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Magnolia Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants American (Traditional) Breakfast & Brunch, American (Traditional) [Edit]
1920 S Congress AveAustin, TX 78704
Neighborhoods: 78704 (South Austin), SoCo (S. Congress Ave.), Bouldin Creek
(512) 445-0000
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 5:30 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
20 mile Hill Country view overlooking the Texas Hill Country. Legendary BBQ served inside AND on outside dining patio area. Homemade Wheat and White… read more »
529 reviews for Magnolia Cafe
Review Highlights
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"Oh don't forget the veggie reuben or the mag-mud." In 44 reviews -
"The Gingerbread pancakes here were amazing." In 38 reviews -
"...vegetarian omelette is perfect with a side of black beans." In 43 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
529 reviews in English
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Review from Corinna G.
Austin, TX
5/16/2012
If you've lived in Austin for more than a few months, or have visited a few times, chances are that you've been to Magnolia Cafe. I won't write anything ground-breaking, I'm sure, but here's my review...
Parking can be a little tricky sometimes, depending on when you want to eat. I'm the type that only frequents this place late at night, so it's not much of an issue. On weekends, this place can be a real zoo.
As many others have said, ORDER BREAKFAST. I'm sure the sandwiches are all wonderful and amazing and will put hair on your chest or give you a rack to rival Scarlett Johansson's, but the breakfast menu is where all the love is.
Breakfast! Stop lookin' at the sandwiches, fool.
Anyway, I recommend the migas with love butter. No, no, it's not some special sauce that the cooks "add" to a bad customer's meal. It's tasty, spicy butter (peppers and garlic, too) mixed in with the scrambled eggs of your migas, and it's totally worth it. Just trust me, kids. Auntie Corinna would never steer you wrong.
If you MUST defy me, and not order the Love Migas, at least order an omelette. I'll try to forgive you for your oversight.
The place is quirky, as is the staff, and that's probably why everyone loves it. (That, and the infamous "Sorry, we're open" sign outside that brings everyone in.)
Be patient, relax, STOP LOOKING AT THE SANDWICH/BURGER MENU, and enjoy your breakfast. You can thank me later. -
Review from Steve G.
Denver, CO
6/2/2012
OK, here's the thing...
Like many people these days, breakfast is my favorite go-to meal for grabbing a bite out...if that makes sense.
I have now given this Magnolia a try twice. It was my last. There are just too many simple ways to make great breakfast dishes and other than perhaps pancakes, they really miss the mark.
Unremarkable, to be kind. To not be so kind, it's Mush. Plates overloaded with almost inedible overcooked potatoes and/or beans and egg dishes that look and taste like they came from an assembly line. I fear this is one of the side-effects of places that are in that "too cool" zone and figure...with a shrug..."eh, close enough." or maybe it's just marginal...that simple.
It didn't help to see the staff lugging cardboard flats loaded with Kirkland syrup and other items straight from Costco from the offices across the street into the side door of the restaurant. Costco? Really?
So, in a word...Pass. -
Review from Alexandra M.
San Antonio, TX
5/12/2012
I've been here a handful of times with different people. Most of the time I eat here I get sandwiches, such as the chicken club.
Today I tried breakfast tacos which definitely got my attention. Their tacos were loaded with delicious goodness that was undeniable. There prices seemed pretty reasonable for the amount of food you got. I haven't tried anything else here, but I suggest you get breakfast no matter what time of the day. Stay away from sandwiches, they'll leave you wanting more.. -
Review from Matt C.
Austin, TX
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
An Austin staple. Can't go wrong any time you visit this place. Doesn't matter what time of day, always seems like there's a wait but it's never an issue. I think the longest we've had to wait is 15 minutes.
I love the mag mud, turkey reuben, breakfast tacos and pancakes. Everything is supremely delicious and ignites my taste buds. Service has never been bad and I love that I get a real diner experience every time.
