Mornings and early breakfasts are just not my thing. I'm not an early riser at all. Now with the babies, I have to be, but I seem to always get them back to sleep for a couple of more hours so I can get in all the rest I need. So I am so grateful for friends who brunch! Awhile back the babies & I trekked out to try Magnolia Table for the first time. It was an old co-workers birthday, so it was a great opportunity to try the new place. 

Though the wait was crazy, like I said not an early riser, it was nice! I loved the design, sleek, yet cozy touches, and the atmosphere. I'm still not 100% in love with the name. I wish it would have been called The Magnolia Elite, a nod to it's original name, The Elite Cafe, but what is done is done. Like I mentioned, for this visit the babies joined me. To get a table faster, and by fast I mean a 1-1/2 hour wait, we had to leave their carriers in the car. With one baby, or if my husband was along for the ride, this wouldn't have been a problem, but with them not being able to sit up on their own yet, high chairs weren't an option. So I had to rely on friends to help out, and taking turns holding them. It worked, but wasn't ideal. For my meal, I tried the eggs Benedict, and they were okay. But I tried a few of my friends' meals and they were delish! So much so, I decided to give it another try.
On my last day of work, at 6 in the morning (remember this is a BIG deal--not an early riser), I went with my coworkers for a final outing before staying home full time. This time, no wait, and I was delighted with my meal! I enjoyed the Eggs & Bacon, a delicious appetizer of deviled eggs and candied bacon--trust me, just order it, and a pancake. Their pancakes are wonderful, as is the French toast! 
All in all, I enjoyed my visits to Magnolia Table. If I return, from here on out it will go on a weekday in the early morning. That's my advice if you want to skip the wait! I also HIGHLY recommend the eggs and bacon; you can't get that candied bacon with any other dish on the menu!

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a wonderful week. Since I've wrapped up sharing my Memphis trip, I've been sharing about various places here and there. Today, I'm excited to share my favorite restaurants where we live, Waco, Texas. There are so many delicious places to dine in Waco, and new ones are always popping up here and there. But these are my staple faves!

​Baris • Hands down my favorite Italian restaurant in town. You'll enjoy watching pizza dough being thrown, stories for the Italian lady who owns the joint, and the incredible pasta dishes. My favorite is the Chicken Cardinal. Be sure to try the pink sauce!

Heitmiller's Steakhouse • Our favorite spot for steaks and cocktails, Heitmiller's has been loved by Waco for as long as I can remember.  Dinner rolls with cinnamon butter, rib-eye steaks, and, though I know there are much better drinks on the menu, a strawberry daiquiri in a Big-O are my faves! And, if you are brave, try the calf fries!

Heritage Creamery • For a delicious dessert, pop by Heritage Creamery, next to the now famous Common Grounds coffee shop. Enjoy an ice cream treat in a variety of homemade flavors along with a homemade cone! You can even splurge for a cookie ice cream sandwich.

El Conquistador • My favorite Tex-Mex food in town is El Conquistador, or "El Con" for us locals. The chips & queso are delicious, fajitas amazing, and enchiladas my favorite. Be sure to compliment your meal with a Big Red to drink!

Alpha Omega Grill & Bakery • When I'm in the mood for something different, Alpha Omega is always a great choice. The authentic Greek cuisine is to die for! I love their variety of gyros, and the Greek Feta Fries are amazing! The owner is also a wonderful baker, trying out new treats, so you'll never know what you'll find for dessert.

Portofino's • Another delicious Italian spot is Portofino's in downtown Waco. Right across the street from the famous Hippodrome Waco Theater, where Elvis Presley & John Wayne were once spotted, Portofino's is a great spot for a yummy pasta dish, or my choice, pizza. 

Hey Sugar • A great spot to take the kiddos for a treat is Hey Sugar. Enjoy soda in a glass bottle, homemade chocolate treats, or nostalgic candies. I love the cute marquee sign and cute vintage chairs out front to enjoy my chocolate covered potato chips and glass bottle Big Red! #allaboutbigred

Tony Demaria's BBQ • Though I'm not a huge bar-b-que fan, I will make an exception for Demaria's! Nestled in an up and coming historical area off of Elm Street, this spot is my favorite for BBQ in town. Get in line early (they close at 1pm; closed Sundays), or they may run out! My go to meal here? A "Small Order" with a canned Big Red!

Ninfa's • An excellent location if you are in town to visit Magnolia Market. Just down the way from my favorite shop, Spice Village, and on the trolley route to Magnolia Market, so you can hit several Waco staples without having to get in the car and find a new place to park. Be sure to try their Ratones, crawfish enchiladas, and famed Spiderman frozen cocktail to wash it all down!

Dubl-R Burgers • This hole-in-the-wall burger joint is the best spot for an old fashioned, homemade burger in town. They have even been featured on the Food Network! A local lunch favorite, the building and inside isn't much to look at, but you'll soon forget that once you have your first bite of made-for-you burger & curly fries.

Buzzard Billy's • Our hands down favorite spot for seafood in town, Buzzard Billy's puts the spice in cajun! When in season, they are my go to for boiled crawfish and the fixings, but their Chicken Fettuccine Alfredeaux or Shrimp La Grange are also at the top of my list! On a warmer day, sit out on the patio to catch gorgeous views of the Brazos River, or request a booth by the windows facing the West to watch the sunset. 

Like I said, these are a few of my favorite, locally owned spots to eat or get a treat. There are so many more great restaurants to try, so I'd love to hear if there are others in Waco that you love! Thanks so much for stopping by!