Diner is located right next to UT. They've been in business almost 45 years. Exactly the type of place that comes to mind when thinking of old school diners. Older decor and furnishings, mix-matched but it all works. Local art for sale on the walls along with additional art. Weekday and weekend specials. Pricing on par with other diners. Service is good. Food is good. Nothing fancy about this joint and that includes the food. But that's what a diner is. It tastes good and that's what matters. Large portions. read more

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What a quaint little spot! I met my granddaughter at Red River Cafe while I was in Austin for a class. She attends UT--Hook 'em Horns! This was our first visit, and we were both pleased. She ordered the chicken pita with French fries and said it was absolutely delicious. I had the Old Fashion Burger with home fries, and that burger was cooked to perfection! Juicy, with a generous amount of grilled mushrooms, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes--just how I like it. The servers were all so pleasant and took the time to explain the menu. Good food, welcoming service, and very reasonable prices made this a lovely lunch with my granddaughter. There was construction nearby during our visit, and one of the servers confirmed it was affecting business. Please don't let that keep you from checking them out! We're already planning to return on a Saturday morning to try breakfast. Take a friend--or your granddaughter--and give this little cafe a visit. Don't just take my word for it! read more

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I hate to leave a review like this for a local business but my experience there today was horrible. We were the only ones in there, showed up at 3:15 (they close at 4) the waitress was friendly and we ordered quickly. My friend ordered a side salad, I meant to take a picture. It looked like it had been frozen, the lettuce was yellow, brown and soggy. The only other thing on it was soggy shredded carrots and a cup of balsamic dressing. No tomatoes, no croutons nada and the balsamic dressing had film over it, like it had been sitting in the plastic cup for days. When the waitress dropped it off she asked "do you want this"? As if she too knew it was gross. We said no thanks. I ordered the yankee omelette and side of French toast and cheesy hash browns. The hash browns were greasy but decent and toast was good. I cut into the omelette and realized they gave me the Denver (ham, peppers) instead of the yankee (olives, feta, spinach). The waitress was sitting at a table texting so I had to call her over, she told me she had entered it correctly but the kitchen may have messed up. I told her I wasn't sure what happened but this isn't what I ordered and let her know I just wanted to pay for the toast and hash browns. She offered to re make it but I declined and she obliged & walked away. After ten minutes I had to get up and get her (texting again) to cash me out. If it was just one issue I'd be ok but there were many- food quality in the salad, old dressing. poor customer service (texting, not following up). Kitchen screw ups, wrong items brought, mediocre quality. It was bad, I wont be back. And for a place already having issues due to high rent, construction etc I would think quality and customer service would be a focal point. I'd save my money and time if I were you MUCH better options. read more

A decent breakfast spot. I ordered the Scrambled Your Way with mushrooms and tomatoes. It came with a side of hash browns and toast. The hash browns and eggs were a bit on the greasier side than to my liking, but I did really enjoy the toast. The place is pet-friendly on the patio, and the service was very quick and friendly. read more

Red River Cafe - Scrambled Your Way - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

2 stars for effort . Waitress was nice vibes were simple . Food absolutely terrible. People giving 3 stars are being too nice . Paying $3.5 for an eggs is diabolical btw . An egg with no flavor or seasonings is ACTUALLY diabolical. Ordered eggs , toast, bacon and fruit. $12 . No flavor okay . I could've walked out though so 2 stars for effort like the effort I kept to enjoy my food. :( read more

Red River Cafe is a cozy diner-style spot near UT campus! There are a couple parking spots right out front, along with nearby street parking. We came for brunch on a Sunday, and were seated pretty much immediately. Our server was attentive and we got our food within a reasonable time. The interior design/general ambiance is also pretty charming. Eggs Benedict (4/5) - Featured English muffins, over-easy eggs with hollandaise sauce, bacon, and a heaping side of hashbrowns - Taste was good, pretty standard for eggs benedict. - Good portion sizes! Will fill you up. My friend and I also got a mimosa to share, so brunch came out to be about $17 each. Overall Red River Cafe isn't anything too fancy but the food is solid here, service is good, and prices are affordable. Would recommend trying it out if you're looking for breakfast/brunch options near campus! read more