As a friend of mine wrote in his review (and I agree with him), Magnolia is great for people watching. I don't condone being an over-watcher but if you're going to stare at others, this is the place to do it. It's usually such a cross-section of society, you'll see all walks of life here just looking to get a great bite to eat.
Well done, Magnolia. Well done. -
Review from Mike T.
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yes please! Late night fare at a reasonable price. The daily soups and specials are almost always fantastic.
This place is frequented by Austins Finest, so people tend to seat in there booths. Gets REALLY noisy when it packs out, but they have outdoors seating.
Food here is best I've had at 4am. I don't really attend during daylight hours. Great little Austin diner. -
Review from Odie O.
Pflugerville, TX
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great Austin must Stop
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Review from Suzanne F.
Prairie Village, KS
Updated - 4/19/2012
Just want to add a note that I went BACK to Magnolia Cafe when in town for SXSW in March and it was just as good as I remembered. I had raspberry pancakes, fresh fruit w/gronola & yogurt, avacado omelet and peppermint tea. Was enough to sustain me all the way back to KC.
I *should* dock a star because the host crossed our name off the list accidentally and we waited 15 min longer than we should have (total of 40 min or so), but I realize mistakes happen. I should have insisted on a complimentary mimosa, but I was so hungry at this time that I could only focus on food!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/10/2011
Had Saturday brunch here based on Yelp reviews, hotel recommendation and a person in our group had… Read more »
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Review from Dave M.
Campbell, CA
4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
We were driving along Congress in Austin when we spotted a cool sign...stopped thinking it was just an old sign and went to take a picture...then saw it was a cafe....so we went in...
Cool interior, kooky staff, great food, excellent value, awesome atmosphere.
We found a cool new Austin hangout.
Open 24 hours a day....8 days a week...it says so on the menu!! -
Review from Hannah T.
Portland, OR
3/15/2012
Let's be honest. Magnolia's isn't really about the food. They've got some delicious breakfast plates and reasonably well-inspired and well-cooked traditional diner meals, but that's not the draw.
People come to Magnolia's 24-hours a day 8-days a week to celebrate the perpetually awesome life of an Austinite. Magnolia exists and flourishes because people need to go do crazy fun things or see crazy cool bands and know they can continue their awesome night/day with a visit to an Austin institution - specifically one that embraces the quirky, offers breakfast tacos and other slightly greasy comfort foods, and has the kind of welcoming environment that will let the good times keep rolling.
For that, I praise Magnolia's and respect its place as a fixture within Austin's culture. -
Review from Jenny L.
1/27/2012
Magnolia Cafe's tagline is "Everybody Know, Everybody Goes."
Because they don't know any better.
When one moves to Austin, or visits, Magnolia Cafe is a must. After a time or two, one will quickly realize that this place is shitty, and never return. When I moved to Austin, Magnolia was great. I could get a Flamingo sandwich, packed with veggies and "hurt your mouth toast." It is easy to make an entree vegan here, even breakfast, like the Garden Breakfast Taco. There is no tofu, nor vegan cheese, so many entrees will be lacking, but it's just simple food.
Simple is not always good. I rank Magnolia up there with Kerbey Lane. Eh, we can go for a quick breakfast, and walk away not smiling, but there is something everyone can eat. The Meat Eater hates this place, because it's "shitty. All around, shitty."
We skip this place on a regular basis, but if my mom calls me and wants to go to lunch, she and I will hit up the Magnolias, because she is a fan. Not saying she is wrong, I just don't think her tastebuds quite work (sorry, mom! love you!)
The service is shitty, the wait is usually long, the tables always feel grimy, and the food is just so-so.
"sorry we're open." You should be.
Another Austin restaurant, crossed off the list.Listed in: We are broken up!
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Review from Stephanie R.
Austin, TX
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
First impression: The wait staff were in a hurry to do nothing. They seated us and said, "your waiter will be with you shortly" and then disappeared. The one who was our waiter was standing at the bar talking to the other waiters. He finally came over and took our order.
