6TH STREET. To start, 1886 Café and Bakery serves great sandwiches and casual American fare, and their grilled cheese panini is second to none. But their desserts ­ rich, complex concoctions with mood-altering properties ­ cause folks to swoon. To try: chocolate mousse cake (with bittersweet chocolate-caramel mousse over a layer of moist devil's food cake) and lemon chiffon cake (with layers of blueberry compote and rosemary-scented lemon cream). Even ice cream sundaes are noteworthy: Peanut Butter Fantasia is peanut butter ice cream, caramel, and a peanut butter cookie, while Second Wind adds hot fudge, biscotti, and chocolate espresso beans to cappuccino ice cream.

ROUND ROCK. Regionally famous, this bakery/doughnut shop's bright yellow doughnuts are known to produce sighs of bliss from adoring fans. Through changes in ownership and other travails, the doughnuts have endured, drawing crowds from open to close every day. For those people who don't care for doughnuts (impossible to imagine!), there are other options, including apple fritters, muffins, danishes, coffee cake, and freshly baked breads.

NORTH AUSTIN. You may find a line out the door at Mi Victoria, but patience is a virtue, and it's worth the wait. Austinites flock to this authentic Mexican bakery for foil-wrapped, 99-cent breakfast tacos, fresh salsa, flan, tres leches, tortas, and spicy menudo (chili soup). The cash-only hole-in-the-wall is perfect for a family breakfast on the cheap or a post-lunch pastry fix.

NORTH AUSTIN. A beacon in the night, Mrs. Johnson's has been providing Austin night owls and early risers with hot fresh doughnuts for over 50 years. Plain glazed rings are the top sellers, but you'll also find several filled varieties, cake doughnuts, apple fritters, cinnamon rolls, and kolaches (rolls stuffed with sausage or cheese). Plus, there's always plenty of hot coffee. Hot doughnuts roll off the conveyors at 9pm, 10pm, 2am, 3am, and 5am, so time your visits accordingly.

NORTH AUSTIN. Quacks is something of an Austin landmark and still retains a bit of its slacker vibe. The space is appealing, thanks to local artwork and an assortment of board games and reading material that help pass the time. The laid-back place is also ideal for enjoying a quick breakfast pastry or for whiling away an afternoon when you have no particular plans in mind. Brownies and éclairs are some of the best in the city. Other tasty choices include Key lime pie, muffins, and fresh-baked artisan breads.