1886 Cafe & Bakery
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Great Victorian-era bakery & restaurant inside The Driskill Hotel. Seating in and around the cafe (outer lobby-style seating as well). Comfortable Victorian-style club seats, comfortable table seating, marble topped tables, etc. They can get kind of busy but it's spacious and we've never had to wait long (two visits without issue). The pastries and brunch offerings are those that you'd expect people of the ton to have eaten in Bridgerton days. The chocolate banana bread, croissants, and more are beyond perfection. Wonderful experiences with equally wonderful service.
Delicious food and beautiful atmosphere! Tucked in to the Driscoll Hotel, where it feel luxurious, is a delicious adventure waiting to happen. The service was on point. It's as if they read our mind when we needed something. The BEST chicken and waffle I've ever had. It is a sweet, creamy buttermilk piece of heaven in the shape of Texas. The quality and flavor of the chicken was out of this world. This chicken was so perfectly seasoned and has a light glaze on it. The mushroom and spinach quiche is creamy and delicious.
Today, I was downtown Austin at 9 am to await my first Austin Matcha Half Marathon (walking marathon that is). Well I did not read the fine print and upon my arrival, I realized the group did not leave until 10:45 am on the walking marathon. Thus, I had an entire hour to kill. Off I went to the Driskill Hotel to their 1886 Cafe & Bakery for a pastry to line my stomach before the walk. I have heard friends and colleagues rave about their pastries. So I strolled down Congress Avenue to 1886 Cafe and Bakery. The 1886 Cafe & Bakery is located in the historic Driskill Hotel and as of 2025 is 139 years. The Driskill hotel opened in December 1886, hence the name of the cafe and bakery. The Driskill is the oldest operating hotel in Austin. When you walk in, you are instantly captivated by the juxtaposition of the old and new. The old...beautiful cut class, ceiling tiles, wall paper and fine China. The new...modern kitchen with a viewing galley and coffee machine. Crista, my server, recommended the chocolate pecan croissant or the apple tart. I went with croissant. OMG...this literally the best chocolate pecan croissant I have ever eaten. I highly recommend this pastry. After leisurely eating my croissant, i headed back to the walk starting point.
There's a mandatory 20% tips, and there's an option to tip more. :) 5/5 for the chocolate pecan croissant. It melts in your mouth. It's perfectly sweetened and no flavor is overpowering. 4/5 for the quiche and 2/5 for the salad that comes with it. The salad is ridiculously sour, we normally love salad but couldn't finish this because of how sour it was. 4/5 for the egg Benedict. It does the job, but nothing outstanding
Went there two mornings in a row and first time was much better. Not sure if the server or kitchen made the difference. We had the cinnamon bun each day and yesterday it was hot and gooey and today the server brought it cold and we sent it back. She must have zapped it for three seconds. Ehhh. Still enjoyable and love the ambience. Bit pricey and they don't come with toast or potatoes. But we ordered the potatoes which are good.
Breakfast at the Driskill Hotel (1886 Cafe) was a very enjoyable experience overall. We ordered the Driskill Eggs, which are a classic breakfast with eggs, potatoes, and bacon. The eggs were cooked perfectly over easy, and the bacon portion was very generous -- honestly more than I could eat - but it tasted great. The potatoes were a bit overcooked in my opinion, which slightly took away from the dish. For drinks, the matcha was good but not perfect, while the Driskill latte was full of flavor and very well done for a cold drink. The real standout was the Hummingbird cake - absolutely amazing. It's not overly sweet and very well balanced. I'm not sure every traditional cake lover will immediately gravitate toward it, but I personally loved the flavor. It reminded me of a European-style cake, almost like something you'd find on a trip from Rio to France, and it's the kind of cake you don't see very often in the U.S. Overall, a great downtown breakfast spot with strong flavors and a historic setting, with just a few minor areas for improvement.
