Last Sunday, 24 Diner and I finally made it official!
One thing about this downtown gem is that no matter what time of day I’ve indulged in it, consistency is the common thread.
Whether it’s post-ACL-going (you know we fest-goers have a blinding disregard for ordering appropriately) and indulging in chicken and waffles with milkshakes, or lunching with business associates on frittatas and mixed greens, you get some of the best plated food in town.
Quality ingredients and a commitment to preparation are motivating factors for 24 Diner. No wonder the diner is constantly recommended and has an endless wait at the door. Hmm … think this will be a bad review? Likely not!
Arriving at 12 p.m. sharp and getting seated in a record time of five minutes, I opted to kick-start our meal with the infamous 24 Diner Bloody Mary made with Austin’s own Tito’s Handmade Vodka. At 24 Diner, they blend their own mix and offer a surprisingly tasty medley of pickled vegetables, all for $6.50.
Call it a drink or a meal. Any sucker for a spicy bloody with ample flavors and an obvious amount of vodka will find this styling has all the components. Dare I say 24 Diner boasts the No. 1 bloody Mary in town? Try it!
Hungry with absolutely no shame, Breakfast In Austin opted for the massively overindulgent Fried Egg Sandwich served with skillet fries. Imagine a doughy challah bun with Texas applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese, topped with an over medium egg with a perfectly cooked yolk.
For the average diner, guilt may overtake you during those last four to five bites. Please don’t let it. I encourage you to finish this delicious sandwich. It’s penny worthy and filling with a price tag of $9.95.
Kids in tow? My 12-year-old, also excited for 24 Diner, decided to go big and rich with the French Toast Platter. Boasting a large cut of French bread, topped with vanilla cream and fresh blueberries, this sampling is an undertaking for anyone, pre-teen or otherwise.
With the addition of egg and bacon sides, it became pretty clear that this plate would go unfinished. It’s flavorful, filling and pricey at $11.95.
For you breakfast lovers who prefer the gluten-free lifestyle, 24 Diner is mindful of your dietary needs. Along with a gluten-free menu, the staff is happy to modify recipes, so please ask.
My friend, Sarah (who has been gluten-free for several years), opted for the 24 Hash with bacon, sausage, jalapeno and cheddar cheese, served with a side of homemade skillet fries. Hunger kicking in, our server recommended she order the large portion for $9.95. Thumbs up!
At 24 Diner, they have certainly found a niche in Austin with their round-the-clock service and quality of food choices. With breakfast available morning, noon or night, indulgence can occur for you at any time.
It’s all about the feast, not the famine!
» Pros: Breakfast 24 hours, the best bloody Mary ever,
creative dishes, farm-to-table local ingredients, locally roasted coffee, green (composting and recycling), a great location at
sixth and Lamar, spot-on service and relaxed ambiance
» Cons: There is always a wait, so be patient. And the prices
are higher than average, but quality justifies the expense.
» Suggestions: Order a bloody Mary at the bar while
you wait. Once seated, take your time and enjoy. You will not feel rushed.
24 Diner is located at 600 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78703. It is open 24 hours with the exception of Wednesday mornings from 1 to 6 a.m. for cleaning. For more information, call 512-472-5400. To view the diner’s breakfast and gluten-free breakfast menus online, visit http://24diner.com. And as it’s local and involved, it’s no surprise that 24 Diner is connected! Look for the diner on Facebook at www.facebook.com/24diner, or follow the diner on Twitter (@24DinerATX).
Breakfast In Austin’s Jennifer Clarke is morning-fare obsessed, easily humored and semi-undercover. Scouring Austin for the best diners, brunch experiences, coffee shops and breakfast tacos, she carries a Nikon in one hand and a fork in the other. For more information, visit http://breakfastinaustin.blogspot.com, or look for Breakfast In Austin on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/breakfastinaustin or Twitter (@breakfastaustin).