The dishes we had were good, not great. And for the price...meh.
After almost breaking a tooth on an olive pit in my pasta I was turned off a bit. I know that it can happen so I continued to eat.
My son's burger was pretty raw in the middle so my husband offered to finish it for him.
I think for the price we can go somewhere a lot nicer. This is definitely a "trendy" place for the locals who frequent it because of its charm or whatever. -
Review from Michael D.
Austin, TX
4/24/2012
Surf and Turf used to be better. Steak was good, but small portions. Shrimp was rubbery, bland, and small portions. Baked sweat potato was good while the flavorings lasted, then it was bland and dry. I realize that overhead on SoCo is high, but this still did not justify the price they are asking. Mixed vegetables were OK. Hibiscus tea was refreshing.
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Review from Aaron W.
Austin, TX
5/4/2012
It is kinda feels like a 'college dive' then a resteraunt. The service is decent, the food, pricy but large portions. One of the few places open in Austin real late. The table artwork is a tad unusual bordering on the tacky. The food is okay, nothing beyond what is typically served in many of Austin's dull cloned overly iconic resteraunts.
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Review from Teresa G.
Lago Vista, TX
5/4/2012
Went for a late lunch and had two flaco tacos, perfect amt of eggs with some diced avacodos, cheese and bacon. Not a fan of their hot sauce, maybe they use tomato paste. Husband had the green chicken enchilada special, made with flour tortillas, gets too gummy. Stick with breakfast items.
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Review from Frank Fury A.
Austin, TX
3/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Superb! Definitely 5 paws!
They have a very groovy menu full of different delights.
I love the bagel sandwiches they have. And the home fries! So good!
As a night wolf, I love that they are open all night. The ambiance is very lively and warm. Definitely a place I will come back over and over. :D -
Review from Carissa H.
Palm Springs, CA
3/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Magnolia is a great place for breakfast or lunch (or brunch!) I went here with a friend from out of town and had one of their amazing omelets. It was seriously LOADED with delicious veggie's and topped with an in-house sour cream sauce that was amazing.
I'm a vegetarian, so this is a great stop because there are so many veggie-friendly options (it took me awhile to order with all those options)!
Magnolia is a place I could easily let go of under different circumstances in favor of the millions of similar-style restaurants in Austin, but it's their really great patio area, low prices, and super chill staff that gets me every time. -
Review from Kristina F.
Hoboken, NJ
1/29/2012
I thought their tagline, "Sorry, we're open" was funny... until we ate there. And I realized... maybe they're being serious.
One of the other reviews here is pretty dead on - the tables were kind of grimy, the service is slow (though friendly), the coffee isn't very good and the food is skippable. A 3 1/2 star rating on yelp seemed like a safe bet, but no... no, no. Pretty much everything was close to flavorless, felt like low-quality ingredients and no one at our table really seemed to enjoy it. Sure it will fill you up at a fairly low cost, but it won't make you happy. -
Review from Soheil E.
Houston, TX
1/26/2012
Two words. AMAY ZING! Had breakfast with my Girlfriend here in Austin and it was incr-edible (okay ill stop with the words). The place is quaint and homey. They could totally expand the restaurant and make way more money but the fact that they don't says even more about the type of place it is. I ordered the Alaskan egg Benedict which came with side order of home fries and fruit. The Alaskan Egg Benedict was truly the best thing I have ever had. Egg on cheese on salmon on a bagel. I don't remember what my girlfriend got but it was probably also good.
They get very busy and so there is a huge line that runs outside. Wait can be very long but what my girlfriend and I ended up doing was when they called out a table for two that no one seemed to be taking we took it. That saved us the long wait. Breakfast for two can run you about $25-30 but is worth it. Overall I want to give it a 5 stars but the waiters were very busy and so I had to ask for a couple things twice. Other than that it is truly a must go when in Austin and the Alaskan Benedict is recommended by me.Next time your there tell them Soheil (SOHELL) sent you. They wont know who I am but I figure after the 3rd or 4th time they will.