Red River Cafe - Eggs Benedict (lots of food!) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

Had some breakfast here with a few friends. Service was amazing. They made sure our drinks were refilled at all times and asked if we needed any sauces or anything extra multiple times through our stay. I ordered a breakfast platter with eggs, hashbrowns biscuit, and some steak. Steak was very tender and seasoned really well. Hashbrowns or crispy and salty. Only thing I wish they did was put a little less butter on the biscuit, it was kind of draining in butter. The inside is very clean and very cozy. There's a few parking spaces in the front, but there's also some spots on the street for free if the ones in the front are full. read more

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One of my favorite spots in Austin for a casual dining experience! Came here for breakfast, and it was pretty empty. Service was great as it always is, and the inside is clean and cozy. The portions have gotten smaller in the past several years, especially with the omelettes, but the food is still great. There are only a few parking spots in the front, but there's street parking nearby. read more

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This restaurant near campus serves very simple breakfast and lunch food at reasonable prices. The portions are modest, so you should definitely order sides if you are hungry. There are tiny parking lots in the front and back that each hold about two cars, but there is also free street parking in the neighbourhood. I came here with my friend for Sunday brunch, and there was no wait when we were there from 11am till noon. I ordered the Santa Barbara omelette, which came with an English muffin or toast on the side. The food was very ordinary. I like omelettes, and this one was pretty normal. My friend ordered the American scrambled, which came with a side of English muffin or toast, and she chose fruit for her additional included side. The fruit turned out to just be two pieces of watermelon, which she said was good, but we were definitely expecting an assortment of fruit. read more

Red River Cafe - Santa Barbara omelette and American scrambled - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

The tilapia was well crusted and hot and the avocado was nice and fresh. I don't know how well the pico went with the taco but it was pretty good. It also comes with two for $14 by the way. The watermelon was not good. It tasted stale and like if it had been left uncovered in the fridge and you get three thin slices for $3.50. The coffee was whatever, but you get unlimited refills for $3 and I needed a pick-me-up. The server was pretty attentive, but was kinda all over the place. She was kind. That was all that mattered. The tables were what you expected in a diner like this; slightly sticky, yellow lighting, not modern. Overall, the food I got this time was ok. Would be nice if they had gluten free pancakes though. read more

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So after hanging out with pops, watching TV, and being knocked out by 8PM (yes 8PM), I had a realization I used to watch The Golden Girls growing up. Never thought I'd become one this early and not even the fun one. I'm the stay home, in bedearly, "why does my back hurt?" one! I'm Up early because my kid is basically a world-class athlete. Basketball? Check. Track? Check. Volleyball? Check. Tired momma? Checked 10 times already. So yeah, I'm starving. Dreaming about a simple, classic breakfast bacon, eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns. Nothing fancy. Just do it right. Enter Red River Cafe somehow they turned a guaranteed win into a full-on loss. Hashbrowns thin, burnt, tasted like they were cooked on melted plastic. Eggs? Just there no seasoning, no effort, no love kinda like my ex and bacon really? I'm still searching for the flavor like it owes me money. Not even a little salty kick just hiding like it didn't want to be found. Red River Cafe really took a classic American breakfast and sent it straight down the river along with my happiness for today. read more

This was a nice and cozy find for breakfast with the wife and GD. Super friendly service from start to end. GD went with the short stack of (huge) pancakes with eggs and fruit...watermelon to be exact, it was definitely past its prime as this is a summer time fruit. All three of us did the best we could trying to polish of the delicious pancakes, but to no avail we failed. Wife went with the American scramble, again a great plate of food...and I opted for the Migas, and for a "Diner" it hit the spot. read more

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Very good and quick service. Everyone was so sweet and welcoming! It's a very cozy little restaurant with a nice patio you can enjoy your food at. We got the short stack and the red river burger and it exceeded our expectations. It was absolutely delicious and we will be going back! read more