What a beautiful cafe! Honestly, it's breathtaking but onto what matters, coffee and pastries! I got a hot latte and a croissant. The croissant was given to me cold as ice which I politely asked if they could warm it up. Thankfully they did. The difference that made was night and day. The croissant became flakey and appetizing. It was shocking to serve something so cold without even giving an option to warm it up. The latte was good. It did not need sugar and was hot. Good taste. We enjoyed the cafe and lounged for a bit. Would recommend if looking for a quick break.
I really wanted to like 1886 Café & Bakery, especially given its historic location inside the Driskill Hotel--but overall, it didn't live up to the hype. Let's start with logistics: parking is a headache. We had to find expensive street parking two blocks away, and unfortunately, the café does not validate for nearby garages. I tried calling ahead to ask about parking, but the listed phone number goes straight to a voicemail that reads off a completely different number than what's online. I double-checked the website and tried again, but got the same result. Confusing and a bit sketchy, honestly. Once inside, we were seated immediately, and I'll give them credit for a clean, comfortable atmosphere. The staff was friendly, but service was very slow, and we had to flag down our server multiple times just to get basics like sugar, utensils, and an extra cup of coffee. The menu is pretty limited and heavily overpriced--most breakfast items are $20+, and lattes run about $6-$7. I ordered the breakfast bun (steamed egg, cheese, and bacon), which was decent but forgettable. My friend got the Texas waffle, which surprisingly came without any fruit, even though all the online photos show it topped with berries (fruit is now an extra charge). It also seems like the menu has changed recently, because we couldn't find updated pictures or descriptions online. All in all, the food was mediocre, the experience was pretentious, and the price tag just isn't justified. You're definitely paying for the Driskill name, not the quality. Sadly, I won't be back, and I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to try it.
Was in town and was looking for a breakfast place near another stop. We didn't know that it was inside The Driskill hotel which was a pleasant surprise. The hostess was very friendly and attentive and so was the waitress. The only negative I have was the lady working the coffee shop/bakery. We walked up and she didn't say a word for around 3 minutes, she was not friendly or inviting. It almost made me reconsider even waiting for our reservation. Luckily our waitress was a doll and the food was delicious. The inside was small, but I saw there were extra tables in the lobby. Will definitely be back next time I am in town.
My friends and I stopped by at this bakery while we were exploring Austin during my bestie's bachelorette trip. It is such a cute place to stop by and sit and hang out. It is attached to this amazingly beautiful hotel and has all the beautiful vibes of it. We got a classic croissant which was buttery, flaky, and had a little sweetness on top which we loved. A little extra salt would have been nice, but otherwise the texture and flavor was amazing. Such a fun little stop!
A really cool brunch spot that's at a historical location! The food itself is good but you're really coming here for the classic elegant hotel brunch vibes. I got the eggs Benedict, which was a little on the salty side, but the eggs were cooked perfectly. You are paying for the experience more so than for the food, but service is super friendly and inviting.
The food was phenomenal! The waffle was very fresh tasting and the perfect portion. The cafe itself was beautifully decorated and visually appealing. The staff was very kind and accommodating. Highly recommend!!
