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For travelers coming to town for the Austin City Limits Festival this month (or Fun Fun Fun Fest or the F1 Grand Prix in November, South by Southwest in March, the X Games next May, or any of the many festivals the city hosts), being out late and hungry is inevitable. Spending all day at an outdoor event then going to afterparties until the bars close down doesn't leave time for three square meals, and the snacks between bands hardly suffice.
Fortunately, Austin eats as heartily as it parties, and has as many late-night dining options as it does festivals. Thanks to the large student population of the University of Texas and a lively downtown bar district centered on Sixth Street, a demand for 24-hour food has long existed in Austin. A healthy (and not-so-healthy) selection of restaurants remains open all night long to feed those who by necessity or choice find themselves looking to dine after the bars have closed (but before the continental breakfast is out in the hotel lobby). So when everywhere else is closed, this guide will point you to places where something's always cooking, whether you're looking for a full breakfast or a place to grab tacos on the way back to the hotel.
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Austin's Pizza
Address: Various locations
Website: austinspizza.com
Hours: Open 24 hours
There'd have to be a pizza restaurant on this list, and it would have to be one right across from the University of Texas. The Drag location of Austin's Pizza is open 24-7, and even delivers during some—not all—of that time. Try the signature Dos Lobos pie. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, too. They also serve a proprietary coffee blend from local roaster Progress for those customers looking to fuel all-nighters.
Jim's
Address: Various locations
Website: jimsrestaurants.com
Hours: Open 24 hours
This San Antonio-based chain has several Austin locations. It's like Denny's, but better, because you can get breakfast tacos and migas. It is not new and not fancy, and the two 24-hour locations are on the outer edges of town, but it's a great spot when you really want a chicken fried steak at 3 a.m. Ask for a chili omelet if you're feeling adventurous.
Star Seeds Cafe
Address: 3101 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd.
Website: starseedscafe.com
Hours: Open 24 hours
Next to the shady Days Inn on the I-35 access road, Star Seeds looks the part of the colorful 24-hour greasy spoon, and doesn't disappoint. It's got the checkered tile and counter stools of a traditional diner along with a menu any Austin diner should have the right to expect: vegetarian options, a giant Frito pie, migas, and breakfast tacos.
Epoch Coffee
Address: 221 W North Loop Blvd.
Website: epochcoffee.com
Hours: Open 24 hours
Epoch Coffee is a large, comfortable coffee shop that stays open all night long. Sandwiches and pastries are served along with excellent hot and cold coffee drinks which are, by the way, a bargain. Their consideration for customers is grand; the WiFi has two stations to make sure coverage is good no matter where you are, and there are two separate, covered outdoor seating areas: one for smokers and one for nonsmokers. It's also in the relatively quiet North Loop neighborhood, making it a refuge from downtown crowds.
Ken's Donuts
Address: 2820 Guadalupe St.
Website: facebook.com/pages/Kens-Donuts/
Hours: Open 24 hours
For those with a sweet tooth, Ken's has fresh, hot donuts in the wee hours of the morning. This longtime campus staple is famous for its cheap fried treats and, in the tradition of the best donut shops, having some interesting non-donut items on the menu. In this case, it's samosas, which have a more-than-fair reputation.
Magnolia Cafe
Address: 2304 Lake Austin Blvd.; 1920 S. Congress Ave.
Website: themagnoliacafe.com
Hours: Open 24 hours
The Magnolia Cafe has two locations in central Austin and is famous for their "Sorry We're Open" sign in addition to their migas and omelets. Their queso is a best-seller, as are the vegetarian offerings. Service can be slow but charismatic.
24 Diner
Address: 600 N Lamar Blvd.
Website: 24diner.com
Hours: Open 24 hours (except for Weds., 6 a.m. - 12 a.m.)
Located at the corner of Lamar and Sixth, the 24 Diner is almost too nice for an all-night joint. The crowd comes from downtown and the bars on West Sixth to eat ridiculously elaborate chili fries and amazing milkshakes; the peanut butter and chocolate is a must-try. All-night breakfast, a full dinner menu, and a generous gluten-free menu are also on offer.
Kerbey Lane Cafe
Address: Various locations
Website: kerbeylanecafe.com
Hours: Open 24 hours
Austin institution Kerbey Lane gets its name from its original location, on Kerbey Lane in central Austin. It now has five locations spead across the city, and while the original has the most character, the South Lamar and campus-area outposts are also lively. The pancakes are the signature menu item and there's a special flavor daily.
La Mexicana Bakery
Address:1924 S 1st St.
Website: la-mexicana-bakery.com
Hours: Open 24 hours
South First has a dozen Mexican restaurants, but only one all-night Mexican bakery. La Mexicana has a giant pastry case filled with pan dulce and donuts, but you can also get tacos, breakfast, and dinner plates to-go or to eat-in all night long. If you're out in South Austin or coming from Zilker Park, it's just off the beaten path enough to avoid serious weekend late-night crowds. The breakfast tacos are good, but the savory tacos hold their own. And if you buy a couple of pastries for breakfast, you'll be impressed with your own planning upon waking.