completly out of this world! And service was great everything came super fast.

Delicious!

By Lindsay W |

We had brunch here twice, because we had to go back after such a delicious meal! We had the Croque Madame, Paris Eggs Benedict, Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Lattes. All were excellent! Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. Excellent customer service and loved seeing employees working so hard and still so courteous. Thank you for a wonderful brunch, twice!

Don’t waste your time and money

By jimbo323 |

It was very disappointing that after an incredible experience at the Driskill I had such a terrible one in the “old cafe”! Nothing hot, servers were friendly for first few minutes then no where to be found! Brew the pod coffee in your room

Yummy coffee!

By alexd101171 |

We stopped off on our way out of town to pick up a cup of coffee and a pastry to go. Good strong coffee and delicious scones and banana bread! I wish we had known about it during our stay in Austin. We would definitely have had a full breakfast!

Terrific breakfast with a view!

By Craig C |

Outstanding breakfast! We were able to sit inside the lobby to eat with full service and enjoy the beauty of the historical hotel lobby. Very sophisticated atmosphere for a reasonable price. If you are wanting to tour thru the Driskill Hotel, I recommend eating brunch here on your trip. The architecture and decor is worth the visit. Be sure to check out the bar area upstairs also, definitely a wonderful Texas feel. The Eggs Benedict, Austin Fried Chicken, and Austin American Breakfast were all delicious. The breakfast potatoes were some of the best I’ve ever had!

Yummy Breakfast

By Nicole N |

We spent the night at The Driskill so eating here was convenient and part of our stay package. We did really enjoy the food and the service was good. The Texas shaped waffle was yummy and my husband enjoyed Hangover Omelette.

Nice dining experience for the family

By Denise H |

We took our kids here for my birthday and really enjoyed the experience. The staff was exceptional with the chef & kitchen team giving our kids special treatment. The chef personally delivered a yummy birthday treat right to our table.

No service, definitely weird!

By jaywud |

I didn’t like the order at the counter, no service. It was annoying and not clear, one lady took only a drink order(she acted annoyed when I ordered food)and she didn’t tell me that I needed to order food at a separate place. It was a bit rude! Since my experience started poorly, I wasn’t looking forward to the food - the plate presentation was very good. I asked for condiments, they said they would bring them, but they never came. Blame it on Covid-19, but there were a lot of folks standing around not helping customers. The food was good in the end, but sometimes the food is good at a truck stop. I was looking for a better experience.

Great staff

By dutchietraveler |

Had breakfast here. Freshly prepared and tasty. Staff is very friendly and polite Restaurant has a unique atmosphere

Cafe @ Driskill

By J2826JH |

Such an awesome breakfast spot! We went there for breakfast both days during our trip because we enjoyed the food and service that much! They have classic breakfast items and unique options, too! Definitely worth checking out!

Good Breakfast, great atmosphere

By njoireading247 |

This is in the Driskill Hotel and has very good breakfast. You order at the counter, pay and wait for your food to arrive. Please order a coffee to enjoy while waiting....very good. The waffles are in the shape of Texas and were very good. Afterwards, go into the lobby of the Driskill and enjoy the ambiance. Also, read about the restaurant and hotel to find out all the history....very interesting.

Overrated

By SunshineF7 |

Small cafe inside the Driscoll to stop and relax or have tea while enjoying the sights of the city of Austin. Nice to be able to wonder through the hotel as well. Our server was in no rush so we were able to enjoy ourselves. Food was good but service was lacking as if the server was totally disinterested or preoccupied. Tables very close to each other and noisy. Having been there I wouldn’t rush back.

A bit pricey

By Wineloversal |

We had a nice breakfast here, but I thought it was overpriced. The food was good but not amazing. I had the eggs Benedict. It was good but they fill the plate up with potatoes which was too much and not that great. You order at the counter and they bring the order to your table. My husband got the bagel with lox and really enjoyed it. We also ordered a chocolate muffin which was just ok.

Sneaky- tip is included without letting you know

By zeppgirl |

What’s with the included tip without it being an option? Very sneaky! I bought a canned drink ($7) and they tacked on an 18% tip. Wasn’t sure ven asked for a tip, which was odd, but then I asked for a receipt. They gave me my visa one, but I told them I needed an itemized one for work. When I got that, I was shocked to see my drink plus 18%. Same thing was done to my coworker. This is so shady. I normally give more, but since all she had to do was grab the drink, I wasn’t going to tip.

Good breakfast inside Driskell Hotel

By Mimi77083 |

I had the Texas Pecan Waffle. A Texas shaped waffle with fruit toppings. It was good but I was still a little hungary and wished I had orderd eggs too.

Disappointing

By Ann Marie E |

We had Sunday brunch at the 1886 Cafe. It has been great in the past, but Sunday's brunch was less than average. The sandwich buns came burnt. I had to ask for a redo. The rest of the meal was mediocre at best. Service was very slow. I'm not sure I'll go back anytime soon.

Excellent food

By Michael V |

Stayed at the Driscoll and googled French bistro and the Cafe came up! Bonus for us as it was in the lobby. The food was fresh and the presentation was very pretty. Service all 3 times was excellent. We will definitely come back.

Great high end cafe with wonderful food

By Scott M |

This is a fancy cafe in an even fancier hotel. I was here for SXSWedu and wanted to have a nice, relaxing breakfast. This was a great choice. I came on two different days. On one day I got their huevos rancheros, and on the next I got the Paris TX Benedict. Both were outstanding, perfectly prepared. The service was high touch, very professional, and very friendly. This isn't a cheap breakfast, but the coffee is good and the atmosphere is simply lovely. Highly recommended.

Fantastic breakfast

By LivMcGiv |

If you are looking for an excellent breakfast in Austin then you should go here. They have something for absolutely everyone. I had the hangover omelette (I wasn't hung over) with purple potatoes and my friend had the huevos rancheros. Both dishes were absolutely delicious and the portions plentiful. I found myself looking around at what other people were eating and if I had any room left I would have tried the Texas shaped waffles. The service was fantastic, the restaurant itself is all high ceilings and marble floors. It's well worth a visit if you love your breakfast as much as I do.

Old Fashioned breakfast...except the music

By sheenagh |

We came here for photos of the beautiful, Driskill Hotel and serendipitously ended up in the cafe eating delicious, Texas- shaped waffles. Very fun dining experience for kids. We loved it. The decor is period-appropriate and lovely, but the atrocious digital club music they were piping in that morning was an absolute ambiance killer. Would it be so hard to play some period-appropriate ragtime by that awesome Texan composer, Scott Joplin? Imagine the crowds that could be pulled with a real pianist playing ragtime and music from the Driskill’s heyday? In a high-tech world, people still yearn for authenticity. That is one thing that the Driskill can deliver - especially in such close proximity to the live music of 6th st-that the newer business-class hotels can’t. So, get on it, Driskill, and next time we’ll drop money on a room.