10 days ago
The food and service here is fantastic! You can pop in and get a drink and a pastry, or dine in the main dining room for a great lunch or brunch with fresh ingredients and flavorful menu options. The service is amazing. Very attentive! And on a Saturday around Noon you can walk right in and be seated with no wait. I love the Eggs Benedict, but the salads, chicken & waffles, or burger all good options I've tried to. I went again today and had the traditional breakfast with the crispiest bacon and home fries seasoned just right with a big of hatch green chile, and poached eggs and sourdough toast. OMG that toast was definitely freshly made. The room is classic old hotel style and overall in pretty good shape. From the flowers in the the tables to the old fashion coffee bar with pastry case full of fresh croissant and rolls and other delicious options. Even the juices are outstanding and unique, including guava juice. read more
8 days ago
Great Victorian-era bakery & restaurant inside The Driskill Hotel. Seating in and around the cafe (outer lobby-style seating as well). Comfortable Victorian-style club seats, comfortable table seating, marble topped tables, etc. They can get kind of busy but it's spacious and we've never had to wait long (two visits without issue). The pastries and brunch offerings are those that you'd expect people of the ton to have eaten in Bridgerton days. The chocolate banana bread, croissants, and more are beyond perfection. Wonderful experiences with equally wonderful service. read more
Delicious food and beautiful atmosphere! Tucked in to the Driscoll Hotel, where it feel luxurious, is a delicious adventure waiting to happen. The service was on point. It's as if they read our mind when we needed something. The BEST chicken and waffle I've ever had. It is a sweet, creamy buttermilk piece of heaven in the shape of Texas. The quality and flavor of the chicken was out of this world. This chicken was so perfectly seasoned and has a light glaze on it. The mushroom and spinach quiche is creamy and delicious. read more
9 months ago
Today, I was downtown Austin at 9 am to await my first Austin Matcha Half Marathon (walking marathon that is). Well I did not read the fine print and upon my arrival, I realized the group did not leave until 10:45 am on the walking marathon. Thus, I had an entire hour to kill. Off I went to the Driskill Hotel to their 1886 Cafe & Bakery for a pastry to line my stomach before the walk. I have heard friends and colleagues rave about their pastries. So I strolled down Congress Avenue to 1886 Cafe and Bakery. The 1886 Cafe & Bakery is located in the historic Driskill Hotel and as of 2025 is 139 years. The Driskill hotel opened in December 1886, hence the name of the cafe and bakery. The Driskill is the oldest operating hotel in Austin. When you walk in, you are instantly captivated by the juxtaposition of the old and new. The old...beautiful cut class, ceiling tiles, wall paper and fine China. The new...modern kitchen with a viewing galley and coffee machine. Crista, my server, recommended the chocolate pecan croissant or the apple tart. I went with croissant. OMG...this literally the best chocolate pecan croissant I have ever eaten. I highly recommend this pastry. After leisurely eating my croissant, i headed back to the walk starting point. read more
There's a mandatory 20% tips, and there's an option to tip more. :) 5/5 for the chocolate pecan croissant. It melts in your mouth. It's perfectly sweetened and no flavor is overpowering. 4/5 for the quiche and 2/5 for the salad that comes with it. The salad is ridiculously sour, we normally love salad but couldn't finish this because of how sour it was. 4/5 for the egg Benedict. It does the job, but nothing outstanding read more
Went there two mornings in a row and first time was much better. Not sure if the server or kitchen made the difference. We had the cinnamon bun each day and yesterday it was hot and gooey and today the server brought it cold and we sent it back. She must have zapped it for three seconds. Ehhh. Still enjoyable and love the ambience. Bit pricey and they don't come with toast or potatoes. But we ordered the potatoes which are good. read more
Breakfast at the Driskill Hotel (1886 Cafe) was a very enjoyable experience overall. We ordered the Driskill Eggs, which are a classic breakfast with eggs, potatoes, and bacon. The eggs were cooked perfectly over easy, and the bacon portion was very generous -- honestly more than I could eat - but it tasted great. The potatoes were a bit overcooked in my opinion, which slightly took away from the dish. For drinks, the matcha was good but not perfect, while the Driskill latte was full of flavor and very well done for a cold drink. The real standout was the Hummingbird cake - absolutely amazing. It's not overly sweet and very well balanced. I'm not sure every traditional cake lover will immediately gravitate toward it, but I personally loved the flavor. It reminded me of a European-style cake, almost like something you'd find on a trip from Rio to France, and it's the kind of cake you don't see very often in the U.S. Overall, a great downtown breakfast spot with strong flavors and a historic setting, with just a few minor areas for improvement. read more
