Stars Cafe

"This place is pretty great. It is a little run down and out of the way. The parking situation almost scared me off, but I stopped and went in anyway. You walk in and it isn't a traditional Texas diner like some I've been to in Dallas. I should have expected that, but didn't for some reason. It was a pleasant surprise. What I wasn't looking for was a yuppie brunch cafe or darn chain restaurant, and that is what I got. The lady working the front when I visited is super nice. Just sweet and polite. The guy working the kitchen popped out for a sec, and he's cool too. Reminds me of someone I've worked with, but I can't put a finger on who. It was a place to stop in for an early breakfast. Be taken care of for food and coffee, but not be fussed over. I didn't go to college here, and I don't drink, so I don't have nostalgia from hazy late nights/early mornings. For me, it was perfect."

"Great experience...open 24 hours day..a hidden treasure in the down town Austin...the longest 24hr restaurant in Austin...it survived the pandemic, but barely..parking is a bit tricky but don't let that deter you. Keep this landmark open... food was classic diner with breakfast served 24hrs a day and happy hour drinks we're awesome. There is a propane smell when you walk in but the food makes up for it. I love the Electric green glitter booths. ADA wheelchair accessible. No patio for the fur baby. I would most definitely come back here after a concert again."

"Rating Stars Cafe was tough. Visiting Star Cafe (fka Star Seeds Cafe) was like traveling back in time. During undergrad, I came here a few times for late night eats (24 hr diner). This breakfast trip was a reminder that you don’t come for standout food, but passable food with great ambience and (depending on the staff) good music on the house speakers. That said, the food was on the cheaper side which was nice. There was one waitress who also worked the cash register this morning. She was very sweet and accommodating. I believe there was just one person in the kitchen. First opened in 1966, it’s at risk of getting displaced by I-35 expansion plans."

"The reviews about the smell are real. I found this place when looking for a nice spot for breakfast for 24 hours, and took public transit to get here. The moment I walked in, there was a very foul smell that was noticable from the door. I couldn't tell what it was, but the entire diner smelled like it. Sadly, this negatively impacted my experience, as things start to taste like what smells around you... There was one server/waitress who, while she was doing her best, lacked a sense of priority. There were plenty of tables that still had garbage on them, and dirty dishes. One even in the corner where the trash can was at the ready, but the table was stacked with dishes. Also the utensils were visibly dirty, but I'm picky about what I use to eat especially if it's visibly dirty. For the food, the menu was decent, and very very cheap. I'll give that a plus. The downside was that, at the time I went, here was no sausage, no bacon, and no French toast. Barely anything on the menu was available except eggs, the ham slice, and biscuits with gravy. I ordered the Starz biscuit, which wasn't supposed to come with gravy, but because the communication between the waitress and the one cook in the back was so poor, I got a slightly different item (at tikes they would even argue). Because I wanted to leave, but try the food, I didn't want to spend any time breathing whatever that smell was, so I stuck it out. The biscuit was okay, but slightly on the colder side, but the eggs were ok. The best thing I had, was coffee. I refused to get water as I saw the server put the pitcher in the large sink and keep it running. (I know it's usually tap water hats served at restaurants/diners, but come on, don't let us see how the bread is made) It seemed that this place was trying to hold on to whatever "Keep Austin Weird" meant, even if it meant sacrificing quality. And it was clear to me that whoever owns this location, gave up, likely due to the supposed Highway expansion. Very surprised that I didn't see any roaches even though the garbage was sitting out there for so long... Been here once, and would never come here again."

"Ah, the old Star Seeds. This used to be a regular haunt 20 years ago when I lived in the area (based mostly on convenience and friendly staff charm). I returned today on something of a nostalgia tour since it will be closing given the impending highway expansion. The waitress was sweet. I ordered a coffee and looked forward to the Eye Opener breakfast (biscuits, sausage gravy, topped with eggs) and a side of hash browns. I was informed 10 minutes later that there was no sausage. So, I ordered the same breakfast with bacon and was then informed there were no hash browns. Okay, fine. Then was told about 10 minutes later there were no biscuits. At this point I paid for my coffee so I could provide a tip and left to go get breakfast somewhere that actually had food. As I left the smell of bleach escorted me out the door. So yeah, Star Seeds, pretty much as I remembered the place, regardless of the shortening to Stars. Star Seeds by any other name would still smell... I wish the ownership and staff the best as things in Austin inevitably change."