Wonderful, wonderful!

By Bebe30513 |

We went to 1886 for breakfast and had the Austin Traditional. Whatever you do, have the sausage! Incredible... My husband and I actually split the breakfast and got a cheese danish as well. We enjoyed everything so much, from the food to the service that we went back the next day. We started off with the cinnamon roll. I use that term loosely. It was a loaf! When it came out I was first disappointed as it looked dry. It was not... Saved half to take home. Delicious. Then we split a breakfast meal, I can't remember the name of the breakfast but it was a spinach omelette with goat cheese. Fabulous. Once again, service, food, ambiance wonderful. When you're there go check out the bakery case and the windows where the bakers are working.

Very Enjoyable Breakfast

By boilerbuck |

Best breakfast on our trip. Wait staff was attentive, pleasant, and gave us some recommendations on things to do. Believe our waiters name was Vinny. We enjoyed Paris Texas Benedict, Hippy Hollow and a latte. Food was outstanding and fresh. Paris Texas Benedict melted in mouth. We don’t typically like breakfast potatoes but enjoyed those as well.

Busy and a bit pompous...

By edge46 |

The cafe is located in the historical Driscoll hotel. Cool building, definitely worth a short tour. The cafe was busy Sunday morning (20 min wait), but the staff was very efficient (they text or call you when your table is ready). the food was good, well executed and presented. The service was good too, although the waiter seemed to be upset with something (maybe another customer). My only complaint is that the service was a bit slow. Nice overall, worth a stop if in the area.

Breakfast with class and tastes one!!!

By Catia M |

Incredible place, very polite staff. Price compatible with what is available. Immaculate cleanliness. Besides that you can still have breakfast in the interior of the hotel. Perfect. I've been 3 times in a week.

Disappointed

By metntex |

Stopped in for breakfast and have to say we were disappointed. The waiter didn’t seem to interested in his job. The food was average at best and we expected the coffee to be top notch which it wasn’t. Would we go back? Probably not.

Great ambience and delicious food!

By Phil P |

While staying at the Driskill hotel we ended up here two out of three mornings for brunch. There is an excellent spectrum of food from the bakery and kitchen as well as many drink options (with or without alcohol). Prices are reasonable for the quality. Everything we tried was fantastic! The huevos rancheros was the best I have had in my life. Even when the line appears long it moves pretty quickly. You walk through to order and then any dish from the kitchen is delivered to your table. Seating options include in the bakery itself, outside on a balcony and in a wing of the hotel lobby. It was nice to have those choices. Overall highly recommended!

Great Place!

By BillyBob66 |

Such a great place for breakfast--next time I'm in Austin I'll be back. Outstanding bakery goods, huge portions--this is what you'd expect from a Texas eatery! Looking forward to trying other items on the menu.

Beautiful building Beautiful setting Amazing food

By LadyCinctus |

We passed in front of this cafe every day for a week We couldn't wait any longer and went in The hotel lobby is beautiful The cafe setting is quaint The food was amazing - not cheap - but really really good

What a lovely place.

By ItsaGthg |

This place is absolutely beautiful and romantic. Reminded me of a cafe in Paris. Bistro tables. The food and service were spot on.

Quaint, counter-service coffee shop/breakfast spot.

By Gweazle |

Nice atmosphere with old school decor. Only had a berry cup and order of bacon but fruit was fresh and meat cooked properly. All staff encountered were courteous and helpful. Glad I chose here over the hotel!

Not again

By HappyFeet |

This place was beautiful but not worth the hassle! Especially is your guest is a mature adult. The charge for parking was crazy and we had to use it because there was not a parking space close enough for my client to be able to walk. Then when you get to the place to order your food...for those of you who still like to hold a menu in your hands while looking at what they serve .... well it’s an inconvenience to the worker to get you one if they have it..oh..and they are not shy regarding how they feel if they do this for you. The food pricing would be standard in a place like this if it did not taste like IHOP! I had Megas ...not sure how to spell it... eggs with cheese, peppers, and tortilla... Experienced, disappointing. As we pulled in for parking would have turned only that my client really needed to have some type of nourishment by this time.

1886 take a pass

By Jester2525 |

The Driskill is by far one of the most elegant hotels in downtown Austin. Stunning marble and Tiffany glass adorned the lobby hinting of the hotel’s stunning past. Now to the 1886 cafe and bakery. The once splitter and elegance of set down and formal services. Has been replaced with stand in line for 20 minutes to be handed your order or take a number to your table. The cafe still retains its original marble table and formal seating arrangements. But having your cappuccino served in a paper cup with a plastic lid is far from classic style. You still get a real glass for alcohol beverages and real plates and silverware for your pastry. Now to the real disappointment. You stand in line to order. You carry away most of your order. You help your the water station. You pay in advance and after you are ready to pay. You are hit with a mandatory 18% tip.

Excellent Traditional Breakfast

By Chamomile |

We have a excellent, traditional breakfast at this restaurant. The restaurant is located inside the historic Driskill Hotel and the restaurant carries on that atmosphere. Be aware that prices are not cheap but, the portions are large.

A cafe worth the five minute walk from the Fairmont Hotel!

By Martin A |

This large “cafe style” restaurant is next door to the beautiful and historic Driskill Hotel, an Austin Texas landmark. The menu items we ordered were delicious. I also ordered a cinnamon roll to eat and share with my wife while they cooked our meals fresh to order. That pastry was very LARGE and quite sweet and, while I should not have ordered it because of the already large meals we ordered, I was very happy we did! Ha.

Brunch

By Jeremy B |

Great staff friendly quick service had to wait for 20 mins but that wasn’t bad at all nice clean atmosphere. The waffles & Eggs OMG 😲 GREAT. Bacon 🥓 was a little different but all in all very satisfied. Thank You!!

Good breakfast spot!

By tfleming75 |

This is a great spot! We went for brunch and everything was delicious. The portions were a good size, especially the pastries! Definitely check it out if you're in the area.

Perfect Casual Eatery

By thenock55 |

Terrific service, great selection on the menu, delicious food. Whether in a hurry, or time to sit and relax, this is a great place to have a meal.

Great Breakfast!

By powertrish7 |

1886 Cafe in Austin serves a wonderful breakfast and a delicious cup of coffee! While you’re there be sure to admire the architecture and the design of the cafe!

Yummy!

By cjh |

My friends and I went to 1886 Cafe & Bakery in the Driskill Hotel for brunch on a Saturday morning. The cafe decor was classic, the food was delicious, and the service was excellent. While there we watched them working in the bakery, the goods looked so yummy, but we were to full from our meal to try anything. We would definitely return for another brunch, and get some baked goods to go.