I had a yummy blueberry banana pancake and my dad had the denver omelette. Both were delicious. We enjoyed sitting out on the patio. Good service. Went to the bathroom and the hall that led to the bathroom and kitchen had an unpleasant odor. read more

Perfect place to have a Sunday brunch to catch up with an old friend. Hash browns are good. read more

Red River Cafe - Perfect place for a Sunday brunch to catch up with an old friend. Hash browns are good. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

Looking for a local grill to eat some breakfast while traveling south. The Red River Grill hit the spot! Good food Good service and expected ambiance ! read more

Was on a long hot walk, popped in for a lite cold meal and cold water. Had a great dinner feel w/ an Austin touch. Great service and family feel. Absolutely loved this place, kinda a throwback with a curveball. read more

I thought the waiter did a good job. My fruit which was watermelon was delicious. The hot chocolate was perfect. It had drizzled chocolate syrup and whipped cream. The kids portion was perfect for me. Sunnyside eggs and the pancake were phenomenal as well. I will be back.The outdoor seating was there and if I knew, I would have utilized it.The WiFi was not working which was disappointing . read more

We were at UT for a concert and Bass Concert Hall and arrived two hours early! So we walked around the area to pass the time found the Red River Cafe! It's definitely a mom and pop restaurant! We sat at the bar because we wanted to change it up! We ate around 5pm and it wasn't packed at all! Its a smaller restaurant. My omelette was good! The guy put a lot of butter on my toast. The burger was just okay. The fixings come on the side so you get to put in your own toppings. Our waiter Demian was super sweet! I'm glad we stopped by and tried this new place! read more

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I honestly wanted to support this place... my second time coming here, I found glass in my pancakes. I brought it to the manager, and he literally could not care less. Gave me an "I'm sorry" and nothing else. Dawg if I swallowed a shard of glass you'd be more than mf sorry. Very disappointing service/management. read more

Prompt and friendly service! We tried the Brenham tacos (yum!) and the kids French toast . Iced chai latte was refreshing on a hot day and lightly sweetened. We sat on the patio, which was casual and quiet. read more

Red River Cafe - Brenham taco - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Cozy little dinner! It may not look like much but it is clean and well maintained. The breakfast tacos are delicious. Only $5. The crunchy hash browns in the tacos are so good. The salsa is fresh with chunks of peppers. YUM! The service was friendly and quick. read more

I dont know this was just a average hole in the wall place steak definitely need the a1sauce eggs where eggs did like the watermelon you could tell the server didn't want to be there she could answer any questions about the menu over all it was ok and prices was ok read more

Red River Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

We tried Red River for lunch while downtown for Dr appt - GREAT little spot! The eggs Benedict burger was phenomenal, great food and service, super nice people! read more

I just wanted a grilled chicken breast and received a disgusting piece of rubber chicken that might as well have been boiled. Disgusting. no wonder the place was empt. read more

Super great to visit Red River. Felt like meeting up with an old friend! My first encounter with Red River dates back 40 years. Astonishingly, not much has altered. It's still a beacon of light, cleanliness, and affordability. The service remains superb, and the menu is exceptional. Thrilled to have you around!! read more

Red River Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

So two stars for being served water and food. The service was just not it at Red River Cafe. The food was reasonably priced though. I ordered two breakfast tacos with egg, potato, and cheese (pepper jack cheese) I believe? Hmm can't remember. Oh and a side of wheat toast. And a mimosa. I didn't know that the tacos came with shredded hash browns, I was thinking regular breakfast potatoes. No biggie because the tacos did their job. I had to flag someone down in order to request refills on water and then we were helped by someone who was not our table server. Thank you for seeing us. We were never asked if we needed refills or if we wanted another mimosa. One person in my party completed her entire meal and then was finally brought her breakfast potatoes (the ones that I thought would be on my tacos), but it's like did y'all forget? A gentle update would have done the trick. We then get up to pay and I am asked what I ordered. I say two breakfast tacos, wheat toast, and one mimosa. I then get my total and it is incorrect because she added an orange juice to my tab. Although I did not mention I had orange juice and stated it was for someone else it was still added to my bill. Why? Okay fast forward- I am asked if I want a receipt? I say "yes please" and then the receipt is printed for me to sign. I sign it. Then I wait for my receipt. I am told, "sorry we can't print out the receipt." I'm like why not? And why ask if you can't produce a receipt. Apparently it was too late. It's never too late. Frustrating. I just let it go. I then decided to just snap a picture of the receipt that I could not get a copy of. Like I said- the food did the job. I will not return though due to service. And the food was lukewarm. read more

