Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

A side view of Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
(Photo taken from cityguide.sheknows.com)

It’s week number four and I’m starting to wonder if there are any restaurants in Austin, Texas that do a bad Sunday brunch. I’m serious. I’m secretly waiting to find that one place that fails in comparison to the brunches I’ve been to, but I’m starting to doubt that this place even exists.  Each and every Sunday I’m blown away by my brunching destination. This week was no exception as I chose to dine at the historical Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill. I say historical because according to their website, the building that houses Moonshine is now over 150 years old. In fact, the limestone walls and cedar posts used throughout the restaurant are all original. These features are what make Moonshine such a unique dining experience.

The original building that has become
Moonshine Bar & Grill
(photo taken from Moonshine's website)

Now I’m no newbie when it comes to Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill. Since moving to Austin, I’ve dined at Moonshine for everything from team banquets to family dinners. However, I’ve never experienced their Sunday brunch. I decided it was time to take my relationship with Moonshine to the next level.

Mouth-watering plate featuring cinnamon rolls,
waffles and mini kolaches.
(Photo taken by Brett B. at yelp.com) 

FOOD: Moonshine features a Sunday brunch buffet that spreads across three different rooms in the restaurant. The set up feels more like a treasure hunt than a boring old brunch buffet. With plate in hand, I eagerly weaved in and out of each room hunting down delicious dish after delicious dish. Most items in the buffet were miniature-sized, which was perfect for trying a little bit of each and every thing. I strolled into one room to find a display filled with items such as migas, king ranch casserole, green chile cheese grits and cornflake fried chicken tenders. Before I knew it my plate was full and I hurried back to my table to delve into my first of many feasts. Round two began in a room filled with spiral-roasted ham, tamales, brisket sliders, buttermilk biscuits and miniature kolaches.  Thankfully this time I had a little room on my plate to spare, so I wandered into the third and final buffet room. Here I found assorted muffins, warm cinnamon rolls, apple turnover, waffles and white chocolate bread pudding.

Plate filled with Moonshine brunch
 items like buttermilk biscuits, 
green chile cheese grits and sweet 
potatoes.
(Photo taken by Sarah M. at yelp.com)

It was at this point that I thanked the sweet Lord for creating endless buffets.

Two plate fulls later, my “work” at the brunch buffet was complete. You might think I’m crazy, but I can honestly say there wasn’t one food item that I tried and didn’t like.  Not one. Any display that was running remotely low was quickly   replaced with a new spread, showing Moonshine’s dedication to promptness and serving fresh food.

ATMOSPHERE: Unfortunately you and I are not the only ones in Austin who know about Moonshine’s Sunday brunch. If you go, expect to be greeted by a hefty crowd of fellow Austinites who want to sink their teeth into this endless buffet. The brunch starts at 9 am and I suggest you getting there sometime before 10:30, unless you feel like waiting for an hour or more. 

One of the interior rooms of Moonshine
(Photo from Moonshine's website)

Like I mentioned before, the buffet takes place in three separate rooms in the restaurant. These are not large rooms, and the buffet-style set up makes for a pretty tight fit. You can expect to wait in line for the buffet in each room and probably rub elbows with your fellow hungry Moonshine patrons. I suggest asking to be sat in the outdoor section of the restaurant. It is fully enclosed and doesn’t feel quite as cramped as the inside eating area. If crowds, waiting in line, and small spaces are not your cup of tea, I do not suggest Moonshine Bar and Grill for your Sunday brunch destination.

DRINKS: Drinks are not included in the buffet, so any booze you wish to indulge in must be ordered separately. For a brunch cocktail you can choose from a $4 bloody mary, $4 mimosa or $5 scarlet mimosa, which is made with pomegranate juice.  I went with the pomegranate mimosa, which was perfect if you’re looking for something tart and flavorful. However, I do feel it was a tad overpriced. My hunt for a great mimosa under $4 is still in the works…

COST: Moonshine prices their Sunday brunch buffet at $16.95. Keep in mind that drinks are not included, so ordering any more than one drink will raise your bill to over $20. Drinks aside, I do feel as though $16.95 is a very fair price for the amount of food offered and delicious variety. In my opinion, Moonshine is a great option when entertaining out-of-town family or friends.   

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is located at 303 Red River St., Austin, Texas 78701.