Fabulous Food & Bakery Items

By Liz Taylor |

We always look forward to eating at the 1886 Cafe & Bakery when we stay in Austin. The cafe is full of charm & historical ambience. The service is excellent and the menu items are creative and delicious. There are large windows next to the bakery kitchen & we enjoy watching the bakery staff preparing desserts & pastries. We can’t leave without having cranberry orange scones, yum, yum!

Great Omelettes

By piticfericit |

So far I’ve only had breakfast or brunch at 1886. Twice I had omelettes, this last time I had Quiche Loraine and I’d definitely go for their omelettes. Portions are big. Service is fairly good. I’d say this is the place to go if you are in a brunch mood somewhere in Austin downtown.

Fresh good food!

By mpia0215 |

We ate there for breakfast since it’s part of the Driskill hotel where we were staying. Menu is pretty much traditional. The food though is good! They’re fresh especially the fruits. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. And price is reasonable!

1886 the Place for Breakfast & Brunch

By David O |

Wide choice of breakfast and brunch selections including several options with steak. Granola is exceptional with all the fruit. Fruit and berry choices also great. Atmosphere tremendous. Service very good. No rush and you can enjoy the surroundings. Even some outdoor seating.

Nice Cafe Attached to the Historic Driskill Hotel

By Nelson T |

We had a nice lunch here on a weekday. Period decor is attractive. The chairs are a bit uncomfortable. Service was prompt and efficient. Well rounded menu. We had the turkey BLT and the soup and salad. BLT was very good. Salad was fresh and good. The famous cheese soup was pretty ordinary. Not sure what makes it famous. Good selection of beers and wines. Location in the historic hotel near many music venues is perfect. Overall a good experience.

Very accommodating

By cstocker |

We arrived right as breakfast was set to close but Kacie our waitress checked with the kitchen to ensure we could still order from that menu. Our breakfast was delicious and fresh. Their baked goods aren't to be missed. The almond croissants were flaky and yummy. The service is top notch too.

We love to visit here whenever we are in town!

By Norkinn |

Perfect tasty tortes and ohh the chocolate cake! Friendly people in a historic high-end yet casual setting. This trip to SXSW we went twice!

Really good

By Randy F |

Breakfast was very good. We had the paris eggs Benedict and pecan waffles. Totally enjoyed the meals. Will be returning tomorrow.

Average

By Jamie J |

My husband and I stayed in the hotel and stopped for a quick bite before leaving. It was a Saturday morning and we should have though ahead as brunch was a very busy time. We had a 15 minute wait but didn’t mind. There’s quite a bit to see in the lobby. The place was packed and we were greeted quick enough by Angelika. She was very pleasant but got our order wrong twice. My husband ordered an Americano, and I asked for regular coffee. She brought us both regular coffees. After reminding her he ordered an Americano she apologized and said she forgot. It took an excessive amount of time for the correct drink to be brought out. He ordered an omelette, and I had the American breakfast. I ordered my eggs over medium as I don’t like the yolks very runny. They were served over easy, but I didn’t say anything because she was very busy and I didn’t want to be a hassle. The food was just average. It is very clear that they use quality ingredients, but bland. They attempt to cover up the bland with excessive amounts of salt. It could be fantastic if some kind of flavor or spice, anything, were to be added. The coffee wasn’t the greatest flavor but it was fantastically strong. We took 2 cups to go and this took her so long we almost thought she forgot about us. If we ever visit the cafe again it will be during a slower time. This obviously won’t change the taste of the food, but hopefully the service will be better.

Hotel breakfast

By 8obbydoo |

What a lovely menu and setting for this hotel cafe. They have all kinds of delightful bakery goods but I had a delicious scrambled egg dish and my daughter had an Austin breakfast that she enjoyed very much. Staff was kind and considerate.

Haunted or Not. Still Delicious!

By Nathan |

Best Cafe & Bakery downtown! This place pretty much speaks for itself. It's a beautiful atmosphere with fantastic food and great service. They offer a brunch burger that is truly "breakfast on a bun". An egg, bacon, and hash browns all on a burger? Absolutely! Breakfast, brunch, or lunch. I'm confident you will be pleased with either one of those choices. Cheers.

Nice

By BBBBTravel |

Had breakfast here twice and got coffee every day. Good service, interesting setting. The food was tasty.

Great Place for Breakfast

By Tim J |

It's always appreciated when the restaurant attached to your hotel both matches the atmosphere set by the hotel and has food you'd expect at much fancier places around the hotel. The 1886 is easily accessible to all patrons of the Driskill, is clean and has a good bit of room to keep you from feeling crowded despite the rush around meal times. My to go here is the Buffalo Chicken and Waffles they give you on a massive waffled shaped like Texas with both hot sauce and sweet maple syrup. I, personally, enjoyed altering each bite to get a bit of the sweet and spicy. It was one of the better chicken and waffles meals I had in Texas while we stayed here. For those not interested in eating meat, the yogurt parfait and overnight oats were rather large and probably could have been meals on their own. The juice appeared to be freshly squeezed and was great in itself. On reading more of the history of the 1886 Bakery and Cafe I appreciated that many of the recipes were not generic brunch meals but rather in-house recipes that were crafted by, among others, Helen Corbitt who became known as the Grand-Dame of Texas Cookery. The Heritage Society this Bakery also honors has a rich tradition as well. Lot of fun to eat here and learn about this place and how it connects to different parts of Texas.

Breakfast at the Driskill

By helencarolineash |

What can I say,wonderful,We came to visit my sister in Austin from Yorkshire England.As we passed the Hotel we called in for a look round.I loved it.We all went for breakfast one morning.Next time I’m over we are going to stay there .The pianist was amazing.

Nice ambiance food ok.

By Andrew W |

I went there for lunch, no one was at the host station and both the waiter and the waitress saw me standing, but did not say anything. When the hostess arrived she seated me promptly and I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with mozzarella cheese. They were ok with substituting an onion roll for a brioche and the food arrived looking good.However, when I had a bite the chicken was not cooked. They took it back and asked if I want something else. I opted for a salad. The manager watched the action, but she did nothing. When the bill arrived the sandwich was taken out and they charged for a salad. I think that in this case they should offer the salad free of charge or at least the manager should have come and apologize.If I was in this situation I would have offered a salad for free and maybe even give a pastry or a brownie bar to top it off. So I give poor for raw chicken and below standard service level.

Worth the calories

By Lisa R |

The food at 1886 bakery is worth the calories. We had a cinnamon roll to split which is huge and delicious!!! We had everything bagels and fresh fruit. My favorite was the avocado toast with the goat cheese...it. was divine!

Super filling brunch...you 'll need to walk it off around the hotel afterward.

