Review 1886 Cafe & Bakery - Austin

This place takes you back in time, with its charming interior, high ceilings and just the vibe. It's perfect for an early weekend brunch. We ordered the hippie hollow omelet, Texas migas, and the Texas waffles along with drip coffee and white chocolate mocha. The food was cooked to perfection and pleasant to look at. Although it's slightly steeply priced, I think it's worth it because its served with a great view of the street, unique ambience and great service.

It never occurred to me during my 20+ years of living in Austin to enjoy a meal at the Driskill’s 1886 Cafe & Bakery. This weekend, while hunting for a good Sunday breakfast at any downtown restaurant, I made a stop at two other establishments that had a waitlist that was longer than I was willing to accept. My final Google maps search suggested the 1886 Cafe & Bakery. After scrolling through the patron photos and reviews, I was convinced that it would be worth the additional 8 minute drive. Downtown parking during the final day of ACL weekend was easier than expected. After a brief one block walk, I arrived at the Driskill. As I grabbed the door and began to pull it open, the doorman rushed to finish the task. Door handle on one hand and his cell phone in the other, he welcomed me to the hotel and ushered me in. I thanked him and made my way to the cafe. It was hard to determine my position in line. I was close enough to access the menu from the QR code just under the vintage stained glass welcome sign. After a few minutes, I learned that each guest is addressed by a greeter who offers polite instructions on the ordering and seating procedure. In less than 10 minutes, I was near the main counter. During my wait, I managed to take a few tourist-style photos and chat with a few other patrons-in-waiting. I arrived at the register having narrowed my selection down to two choices.. It was either the Chicken and Waffles, or the Brazos Huevos Rancheros. Since I already have a favorite restaurant to experience an exquisite chicken and waffles, I chose the Brazos Huevos Rancheros. Pricing is a bit high. But, I wouldn’t quite call it expensive. After placing my order, I took my neatly bundled utensils with my table marker(a numbered wooden spoon) and found a table in the main area of the hotel. My steaming meal arrived minutes later. The waiter staff seemed light. But, “Wolfie” stopped by to check on our table at least twice. The chefs at the 1886 Cafe & Bakery present their signature Brazos Huevos Rancheros in a non-traditional fashion. Instead of simply covering the plate with separate and familiar portions of food. This dish is served with layers of fresh flavorful ingredients. The foundation starts with a mixture of papas(potatoes) and chunks of sausage. Next is a crispy fried corn tortilla which is coated with a smooth layer of refried beans - and, if I’m not mistaken, a light layer of crumbled sausage. Finally, another crispy tortilla is added. This time topped with ranchero sauce, scrambled eggs, pico, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream! The combination of fresh ingredients and contrasting textures made for a delightful experience. Although both are delicious, there is a discernible difference between a chef-prepared dish and one that is traditionally home-cooked. Is it worth paying almost twice what you might pay at a local Mexican restaurant? I would recommend visiting the 1886 Bakery & Cade at least once so that you can decide for yourself!

1886 Cafe & Bakery is a wonderful place to enjoy a cup of coffee and indulge in a delicious brunch dish. I absolutely adored the charming Victorian tearoom setting. The Paris Texas Benedict was superb, with a crispy croissant and an overall delicious combination of flavors. The Quiche Lorraine was equally delicious, and I particularly appreciated how the tomato-leek ham perfectly complemented the dish's taste. Our overall impression was good, although it's worth noting that this spot can be a bit pricey. Additionally, it's important to mention that they automatically include an 18% gratuity with every order.

Nut allergy friendly - labeled (NF) - waffles and other items have cross contamination concerns. Trust the labels. Ignore the construction from 6th Street entrance - this is a fancy nice counter service restaurant with a pricey but substantial brunch offering! I went with a group and we had no issues getting a table in the lobby. We were even visited by the executive chef to ask how our meal was. You have to self serve your own water, but the ambiance of being in the Driskell was a unique experience that makes for a great date or hangout. Texas Migas: My meal! The tortilla strips really came out crispy with a nice half avocado sliced up. Only two pieces of flour tortilla were not enough (I think three would have been perfect) but the jalapeno, onion, radish, and eggs came together very well. Bagel & Lox: Served with some chive oil in the cream cheese and suggest to put together one half of the bagel at a time, or else it would end up massive. An offering that stands up to the test of time. Both styles of Egg Benedict: The Paris Texas style was more unique and took the cake. They were similar but the croissant really elevated a traditional breakfast. The prices are high with gratuity included, but the portions are pretty good.

I had the eggs Benedict and the sauce was not my favorite it had an after taste that this dish does not usually have. Orange juice is not freshly squeezed and coffee is fine.

I love this place! I stay at another hotel for work but walk here every morning to get breakfast. Everything I've ever ordered has been delicious, but my favorites include the chicken and waffles, the quiche Lorraine, and the Lady Bird Omelette. Note that there is fine print at the bottom of the menu that they automatically add 18% gratuity to every bill, so that can make the price appear higher when you see the final bill.

