With my in-laws in town for the week and my mother-in-law being a huge Fixer Upper fan (who isn’t?!), it was the perfect opportunity to take a day trip to Waco to try the new Magnolia Table restaurant, then show them around at the Silos.
Recently opened this year, April 2018, the Gaines’ first restaurant, Magnolia Table combines Waco history with Chip and Joanna’s signature Magnolia touch.
Photo courtesy of Magnolia
Magnolia Table restaurant was once the Elite Cafe and the Gaines’ have renovated and restored the entire building while preserving so much of the rich architectural details, while seamlessly incorporating new and creative design elements and staying true to the building’s original features.
1. Have an Early Breakfast at Magnolia Table Restaurant.
Breakfast is the focus on Magnolia Table’s menu, and since the restaurant does not take reservations, consider dining early or on a weekday when there is a less likely chance you’ll get stuck in a long line.
The stars were aligned on our first visit to Magnolia Table restaurant, we arrived mid-morning on a Saturday, we found parking right away and there was no line! We still had to put our name down to receive a text when our table was ready, which we were told about an hour and half wait time. Don’t let the wait time discourage you as there is so much to do while you wait for your table. We hung out on the beautiful patio where you can order coffee/pastries/juice, take in all the gorgeous architectural details, and bonus points – there is a kids outdoor play area adjacent to the patio.
Convenient walk-up coffee bar on the patio. The Lavender Latte is a must!
The Patio with outdoor seating, a kids play area, and where you can order coffee, pastries, and get a head start on the restaurant menu while waiting for your table.
Beautiful and intentional exterior landscaping design
2. Expect excellent customer service by Magnolia Table Staff.
For the restaurant being open for only 6 months, the staff really has it down with customer service, restaurant flow, operations, etc. It was refreshing to be greeted and served by such friendly and welcoming folks working at Magnolia Table.
Outfit Details: Top: Wild Fable
| Mules: Nic + Zoe on sale!| Scarf: Missoni
3. Prepare to Enter Magnolia Biscuit Heaven
Even though biscuits are not a staple in my regular daily diet, I knew I had to try the country-style biscuits made with the recipe Joanna worked so hard for a year to perfect. They are definitely worth ordering! Joanna highly recommends pairing them with strawberry butter as an answer to a lot of life’s problems…YUM!
I ordered the Farm Breakfast which included one of Joanna’s biscuits, along with eggs, thick cut bacon, and hand rolled tater tots.
Farm Breakfast
My hubby got the Breakfast Tacos which is probably the best value on the menu – only $2.50 per taco and they are huge.
Breakfast Tacos
The kids portions are also the perfect amount for smaller appetites and feature breakfast staples such as eggs, sausage, bacon and pancakes with real maple syrup.
Kids Breakfast
4. The Restaurant Has a Rich History.
Magnolia Table has been renovated and was once Waco’s historic Elite Cafe.
“It had been a Waco icon for nearly 100 years,” Joanna said about the old cafe. “We couldn’t let a place with such a rich history be forgotten. I’m convinced that this place holds at least one memory for nearly everyone in Waco, Texas.” (via People magazine)
The building is a Historical Landmark.
5. Savor Homegrown Ingredients from Joanna’s own garden at Magnolia Farms.
Magnolia Table specializes in fresh, homegrown ingredients and good old fashioned homestyle cooking. There is something on their menu for everyone, including children, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free options.
Select produce used in dishes at Magnolia Table are grown locally at Joanna’s farm garden, and many of their eggs come from her chickens. The restaurant also partners with local vendors for menu staples such as grass fed hamburger patties.
6. You Can Skip the Lines and Still Enjoy Deliciousness.
There’s a takeaway area and market at Magnolia Table serving baked goods and a gift shop.
A few Magnolia Table favorites are available for take away. These items are already prepackaged and ready for you to take out. You can also order coffee and espresso, and purchase an assortment of gifts such as shirts, hats, mugs, olive oil and jams.
Another great design strategy to keep the crowds at bay – a designated take away area
7. Allow the Decor to Inspire your Decorating Schemes!
There are so many great decor ideas to get inspired from Magnolia Table’s interiors.
If you love modern farmhouse decor and the designs you see from Joanna Gaines on Fixer Upper, you’ll love the design here. Vaulted Ceilings, wood beams, black and white floor tiles, white subway tile, black trim, barn style lighting, huge windows which allow abundant natural light, simple clean lines, natural wood surfaces, fresh greenery, and vintage style accents.
The painted white brick is a gorgeous backdrop to compliment those beautiful white quartz countertops!
Original lobby floor tiles
Even the bathroom has inspiring details. Here’s a peek from my visit.
The prettiest casual restaurant bathroom you’ll ever take a bathroom selfie in – floor to ceiling subway tiles, black metal doors and details, black and white floor tiles – perfection!
Next Stop: Magnolia Market Silos, about 2.5 miles (a 6-minute drive from the restaurant)
After a fun breakfast experience, we headed to the Magnolia Market Silos to check out the new holiday installations. This was our second visit to the Silos and the seasonal design installations and changes are fun to see. Our first visit to Magnolia was in February this year before the restaurant opened, so this time felt like a new experience all over again. Mom was equally excited as this was her first time to travel to Waco and experience all things Fixer Upper.
New Holiday Installation in the Market
We also got to see Santa at his first visit of the holiday season in the Garden at the Magnolia Seed & Supply.
Santa In The Garden, Magnolia Seed & Supply
Have you visited the new Magnolia Table restaurant? If so, what are your favorite items on the menu we need to try next time? Tell us in the comments!
