Day Maker Half Day Cafe

"There’s diner DNA in the bones of Day Maker, a breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot built in the shell of a former IHOP near Zilker Park. But this isn't just a pancake house revival. With its Southern and Southwestern touches—earthy tones, woven textiles, and a menu that sneaks in chorizo and queso where you least expect them—it feels like a daytime restaurant that grew up bouncing between New Mexico and New Orleans. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel It’s always busy here, no matter when you show up. Add yourself to the online waitlist before heading out, or get ready to face a multi-hour wait on the weekends. Once you’re in, you’ll realize why everyone was willing to doomscroll on their phones near the entryway for so long—this is a classic diner done different. Pancakes get topped with churro dust and horchata butter, huevos rancheros arrive on a crispy tostada, and even a classic eggs benedict gets served over masa cakes and topped with spicy chorizo. It all works to varying degrees, but even when things fall a little short, Day Maker is still a fun way to kick off an afternoon at Zilker or enjoy a lazy hangover Sunday brunch. photo credit: Richard Casteel Food Rundown photo credit: Richard Casteel Churro Pancakes These make us realize that the best part of the churro is not, in fact, the dust, but the crunchy treat itself. While these pancakes don’t have the same crispy satisfaction of the street snack—and have a slightly metallic taste—they’re a satisfying start to the morning. photo credit: Richard Casteel Huevos Rancheros Tostada Everything you know and love about huevos rancheros gets piled onto a crispy tostada. This is a great plate. Make sure to try it with the housemade hot sauce that packs a bright, fiery punch. photo credit: Richard Casteel Chorizo Benny In a fun spin on classic eggs benedict, english muffins get subbed for masa cakes. They’re a little denser than we’d like, but everything else in this dish is great—from the spicy chorizo and perfectly poached eggs to the fluffy avocado mousse and chipotle hollandaise." - Nicolai McCrary

"The teams behind Jack Allen’s Kitchen and Salt Traders Coastal Cooking turned their attention to all-things brunch with this new restaurant in Zilker in late November. The daytime cafe is full of Texan and American a.m. comfort food. dishes with loads of eggs, bready goods (churro pancakes, bacon-chive waffles), burgers, and salads. There are indoor and dine-in services." - Brittany Britto Garley, Nadia Chaudhury

"Day Maker Half Day Cafe opened in Zilker at 1101 South MoPac Expressway as of November 21. The a.m. restaurant serves an American-Texan menu for breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Think eggs Benedicts with masa cakes and spicy chorizo; smoked pastrami hash; breakfast enchiladas with sunny side up eggs and roasted chicken; croque-madames; eggy smash burgers; bacon-chive waffles; churro pancakes; and coconut-maple-glazed cinnamon rolls. There will be a full bar offering cocktails (espresso martinis, vodka-spiked Orange Juliuses; yuzu Aperol spritzes), nonalcoholic options, fresh juices, and a coffee bar with espresso and coffee drinks. Behind Day Maker are co-owners chef Jack Gilmore and Tom Kamm, along with chief culinary officer Chris TenEyck and beverage director David Toby. Chef Forrest Briwa is running the kitchen. Previously, he had been the executive chef of Salt Traders and Jack Allen’s. The space is supposed to have a whole “day-drinking vibe,” per the press release. There are murals by art team Mike Johnston and Erin Johnston of Team Truth." - Nadia Chaudhury