What a beautiful cafe! Honestly, it's breathtaking but onto what matters, coffee and pastries! I got a hot latte and a croissant. The croissant was given to me cold as ice which I politely asked if they could warm it up. Thankfully they did. The difference that made was night and day. The croissant became flakey and appetizing. It was shocking to serve something so cold without even giving an option to warm it up. The latte was good. It did not need sugar and was hot. Good taste. We enjoyed the cafe and lounged for a bit. Would recommend if looking for a quick break. read more
I really wanted to like 1886 Café & Bakery, especially given its historic location inside the Driskill Hotel--but overall, it didn't live up to the hype. Let's start with logistics: parking is a headache. We had to find expensive street parking two blocks away, and unfortunately, the café does not validate for nearby garages. I tried calling ahead to ask about parking, but the listed phone number goes straight to a voicemail that reads off a completely different number than what's online. I double-checked the website and tried again, but got the same result. Confusing and a bit sketchy, honestly. Once inside, we were seated immediately, and I'll give them credit for a clean, comfortable atmosphere. The staff was friendly, but service was very slow, and we had to flag down our server multiple times just to get basics like sugar, utensils, and an extra cup of coffee. The menu is pretty limited and heavily overpriced--most breakfast items are $20+, and lattes run about $6-$7. I ordered the breakfast bun (steamed egg, cheese, and bacon), which was decent but forgettable. My friend got the Texas waffle, which surprisingly came without any fruit, even though all the online photos show it topped with berries (fruit is now an extra charge). It also seems like the menu has changed recently, because we couldn't find updated pictures or descriptions online. All in all, the food was mediocre, the experience was pretentious, and the price tag just isn't justified. You're definitely paying for the Driskill name, not the quality. Sadly, I won't be back, and I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to try it. read more
13 days ago
29 days ago
Very cool hotel worth checking out but the breakfast at 1886 was one of the best meals we had while in Austin. Cinnamon role great - bagel with veggies cream great and the quiche was perfectly cooked, light and crispy. read more
2 months ago
Was in town and was looking for a breakfast place near another stop. We didn't know that it was inside The Driskill hotel which was a pleasant surprise. The hostess was very friendly and attentive and so was the waitress. The only negative I have was the lady working the coffee shop/bakery. We walked up and she didn't say a word for around 3 minutes, she was not friendly or inviting. It almost made me reconsider even waiting for our reservation. Luckily our waitress was a doll and the food was delicious. The inside was small, but I saw there were extra tables in the lobby. Will definitely be back next time I am in town. read more
My friends and I stopped by at this bakery while we were exploring Austin during my bestie's bachelorette trip. It is such a cute place to stop by and sit and hang out. It is attached to this amazingly beautiful hotel and has all the beautiful vibes of it. We got a classic croissant which was buttery, flaky, and had a little sweetness on top which we loved. A little extra salt would have been nice, but otherwise the texture and flavor was amazing. Such a fun little stop! read more
A really cool brunch spot that's at a historical location! The food itself is good but you're really coming here for the classic elegant hotel brunch vibes. I got the eggs Benedict, which was a little on the salty side, but the eggs were cooked perfectly. You are paying for the experience more so than for the food, but service is super friendly and inviting. read more
3 months ago
The food was phenomenal! The waffle was very fresh tasting and the perfect portion. The cafe itself was beautifully decorated and visually appealing. The staff was very kind and accommodating. Highly recommend!! read more
This was a lovely cafe bakery located inside the Driskell hotel. Without a reservation our wait for breakfast was only 20 minutes which was great. The wait staff were attentive and efficient. It was a little annoying that they were out of every juice but orange juice at the time but it happens. The food was delicious overall. Only opportunity was with the eggs. I'm a fan of regular scrambled, not fluffy scrambled eggs. The absolute highlight of this meal was the chocolate pecan croissant. I almost stopped at the bakery for another o e before heading home. I recommend this place for sure. read more
3 months ago
Did the afternoon tea here with my 11 year old niece and we both absolutely loved it! The service is 100/10!! Table was prepped upon arrival, and starters were already on the table. Then they brought out the 3 tiered tray (so important!!) with all the goodies! My niece loved the sprinkler dipped PB&J and j loved the inclusive unlimited Prosecco! I would come again 100 times over. read more
