It’s been awhile since I’ve ventured away from Moonshine or The Carillon for Sunday Brunch, something I take seriously. Those two perennial all-stars are just too good! But I got word today that there’s a new contender: J. Black’s.
Before you write it off as the place you don’t want to revisit from the night before, let’s talk about their Mix-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar. I’ve long held an I-don’t-really-like-Bloody-Marys stance, but after several poolside visits to Aspen’s St. Regis for a $5 Bloody Mary that is absolutely phenomenal, I’m changing my tune. I don’t really like MOST Bloodys, that is, the ones that are all tomato and no flare. We’ve had this revelation before (hi, Frank’s), but it always feels like the first time.
J. Black’s Bloody Mary bar isn’t the first in town, but it’s versatile: start with Austin’s own Tito’s vodka, then add your standard favorites, including things that aren’t so standard like fiery horseradish (must!), cherry peppers, cocktail onions, and pickled okra (only in the South).
Of course Union Park is doing a brunch too, and has been for over a year. Why another? Owner Sean Fric says, “West Sixth Street has become so much more than a center for Austin nightlife. The growth in our corner of downtown, especially with all of the new residents, has increased daytime foot traffic and we felt there was a demand for more dining options. At J. Black’s we’ve always tried to be a place for all occasions, so brunch just made sense to us.”
The brunch food (not a buffet, sadly) features an Open Faced Egg Sandwich, Breakfast Pizza, and their signature “Title Tacos,” one commemorating each year of the University of Texas’ National Championships. These breakfast tacos are made with farm fresh eggs(!!) and pulled pork, onions, and smoked gouda (1969) or portobello mushrooms, arugula, sundried tomatoes, shallots, and goat cheese (2005).
Brunch menu is available Sunday from 11am-4pm. jblacks.com