Known for progressive American seafood, Guild Austin is now serving up much more. For the first time, the restaurant is tempting diners with a Sunday brunch, while also dishing up food for a dozen good causes.

At Austin’s gem of a Guild, 50% of proceeds from a new community membership benefit a neighborhood charity each month.

Beneficiaries for the community membership program include The Rosedale School, Eanes Education Foundation, Casis Elementary, The Junior League of Austin, The Rise School of Austin, Ballet Austin, Seton Foundations, Hill Country Conservancy, No Kid Hungry, Dell Children’s Foundation, and MJ+M Foundation.

“Austin is a truly special city filled with amazing people,” said Stuart Thomajan, owner of Guild. (His Chameleon Companies group also has notable Austin eateries Wu Chow and Swift’s Attic.) “We have garnered so much fellowship from our farmers, vendors and patrons we felt it was a natural progression to return the support while giving back and continuing to build the community.”

Palate-pleasing special events are just some of the perks the yearly $99 fee for the community membership will get you. Restaurant organizers want guests to feel they are visiting with an old friend. Cornbread in a jar, fresh salsas, exclusive cookies and local herbs from farmers and favorite vendors are just some of the seasonal gift surprises in store for Guild members.

A community after-hours experience is another perk. One Saturday each month from 10:30pm until close, Guild hosts a private bar event for members and their guests to enjoy seasonal cocktails and drinks in the lounge and patio. Other private events include cooking classes, pie-making classes and a cocktail recipe class.

Guild’s spacious and relaxing environment provided the perfect opportunity to try out the restaurant’s new brunch menu with a friend. We sat in a booth, but we were both impressed with Guild’s open kitchen and several patio seating options.

Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory, hearty or light, Guild has something for everyone. I decided to try the savory Dutch pancake because I’d never had a savory pancake before. Topped with a sunny egg, bacon, avocado and Guild’s red-eyed gravy, the pancake was very hearty and the perfect combination for someone who is looking for savory breakfast foods, but would also like to have a not-so-sweet pancake. Of course, if savory isn’t your thing, you can always opt for Guild’s sweet Dutch pancake, which is topped with berries, coffee butter and jam.

My companion opted for sweet with Guild’s French toast, consisting of brûléed brioche, coffee crème and bacon jam, which she described as “sweet but not overpowering.” The crème brûlée added the perfect touch alongside the fresh berries.

For appetizers, we tried the cornbread hushpuppies, along with the Jumbo Madeleine (cornbread, chorizo and anchovy butter). Jumbo would be an understatement. The Madeleine is very large and has a pumpkin-like taste to it, perfect for fall.

Regardless of what you are in the mood for, you will find something to satisfy your tastebuds at Guild. Other signature brunch items include everything from Oyster of the Day to deliciously crafted seasonal omelettes.

Located off North Lamar Boulevard, Guild offers dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5 – 10 pm, and Friday through Saturday from 5 – 11 pm, along with a weekday happy hour from 5 – 7 pm. Sunday brunch is 11 am. to 3 pm.

Sign up online for Guild’s community membership.

Cover photo | Guild raw bar | Elizabeth Van Huffel