By YunitaTHollinger |

Make sure if you come here for a brunch, come really hungry. The portion is huge and it's filling & very tasty! The ambiance was really nice and the service was also excellent. The menu has a lot of variation, it's all depending on what you feel like eating. If we had known how big the portion was, we would have shared the meal, so we could have ordered the pastry too. They looked so tasty too, but alas we were too full. Try not to come here driving, because the parking option is not so great, like the previous review said you'll end up paying a lot for a 24 hrs parking. It's not fun when your parking costs you more than your meal!

Delicious breakfast

By Paradise733637 |

We just finished having breakfast here this morning. The food was amazing. I got the huevos rancheros which is highly recommended. My wife got the omelette which also was very flavorful the orange juice was also fresh squeezed and very tasty.

A PLEASANT MEAL IN A PERFECT SETTING

By Peter L |

This SUNDAY our family decided to eat brunch at an Austin landmark hotel, the historic Driskill . Upon arrival we were a bit confused about how to go about maneuvering the cafeteria like ordering process. You download the menu, find a table you like, choose your items and go to the cashier to pay for your order. They in turn give you and order number which you place on your table and your food and drinks are delivered to you when they are ready. A bit confusing at first but the delivery process worked out fine. My party chose a delicious vegan option which was a grilled cauliflower steak, chicken and a Texas shaped waffle, Migas and quiche Lorraine. All were beautifully presented and quite tasty. The Bloody Mary was quite nice with the addition of a nice thick piece of bacon. The Aperol spritz, I found a bit too sweet as they tried to play down the bitterness of the Aperol. Servers came by to refill drinks and although one appeared to not want to be at work today, the rest were quite pleasant and accommodating (a gratuity is automatically included when you pay so no need to leave extra unless you prefer to) The decor is grand in the late Victorian main hall and the cafe itself was simple but cozy. We had a very pleasant experience and I would definitely recommend this to locals and tourists alike.

Cute Little Coffee Bistro

By Karen NM |

We went into the little Cafe connected to hotel for a cold coffee and Pastry break. Miguel was very receptive to our picky order and even made great suggestions.. bakery isn't in full swing yet due to covid year past. But we had a chocolate crescent that was very good. Great service, limited baker items as of present.. check out the historic lobby conected!!

Wonderful breakfast

By FergusDad |

Be sure to try a cinnamon roll if you have the chance to enjoy breakfast at the 1886 Cafe & Bakery in the beautiful Driskill Hotel. The food here is delicious.

18% gratuity added to bill and there's not wait staff

By Phil M |

You order at a counter then seat yourself. They charge 18% gratuity for sport. There isn't even a wait staff, yet they randomly tax on 18% to your already bloated tab. The food was excellent. The woman taking the drink orders was rude. I guess because she doesn't have to work for tips. Small plastic water cups were given so you get to fill it up 5 times before you've finished your meal. Did I mention they charge 18% freaking gratuity? Insane.

EXCELLENCE

By Volleyball4 |

I do not use the word Excellence very often to describe a cafe but in this case, the word applies. My wife and I stayed at another hotel located about 4 blocks away. Prior to our trip, I read about this cafe on Tripadvisor and decided it might be worth the walk. I am glad we took the walk. Actually, we ended up taking a walk to this cafe for all three breakfasts during our stay. I had the Hangover Omelete twice and the Traditional Eggs Benedict once. Both are good but the Omelete was more filling. With all three breakfasts, we ordered a waffle (it is Texas shaped). The syrup is very good and plentiful. We always ate in the Cafe but you can take your breakfast into lobby where there are several tables. This is a place everyone should try at least once if they are staying in downtown Austin.

Beautiful building. Great food and service

By John C |

Beautifully restored hotel and restaurant. Breakfast was excellent. Great service. Going back again. The only thing I would do differently is not put barbecue sauce on the smoked brisket hash.

outrageous scones

By Deven S |

This bakery is worth a trip. Food is delicious. The coffee is delicious. The bakery'c scones and croissants are so yummy! Recommend the almond croissant..won't be disappointed.

Historic 1886 Cafe

By BREAKFAST TRAILS |

1886 Cafe and Bakery was a great experience. Great food and service and atmosphere in a very cool historic building. Loved the TX shaped waffle!!

Amazing Cafe attached to The Driskill

By SunSandStyleSports |

While staying at The Driskill, we had breakfast here and it did not disappoint. I recommend getting a latte and a bakery good. The baked goods are all made in house. If getting the cinnamon roll, know it’s huge! It’s easily shareable amongst a couple people.

Beautiful 1886 Hotel !!

By JK |

This is a well preserved, gorgeous, ole wealth hotel !!! You can feel the early 1900s atmosphere of wealthy, well-to-do clientele/dignitaries, such as president Johnson…. Who entertained, danced and had mettings in this outstanding hotel. —- we really enjoyed the breakfast, very good - in the area that looked like the hotels check in lobby.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! The Cinnamon roll is to die for

By ed b |

My wife and I tip our caps to the amazing bakery team for creating amazing chocolate croissants. However, the star of the show is a large cinnamon roll which we could not stop complimenting how good it was. We did take one for the road and shared with family who were as blown away, It is not sweet and honestly the best baked good we have ever consumed. I can not say enough about this treat and applaud the staff.

1886 Cafe & Bakery

By Fat Man Reviews |

The Fat Man’s wife loves brunch. So, we found a neat little café around the corner from our hotel. 1886 Café and Bakery serves baked goods plus daytime American fare in a Victorian tearoom-style setting in the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas. My wife tried the Austin American Breakfast. This came with two eggs in any style (ordered scrambled), a choice of bacon, sausage, ham (bacon ordered), country potatoes, and multigrain toast. Her eggs were fluffy but lacked seasoning. The yellow and purple potatoes were seasoned well but could use a crunch from the grill, as they were exceptionally soft. The sweet potato, though, was lovely and cooked well. The bacon was thin but crunchy and had a good flavor. The toast had a good amount of butter, crunch, and chew. I had the Croque Madame made with shaved ham, gruyère cheese, sourdough bread, sunny-side egg, pepper jack mornay, crispy fingerling potatoes, and jalapeño chimichurri. The potatoes were cooked and seasoned perfectly, and the chimichurri was fresh and had a good heat level. The egg was overcooked, but it had a creaminess to it. The bread was lightly toasted and offered a good chew, while the ham was sliced thin with a nice saltiness. The cheese melted perfectly and gave a nice gooey texture to the bite. The pepper jack mornay was good but lacked a heat punch that the dish needed. I also tried Breakfast in a Cup with Jameson, orange Juice, butterscotch syrup, and spicy maple bacon. The bacon has an excellent spicy flavor; it was crunchy and good to chew, but it lacked sweetness. The orange juice was refreshing, and the butterscotch came through on a sweet note at the end. It had some Tajin on the rim. 1886 offers a good-sized menu of sandwiches, signature entrees, and brunch items. They also have a full bar. The Fat Man says that 1886 Café and Bakery is Fat Man Approved with 1 chin.