But what do I know? -
Review from Mary M.
Austin, TX
3/16/2012
I love this place. My friends and I meet here at least once a week and I always leave happy. The servers are friendly, it's never too loud, and the food is consistently good. It's also pretty inexpensive.
I recommend the veggie reuben, the migas, home fries, lentil soup, and the Tony Burger (vegetarian). Everything is solid here except the Mediterranean food, which I would not recommend ever, for any reason. -
Review from Lindsey H.
Austin, TX
drunk at 3 am?
need a late night snack?
late night mimosa?
come here.
I cant tell you how many times ive had coffe and spin dip at 4 am after a night of drinking. Its like the cure all for hangovers. =))
staff is always quick and very friendly, even when its packed and you have to wait to be seated.
Coffee is always good and strong, and HOT. yayyyy.
the food is always super yummy and even better taken home.
I havent tried all of the food, YET, but Im sure itll happen one day... Soon. -
Review from Bernadette D.
Austin, TX
1/8/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Magnolia Cafe is a place where I take my out-of-town guests. It's open 24 hours so I can image it being busy on a late Friday and Saturday night. I remember taking one of my sisters here because her flight arrived late and she enjoyed it a lot.
They serve Tex-Mex to Breakfast to Burgers and Sandwiches. So if you are not in the mood for one thing you have an option for some other food that Magnolia is serving. The food is decent especially their breakfast and honestly their breakfast is the best. During the weekends, you should be ready for a long wait. I get the Eggscape which is eggs on top of a potatoes with sausage and cheese. Their omelettes are good too which I recommend the Vegetarian Popeye that has spinach, red onion and jack cheese.
So be warned!!! Parking can be tough on the weekends. -
Review from Ray R.
San Jose, CA
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Walked right in on a Tuesday morning. Had the spinach breakfast taco. Yummy for my tummy. Light and enough to keep me going on my road trip to San Antonio.
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Review from Samuel T.
Austin, TX
Updated - 2/8/2012
Been meaning to get around to this follow-up. It's based on an early date in January 2012. An old friend of mine, who hadn't been in Austin in years talked me into going back here. Service is still bad.
Waiter said no hurry on paying our check and came back around less than five minutes later to demand full payment since his shift was ending. Rude.
I'm really not sure why this company insists on hiring jerks who lack professionalism, but it seems that they decided to apply the concept of kitschy seriously towards their wait staff.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/7/2011
Okay, I'm not sure what's happened to one of my favorite restaurants in all of Austin, Texas, but… Read more »
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Review from Fu W.
I heard it was a popular local café, good for any time, but did not really know what to expect. It immediately became obvious when I set foot in the restaurant. Definitely a local diner/café feel with a welcoming vibe.
I got the Love Migas even though I don't usually get Mexican food as breakfast, but it was something different, and I think also something more unique to the area. It turned out to be pretty good. I liked the kick from the jalapeno. My friend got the Texas eggs benedict - also looking for something a bit different. It had the runny egg yolk that we were looking for, but the English muffin was just eh. We also shared a gingerbread pancake. It was humongous and delicious, even though not the best I've had. I can imagine how it would hit the spot on a late night though.
It didn't blow me away, but it was a very solid breakfast place. -
Review from Dania R.
Rosamond, CA
I don't care what time of day it is, when I'm craving breakfast - I come to Magnolia. The omelets are thick and hearty and full of fixin's... I love the Popeye with spinach and red onion and bacon. The gingerbread pancakes are zesty and delicious. Don't be fooled by the term "short stack" as a side - these puppies are a full meal in and of themselves. And they are goooood. Service is great. Very friendly staff. I love the drink options - the hibiscus tea is fresh and fantastic. Toss in some apple juice and you have a delightfully refreshing beverage. An overall great dining experience. I love coming here every chance I get.
