Fodor's Expert Review Counter Cafe
Austin’s iconic Counter Cafe closed its original (beloved, but tragically tiny) diner on North Lamar, but this east-side location doubles the square footage and offers an extended menu with signatures like polenta-fried oysters. The mid-century–styled interior looks almost identical, from the wooden countertops and blackboard of daily specials to the line of expert short-order chefs knocking out the familiar menu of classic breakfast and lunch dishes. Patrons will still find crab cake Benedict, enormous pancakes, quail and eggs, and succulent grass-fed burgers.
Quick Facts
- Hypnotic views of speedy short-order chefs
- Very loud during peak weekend hours
- Heaping portions