Unbelievable breakfast!!!

By Stephen T |

Unbelievable breakfast!!! Went here 3 days in a row. Affordable and great service too. Had Patrick as our waiter and he was extremely helpful with recommendations and special requests.

Great food, if you can get in...

By YNWA |

I love the Driskill. When I walk in it feels as if I travel in time, in a very posh way. I wanted to have brunch at the1886 on a Sunday morning. Despite the stated wait time was an hour, we only waited around 30 minutes. The service was great, food was delicious. My only suggestion to 1886 management will be, please pay closer attention to your hosts and hostesses. The hostess who was at the front taking table requests was very far from friendly and welcoming. She was very short and unpleasant. Luckily, she was replaced by a gentleman shortly after and we did not have to deal with her much longer.

Decent pastries

By skylanegal |

We stopped by the 1886 Cafe and Bakery for some pastries. We got a cinnamon roll and a banana nut muffin. The cinnamon roll is very flaky and has a generous amount of icing on the top. I thought the roll itself was good, but with the addition of the icing, it was very, VERY sweet. My husband loved it, but the more icing the better, in his opinion. If you like sweets, you will probably really like it. The muffin was very good, nice and soft. The staff was super friendly and the cafe is very cute and historic.

Tea for Two

By Wendy S |

This was my 3rd time enjoying the tea at the Driskill. It's a $plurge and you need to make reservations well in advance (in the summer for the Christmas season), but it's well worth the hassle! The food and tea were incredible! The service was outstanding. This year it included bottomless bubbly!🍾🥂 I would definitely go again.

A new favorite in Austin

By DodoChapelHill |

What a gem of a cafe! The setting inside the historic Driskill Hotel is so pretty - it feels like a Parisian cafe. And the food is excellent - during the five days of our stay at the Driskill, we enjoyed the peach danish, eggs Benedict, the Driskill breakfast (with amazing potatoes), and a lovely yogurt bowl with roasted stone fruit. Everything we tried was delicious. Best of all is the staff. I have an uncommon food allergy called Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome, which presents challenges when eating in restaurants, but our charming server Tee was an absolute champ - she consulted with the kitchen repeatedly to check out various components of my meals, and the chef (very graciously) made the necessary adjustments. It is difficult to convey just how appreciative I am of their cheerful accommodation - nobody wants to get sick while traveling, and they kept me safe. Such kindness!

worth a visit

By TamEliSha |

The driskill is absolutely beautiful. Sadly the staff wasnt very nice to me even though i purchased a very expensive mimosa.

Excellent breakfast/brunch experience!

By HappyVoyager_101 |

Great Cafe & Bakery inside a lovely historic hotel, the Driskill, in downtown Austin. They have lattes, etc., bakery items and very nice breakfast choices, with a wide range of seating since you can opt to sit in the impressive lobby of this historic (and beautifully renovated) hotel. We really enjoyed our brunch.

Just an average breakfast!

By Retired662013 |

This Cafe is a convenient spot if you are staying at the Aloft. The food is average, and the prices are good for being in the city. We ate eggs with bacon and toast. I had a hot chocolate. The bacon was greasy and the toast was cold.

Breakfast with friends

By Seamus M |

Excellent breakfast with friends. The Paris Texas Benedict was simply amazing.y round had the TX shaped waffle, it was very tasty also.

Great food but walk through to the lobby for smarter atmosphere

By MrMagoos |

Was looking for a nice breakfast that would cost quote what we spent in the Four Seasons yesterday and this came recommended online and by friends. Wasn't disappointed at all. Lovely Eggs Benedict enjoyed by couple of the family, sausages and granola with a bowl of fruit to compliment. Was disappointed when we went to the toilets to see a much larger nicer area in the lobby and outside tables by the entrance but can't take away the food experience which was great. Four of us spent just over $100

Unique place for Breakfast in the famous Driskill hotel

By questtraveler01 |

Who wouldn't enjoy eating in a historic hotel cafe? Classic stained/beveled glass windows, Old cafe design. You can eat in the cafe area or choose a table in the hotel lobby which has comfortable armchairs or sofa areas. The servers will bring your food when ready. Don't expect to see them after they bring your food. 18% gratuity is automatically added to your bill when you pay No cash-only card.

Great food, great atmosphere!

By Lifeworthliving |

Great food, great atmosphere! The food is excellent, but be prepared for about a 30-40 min wait on weekends. They need to clean and turn the tables more often, had to ask for the cleaning and do our own. The hangover omelette was amazing - excellent local chorizo (not greasy!). The bagel & lox was so yummy! My teens enjoyed the Austin American breakfast - good volume, great taste. Love the crunchy, fresh toast.

A Treat for Breakfast/Brunch!

By Spawn1644 |

We reserved a table for 10:00am for our final meal in Austin and were glad we did! I had the quiche lorraine, which was silky smooth and delicious--you could really taste the bacon and cheese, and the crust was flaky and perfect. My friend got the avocado toast and a bagel, and everything was delicious. I got a berry bowl at the end, which had some strawberries and lots of blueberries and blackberries. I was surprised that all the berries were sweet and cold--a good snack to end the meal with! We were seated right next to the kitchen, so I got to watch all the different dishes come out--everything looked fantastic, and the texas-shaped waffles almost made me want to change my order! This is a higher-priced restaurant, but even with coffees, two meals, the bagel and my (big--like cereal-bowl sized!) berry bowl, the total for my friend and I came out to be $50, which I felt was reasonable for the amount and quality of food.

Nice brunch

By Liz T |

My friend and I went to this restaurant in the Driskill hotel for brunch. It was good and portions were huge. I had the Parisian eggs Benedict and my friend has the fried chicken and biscuits. Both are worth trying!

Sad to report

By mobock |

Hyatt has ruined a grand dame of Austin. The only graciousness left is the actual structure of the hotel. We have enjoyed annual Xmas stays for several years, and this always included a breakfast at 1886. Today we were staying at another downtown property but eagerly chose to walk over to 1886 for brunch. No table service. What? Lined up fast food joint style. I was shocked...and very disappointed. The food was great. I arrived at the order station 10 minutes too early to order an adult beverage, so had to stand in line again (about 20 minutes) to order one after I finished my migas. This is far from the standard of service we have enjoyed here. What a shame.

A Holiday Dessert Experience

By Javier G |

Went here once, a few years ago, with my girlfriend at the time. Tasty place for grub, dinner, dessert, light cocktails or just having a nice evening out with friends or as a couple. The downtown vibe adds to the appeal!

Not worth the price!

By BKS |

Very disappointed to find out that this cafe is no longer waiter served, but instead walk-up and order service. Definitely not like it used to be. The cashier added an automatic 20% tip to the bill for 2 people and coffee's are served in a to-go cup! Valet parking is $20 plus tip. Had we wanted to spend this much for brunch, we'd have gone somewhere else.