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Review from Ben R.
Austin, TX
4/9/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Tasty diner food. Friendly service. Lots of choices. I love the wheat pancakes with bananas tucked inside. The french toast, however, is lame by comparison. They also don't have delicious cold-brewed coffee like Kerbey Lane. :[
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Review from May N.
1/24/2012
This place offers such a variety of food that truly, I was paralyzed by choice. I hadn't really eaten breakfast so by the time my partner and I got to this restaurant in the early afternoon and had to wait about 20min to be seated, I was very hungry and couldn't quite focus on the deliciousness on the menu. They serve breakfast all day, it was too late for their brunch specials, the Tex-Mex sounded good, and there were salads, entrees, and sandwiches.
There's a front room that feels very diner-y and a back patio that was enclosed in the cooler weather. You can wait in their tiny foyer where there's some seating or outside or in the sister shop next door. Their PA system ensures you'll hear when your party is called. After we were seated, I asked the waiter for recommendations and settled on the portabello melt. Although it's listed under sandwiches, it felt more like a burger with the portabello mushroom thick and juicy with the sauteed red bell pepper and onions juices spilling on my plate, all served on a whole wheat bun. My partner got the flamingo sandwich which also looked tasty. It came with avocado, sprouts, and cheese and looked more like a normal sandwich. We both got the home fries, which are really fried potatoes.
The prices are inexpensive and they accept credit cards. Wait staff was pretty efficient and didn't hover, but checked on you and were available if you needed anything. They're open 24-7. There's a little parking lot, but there's also plenty of SoCo street parking within walking distance. -
Review from Mike F.
Houston, TX
1/27/2012
I was told this place was better than Kirby Lane so I had to see it for myself.
Well this place is pretty amazing. Great breakfast food; I ended up getting the t-rex omelet with bacon inside. Their pancakes are pretty amazing too. Try the cinnamon banana combo!
I would definitely come here again; be ready for the wait though - we waited about a good 25 minutes on a Sunday brunch. -
Review from Libby D.
Austin, TX
1/11/2012
Having just moved to Austin, I understand Magnolia Cafe to be one of those restaurants that must be on the docket to try. So try it I did.
My hubby, mom, who was down visiting, and I all got breakfast - the Texas Benedict, eggscape, and the omelet special of the day (with two monstrous pancakes on the side!). Huge amounts of food; good flavor and best of all we left there for around $30 after tip. Maybe Chicago has me jaded on prices but this place is inexpensive in comparison! Next time I go I could split something...or maybe just pick off my husband's plate while I sip a mimosa or three! I also have to give it points for decor and feel. Strikes the right vibe with comfy yet a little funky. It was a good experience overall and I'll definitely be going back. -
Review from Miriam B.
Abilene, TX
1/3/2012
You're broke. You partied too hard last night. You need good comfort food on the cheap to settle the nauseous feelings arising this morning after. I think the wait at magnolia is intentional, it allowed me to regain consciousness from fore mentioned activities.
The Love Migas made my morning much better. Nothing fancy, just good food. -
Review from Tara C.
Austin, TX
2/19/2012
Another Austin staple that doesn't always do it for me where the food is concerned, but you have to go. It's a must try because of the quirky humor and decor. If your lucky you might even see our resident batman complete with bat mobile.
Stick to the pancakes, or the French toast if you want to play it safe. The migas aren't bad either, but if you're going to get migas in Austin just go to Trudy's. Or if you just want great breakfast food and you don't care about the kitschy atmosphere just skip Magnolia's all together and go to Kerby Lane. -
Review from Summer D.
