📋 In This Guide
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, but for those of us avoiding gluten, it can also be the most challenging. Traditional breakfast staples—pancakes, waffles, biscuits, toast, pastries—are typically off-limits. The good news? Austin has become a haven for gluten-free breakfast lovers, with dedicated bakeries, 100% GF cafes, and accommodating restaurants throughout the city.
This guide covers the best gluten-free breakfast and brunch spots in Austin, from completely celiac-safe establishments to cafes with excellent GF options. Whether you're craving fluffy pancakes, savory biscuit sandwiches, or artisanal donuts, Austin has you covered.
🌟 Top 5 GF Breakfast Picks
- Bougie's Donuts – 100% GF donuts & coffee
- Bird Bird Biscuit – Famous GF biscuit sandwiches
- Picnik – 100% GF healthy breakfast cafe
- The Well – 100% GF restaurant (3 locations)
- Bouldin Creek Cafe – GF pancakes & waffles
🏆 100% Gluten-Free Breakfast Spots
These restaurants are completely gluten-free, making them the safest options for celiacs and those with severe gluten sensitivity. No cross-contamination concerns—just delicious food.
Picnik (2 Locations)
Picnik is Austin's premier 100% gluten-free cafe, famous for their bulletproof coffee and nutrient-dense meals. For breakfast, expect grass-fed beef patties, organic eggs, sweet potato hash, and their signature collagen-boosted lattes. Everything is made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- Breakfast Bowls with organic eggs, veggies, and choice of protein
- Sweet Potato Hash with bacon or sausage
- Grain-free granola with coconut yogurt
- Bulletproof Coffee (their specialty!)
- Fresh-pressed juices and smoothies
Pro tip: The Burnet Road location tends to be less crowded on weekend mornings.
The Well (3 Locations)
The Well is not just gluten-free—it's also dairy-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free. Their breakfast menu focuses on clean, nourishing ingredients that fuel your day without the inflammatory stuff. Perfect for those with multiple dietary restrictions.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- Egg scrambles with seasonal vegetables
- Grain-free waffles (weekend special)
- Smoothie bowls with house-made granola
- Avocado toast on grain-free bread
- Cold-pressed juices
Bougie's Donuts & Coffee
Bougie's is a dedicated gluten-free donut shop—a dream come true for GF breakfast lovers. Every donut, every pastry, every crumb is 100% gluten-free. Pair with their excellent coffee for the perfect breakfast treat.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- Rotating selection of artisanal GF donuts
- Classic glazed, chocolate, and seasonal flavors
- Premium coffee drinks
- Breakfast pastries
Pro tip: Arrive early on weekends—popular flavors sell out!
🥐 GF Biscuits & Breakfast Sandwiches
Bird Bird Biscuit
Bird Bird Biscuit has earned cult status for their fluffy biscuit sandwiches—and yes, they have a gluten-free biscuit option! The GF biscuit is prepared with care in a dedicated area, and you can get it with any of their famous sandwich fillings.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- The Bird: Fried chicken, honey butter, pickles on GF biscuit
- The Nelly: Sausage, egg, cheese, jalapeño jelly
- The Julie: Bacon, egg, cheese, chipotle aioli
- Build Your Own: Any combination on GF biscuit
Note: The kitchen does handle regular flour, but they take GF prep seriously with dedicated tools and fresh gloves. Most celiacs report doing well here.
🍩 GF Donuts & Pastries
Bom Bakeshop
Bom Bakeshop is a dedicated gluten-free bakery specializing in mochi donuts—a delightfully chewy, Japanese-inspired treat. Owned by someone with celiac disease and her chef husband, Bom understands the importance of a truly safe GF environment.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- Mochi donuts in rotating flavors (ube, matcha, black sesame, etc.)
- Classic donuts and pastries
- Seasonal specialties
Pro tip: Follow them on Instagram for flavor announcements—specialty flavors go fast!
Zucchini Kill Bakery
Zucchini Kill is a vegan scratch bakery with excellent gluten-free options. Their punk-rock aesthetic and creative flavors have made them an Austin institution. Many items are both vegan AND gluten-free.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- GF vegan donuts (check daily selection)
- GF cookies and bars
- Seasonal GF pastries
Thai Fresh
Thai Fresh is unique—it's a Thai restaurant with an in-house gluten-free bakery! Their bakery case features GF cakes, cookies, and pastries alongside their excellent Thai food. A great option if some of your party wants savory breakfast and others want sweets.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- GF baked goods from the bakery case
- Thai breakfast dishes (many naturally GF)
- Coffee and tea service
🥞 GF Pancakes & Waffles
Bouldin Creek Cafe
Bouldin Creek Cafe is a beloved vegetarian/vegan cafe famous for their breakfast. They offer gluten-free pancakes and waffles that have earned rave reviews from the GF community. A great spot for weekend brunch with friends who have different dietary needs.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- GF Pancakes: Fluffy, available with various toppings
- GF Waffles: Crispy exterior, fluffy interior
- Tofu scrambles and breakfast tacos (specify GF)
- Fresh fruit and sides
Note: Shared griddle, but staff can use fresh oil and clean surfaces when asked.