In house bakery

By rudypaula |

Expert baker on site in the historic Driskill Does all the wedding cakes for events, can do any custom cakes . We ordered a 1886 cake gorgeous a birthday which was not only beautiful but very good. Their croissants are the beet in austin Highly recommend all the food in their cafe attached to the bakery

Brunch

By CPGallant |

Very comfortable atmosphere. A little slow but very relaxing and they are very attentive to your needs. The food was very good and prepared perfectly.

Yum!

By Ailene M |

What a great find. Lovely atmosphere - super service and our brunch was amazing. All 4 meals were exceptional - 2 breakfast brisket, eggs Benedict and waffle. Highly recommend.

Nice breakfast

By Katie C |

We were staying at the Driskill and decided to have breakfast here before leaving town. The cafe is so cute, and you can dine in the hotel lobby or the patio as well. We ordered the pecan waffle and the granola, both good. The surroundings really make this experience something we would recommend and if you are staying in the hotel it is certainly worth a stop.

good place for dessert after dinner

By rmogan |

Cute and historic setting with interesting treats. A good place to stop in for a coffee and dessert after dinner. It's a good way to get a feel for the Driskill too without actually having to be staying there.

Fantastic breakfast

By Kirsten B |

We both had the texas shaped waffle with fresh fruit. The coffee was delightful. Delicious! Beautiful venu.

Nice dinner option

By moppa |

We wanted a low key dinner option close to our hotel that wouldn’t break the bank and 1886 Cafe and Bakery did not disappoint. It’s locate inside the Driskill Hotel which is stunning and so is the 1886 Cafe. The menu had plenty of dinner options. We had the cheese soup (which was absolutely delicious and one of the best soups I have ever had) along with the hangover burger and steak frites. Staff were pleasant and attentive. I know it’s known for its bakery and breakfast but I would definitely recommend for dinner too.

Exceptional experience

By Lynn Z |

Great to walk into The Driskill Hotel and experience the beautifully restored decor. The 1886 Cafe & Bakery is inside the hotel and well worth the visit. Food is high quality, fresh and inventive. Their signature Cheese Soup is worth a try. Very smooth and delicious without tasting too rich. I also had the Texas shaped waffle and it was delicious with the fresh fruit, real whipped cream and maple syrup. Our waiter, Greg, was wonderful!

Great Breakfast

By Rod W |

We ate here every morning during our stay at the Driskill. Menu selection is extensive, with a wide variety of choice to suit all tastes. Service was exemplary

With our kids...

By marnie0515 |

So, while not overly kid friendly, I know my kids enjoyed their lunches here. We had a quick lunch as my husband met me and our kids on his lunch break from a conference. In their complete defense, downtown Austin isn’t really for kids. The cafe is really pretty and the Driskill is beautiful. I had to take a looksie around at the lobby area with its historic info on pictures around the large room. The food was really good but, I don’t recall any of us being blown away. I liked my avocado toast but for me, it’s hard to mess that up. I think there was too much lettuce I didn’t eat though. I see other reviews of people raving about the food so I’d come again (sans kids). Waitress I remember was average. She was young and not so friendly but, maybe having a bad day?? I recommend at least walking in and checking out the historic Driskill hotel.

Yeah but meh!

By Nicci R |

Staff were quite snobby and uptight from the outset. Was it because I had my day pack n comfy clithes as I was having a last bite before 24hrs travel, if so get over it. I ordered something that wasnt on the menu, a ham and cheese croissant, everything else just seemed too much. It was nice enough. I would just walk thro next time.

Delish

By Chuck V |

Had brunch here with my family over the weekend. Everything was delicious. I had the Texas pecan waffle( see photo). Great atmosphere wonderful location. Majestic hotel.

Maybe not worth the wait

By sannycat |

The food tasted excellent, however my over easy eggs were undercooked. The cafe was very expensive..and the line was horrendous! Another poster said they added an 18% gratuity...honestly by the time I got to the counter I was just so glad to be there I signed the bill without looking at it in detail. I did think it was very expensive. Service was non-existent. The hotel is BEAUTIFUL! If you catch this place with a short line, it is worth going to. When we went the line was in the lobby of the hotel.

Delicious food in the historic Driskill

By Kirsten B |

Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food, huge portions! We ordered the Hangover Burger & Turkey BLT. Both were wonderful. The chili brown sugar bacon on the burger was a highlight. Great service too!

Huevos Rancheros - pretty and delicious

By KulFam2018 |

I was staying in the Driskill (attached hotel) and was fully prepared to only have a cup of coffee to go; once I saw the nice ambiance and unique menu, I had to have breakfast. I ordered huevos rancheros for breakfast and was presented with a beautiful dish in a small skillet. It was perfectly prepared with fresh ingredients and the chorizo had a slight kick. My waiter also kindly brought a bottle of locally made serrano pepper hot sauce on the side - really great. I could not get over the lovely presentation!

Hearty & Delicious!

By MTSDave N |

We stayed at the Driskill and had breakfast here daily. We tried at least half the amazing menu. The servers and staff were excellent and friendly and remembered us each day. They always had the strawberry croissants ready and set aside for the girls as those are delicious and popular and tend to sell out! Every single dish we tried was so hearty and yummy but standouts for me were the strawberry croissants, the hot fried chicken and the brisket hash. My husband loved the cowboy breakfast and the brisket mac and cheese. Overall, you can't go wrong!

Lovely breakfast in Historical surroundings

By MissNLW |

Came here with some colleagues on a Sunday morning for breakfast. I had the texan waffle which was beautifully presented and delicious. My colleagues also enjoyed their breakfasts from Heuvos Rancheros to Avocado Toasts. Service was very nice with lovely staff, the only down side was that drinks are served in plastic and paper cups which is totally unnecessary nowadays when everyone is trying to be conscious of the environment. Not only is not environmental friendly but I think it cheapens the experience, particularly when you are dining in such lovely surroundings. The only other aspect I wasn't keen on was quing up to order, rather than table service, again it does make the experience feel cheap when the prices aren't (my chai latte and waffle cost $33 with tip and tax) That said it does make the situation more efficient if you are in a hurry but from a customer service point of view table service is nicer and more traditional. I would definatley return here as it was an enjoyable experience but I would urge the owners to consider using proper cups & glasses rather than creating so much waste with plastic and paper cups in a world where being green is so important.

Delicious breakfast items.

By scott |

Surprisingly-fast food service for a busy breakfast place in a very busy hotel. While you wait, coffee and juice are self-serve.

Weekend brunch spot

By daisy32386 |

This was a charming breakfast spot and a great menu with a variety of options. I ordered the Texas waffle and yogurt with granola and both were delicious. If you are looking for charm and a casual weekend brunch location, then this is a good spot.

