Magnolia Cafe has two locations: one off South Congress and the original on Lake Austin Blvd.
I knew when I started the Battle of the Brunches series that there was one place I had to include just for me, no matter how many shiny new brunch spots sprouted up in Austin or how many recommendations I received.
Long-Term Love
Magnolia Cafe has been a longtime favorite of yours truly (along with most Austinites) for as long as I can remember. There’s just something about the tacky tables, flying dinosaur, Mag Mud and hibiscus mint tea that I just cannot get enough of.
As a teenager, queso at 3 AM seemed rebellious, and in college I constantly dragged my boyfriend and our friends to the vegetarian-friendly joint for the meatless Reuben.
Even now, as a sleeping, meat-eating adult, Magnolia is still on the top of the list of my favorite places to go.
Magnolia Cafe is open 24 hours a day, 8 days a week
Always There For You
Magnolia doesn’t just serve breakfast all day…they serve it all night, too. They like to say they’re open 24/8, kind of the Katz’s Deli of South Congress (or Lake Austin Boulevard, depending on your preferred location).
With the entire menu at your fingertips no matter what the time of day, Magnolia is a nearly perfect contender in the Battle of the Brunches.
If you’ve been in Austin for longer than five minutes, you’ve probably already found yourself among the local art they display and saucer-sized pancakes they sling. In fact, I hear even President Obama made a quick detour for a giant omelette (extra sour cream sauce) and double home fries during his most recent trip to town. (Actually, I hear he just had hot tea, but I’m sure he at least eyed the T. Rex omelette.)
Are nachos a brunch food? They are at Magnolia.
Plenty of Love to Go Around
Aside from the Love Migas and Eggs Zapatino, what I love most about Magnolia Cafe is the clientele. During brunch hours, you would be hard pressed to find a more diverse group of people coming together to enjoy everyone’s favorite meal.
All ages, walks of life, and levels of Texan pack into this funky little place to take part in what I consider to be one of the most quintessentially Austin dining experiences you can find.
Flying dinosaurs and fresh-cut flowers create a unique ambiance at Magnolia Cafe South
Even if brunch isn’t your favorite meal of all time (by the way, you’re wrong), you can basically design the meal of your dreams no matter what your tastes. On my last brunch visit, the meal of my dreams consisted of spicy chicken nachos and a House Special omelette. It did not disappoint.
If you haven’t been to Magnolia in a while, do yourself a favor and make it your next brunch spot.
@samwchampion asks:
What’s your favorite Magnolia Cafe location? What about your favorite meal there?
Battle of the Brunches Round 1: South Congress Cafe
Battle of the Brunches Round 2: Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Battle of the Brunches Round 3: Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill
Battle of the Brunches Round 5: Josephine House
Battle of the Brunches Round 6: Bouldin Creek Cafe
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