In the citizen-owned era, The Heritage Society founded the 1886 Lunchroom, successfully operated and staffed for over 20 years by members. Stocked with recipes from the hotel's past (including a stint by Neiman Marcus culinary director and "duchess of Texas cuisine" Helen Corbitt), and their own family histories, the ladies of the Heritage Society operated a venue that to this day is known as "Austin's socializing parlor." Paying homage to the city and Heritage Society's roles, the 1886 Café & Bakery opened on July 4, 2002.
Today, located on 6th Street in downtown Austin, the 1886 Café & Bakery remains a respected establishment and favorite bakery for many. The quaint Victorian-style café serves up delicious traditional Texas comfort foods that combine time-honored original recipes with contemporary preparation. Dine on dishes such as Helen Corbitt's Cheese Soup, our famous Texas Shaped Pecan Waffle and Quiche Lorraine, or a bonafide Texas classic, Fried Chicken Sandwich.