Red River Cafe - Mimosa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Nice little place for breakfast all day I got the steak and eggs with potato fries and a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice Walked here Not difficult to get to Minimal car parking Good menu selection I liked that there is breakfast all day They do have lunch specials Monday through Friday And breakfast specials too They are also opened on Saturdays and Sundays but close earlier read more

Red River Cafe - Breakfast Steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I have always liked/recommended this place to my friends but sadly had a bad experience today. My girlfriend and I walked in at 6:45pm and the waiter seemed pissed off at us from the start. Mind you, they close at 8. As service workers ourselves we can understand how this can be annoying when trying to close/clean at the same time. However, we were the only ones there and after taking our order he was just sitting on his laptop. He just seemed annoyed with us the whole time. Asked us if we were ready to order from across the restaurant, when our food arrived at around 7:05 he already was asking if we wanted the check at 7:20 while my girlfriend was still eating, and when I asked for a to-go box he told me to come over there and get it when I was ready. We both ordered the chicken fried steak plate. The food itself was okay but not what we are used to at Red River Cafe. And for $50 I would have rather just gone somewhere else. Overall, not an absolutely horrible experience, but after looking forward to it all day it was just a bummer. read more

I'll be honest, the food was delicious. That is, the part of the order that we actually received was delicious. I'll use the term waitress loosely. She more so was just an order taker. Never came to check on us, in fact she never came back to the table at all. The busser/manager/cashier ran out our partial order but we never received the pancakes we ordered. When he brought us the bill to pay, both pancakes were on the bill. We informed him that we never received them at all. He seemed surprised, and apologized but only took one pancake off the bill? Mind you there are maybe ten tables at most in the dining room and we saw at least 3 waitresses. Not sure if I would return. Food can take you only so far, good service is what this place needs help with. read more

We had an excellent breakfast. My friend had the oatmeal and I had the yogurt and granola. We split a scone. Delicious, and many more yummy-looking menu items. Beautiful interior, plenty of seating. read more

Decent breakfast spot, a little out of the way for mainstream traffic. Decent breakfast, but would have liked 2 slices of toast (only got 1 slice with my eggs). Wasn't too crowded on a Monday morning, and the server was pleasant. read more

Perfect spot for us to bring dog on outdoor patio for breakfast following walk. Great food, great prices and great service.

Me and my partner got the Migas Plate, the Cheese/Avocado/Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and the Soup of the Day (tomato cheese soup). The atmosphere is homey and nostalgic, and the prices were very reasonable. Go pay them a visit if you can! :) read more

Nice small Cafe with great food and service. Excellent place to just chill or have a meeting seriously nice place

Glad to see a little bit of OG Austin by UT campus still exists. Great food, great prices, great staff, solid vibes. What's not to love?!

Great service, went for apple pie but they didn't have any but the new owner made this visit a great, she gave a complimentary pancake and was very kind. Would highly recommend based on the hospitality alone! Great service ! read more

Red River Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

So glad this place is back! Apparently it has new owners and is back in business. Same menu and food. Is it fancy? No. Is it the same comforting breakfast I've enjoyed since 1998? Yes. Great alternative to waiting in line in Austin for some eggs and pancakes. I have loved this place since my husband and I had our first date here. I hope to enjoy this place for years to come. read more

Only good things to say about this cute little cafe near the university. The waiter was perfect, the coffee was great and our breakfast was just as good as here in the south, where we are from lol. There was no wait, we were seated right away. I love Texas restaurants! read more

Great food, great service and great prices. Really enjoyed this place. Their home fries are definitely worth getting as a side, very tasty. I didn't catch the name of my server, but she was very pleasant and conversational, definitely will come back here! read more