The food was amazing. You will not be disappointed with anything on their menu. That included the espresso and the spoon to stir it with. Not to mention, the latte was very well made with the best microfoam I've seen in a while. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit at 1886 and will be returning when I visit Austin again.

I’m in Austin for a friend’s wedding and am staying at the Firehouse Hostel across the street. I came here to grab a fresh cup of coffee and a meal for lunch. 1886 is a cafe in the lobby of the elegant Driskell hotel, which matches the feel of the cafe ambiance. In fact, the seating area of the cafe spills into the lobby of the hotel which is nice because you can find a variety of seating options to suit your needs. They have a diverse and full menu with lots of options and the service staff were phenomenal. I ordered a dish with pork bacon by accident and realized after it came out. They were happy to swap my meal free of charge with the Fried Chicken Sandwich with fries. The sandwich had a crispy chicken breast with a thick slice of cheddar on top of a thick layer of kale and arugula dressed with their house made ranch. The ranch was a bit runny but it didn’t take away from the nice sweetness of the kale and bun and the savoriness of the chicken and cheddar. I would definitely order it again. Besides the food the staff at 1886 Cafe & Bakery are more than enough reason for a return visit. Would highly recommend.

The food tasted really good, the portions where decent-sized, and the drinks were great. The croissant was nice and flaky, and the oatmeal cookie was soft and chewy. The food came out quickly, and the staff was nice and friendly. Great spot for brunching in downtown Austin.

What a beautiful place to enjoy a meal. Filled with history, this quaint Bistro offers high end food, great service and a lovely atmosphere. I had the avocado toast, which was delicious! It's. Must see in downtown Austin!

Such a photogenic, elegant place to get an amazingly presented and flavorful brunch. We were impressed. Things you should know: I. SERVICE Friendly and timely. This is the type of restaurant where you order and pay at the register. The line can be long from time-to-time, but they have their system down; the line moves fast. While you pay at the register, your drink order comes out so you can sip on some beverages while you wait for your food. The food doesn't take long to come out either. II. QUALITY Wow. We ordered two items off the menu and it was MORE than enough for the two of us ~ the portions are massive. We got the Cinnamon Roll. Highly recommend..! It was not your typical cinnamon roll but a leveled-up, fluffy and buttery croissant coated in delicious icing. The Bravos Huevos Rancheros was texture and flavor galore. Also amazing. Everything is made fresh; you can even see through some windows into the kitchen which you wait in line to see them making everything from scratch. III. CAPACITY Very busy on weekends, but like I said, the line to order moves fast. If the dining room looks full, no big deal, you can sit and eat out in the main foyer lobby area. It's beautiful and we preferred to sit there more..!

Came here with friends and got breakfast. We got the Texas waffle, chorizo, and the croque madame. The food was very good and tasty if a bit pricey. It was interesting because you have to order first, then find a table and then the food will be brought out to you. It’s a very atmospheric and decorative place with a lot of charm!

Holy smokes! The cinnamon bun is next level delicious and huge so plan on sharing this! Our egg sandwich was also a delight. Cannot go wrong with this place :)

The service and staff were extremely helpful and kind. The food was pretty good. The cinnamon roll is massive but light as it is made with a croissant like dough. There is a lot of vanilla bean icing which no one found overpowering but there was a noticeable lack of cinnamon for an item with that ingredient in its name. We also ordered the turkey BLT with so adjustments, including switching the swiss for provolone. The french fries are good, but only for the first 2 minutes, eat them first and fast. Would recommend and return...I do want to try the cheese soup but it was really warm that day. I do hope the staff is adequately compensated, it's confusing to know how/what to tip when ordering at the bar and getting your own table and water. I hope the Hyatt appreciates and rightly compensates the waitstaff here. They were 5 stars!

Fantastic place for breakfast. The menu is extensive. We loved what we tried. Portions are more than generous. There are plenty of seating indoor, outdoor and inside the hotel lobby, but you have to place your order at the counter which call for a slow process and long line. Still think it’s worth it.

Overall it was a good experience for a fine dining brunch that can be great for an occasion. The hotel is so beautiful with all the vintage/victorian interiors. We were really excited to try this place looking at all the hyped up reviews and photos. But, I’d be honest and say that the food to me was okay/good. Not really the preference of my palette. But it’s a personal choice. Although it felt really freshly cooked but not something I would come back and would want more of especially with the prices that it has. We went overboard and ordered a bunch of stuff coz we knew we might not be coming back again soon unless it’s a special date or birthday. But, must try once!

Such a cute spot, food was great, atmosphere so cute and they decorate for the holidays.

A great place for brunch! This cafe and bakery has a wide variety of delicious brunch options, friendly service, and a warm atmosphere. I highly recommend it!

Seriously the best French toast I’ve ever had!! We’ve been here twice after the first time we couldn’t stop thinking about the food… 1886 is the best highly recommend