Kerbey Lane Cafe - Central
Cafe · Bryker Woods ·
Diner serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and queso
![Kerbey Lane Cafe - Central by Kerbey Lane Cafe [Official]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62551768/Carls-Breakfast_Kerbey-Lane_104739.0.0.0.jpeg "Kerbey Lane Cafe - Central by Kerbey Lane Cafe [Official]")
Diner serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and queso
"Magnolia Cafe is older, and Toasty Badger is better, but Kerbey Lane Cafe is Austin’s quintessential diner, having ballooned to nine locations across the area since 1980. The original, a renovated bungalow, is easily the most charming. Any of them are usually packed, though, especially on weekends. You'll find just about every demographic under one roof: a couple in athleisure, parents begging their children to settle down, and friends who couldn’t get a reservation at a trendy spot like Paperboy. The highlight at Kerbey Lane is the migas platter served over tortilla chips, but their menu has all of the requisite diner staples, too." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs
"Magnolia Cafe is older, and Toasty Badger is better, but Kerbey Lane Cafe is Austin’s quintessential diner, having ballooned to nine locations across the area since opening in 1980. It’s usually packed, especially during weekend brunch hours, and you’ll find every demographic under one roof: siblings swapping anecdotes in athleisure, parents begging their children to settle down, and friends who couldn’t get a reservation at a trendy spot like Paperboy. The highlight at Kerbey Lane is the migas served over tortilla chips, but their menu has most of the requisite diner classics—and they’re fine. The original location in Rosedale remains the most charming—it’s a renovated bungalow with green and orange walls and low, homey ceilings. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Pause Unmute Food Rundown Beverages Like any decent brunch place, Kerbey Lane has a robust, appealing selection of lattes, juices, and cocktails. We like the Cinnamon Swirl Latte made with dirty chai. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Pancakes These get the job done, but so does Bisquick. They lack the well-griddled char and fluffiness of great pancakes. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Migas Platter A lot of places pile this scrambled-egg concoction onto tacos, but Kerbey Lane lets the crunchy tortillas act as a base rather than a shell. Even better, you can choose one of a few different housemade sauces that give the migas a light creaminess. We usually get the queso or the green-chili sour cream. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL The Cowboy Kerbey Lane has nearly a dozen benedicts and omelets on the menu—some expected and others more unique. This particular benedict isn’t as flavorful as its bright orange guajillo hollandaise suggests, but the jalapeño sausage and crispy toast give the dish a pleasant zest. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL" - Matthew Jacobs
"A longtime Austin tradition and staple, Kerbey Lane is at the top of the pack when it comes to breakfast in Austin. From pancakes to migas, Kerbey has it all—even serving queso as a socially acceptable option in the AM. Our favorite location (and the one with the most charm) will always be the original, inside a converted craftsman on Kerbey Lane. But they’ve gotten their formula down at their other several locations too. " - raphael brion, nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs
"Kerbey Lane has made a name for itself on three things: early morning food, late-night bites, and Kerbey Queso. The classic queso gave us strong Velveeta vibes on the cheese alone—there wasn’t enough added in to prevent it from tasting like plastic. But the additions of fresh guacamole and pico in the Kerbey Queso make it memorable. If you’re ordering the classic queso, add some chorizo for a little oomph, otherwise stick with the Kerbey Queso—that’s where they shine. What we got: Kerbey Queso " - nicolai mccrary
"Austin loves the diner chain’s quesos. First, there’s the regular queso. Then there’s the house queso with guacamole and pico de gallo. And then, for a heartier take, try the Cowboy, mixed with black beans plus guacamole and pico de gallo. There’s also a vegan option made with cashew cheese. All come with optional veggie or pork chorizo. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are outdoor and indoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury
