Snooze

_{An A.M. Eatery with an Updated Diner Atmosphere}

by Karen O. Spezia
Photographs by Knoxy Knox

AFTER A LONG NIGHT of Deep Eddy Vodka and Dart Bowl, my friend desperately needed a hangover brunch. But it was Thursday, and nobody serves brunch on Thursday. Or do they? Say hello to Snooze, Austin’s newest arrival on the breakfast scene, serving up full-blown brunch – that means Bloodys! – seven days a week. It’s a concept long overdue in a city that hardly relegates its fun to weekends.

Snooze originated in Denver a decade ago and now has over a dozen locations in Colorado, Arizona and California. Austin is its first foray into Texas, with a Houston location opening soon. Two brothers started the restaurant, founding it on civic involvement and donating 1 percent of its sales to local community groups. Austin was rewarded with two Snooze locations, located on opposite ends of Lamar Boulevard, which opened within the same week in June. They’ve both been packed from the get-go.

The success of Snooze is no surprise: people love brunch. And in Austin, they adore it any day of the week, any time of day. The formula is simple: good food and lots of it, tasty drinks, friendly service and a cool environment. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the menu favors brunch favorites, but also offers a few non-breakfast options.

All the brunch classics have been given a creative twist, but what really sets Snooze apart is its allowance – even encouragement – of customizing your meal. Want a half order of pancakes? No problem. Add an egg? Sure. Substitute tofu for sausage? You bet. All requests are happily accommodated. Snooze even suggests sampling various items on one plate, like the Benny Duo where you can choose a half order of any two eggs Benedict offerings, such as the Italian-style Bella! Bella! or the southwestern-influenced Chile Verde. There’s also a Pancake Flight where you can sample any three pancake flavors, including Pineapple Upside Down, Sweet Potato, Blueberry Danish and Peanut Butter Cup.

French toast also comes in a variety of flavors, including the decedent OMG!, stuffed with mascarpone and topped with vanilla crème, salted caramel, strawberries and coconut. For traditionalists, there’s corned beef hash, perfectly cooked eggs and some of the best rye toast I’ve ever had. Healthful choices include porridge loaded with oats, quinoa, bananas, berries and walnuts.

Not in the mood for breakfast? The Peter Paul Rubens sandwich was terrific, loaded with corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese and served on a scrumptious soft pretzel roll. To wash it all down, there’s excellent coffee, plus a large selection of boozy brunch cocktails for those – like my friend – who need a little hair-of-the-dog.
After our weekday brunch at Snooze, my ailing amigo practically pranced out the door, sustained by Snooze’s good food and good vibes, feeling worlds better and ready for yet another legendary night in the ATX.

_{Read more from the Nightlife Issue | August 2016}