Good breakfasts

By Harry The International Man of Leisure |

We ate here four times during our stay. During the working week be prepared to wait about 20 to 30 mins for a table, they will message you when the table is ready. There is a good selection on the menu and I worked my way through it. Highlights for me the smoked brisket hash but you need to be hungry to finish it; the Texas shaped pecan waffle was excellent and added a sugar rush and the Austin American breakfast which is delicious. My only gripe was we got forgotten on the weekend and our breakfast went to another table. When they eventually replaced it my partners breakfast included all the thinks she had asked to remove and the person that got hers must he thought there is something missing here!

Gorgeous food, great atmosphere

By DeWittCotraveller |

Visited twice in the past week. Both times we were greeted with friendly, efficient service. Meals are plated beautifully, portions are ample and absolutely delicious! The beautifully maintained, historic hotel adds a sense of ambiance. Great place to visit with friends over a wonderful meal!

Overpriced and poor service

By Meghan V |

Honestly I had really high hopes for this place based on its location within The landmark Driskill and its ambience. My husband’s cheese soup was cold, his sandwich dry, and our waiter never checked on us post dish arrival. I felt that $14 for Eggs Benedict was a bit pricey but that’s me. His $8 mimosa was tiny. The tea was good but had we known... we’d have gone elsewhere.

Enjoyable

By Go2FunFood |

Easy location when staying at the hotel. Seating in the lobby or in the restaurant. It's a nice menu. I enjoyed the quiche, it was a large portion.

Delicious

By Catriona G |

A lovely way to see the Driskell hotel if you aren’t staying there! The Cafe is beautiful with amazing stained glass windows . Brunch was delicious and very filling, eggs Benedict which was good and my husband had the Austin traditional.Followed the advise to have the sausage and they were excellent, just like English Cumberland sausages very flavourful!!

BEST Breakfast in Austin, Hands Down!

By Summer K |

Located in the historic and majestic, Driskill Hotel. We loved this quaint little restaurant so much, we ate here more than once in a week! Historic setting with modern efficiency. Food was fresh and delicious! I had the Texas Pecan Waffle and my husband had the LadyBird omelett -- YUM! Service was quick and attentive; wait times were under 15 minutes each time. Normal diner-level chatter; not really "noisy." And while you're waiting, take a look around the lovely historic Driskill Hotel. My favorite dining experience of the week!

Good for lunch/dessert

By SadieInAustin |

Went here to celebrate a friend's birthday and we ordered lunch and desserts. Several friends needed vegetarian options and they were able to accommodate them. Desserts were great!

LOVELY ENVIRONMENT FOR BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH

By famillehamilton |

We had a nice breakfast and great service. Coffee was good but not as strong as we like. Fruit cup was a perfect size. Eggs were good. Wish they came with more than one piece of toast though as the bread was nice with the honey butter. Normally restaurants provide 2 pieces of toast with breakfast. Known for their baked goods but we didn't sample them. Pretty restaurant with lovely high ceilings.

Under Seige?

By juan c |

Friendly staff, good by pricey food, and pretty facilities. The experience was unfortunately marred by being berated by a homeless fellow who, after enjoying a cup of coffee at a corner table, decided to verbally launch into the clientele as we all enjoyed a quiet breakfast. Staff were embarrassed. A possible reflection of the present condition of at least this part of once-pleasant downtown Austin.

Good food great history

By joshj |

Was really fun to enjoy this stylish cafe with really good food, the old look with the Driskill hotel made this a beautiful restaurant. Food was fast, however the service cold speed up. Otherwise a must to pop into and experience the history. Enjoy

Excellent food experience

By degbof |

Hard to say enough about the quality of the food. We had an omelette and avocado toast and both were fantastic. Beautifully prepared and full of amazing flavor. Worth a wait in line if you have to

Part of Driskill Hotel

By Ramesh K |

Best breakfast we had; clean, simple and very tasty. It felt like extension of Driskill and it felt like a rich golf course cafe.

Stand in line to order, mediocre food

By Yoni |

Beautiful building but have to stand in line to place order. Food was mediocre at best. Nice setting, but for mediocre food I'd say not worth it.

Lovely Historical Breakfast Spot with Great Food

By jackiebr63 |

We had brunch here yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed our meals. My spinach and goat cheese scramble with home potatoes & fresh baked seeded toast was excellent and my son and his wife had the rancho huevos that they absolutely devoured and loved. My husbands only complaint with his avocado toast was the accompanying salad was totally ordinary with only lettuce.

Excellent quality

By Matthew |

Our family of four with young kids ate here each morning for brunch while staying at the hotel. The line moved reasonably quickly and the food preparation was also faster than anticipated. The food was amazing, especially the chicken & waffles and the Fresh Eddy cocktail!

Great breakfasts!

By Kahaluu_Bob |

We ate here five days in a row, and did not get bored. The breakfasts are great. Average cost is about $15. The bakery is good, so indulge in some good baked goods, too.

Inexpensive way to experience the Driskill Hotel

By Karolyn O |

I wanted to check out the Driskill without paying the price tag and walked into the cafe. It was even more breathtaking then I thought. The details and colors of the building are a must see, one of those places that makes you go “wow”. I had coffee and dessert and it was great to find that all desserts are made in-house almost on a daily basis. You can actually see the kitchen from the seating area and many of the rustic kitchen utensils in use today, and of course service was as expected from a place like this, very good, a cool experience over it all.

Great breakfast at 1886

By 4208nancyb |

The breakfast at the 1886 was very good. It's not a fast food breakfast - so expect to relax and enjoy the food and great service.

Wish I lived in Austin

By Joan M |

They make cafe lattes better than Starbucks and their scrambled eggs were delicious.I also had an avocado toast which topped any I have had in the fanciest restaurants. Two huge fresh tomato slices atop multigrain bread covered with ripe avocados, arugula and chipotle mayo. I would love to have brought this back with me on the airplane. The staff are so friendly, and the service is impeccable.

Hearty breakfast at a cosy ambiance

By Peach Speaks |

I love this place. It has a colonial and nostalgic feel at the same time. It felt so cosy to be there and the service was great. Breakfast price is very reasonable and refillable coffee comes with any dish you order. We tried an Egg Benedict and continental set which were both awesome. If you stay at The Driskill or look for a breakfast option, give this place a try. You will love it.

Best Breakfast and Lunch in Austin!

By Jim2344 |

This is the first place our son and his girlfriend took us in Austin and it was off the charts! When you first sit down do yourself a favor and order the Chocolate Croissants and Cinnamon Roll before they run out - absolutely incredible! We also enjoyed the Paris Eggs Benedict, the wonderful Cheese Soup, the Chopped Salad, Sausage Gravy over a biscuit with sunny side up egg and much more! Every single bite we took was absolutely sensational! If you want a can’t miss place in Austin for Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch this is it!