I picked 1886 because it was a short walk from the JW Marriott and it looked cool with good reviews. It did not disappoint. You walk up to order. I ordered a mocha and traditional eggs Benedict. The food was quick and cooked perfectly. The loss of star is the coffee tasted burnt. Overall I would recommend for breakfast if in Austin. read more
3 months ago
Fantastic coffee and great breakfast options. The breakfast bun plus fried chicken was absolutely delicious. 10/10 recommend. read more
2 years ago
I had two charming and delicious experiences at 1886 Cafe and Bakery during my recent visit to Austin. First, my friends and I visited for lunch. We could not get over how delicious our food and drinks were. Not only were they a feast for the eyes, the taste and texture combinations were perfection. We all agreed the Texas waffle was the best waffle we had ever had. The 1886 chocolate cake was Absolutely To Die For. For lunch we placed an order at the counter and were given a number, the food was brought to our table. We were instructed to give a few minutes then return to the counter to pick up our cocktails. We returned later in the week for Afternoon Tea. Again, a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Three sets of tiered stands were brought out, one at a time, each served with a different tea. There was a printed menu listing all the teas and the treats thereupon, and our server explained everything and answered questions as well. A lovely experience, you do need to make a reservation. Built in 1886, the Driskill is stunning in appearance and a beautiful setting for both these visits. There is a tour, which we missed because it was at the same time as our tea reservation. However, a gentleman at the front desk was kind enough to give us a tour and we so appreciated learning the rich history and some of the stories of this hotel. read more
All I got here was a cookie and a cold brew but both were satisfactory. The cookie was actually gas, love a big ass thick ass choc chip cookie. And the sea salt MADE it!!! Seriously very yummy. The interior of the place was really big, I really liked the seating situation. The 1886 choc cake or whatever it's called looked bomb, I would come back for that. No issues with service. The total was like $15 or some shit which seems lowkey steep for just a cookie and coffee but what the hell do I know. Overall bien place ! read more
What a quaint place. Have walked by here several times and finally popped in on a Sunday morning to grab a bite. Service was quick and friendly and the Matcha Latte was delicious as well as the Austin American breakfast. Loved the mix of potatoes with sweet potatoes added in. The ham was thick and cooked perfectly, while I don't know the type of bread it was tasty. The jam looked a bit peculiar as it's a brownish color and sorta an apple ish flavor. Only tried a bit. While I didn't get the cinnamon roll, you can see the photo that's a meal in itself or at least a two person appetizer. Perhaps next time? read more
1 year ago
I was in desperate need for bacon for breakfast that hadn't appeared in the buffet for our company at the Driskill for two straight days. Having not been satisfied with my second day of breakfast buffet, and wanting an iced coffee as well, I made my way down to the first floor at the Driskill to where the 1886 Café & Bakery is located. I was blessed with a side order of four strips of bacon that brought me to a place of spiritual purity and strength, strength and spiritual purity. Their bacon was cooked to perfection that I partly enjoyed at one of their tables in their main dining area with green painted walls. I enjoyed the cold brew coffee I ordered additionally, bringing both that and my remaining bacon that I put in a pouch made from a couple of napkins up to Mezzanine to continue my company training sessions. read more
It was lunchtime and walked into 1886 Cafe & Bakery to find they were also serving brunch. I grabbed a menu off the wall and walked towards the ordering area. I selected the Texas Migas off the menu and then was provided with a wooden spoon with a number on it. The place was busy but was able to find a small table to sit at. You can also sit in the lobby too. The staff seemed to be a bit busy and the service was good. The migas was presented very beautifully and tasted very delicious. It had a large portion of eggs, salsa, and two flour tortillas. This cafe is truly very good and worthy of the comments I had read about them. read more
This is a really cute brunch spot inside the Driskill Hotel. They are open in the mornings until 2pm. Everything looks decadent and I would have ordered a pastry or two but they are big enough to share and my friend didn't want anything sweet. I ended up ordering a Bloody Mary which was excellent (note, the bacon strip is really spicy) The Driskill House Salad with Salmon and ended up ordering a cappuccino to go. The people working there were friendly and even the manager came to check on us. He was the one who told us about the tours inside The Driskill Hotel. read more