Leander, TX
4/5/2012
Very disappointed in the dinners After all the hype my food was flavorless. I settled on surf and turf after my other choices where shot down. Why can't you leave blue cheese off the special if it is on top?!? Just don't place it on top. Right. The waiter seemed as if it was an I convince to even take our order. Sorry won't make the trip again. My friend had the stir fry, rice was horrible and it look and tasted about the same as the rice. And how serves french garlic bread with stir fry. The only thing good was the ice cold water and pot stickers.
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Review from Dora F.
Austin, TX
5/13/2012
You can't go wrong at Magnolia! This is my safe haven away from home. My favorite meal here is breakfast , dinner second; very seldom do I visit for lunch. Since I visit often, the wait staff already knows me and my family and knows what we all like. Coffee is great and their pancakes are the best in town!!! Their tortilla soup is one of the best in town too. I guess, I like everything in their menu, what can I say...You can't go wrong eating here!
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Review from Ai V.
Dallas, TX
12/4/2011
Wilted greens? No, thanks.
I know this is an Austin institution, but c'mon...you can try harder. -
Review from Mimi G.
12/11/2011
I use to not be a fan of magnolia cafe years ago. My diet has changed over those years trying to be more organic and some what add a bit of a vegetarian lifestyle to my diet. My mother and I were hungry and she wanted to go somewhere she has never been and I spotted magnolia and decided to go.
It was the perfect time to go. Right after lunch. A few people but not over crowded and uncomfortable. We were seated right away and our waitress gave us the run down of the resturant and what they had and that days special. My mother ended up getting cheese enchilada and myself the veggie burger with avocado. Let me tell you, that burger was damn delicious! I love burgers and a good one with a ton of flavor but that burger hit the spot. It wasn't overwhelmed with any of the nuts/rice/grains that some places put in their burgers. The avocado was fresh and green. My mother enjoyed her food especially the enchiladas. The beans and rice were a bit plain and she decided not to eat it.
Our waitress was extremely nice and courteous. She attending all of our needs and answered all of our questions. Prices are cheap and portions are just enough. -
Review from Amanda M.
SoCos location is just as awesome as Lake Austins. These days I'm shaking things up and actually picking new things!
The Magnolia Omelette is huge but also light at the same time. It's got olives, tomato, avocado, cheese and egg. Superb! The cheese... I'm not sure what type, is so creamy and light. It's just REALLY GOOD.
And the portabello mushroom quesadilla... perfectomundo!
yes please :) -
Review from David R.
Santa Monica, CA
5/8/2012
Great late night / early a.m. somewhat funky Austin cafe. Lots of menu choices. Well run and good staff. Good choice.
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Review from Heather F.
Austin, TX
10/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have been eating at this Magnolia since the 1990's. Meaning when I was in high school and came to Austin to visit. It may be the first place I ever tried in Austin come to think about it.
And even back then Magnolia has always had a wait. This is a classic Austin establishment, with worn plastic booths, local Austin art on the wall and eccentric but wonderful wait staff. Being a night owl I think my favorite thing to do on the planet is to come to Magnolia and eat a plate of migas at say, 3AM.
The food at Magnolia is still very good and very affordable. Of course if I want pancakes I go to rival Kerby Lane but if I want any sort of other breakfast food I stick with Magnolia. I love their 'house fries' which are cubed potatoes. This Magnolia location is really the only one in my mind as the Lake Austin one is just not the same. For late night diners in Austin this Magnolia is still one of my top picks, even with all the competition that has opened up in recent years. -
Review from Jennifer W.
78704 (South Austin), Austin, TX
3/26/2012
A-mazingggg staff and food! Had an fantastic breakfast with a friend. Wait for a table was long but nabbed a seat at the breakfast bar right away. Waitress recommended great dishes. Can't wait to be back :)
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Review from Ben B.
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had some eggs and everything was tastey, but I was so incredibly disappointed that I didn't order the Gingerbread pancakes after sitting next to someone eating them. They smelled AMAZING and I will have to go back to give them a shot someday soon!