Delicious food, book before you go

By Alfons K |

I loved the food and traditional architecture of the place. I had delicious waffle and salmon bagel, but other food looked super tasty too. I recommend to book through Open Table App before you go to avoid waiting. If you just walk in, they put you on waiting list (waiting time about 20min and it was Thursday, around 11AM). Also, even if it's hot outside, wear long sleeve, because it's breezy there.

DELICIOUS

By Rebecca R |

Shaved beef sandwich is the BEST ever...then the 1886 Chocolate Cake is to die for! I always travel with a few zip lock bag...buy croissant to go with morning coffee in hotel room...the ALMOND Croissant was perfect...my complements to the Chef

Work Lunch and Family Breakfast

By 3DayPlay |

This casual breakfast and lunch restaurant is located in a beautiful and historic hotel. I ate here for both a business lunch and family breakfast before we left town. The food and service was excellent for both. I was particularly impressed with my son's waffle which was shaped like the State of Texas. How cool!

Quick meal

By gregun |

We were on our way to a concert and grabbed a quick meal on the way. Good service, good food and good space.

Make a reservation!

By CBS |

This place was packed, could not get in for breakfast. All reservations were booked out. And the wait was over 45 minutes so we left.

Delicious Breakfast

By Tracy T |

Located in the historic Driskill hotel, 1886 is worth the stop when in Austin. We were greeted warmly and seated immediately. Our waiter was attentive and friendly and had coffee and menus to us in seconds. The restaurant was immaculately clean and the decor tasteful and historical. Our table was small but cozy. Our food was delicious and cooked exactly as ordered. Highly recommend- we would definitely eat here again!

Texas-sized portions

By pillowsofwanderlust |

I was staying at the Driskill Hotel on a breakfast package, so I enjoyed 3 breakfasts here. Opened in 2002, the Cafe's name is in reference to the year the Driskill opened; in the 1970's there was an eatery here called the 1886 Lunchroom run by the Heritage Society. The Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch 6:30am-2:30pm. A Grab-N-Go counter is open til 4:00pm. The Cafe has pretty extensive menus filled with classic fare, some with a Texas twist. Prices are reasonable and portions are Texas-sized, at least for the things I ordered. Delicious baked goods are made in-house. Over 3 days, I had the Cowboy Breakfast (huge bone-in beef rib, bacon, eggs, potatoes, biscuit and gravy), Smoked Brisket Hash (with eggs), and Austin Hot Fried Chicken (with eggs, biscuit and gravy). The orange juice was fresh-squeezed. The grapefruit was an entire grapefruit plus berries and an Elderflower simple syrup. The cherry danish was delish. The cinnamon rolls, which I had twice, were enormous, as was a bowl of berries. Service was hit and miss, better of course when I came early. The staff likes to socialize amongst themselves, sometimes to the detriment of diners. I did not need lunch for 2 of my 3 days in Austin, which was kind of unfortunate, given the city's food truck culture.

Dissapointing experience

By anita l |

We visited on a quiet Tuesday at 11.30. There were vacant tables but they all needed clearing and wiping. We waited 5 minutes and then had to ask lady at order point to clear a table for us. Food was at best average but service very poor with a long wait for ordered food. Receipt wasn't offered and we were suprised at mandatory 18% service charge when we queued up, served ourselves, had a long wait and given coffee in paper cups. Not one member of staff gave a smile or greeting. As we were leaving there was appeared to be a manager in a grey suit by door. Surely he would give us a thankyou or a goodbye as we literally passed him....but no. Sad to say this was a very disappointing experience.

Best Croissant in Town

By TAZ |

I travel a lot and I'm always on the hunt for great local eateries, especially bakeries and cafés that have awesome plain croissants. They are my weakness. I had read about the 1886 Croissant at the Driskill Hotel which was only a few blocks from where I was staying. I ate there twice but behaved myself and had a croissant only once. It was flaky, fluffy and buttery- and gigantic! In addition to it, I also had the oatmeal which came with berries, toasted pepitas, and brown sugar and raisins on the side. If you prefer honey like I do, just ask. The menu had a lot to choose from- many hearty dishes as well as items for the more health conscious. The prices are moderate and expected, but a plain, old cup of drip coffee is four bucks which I thought was really steep. I mean, a cup of soup is $4.50 and a cup of fruit which is overflowing with everything yummy is $3, both of which are more labor intensive to prepare than coffee. Coffee doesn't need to be THAT expensive. Nonetheless, breakfast was excellent, the 1886 croissant was to die for, and the service was good. I would definitely go back but will have my coffee somewhere else.

Driskill Hotel

By David T |

Brunch was good and the prices reasonable. The atmosphere is the number one reason to go. Expect to wait for a table. The tables are bunched too closely together. A couple at the next table was talking loudly and we found it very disturbing. There are newspapers available for diners, including the Wall Street Journal.

Everything Is Bigger In Texas And At The 1886 Cafe & Bakery

By HappierInNewEngland |

During a brief visit to Austin, my brother and I ate breakfast at the 1886 Cafe & Bakery here twice. Service is excellent. After placing the order, your name will be called out when your drinks are ready and a server will later deliver your food directly to your table, which should be marked with a number you are given to display. The pastries and breakfast dishes live up to the saying that "Everything is Bigger in Texas!" All of the different types of pastries are enormous and the Texas-shaped waffle served with the delicious chicken and waffle breakfast could easily feed two. The Driskill Hotel and the attached 1886 Cafe & Bakery are steeped in history. You can feel it all around as you roam the halls. The bathrooms for the eatery that are located on the mezzanine level are magnificent. Everyone from foodies to history buffs will appreciate the spectacular 1886 Cafe & Bakery.

Huevos Rancheros

By Lindsay L |

We visited the 1886 Café for breakfast in Austin. It’s in the delightful setting of the Driscoll Hotel. Despite it being busy, we were served quickly and our food didn’t take long at all. We both had the huevos rancheros which was absolutely delicious. Along with lashings of hot sauce. Service was very friendly. Would definitely recommend.

Driskill Hotel restaurant

By BLtrvl |

Decent place for breakfast – nothing fancy, somewhat standard hotel fare but in a nice, high-ceiling room. Additional seating in the hotel lobby.

Great Breakfast

By bobbymac70 |

Great breakfast, in an amazing location. The restaurant is in the historic Driskill Hotel in Austin. Beautiful building, and more importantly amazing food. I had the Paris Texas Benedict, which had amazing flavors. All of our crew thoroughly enjoyed the food and service.

great pastries and coffee

By 2020worldtraveler2020 |

had breakfast here two days in a row because the croissants were flaky and the americano coffee was tasty. nice decor and sitting area. service is friendly albeit a bit slow.