NOTE: Breakfast In Austin seeks forgiveness from it's supporters. After a five month hiatus, Jennifer has started eating breakfast again and is officially playing catch up to venues past. Let's journey back to a rainy & cool day in January, 2011...
Cisco's! A well known name in Austin. Legendary in fact. If you've spent any time within a 50 mile radius of Downtown, undoubtedly the name Cisco's has come up. When a friend or acquaintance has suggested breakfast and uttered the word, "Migas" or "Huevos Rancheros", they've probably followed it with the name of this old Austin landmark.
Cisco's is known for it's hearty and flavorful Migas, their authentic brand of Huevos Rancheros and their fluffy, hot & fresh biscuits. I was up for the task of sampling East Austin greatness. It was a rainy Sunday morning and I was in the mood for hearty grub and traditional Mexican with a bit of the old establishment. Off to East 6th Street (between Onion & Comal), just blocks from Hwy I-35 and the party gleen of West 6th Street, this is the stuff legends are made of.
Cisco's was founded by Rudy "Cisco" Cisneros in 1948. Over the course of 60 years, Cisco's has been run by Rudy, his son and his son's son. It's one of those few restaurants that has stood the test of time. The dwelling is definitely shabby, showing its age and the tattered walls showcase framed photographs of celebrities, politicians and coaches. This only adds to the experience of a restaurant that maintains their consistency of recipes and regulars - like Ike and Alec (also known as Charro)...
Seated and settled at our very small & dingy 4-Top in the main diner, we were greeted by a very sweet waitress who's name I can't recall. G-Man, the 2 kids & I scoured the menu and placed our orders. After sipping on their caffeinated diner roast (with free refills), the Migas plate was served. I swear it came with a Halo. A picture perfect portion of refried beans, Migas, fajita meat, lime and salsa with flour tortillas. My stomach grumbled. Sensing that if I'd left one ingredient off my fork, the perfection would be gone. Cisco's Migas is an out of body experience which involves closing your eyes, tasting every ingredient, even moaning a little - while filling that void in your stomach. I don't often finish my plate, but this day I did. I've heard some say Cisco's and the Migas is overrated - I for one found the place charming in an old dingy-historical way and the food flavorful and filling.
It's all about the feast, not the famine!
Pros: Legends & Non-Legends alike eat here, place has character, flavorful migas, perfect out of the oven biscuits, great service, no wait, full breakfast menu including tacos, omelets, pancakes and all sides
Cons: Dirty tables, construction outside, pancakes non-descript & plain. Boo-hiss said the 12 year old
Suggestions: Call me crazy but I'd love it if you'd establish a website with a menu and own your legend!
Cisco's ~ 1511 E. 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701 ~ 512.478.2420
