Y’all got breakfast plans tomorrow? Nothing hits quite like a diner breakfast platter and a fresh cup of coffee – and this Central Texas outpost is officially the best in Texas and among the top greasy spoons in America.
Earlier this summer, Reader’s Digest published its roundup of the most iconic diners in every state, paying tribute to the all-day breakfast eateries that combine comfort cooking with community. Pulling from research, online reviews, culinary industry experts as well as locals, the analysis aimed to uncover stellar cooking, unique menu finds, original ambiances and an aesthetic that separates the institutions from their competitors.
The result? Here in the Lone Star State, Magnolia Cafe along South Congress Avenue in Austin reigns supreme. Back in 1979, Magnolia opened as Omelettry West, where the omelets and coffee flowed during the day and staff tended to linger in the evenings while tapping into their creative juices via homemade films, on-site music videos and more, the business recounts online.
Those humble origins led to nearly 50 years of Magnolia slinging out traditional Tex-Mex fare, specialty gingerbread and cornmeal pancakes, toppings-laden mounds of home fries, burgers and sandwiches as well as dinner specials and desserts.
An institution interwoven into the fabric of Austin’s cultural and culinary scenes, Magnolia Cafe’s now-shuttered Lake Austin location even once welcomed then-President Barack Obama in July 2014 ahead of his appearance at the Paramount Theatre, the Austin American-Statesman reported at the time.
U.S. President Barack Obama orders tea with University of Texas student Kinsey Button at Magnolia Cafe in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, July 10, 2014. (Ralph Barrera/Austin American-Statesman/MCT) (Ralph Barrera/McClatchy-Tribune News Service)
But, a note of caution: Y’all better have your eating pants on when you visit – or be prepared to request a to-go box.
“Pace yourself, though: Everything’s bigger in Texas, especially the portions,” Reader’s Digest quipped.
Find it: 1920 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
This article originally published at This Austin diner named No. 1 in Texas, among best eateries in America.