It’s the hottest month of the year so far and the heat index has you running for shaded dining with an air conditioner on standby.  Despite the warm temps, we take our Sunday-funday brunching campaigns extremely serious.  While some of us have our weekend go-to’s, exploring the latest and greatest brunch spots are often just as exciting.  From giant punch bowls filled with mimosas to the latest spin on a poached egg benedict, here our favorite brunches through the month of July.

Trace

Trace has always had an amazing brunch spread but let’s be honest, what really gets your excited about their brunch is their $1 mimosas.  Our favorite small plates include the Duck Chilaquiles which includes crispy tortilla chips, duck confit, crispy chicken skin and a soft poached duck egg.  Don’t forget large plate options like El Gordo sandwich, stacked with pork belly, chicken fried steak, pickled veggies, potato chips, and pimento cheese with a side of house fries and Lone Star beer.

TRACE Austin | 200 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701

Freedmen’s

The best thing about Freedmen’s is that there’s no line. Which is amazing considering its been named one of Texas Monthly’s best BBQ spots in the state.  The city’s best barbecue brunch arrives with smoked pork belly, sausage or brisket benedict with a side of jalapeno cheddar grits, and the mother of all Bloody Marys mixed with smoked tomato, whiskey and a trio of their best smoked meats.

Freedmens BBQ | 2402 San Gabriel St, ATX

Bangers Sausage House

Banger’s has been one of Rainey Street’s most well known and most beloved brunch in town for the past few years.  Sure the food is spectacular, but the highlight of Banger’s brunch is not only limited to the cuisine itself.  The infamous Rainey St. hot spot offers live bands on stage and all over the wide-open beer garden space.  Jump on the brunch menu’s rich dishes, sausages, and its signature take on mimosas with gigantic Manmosa.

Bangers Sausage House | 81 Rainey St. Austin, TX 78701

Punch Bowl Social

The bar continues to rise at the Domain in North Austin, as the brunch game get’s a much needed face lift.  Punch Bowl Social recently added several new menu items to their brunch menu including Shrimp & Grits with Red Eye Gravy, Grilled Cheese with Sweet Tomato Jam, and the Toasted Western Sandwich, a Denver omelet on crispy toast. All of Acheson’s dishes are created with Punch Bowl Social’s commitment to a seasonally inspired, scratch kitchen in mind.

Punch Bowl Social | 11310 Domain Dr. Austin , Texas 78758

Boiler Nine

Enjoy your summer brunch at an urban oasis downtown at Deck Nine Observatory Bar at Boiler Nine.  A modern industrial, open-air patio located on the fourth floor, Deck Nine is the perfect spot to relax with good company, good food and drinks. Indulge in Boiler Nine’s traditional brunch menu with special à la carte dishes and cocktail specials. Our favorite dishes include the Smoked Whitefish Benedict topped with shaved asparagus, hollandaise and caviar; and the Grilled Angus Brisket Hash with molasses marinade, yukon golds, and over easy egg and Marigold mustard.

Boiler Nine | 800 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

FIXE

FIXE launched their Summer Brunch series back in May, serving up a mix of new brunch items and sides as well as signature ‘Sunday Supper’.  Lauded for their made-to-order biscuits and playful takes on nostalgic southern fare, the progressive southern restaurant has expanded its hours to include a reoccurring brunch service from 12-8pm every Sunday featuring a mix of the restaurant’s signature shared plates, new brunch items, and great side dishes.

FIXE | 500 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701

La Mancha Tex-Mex

If you decided to skip the long BBQ lines in favor of queso, Migas and Huevos Rancheros, you might as well do it properly.  La Mancha Tex-Mex has always been known for their amazing happy hour, but they actually have an amazing brunch as well.  You’ll find all of the classic Tex-Mex staples, but don’t be afraid to order the colorful stack of pancakes surrounded with berries and cream while enjoying the airy outdoor covered space highlighting the clean and fun atmosphere.

La Mancha Tex-Mex | 2203 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78756

Eberly

Building upon its exciting debut last October, Eberly launched their brunch menu in April as well as expanded weekend hours in the Cedar Tavern bar, opening at noon on Saturdays and Sundays.  Featured dishes will include, Crab ‘n’ Grits, with gristmill grits, soft shell crab, Fresno chile relish, sauce vert, bacon vinaigrette and sunny eggs; New Ol’ Fried Chicken, with waffle fried chicken, brandy maple truffle drizzle and farm salad; seasonal hot cakes, a brunch board featuring cured salmon, duck ham, soft cooked egg and lemon ricotta, along with housemade pastries and a number of brunch pizzas, rotating weekly and more.

Eberly | 615 South Lamar Blvd