Snooze AM Eatery
Snooze is a popular brunch chain with locations across Austin. They offer gluten-free pancakes and have a good understanding of GF preparation. While not a dedicated GF kitchen, they're known for accommodating dietary restrictions well.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- GF pancake flights with various toppings
- Eggs Benedict (on GF English muffin when available)
- Breakfast burritos (corn tortillas)
🥗 Healthy GF Breakfast Bowls
Flower Child (3 Locations)
Flower Child offers clearly marked gluten-free options with fresh, organic ingredients. While primarily a lunch spot, their breakfast-friendly bowls and lighter fare make great morning meals. Every item is labeled for dietary restrictions.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- Customizable GF bowls with eggs
- Avocado toast variations (on GF bread)
- Fresh smoothies and juices
Locations: South Lamar | Domain | Round Rock
True Food Kitchen (2 Locations)
True Food Kitchen is a health-focused restaurant with an extensive gluten-free menu. Their brunch service offers GF options clearly marked, and the staff is well-trained on dietary accommodations.
GF Breakfast/Brunch Highlights:
- GF Ancient Grains Bowl
- Farmers Market Scramble (GF)
- Smoothies and fresh juices
- Gluten-free toast options
Casa de Luz
Casa de Luz is a unique plant-based community center and cafe serving macrobiotic cuisine. Many items are naturally gluten-free, and they can clearly identify what's safe. A peaceful, nourishing breakfast experience.
GF Breakfast Highlights:
- Set breakfast menu (ask what's GF that day)
- Rice-based dishes and vegetables
- Fresh-pressed juices
🥂 Best GF Brunch Spots
Looking for a full brunch experience with GF options? These spots offer excellent weekend brunch menus with gluten-free accommodations:
Odd Duck
Odd Duck is an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant that takes dietary restrictions seriously. Their seasonal brunch menu changes frequently, but they always have GF options and the staff is extremely knowledgeable.
The Steeping Room
The Steeping Room offers a unique tea house experience with GF scones and sandwiches available. Perfect for a lighter breakfast or afternoon tea with GF options.
GF Highlights: GF scones, GF sandwich bread, extensive tea selection
Weekend Brunch Tip
Austin brunch spots get crowded on weekends! For the best GF experience:
- Arrive early (before 10am) or late (after 1pm)
- Make reservations when possible
- Call ahead to confirm GF menu availability
- Mention your GF needs when seated, before ordering
📋 Tips for Ordering GF Breakfast
At Restaurants with GF Options (Not Dedicated GF)
- Communicate clearly: Tell your server "I have celiac disease" or "I need this gluten-free due to an allergy"
- Ask about shared surfaces: Griddles, toasters, and prep areas may have gluten residue
- Request fresh oil: For pancakes/waffles, ask if they can use fresh oil or a clean pan
- Check sauces and dressings: Many contain hidden gluten (soy sauce, Worcestershire, etc.)
- Verify toppings: Some crumbles, granolas, and toppings contain gluten
Best Naturally GF Breakfast Options
When in doubt, these breakfast items are typically safe:
- Eggs (scrambled, fried, poached, omelets)
- Bacon and sausage (verify no flour fillers)
- Fresh fruit
- Hash browns/potatoes (ask about shared fryer)
- Avocado
- Yogurt with fresh fruit (skip granola unless verified GF)
- Corn tortillas for breakfast tacos
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get gluten-free pancakes in Austin?
Bouldin Creek Cafe is the go-to for GF pancakes and waffles. Snooze AM Eatery also offers GF pancakes at multiple locations. For 100% GF options, The Well occasionally has grain-free pancakes on their weekend menu.
Are there gluten-free biscuits in Austin?
Yes! Bird Bird Biscuit is famous for their GF biscuit option. It's prepared in a dedicated area and can be paired with any of their delicious sandwich fillings. It's hands-down the best GF biscuit in Austin.
Where can I find gluten-free donuts in Austin?
Bougie's Donuts & Coffee is 100% gluten-free—the safest option. Bom Bakeshop offers dedicated GF mochi donuts. Zucchini Kill Bakery has vegan GF donuts on rotation.
What's the safest breakfast spot for celiac disease?
For zero cross-contamination risk, choose 100% GF restaurants: Bougie's Donuts, Picnik, The Well, or Bom Bakeshop. These establishments don't have any gluten in their kitchens.
Do Austin breakfast spots offer GF toast?
Some do! The Well offers grain-free bread. Flower Child has GF bread for their avocado toast. Many spots can substitute corn tortillas for toast. Always verify the bread is stored and toasted separately.
More Gluten-Free Dining in Austin
Explore more GF options in Austin:
- Gluten-Free Pizza in Austin
- Complete Gluten-Free Austin Guide
- Gluten-Free Dining FAQ
- All 35+ GF Restaurants in Austin
Last Updated: December 23, 2025 | Know of a great GF breakfast spot we missed? Let us know!