As a home decor blogger, there are perks to living in Waco, Texas, home of Chip and Joanna Gaines, the Silos, and Fixer Upper. It has been exciting to see “the Magnolia Effect” happen around town, except when we get our property taxes in the mail. All of my home decor blogger and instagrammer friends travel from around the world to visit my hometown and I get a chance to meet them in person.  I can visit the Silos on Wednesday mornings when it is slow or arrive early to beat the crowds during Silobration!  I also know when they are serving cupcakes out of the Magnolia airstream without any lines and when the ‘Little Shop on Bosque’ opens up for a warehouse sale.  But one of my favorites has been attending the soft opening of Magnolia Table and only waiting 5 minutes!  Then eating there again, because it is so good!  So, if you are wondering what it looks like inside the Magnolia Table, come along!

So Magnolia Table is located off ‘the circle’ in Waco, formerly the Elite Cafe.  As a kid, I remember eating here with my family. I read that the Elite cafe was one of the first restaurants in Waco with refrigeration & this building was actually the second location of that restaurant which opened in 1919 until its closing in 2016.  If you are interested in the history of the Elite cafe, you can read more here.

In the months before opening, Chip & Joanna gave us a few teasers with messages on the letter board out front.

When you walk in, you notice the beautiful details of the building that are signature to the Fixer Upper style!  Simple black and white lines, hand crafted materials, subway tile, and lots of fresh greenery.  When you arrive, they take your name and phone number so that you get a text to your phone to let you know the table is ready.

My husband and I visited on the second day of the soft opening.  Within five minutes, we were seated.  By the fourth day, the opening of Magnolia Table was announced on our local news.  And now, everyone is literally lined up at the door to come try it!  Upon a recent visit, the manager recommended coming before 8 a.m. to beat the usual 2 hour wait.  I will say that both times, we were told it would be a long wait, but got in under 20 minutes.  I think it is due to their efficiency!  Everyone has specific jobs at the Silos and Magnolia Table and I think this is one of their keys to success.

Are you zooming in on this menu to get a sneak peak?? I would too! Let me show you a close up.  I love how the menu is attached to a file folder for a vintage feel!

At each table is a small book of ‘conversation starters.’  What a great idea to get family and friends to put down the cell phones and reconnect.  Leather cases are located behind each table to hold phones. I love this idea!

It’s all in the details!  From the chilled water to handmade vases from a local potter, Black Oak Art, this restaurant is well planned to both function and form beautifully.  From the table napkins to coffee mugs, everything is personalized with the Magnolia Table name.

I started my breakfast with a hot cup of coffee, a frothy latte, made right in the coffee bar.

Again, the staff is very friendly and understands our love and curiosity for all things Magnolia and the ‘need’ to capture it all.  I love that Chip and Joanna paid tribute to the old Elite cafe in the coffee bar area.

If you just came for the food, I won’t make you wait any longer!  I ordered the French Toast Breakfast and it was delicious.   For $12, I had French toast, bacon, eggs and homemade tater tots.

Let’s talk about the French toast served with homemade strawberry butter. Made with fresh strawberries.  Served with warm syrup.  It is so good.

This peppered bacon is thick.  It is the best bacon, y’all.  Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, so I may be biased.  But I don’t think so!

One of the unique items on the menu is ‘housemade tater tots.’  Made with real potatoes.  Handmade so don’t expect perfectly shaped tots.  Covered in fresh parmesan and chives.

On a separate visit, I had the skillet of oatmeal.  It is topped with fresh berries, pecans and a warm honey drizzle.  Served on a wood board stamped with Magnolia Table.  I love the details that make this experience unique.

It was a perfect texture and probably the best oatmeal that I have eaten.  Sorry, momma!

I would say for the quality and quantity of food, the price is great.  During the meal, you are also give the opportunity to purchase items from the Take Away Market, like a Magnolia T-shirt to remember your trip. Purchased items will be brought to your table for convenience.  They are efficient, y’all.

Here are some views from inside the restaurant!

Located on the side of the building is a ‘Take Away’ Market to take some of your favorite goodies home, snag lunch to go, or buy some Magnolia Table souvenirs.  If the wait for the restaurant is long, this a great place to spend some time and get some of the famous cupcakes to go! There is a neat wall to take some pictures to remember your Magnolia Table experience, too.

There is also an outdoor coffee and pastry bar with covered and patio seating available.  This is located on the other side of the building which provides another space to hang out or grab a quick cup of coffee when the wait time may be long.

Hours are 6 am – 3 pm, Monday – Saturday.  Again, come early, because it gets busy after 8! Either way, it is worth the wait!  I will be headed back soon to try the biscuits & gravy and the avocado toast!  I have heard everything is delicious at the Magnolia Table.

Amy Williams

Related posts:

2019 Fall Visual Displays at Magnolia Market Places to Stay in Waco Texas: Urban Myrtle and Breakfast at Magnolia Table Magnolia Market: What is New for Spring at the Silos What it is Really like at Magnolia Market at the Silos – Fall 2018