| In a town that bills itself "the live music capital of the | | | | accompanying variety of soul food staples. Brunch |
| world," but in which 87% of the residents claim they | | | | shows are at 11:00 AM and again at 1:00 PM (if |
| don't attend church regularly, perhaps it was inevitable | | | | Saturday night was particularly raucous), and the |
| that the storied tradition of religious revivals would find | | | | shows are an excellent indoor alternative in case of |
| new life in Austin restaurants. | | | | foul weather. |
| Local gospel artists perform their rollicking spirituals | | | | Maria's Taco Xpress (2529 S. Lamar Blvd.) offers its |
| over lavish spreads at Gospel Brunches, creating a | | | | well-known overflowing tacos together with the |
| new form of worship for those who sleep in on | | | | Imperial Golden Crown Harmonizers, a rotating cast of |
| Sunday but still want to commune with a higher power. | | | | Austin favorites who perform deliciously uplifting gospel |
| Whether you're a strict devotee or an anything-goes | | | | with a slightly funkier edge and a relaxed, all-inclusive |
| secular humanist, it's tough not to be inspired by the | | | | vibe. Best of all, the tip jar proceeds don't go to the |
| "roots gospel," a soul-stirring blend of jazz, bluegrass, | | | | band. The money is donated to a selection of local |
| blues, and country. | | | | charities, so you can do your good deed for the week |
| Threadgill's (6416 N. Lamar Blvd.) is an Austin tradition, | | | | even if you missed the church collection plate. The |
| and the World Headquarters (South Store) offers | | | | music starts at 12:30 PM on the patio. |
| throwback gospel of the finest church-choir sort | | | | At the gospel brunches, you're likely to encounter old |
| alongside its comfort-food buffet. If you like your food | | | | and young, hipsters and yuppies, hippies and bikers, |
| and your music Southern-fried, grab a table in the | | | | families with kids and twentysomethings with dates - |
| Biergarten for the 11:00 AM gospel brunch. | | | | as diverse a spiritual community as you'll find at any |
| Stubb's Bar-B-Q (801 Red River) hews more toward | | | | church (not to mention some darned good |
| the rhythm-and-blues end of the gospel spectrum, with | | | | people-watching). Satisfy both the hunger in your belly |
| a justly famous barbecued pork rib plate and an | | | | and the hunger in your soul... or just get up and dance. |