Brunch Circuit: 24 Diner
01 Mar 2010 Leave a Comment
After Merri Su and I tried Galaxy Cafe, we decided we needed to make brunch a once a month event. Here’s the second installment of the Brunch Circuit at 24 Diner.
Location: 24 Diner is at 6th and Lamar, right across from Whole Foods. This is a great location in the heart of downtown Austin. Merri Su and I arrived there around 9:00 a.m. and we were both able to score good parking, but the place was filling up fast by the time we left. Moral of the story: If you go during peak times, parking might be an issue.
Atmosphere: The Diner’s tag line is, “Chef inspired comfort food whenever you need it,” and the decor matches this sentiment. Merri Su described it perfectly, but I was so mesmerized by the menu (I was trying to justify ordering chili cheese fries for breakfast), the only word I remember her saying is “industrial.” What I do remember is that the diner is trademark Austin: it exudes a hip vibe, but underneath all the hype, it’s an easygoing, friendly joint.
Service: 24 Diner is a sit-down place, and we had a great waitress. Even though they seemed busy, she came by a couple of times to make sure we didn’t need anything, and the manager or owner also came by and asked us how everything was. I know this is standard practice at a lot of eateries, but the manager here impressed me–she seemed genuinely interested in how we felt, and she thanked us for coming in.
Taste: I ordered the Hash, with chili, and a small orange juice. And it was huge. And it was delicious. And it included: skillet fries, onion, bacon, sausage, cheese, jalapeno, scrambled eggs, toast, and a side of fresh fruit. I guess they throw in the fruit just in case you polish off the hash and want dessert.
Cost: My entrée and juice was about $15.00, which I thought was a great price, considering the portion size was large enough I could still be snacking on it.
Recommendation: Overall, I recommend the 24 Diner for any meal. Disclaimer: I love breakfast, so I have a special place in my heart for any restaurant that serves it all day. Merri Su and I liked the sound of a lot of other items on the menu, so it’s likely we’ll be back. And then I can write about the Lunch Circuit, the Dinner Circuit, the Midnight Snack Circuit…well, you know what I mean. A writer’s got to do what a writer’s got to do. Oh, and if you decide to check it out, call me. I’m always up for chili cheese fries.
The Brunch Circuit: Galaxy Cafe
15 Feb 2010 2 Comments
When my friend Merri Su found out I’d never experienced an Austin brunch, she invited me to join her for a tasty meal at Galaxy Cafe (GC). We had such a good time, we decided to make it a monthly event. If you’ve been impressed with brunch in Austin, send us your recommendations! Here are all the details about our inaugural brunch at GC:
Location: GC has several locations in Austin. We went to the Triangle venue, which is conveniently located at the intersection of Guadalupe and Lamar.
Atmosphere: GC has an open, modern design that seems tranquil and clean. Merri Su and I sat at a comfortable table near a window.
Service: I had exceptional service; the cashier who took my order also offered to carry my orange juice to our table. Overall, every staff member was friendly, and they came over to our table often to inquire about refills.
Taste: I ordered the French Breakfast, and I was not disappointed. The fruit was fresh and the spinach quiche was filling without being heavy. Merri Su had the French Toast Deluxe, and it looked great, too.
French Breakfast, Image Courtesy of Galaxy Cafe
Cost: My entrée was $6.99, which seems like a terrific price for the amount and quality of food I got. My juice was $2.99 for a small glass, which I find moderately expensive; however, considering this was serving as breakfast and lunch, I thought it was a fine idea to splurge.
Recommendation: Overall, I recommend the Galaxy Cafe for brunch. In addition to yummy food, awesome service, and a fun place to hang out, Merri Su and I had a blast catching up. The next time you’re looking for a place to introduce friends or family to Austin brunch, consider giving the Galaxy Cafe a try. I think it’s a great place to start!
