If you’re looking for an “Instagram-able” brunch spot with INCREDIBLE food and drinks – this is it. Gabriela’s Downtown cooks up Michoacán inspired family recipes for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, plus a delicious weekend brunch Saturdays and Sundays. There are fun murals, lots of plants and greenery, and colorful tabletops everywhere you look.
Thanks, Gabriela’s, for having the Austin Food Bloggers’ Alliance in for brunch! While I did receive complimentary food and drinks, all opinions are my own.
Spoiler – I LOVED IT.
Gabriela’s is owned by (you guessed it) Gabriela and her brother Arturo Bucio. They make nearly everything on the menu fresh daily – including the tortillas! Gabriela was at the restaurant while we were there, running out orders and talking with guests. She’s so sweet and personable! The patio space around the small house is really nice. Cozy and shaded with a great view of downtown. There’s a paid parking lot behind Gabriela’s if you’re in a time crunch or need a close, convenient spot. However, when I went I parked around the corner off San Marcos Street (it’s free!).
Also, I don’t usually do this, but I’m going to be putting in the prices of food and drinks when I can. Typically, I like to let people decide for themselves if something is a good deal or not. Everyone has their own opinions on what things should cost. HOWEVER, the prices at Gabriela’s are amazing! No debate needed. At Gabriela’s, you can feast and drink on a budget.
The variety of food we got to try was incredible and I ate it ALL up. We started with some choriqueso ($8) served with handmade corn masa tortillas. The first drink to come out was their piña mimosa ($2) made with pineapple juice. I’ve realized I ONLY want my mimosas made with pineapple juice from now on.
The next round of food and drinks included chips and salsa, boozy horchata ($6 – Flor de caña gold rum, rice milk, and cinnamon), and cervezas preparadas. I’m not sure how much the beers cost to dress them, but cans range from $3-5. The tortilla chips are also of high quality. They’re thick and won’t break off as you scoop up all the cheesy goodness! That might seem trivial to you, but trust me – chip strength matters!
Since there were a lot of us, some of the food was served differently than it normally is. Typically, these gorditas come with two made-to-order corn gorditas filled with fried pork belly in red sauce and are served with seasoned potatoes and charro beans for $12. They’re easily hand-sized, so two would be plenty. On Gabriela’s brunch menu, their house margaritas are $5. I’m not sure how much their piña loca jarritos is during brunch (regular menu – $11), but that little clay pot is SO perfect for Instagram. If you don’t Instagram your brunch… did you even go?
If you prefer sweet to savory for your weekend morning brunch, then the tipsy french toast is for you. The tipsy french toast is made with a hint of rum and fried to a golden brown. It’s served with seasonal fruit for $11. I’m usually not a french toast person, but I devoured about 3 pieces.
I mean… just look at that spread. Amazing. Carnitas cooked to perfection served with rice, beans, and homemade tortillas. The fact that you can eat your fill and drink for $20 in downtown Austin is incredible. Gabriela’s truly is a gem!
Everything was incredible, but if I had to choose a favorite part, I’d say I was most impressed with the drinks. The drinks are totally unique and are 100% affordable. We didn’t order any, but next time I visit, I’m definitely going to get their miche-helada pop ($5). It’s a michelada… but with a popsicle that dips and melts into the beer!
I’m so happy to finally have an answer when people ask, “Kelly, you run an Austin blog – where should I go to brunch?” Gabriela’s Downtown. You should go to Gabriela’s.
THANK YOU Gabriela’s for having us! We were ALL so impressed. I cannot wait to go back with my family and friends.
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