Stella San Jac in Austin’s downtown Westin is one of the most popular restaurants for breakfast or brunch in the entire city. This stylish, award-winning restaurant has close to 5,000 reviews, and has legions of fans around the city, and beyond. With so much fanfare, we had to see what all of the fuss was about while we were in Austin digging into the local wine scene.

It’s sometimes hard to know what to expect from a hotel restaurant; we’ve certainly had our fair share of hits and misses on our latest trip through the wine regions of Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico.

Keep reading to see if Stella San Jac lived up to the hype or if you should skip it on your trip to this southern city.

Location & Atmosphere: What to Expect  

Stella San Jac restaurant is located in downtown Austin, within the Westin area. The hotel, which Conde Nast Traveler has awarded multiple Readers Choice Awards, is a fun, swanky spot that attracts both locals and out-of-towners.

The restaurant’s location just off of the lobby allows diners a nice view into the hotel’s lounge and some excellent people watching. Live music is a staple here, too.

Travelers who appreciate the finer things in life will enjoy the clean, modern decor and a buzzy atmosphere, whether they are part of the breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner crowd.

The Stella San Jac Menu: Familiar Favorites  

The menu at Austin’s Stella San Jac restaurant offers a contemporary take on Southern cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. If your experience with Southern food involves heavy, greasy, and overly sauced dishes, be prepared for a delightful surprise. This menu breaks the mold, showcasing fresh and vibrant flavors.

Dishes like the Red Snapper Ceviche, featuring jalapeño-lime vinaigrette, juicy watermelon, and tomato, along with the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Persian cucumber, watercress, basil, and feta, exude a light, coastal feel.

If you are in the mood for something a bit heavier, and a quick look at reviews of Stella San Jac online reveal many diners are, you can try popular dishes like the Chicken and Waffles, Deviled Eggs (which we tried and can wholeheartedly endorse), Shrimp and Grits, Smoked Salmon Benedict, and the Short Rib Grilled Cheese.

Endless Drink Options  

The food isn’t the only thing guests at Stella San Jac rave about. Diners will also be impressed by the craft cocktail program, substantial whisky and bourbon list, and wine list offerings.

While the by-the-glass selection is on the slim side, the bottle list has something for everyone. From Napa Cabernets to Oregon Pinot Noir and Australian Shiraz, pairing your meal with just the right bottle will be a breeze.

Not in the mood for a brunch cocktail or a glass of wine? The restaurant also has a few refreshing mocktails made with fresh fruit juices.

Our Experience  

A great weekend brunch can turn an okay day into a great day, especially if you’re traveling to a new town, and we’re happy to report that this is exactly what happened to us at Stella San Jac.

This hotel restaurant is just lovely. We dined at the countertop bar, received excellent service, and the atmosphere was relaxed but upbeat. It was just how we wanted to start our day before we explored a few Austin wine-tasting rooms.

Here’s a quick rundown of what we tried:

• Smoke Salmon Eggs Benedict with poached eggs, smoked salmon, spinach, English muffin, and Hollandaise sauce. The eggs were cooked perfectly!
• Steel-cut oats with dried fruit and Texas pecans.
• Deviled Eggs topped with pieces of Andouille sausage.

Each dish was flavorful, the plating was simple but well done, and our visit was one we could not wait to share with you.

Tips  

• Happy Hour at Stella San Jac is served every day from 3pm to 6pm. Enjoy small bites and craft cocktails before you head to dinner.
• Go for the live music. Looking for an Austin restaurant that serves up great food and has live music? Stella San Jac is a must-visit.
• Try an item on the only-in-Austin menu like Bourbon & Biscuits. A bourbon flight with 3oz pours of rare whiskeys and a plate of buttery biscuits might just be the most novel way to cure a hangover at brunch! This dish sells out fast!

Closing Thoughts  

Brunch at Stella San Jac can’t be beat. This popular Austin restaurant will meet all of your needs and do so with ease. Even if you’re not staying in the hotel, it’s worth a visit. The location is also very close to Cru Food & Wine Bar and Wanderlust Wine Co., two great places for wine tastings in Austin!