Upon entering, you start by grabbing a menu and getting in line. I love the historic ambiance inside, full of patrons enjoying the casual brunch experience here. Blueberry Banana Bread and Buckwheat Raspberry Scone were out of this world! Matcha Latte was very good too. Service was friendly and attentive. The positive experience set the stage for my exploration of the rest of the historic Driskill Hotel. read more
1 year ago
Great spot whether staying at Driskill or just looking for a good breakfast or a quick cup of coffee. Stayed at Driskill and had a great finish with a tasty breakfast. This place is history! They do put 18% on the bill for tip right away. Not a fan but no worries, I usually top 20-25%. The almond croissants and cappuccino were very good Wife got the Bene all were very good. But.... The Bene needed more hollandaise and Brie. But tasted good. My fruit cup really needed somebody to pay attention to what they put in it, some chucks had rotten spots and well, could have been better. They had a good selection of pastries, and lighter fare. And the experience was good. The ambiance at 0630 was slow and friendly and chill. read more
This is just the best place to grab brunch on the weekend in a classic beautiful vintage hotel. The level of class oozes from every corner of this hotel but the cafe and bakery allows for a more casual comfort vibe. The Texas shaped waffle is a must try when visiting Texas and no better place to try it out than at 1886. If you're looking for a savoury item on the hearty side the croque madame is fantastically cheesy and delicious. Make sure to stop by and pay the friendly staff behind the bakery a visit as the sweets are something you don't want to miss. read more
Amanda and I went looking for a good breakfast spot. This location was given great reviews. The location is beautiful within the hotel, The Driskill. The hotel and restaurant are absolutely gorgeous inside and out. If you're looking for architecture, this place is perfect. Ordering is a little weird as you order from the bar as there is no waitstaff. You can see what we ordered in the pictures, Texas Migas Avocado Toast and Mimosas. Coffee was decaf iced latte with a pinch of lavender and a Americano. The food was delicious and the executive chef comes out with the food. Great touch. The only 2 items, this can set you back a bit, expensive. Over $85 for breakfast. The other small, very small, is no waitstaff to order. Would we come back? Yes although on a special occasion. I think this place is primarily for the hotel patrons. read more
1/14/2024 1886 Cafe and Bakery 604 Brazos St Austin, TX 78701 This small cafe is located off the lobby in the Driskill hotel. There is also a street entrance. There was a spread of menus on the counter at the right of the order area. I ordered the Texas Shaped Pecan Waffle, charged my room then was given my table setup and a wooden spoon. On the back of the spoon is a Table # which the server uses to bring your order. My waffle was brought to me and it had an authentic Texas shape. It was light and fluffy, not a meal in itself. It sat on a plating pattern of berry jam (blueberry), topped with sliced banana, strawberry and assorted berries. The sparse Pecan bits were spread around Texas. The jam was a tasty and not to sweet replacement for syrup. It was a quick eat. A good place to get a fast breakfast. It's repeatable. read more
2 years ago
Oh this place was fun! Stood in line for a while to place our order, I went and scoped out a table for 5 out in the hotel instead of inside the cafe which was loud and only had smaller tables open - beautiful setting, delightful drinks, huge delicious pasties, tasty waffle and egg white omelette, the bagel was nothing exceptional felt a bit stale, hard to get a bite without wrangling it lol though the toppings were high quality - wish I lived nearby, I could eat the cinnamon roll forever read more
2 years ago
Based on the photos, I thought these two would be without a doubt, delicious. Both are flavorless. The chocolate croissant does not taste like chocolate but just flaky bread. The cinnamon roll tastes like butter and is also super flaky and lacks the elements to be a good cinnamon roll. For $22 for both, I was highly disappointed. Never again. read more
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604 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701
Downtown
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(512) 439-1234
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https://driskillhotel.com
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Ask the Community - 1886 Cafe & Bakery
Is there a private room? Can a reservation be made?
I called Monday 10/23 and was told no reservations not call ahead list
What's the average wait time to be seated for large groups between 5-10 people for Saturday brunch?
So you actually don't seat yourself until you have ordered. There are ample seats inside and on the patio plus more in the foyer. Good luck and enjoy.
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