Breakfast is all about options. In the Highland Lakes, hungry early birds have tons of choices to start their day strong. Sweet pastries, savory bacon, steamy coffee, and spicy breakfast tacos only scratch the surface.
Compiling this list was no easy task. With so many different eateries from which to choose, difficult decisions were made. Obviously, because of this, the following selection is only a handful of the delicious breakfast spots open early and ready to serve.
MORNING SUGAR RUSH
A glazed donut from Donut Crown in Marble Falls. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
For many, nothing says breakfast more than a boost of sugar in the morning. Here are some of the best Highland Lakes spots to score scones, donuts, kolaches, and more.
Donut Crown
316 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls; 830-220-5044
Among the most popular orders at Donut Crown is a baker’s dozen of classic, glazed donuts. The shop also offers authentic Vietnamese coffee, which pairs nicely with its sweet fare.
Gude’s Bakery & Deli
307 W. Polk St. in Burnet; 512-715-9903
Perfect for families, Gude’s offers indecisive patrons tons of options, including donuts, kolaches, cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, eclairs, and muffins.
M&M Donuts
1329 RR 1431 in Kingsland; 325-388-6053
If you’re out and about in Kingsland, try M&M Donuts. Family recipes and natural ingredients combine for one-of-a-kind offerings.
TRADITIONAL FARE
The bountiful weekend breakfast buffet at Llano’s Hungry Hunter. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Hungry for the classics? Chow down on bacon, eggs, and pancakes at these diners with menus reminiscent of a Sunday breakfast at Grandma’s house.
Blue Bonnet Cafe
211 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls; 830-693-2344
Serving since 1929, Blue Bonnet Cafe’s all-day breakfast menu is as classic as it gets. Hotcakes, bacon, and eggs are at the top of patrons’ minds when they walk through the door of this iconic diner. Order a side of biscuits and gravy — you’re welcome.
Llano’s Hungry Hunter
702 W. Young St. in Llano; 325-247-4236
This Llano institution is perfect for the hungriest of diners with its weekend breakfast buffet of savory bacon, delectable scrambled eggs, and much more.
Crazy Gals Cafe
414 Texas 29 East in Burnet; 512-715-8040
3003 RR 1431 West in Kingsland; 325-388-3460
Start your day right with a hearty omelette at Crazy Gals Cafe. All omelettes are served with four eggs, cheddar cheese, and toast. Try the Spanish omelette, which includes sausage, green bell peppers, onion, tomato, and cheddar cheese paired with salsa and sour cream.
TACOS, BURRITOS, AND MORE
A bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast taco from Agustino’s Mexican Food in Marble Falls. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
In Texas, even breakfast is spicy. Get your Tex-Mex fix at these locations.
Agustino’s Mexican Food
1006 Mission Hills Drive in Marble Falls; 830-613-5254
Locally beloved, Agustino’s serves its delicious menu out of a food trailer. The bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast taco is by far its best seller.
El Grande Taco
2732 RR 1431 in Kingsland; 830-265-8590
Another food trailer, El Grande Taco makes a breakfast burrito that satisfies. Guests can choose from among fillings such as chorizo, beans, sausage, cheese, ham, bacon, potato, and egg.
Hacienda El Charro
306 S. Water St. (U.S. 281) in Burnet; 512-756-7630
The bacon and egg tacos are a fantastic choice — savory and fluffy.
HOT DRINKS
A caramel latte paired with a ginger scone on the front porch of Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
Fuel up with dark coffee, hot tea, sweet lattes, and more at several caffeine stops across the Highland Lakes, whether you’re in a rush to a planned outing or taking it slow.
Numinous Coffee Roasters
715 RR 1431 in Marble Falls; 830-265-5454
With made-from-scratch pastries and freshly roasted and brewed coffee, Numinous is simultaneously perfect for busybodies on-the-go or those looking to ease into their morning. The caramel latte and ginger scone are among the most-ordered items.
Tea Thyme Cafe
2108 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls; 830-637-7787
A healthier way to start the day, Tea Thyme offers patrons hot tea options, including black, green, and herbal tea. The cafe also serves lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos with its varied breakfast options.
Unshakable Grounds Coffee Shop
134 S. Main St. in Burnet; 512-588-6025
Fans of sweet coffee are in for a treat at Unshakable Grounds. While the coffeehouse is known for its caramel macchiato, it also makes delectable frappes with peppermint, chocolate, mocha, caramel, and more.
A SPECIAL MORNING
For something a little different, get a table at these Highland Lakes restaurants for breakfast or brunch.
The Overlook Restaurant at Canyon of the Eagles
16946 RR 2341 in Burnet; 512-334-2070
Experience panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country while enjoying a fresh brunch with family and friends. Favorites include the ultimate breakfast sandwich, Mexican-inspired migas, and hardy omelets.
Hooper’s
1010 King Court in Kingsland; 325-388-6022
Hooper’s has an extensive breakfast menu, including huevos rancheros, a variety of poached eggs and omelettes, and the quiche of the day. Don’t be scared off by the homage to the 1974 cult horror classic “Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” directed by Tobe Hooper. The building was the infamous home in the movie but has been renovated into a beautiful dining space serving delicious food.
Have a favorite Highland Lakes breakfast stop? Let us know in the comment section below.
nathan@thepicayune.com