Citizens All Day — Restaurant in Austin

The food was okay, but the overall experience was so disappointing that I wouldn’t want to return.

I came here with high hopes — a close friend had recommended this place, and I made a reservation weeks in advance. I was genuinely excited and really looked forward to a nice brunch.

When we arrived, we were seated at a spacious table, which felt like a good start. But just as we began looking at the menu, a staff member asked us to move to make room for a larger party. Trying to be understanding, we agreed and moved to a much smaller table. Still — not a single thank you or apology was offered.

Then something unbelievable happened. As the server poured water, they spilled it directly on my bag — and continued pouring, soaking it even more while casually saying, “Oops, I’ll wipe it later.” They didn’t stop or make any real effort to fix it. No towel. No immediate action. Just my soaked bag and growing discomfort.

I ordered the biscuit sandwich with added avocado. After a long wait, the server returned to say they were out of biscuits and offered sourdough or multigrain. I asked for the menu to pick something else. Then I asked whether the eggs benedict — which comes with a biscuit — was available, and suddenly biscuits were back. I stuck with my original order.

Meanwhile, the table we had vacated for the “big party” had already received their food and was eating. But by the time our food came, that same table was already cleared and occupied by another couple. It wasn’t just a delay — it was so long that two full seatings had come and gone at that table. Honestly, it made me wonder: was that table never really meant to be offered to us in the first place?

When our food finally arrived, the avocado I need to pay extra for was missing, and no one had checked on us. I flagged a server midway through eating, and they said they’d bring it. I said to cancel it, and all I got was “Okay” — again, no apology or acknowledgment.

What really stood out was how every other table around us received some kind of attention — free drinks, desserts, kind words like “Thanks for your patience.” We were the only Asian couple in that section, and while I don’t want to make assumptions, it’s hard not to feel like we were deliberately overlooked. At best, this was poor service. At worst, something more unsettling.

Finally, the check. I was charged $6.50 for a drink that was listed as $5.50 on the menu. I assumed it was because I ordered it iced. Even if that’s true, nowhere on the menu did it say there would be a $1 upcharge for ice — a clear case of consumer deception.

The food may have been okay, but no taste is worth feeling invisible, disregarded, and disrespected. I came with weeks of anticipation and left with genuine disappointment. Sadly, I won’t be returning — and I truly regret recommending this place to others before experiencing...

We have our favorite places to go for breakfast and brunch, but every so often we venture out to try a new place that has good buzz.

Citizens All Day at 4818 Burnet Road in Hyde Park, made it onto our radar, and we zeroed on some bussin comfort food, updated for the Gen Z, TikTok diner. No, you don't have to know what that means to enjoy their food. They speak Millennial, Gen X, Y and Baby Boomer as well.

We decided to try three dishes including their Pastrami Benny ($18), BBQ Pulled Pork Benny($17.50) and Hot Honey Turkey Sandwich ($18).

The BBQ Pulled Pork Benny is built on Citizens' signature cheddar biscuit, as opposed to the traditional English muffin. Their BBQ has a sweet taste that mixed well with the poached. Oh yeah, they use a chipotle hollandaise sauce with sprinkle of cilantro on top. Citizens adds a ton of accoutrements to go with the Benny including picked red onions, avacado and pickled jalapeños. So many flavors that work perfectly together.

Our other Benny wasn't as complex a dish, but it paired two of my favorite foods together pastrami (fried) and poached eggs with regular hollandaise with a little cranberry relish piled on the cheddar biscuit. I destroyed that meal.

Perhaps, I was on a pastrami high, because without pausing I grabbed a half of the Hot Honey Turkey a d went to work. More pastrami was stacked with turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato between two pieces of foccacia. Then they add their hot honey chili spread, Dijon mustard and pickled onions. Did it work? Of course, when does sweet heat not deliver a punch to your taste buds that screams - more please.

Your biggest challenge when going to Citizens is going to be narrowing down one choice to eat. They have have so many options, you could come here for a week and be in food utopia at the end of every visit.

Seriously, check this line up out - Banana Bread French Toast, Blueberry Maple Pancakes, Cast Iron Chorizo Baked Eggs, Harissa Chicken Bowl or a Double Brisket Burger. That's just a sampling of all their Breakfast and Lunch choices.

Citizens is also open for dinner, and if you want to pregame your evening meal, they have a happy hour from 3-6 pm.

They opened at 7 am and close at 9 pm Sunday - Thursday, and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. Give them a try and let me know what you think....

I don’t usually feel compelled to leave a review but brunch is one of those meals you truly want to enjoy as you start off your weekend. Now that i’ve established the criticality of a quintessential brunch experience, I must describe what met and what DID NOT meet expectations.

What contributed to the experience: Despite walking in, we were greeted with a nice host and even offered champagne while we wait for our table. Great start! The staff was very accommodating and friendly— truly nice people!

What detracted: We ordered coffee at the counter while we waited for our 25-30 minute wait. We were seated before the to-go coffee was ready. I had to then wait inside until they called my name while my date waited at the table alone. Once I met my date outside with coffee in hand, I realize we are seated off to the side (no biggie but we were sandwiched next to two families on both sides but whatever. The real issue was that this side seating area is next to the dumpsters and the STENCH when the breeze blows towards us was nauseating. They moved us promptly and all was fine! The food came and it was generally great. However, the shakshuka per the menu is served with focaccia. They served it with sliced bread instead of a nicer alternative since the waiter later said they were out of focaccia. I asked if they had other crunchier toasted bread and he suggested sourdough! Yes please! Well, it never came. They were busy so I didn’t press. When it comes time to check out I realize they were charging me for the sourdough— instead of substituting for the sub-par bread I was given.

Overall, these little things just detract from the experience and you can tell they still need to figure out some of the logistics and iron out the rest! I think other basic places are faster (we spent 2 hours here) I think Kerbey Lane or other spots like Paper Boy, Another Broken Egg are...