The Magnolia Pancake Haus

We waited around an hour for a table which was fine since we had heard about the great food. What we did not expect was the rude service. We were a party of ten and 3 of our guests were running late (10 minutes) and we were rudely told that they could not seat us. .When we asked about the policy we were told by one of the hostesses that the waitresses could make more money when tables were full vs empty. This of course is mostly true but were words that the hostess could have kept to herself. She was very rude and there was no reason we could have not been seated instead of standing around. When our guests arrived shortly after they had given our table away. If it were not because we were so hungry we would have all left. We waited another 10 minutes and finally got a table. I could not believe the bad service and the way the hostesses handled the situation. They could have done a way better job and had a better attitude since after all it is their customers giving them business and good service should be the priority.

Pros: Food was awesome

Cons: Hostesses were extremely rude

Posted 11/29/09

My husband and I went here a few weeks ago and the food was outstanding. Our waiter was funny and personable, and we had a wonderful breakfast. We did have to wait about 30 minutes to sit down, but it was worth it. We will go back. We ordered the open-faced Denver omelet, and we upgraded the side of pancakes to a full order of the Bananas Foster pancakes - FANTASTIC!

Pros: Pancakes are great, Open-faced Denver Omelet delicious

Cons: Very busy - lots of people

Posted 10/22/09

I had wheat pan cake with syrup and my wife ordered the omelette with spinach and mushrooms..... We had coffee to drink.... Pan cakes were fine but the syrup was like water. The omelette was good. She loved the raisin bread..... Coffee ok ....

Pros: Nice atmosphere!

Cons: Extremely long waits...... We came back a second time

Posted 09/19/09

False advertisment!!! They say they close at 2 but my husband an I got there at 1:45 and were turned away because they stop taking names at about 1?? So what's the point in closing at 2? They ate still open for buisness ??? If that's the case they should close at 12:00 to get out of there at 2 pluse their attitude was like too bad we can't seat you and they were so rude about it that's also because we called ahead and were told as long ad we got there before 2 it wouldn't be a problem liars!!!

Posted 07/06/09

Went here for Sunday morning breakfast when visiting San Antonio. Had to wait 20-30 minutes but it was worth it! Our server (Kelly) was amazing! And the food was so delicious!

Posted 02/07/09

I've probably had brunch at 50 different restaurants in various cities over the past 10 years, and Magnolia Haus was one of the worst in terms of food quality. I should start with the positives:

1. reasonable prices ($6 to 9)
2. wide variety / unique dishes
3. large portions
4. delicious coffee

And I won't fault them for the slow service, since this is father's day and the 1+ hour wait could be expected -- but what were we waiting for?

The corned beef hash I had came bright pink, was chopped smaller than sausage innards, was over-salted yet under-seasoned (somehow this is true), and came with too few potatoes. My wife's biscuits and gravy are outdone by most any country restaurant in the area and they were definitely over-peppered, even though I love pepper and spice) Another at our table was disappointed with the pecan waffle, though the father did enjoy the German apple pancake (not going to try to spell the thing) -- so that is probably your best bet for brunch, if you don't mind a ton of empty calories.

It's definitely a better choice than Denny's or IHOP, but worse than any decent Mexican place, hotel brunch, country restaurant and Le Peep.

Pros: variety, price, portions

Cons: taste, service

Posted 06/14/08

Try the fan-ee-koo-ken pancake. It's amazing! I've also had the peach-pecan waffle (very good), pancakes with granola (my significant other's favorite), the pecan pancakes (not overladen with nuts and still very fluffy) and the hashbrowns are far-beyond the normal frozen mush with no flavor that is de rigeur at every other breakfast joint in town. I bring my visitors and friends to Magnolia whenever possible and we all live all the way across town! My best advice is to bring a group, come early, and try to get everyone to order something different so that you can get a taste of as much as possible! This place is fabulous!

Pros: food and friendly service

Cons: always a little bit of a wait, but there are plenty of covered benches

Posted 05/03/08

It a cute and cozy little place that serves excellent breakfast. The menu is simple yet delicious. Can be very busy, so come early if you want to avoid the long wait. Service can be a little slow especially when they are super busy. But it's worth the wait. The pancakes are great and the apple smoke bacon...yum! The coffee is always hot and the atomsphere is warm but can get noisy with all the people waiting for a table. Your meal can get pricey but you can treat yourself every now and then.

Pros: Good breakfast and ambience

Cons: Noisy, slow service and pricey

Posted 03/20/08

I saw the reviews on Citysearch and decided to take a friend there at the last minute on a Sunday morning. Tucked away in a nice, quiet residential area of San Antonio, the drive there was pleasant and there was plenty of parking. The wait was almost an hour, but it was so incredibly worth it that I'll gladly wait 2 hours next time. The coffee was delicious--slighly nutty, the spinach and mushroom omelette was incredibly fresh without the slightest hint of grease, and the side of pancakes was to DIE for. I mean it--I have never had anything quite like these--they were rich and creamy yet also light and fluffy (how is that possible?). As we were eating and the church crowd started to build up, we realized that we dodged a bullet with timing. There were a TON of impatient, rude people waiting outside, gawking at us while we ate and complaining that they thought they were next. Despite that, the waitstaff was gracious, friendly, attentive, and quick without rushing their patrons. Bottom line: either come early or expect a long wait--but you will be so satisfied (without feeling sick and bloated afterward).

Pros: Food is INCREDIBLE and affordable, waitstaff is friendly, convenient parking

Cons: long wait

Posted 02/23/08

Bad service - to many excuses and way over priced food. The crowd dictates how the staff and ownership deals with customers. The variety was different but overall it's still breakfast and not a special meal. Take your chances but I recommend trying elsewhere.

Pros: Variety

Cons: Everything else - management

Posted 01/19/08

My husband and I have been there a couple of times, ann the food and service are usually OK although overpriced for what we're getting.

On our latest visit, the food was not very good - The shrimp in my omelette were old, the pancakes were cold and flat, and the coffee was bitter, as though the coffeepot hadn't been cleaned properly.

However - the "star" of the visit was the way we were treated when we complained about the length of time it took to get our order.

For some reason, it took 35 minutes to get us our order. Parties were being seated around us and getting their order, and when I asked the waiter about it, we were told there as a large party ahead of us that was causing orders to be delayed. I pointed out that if that were true, none of the other parties - who were seated long after we were - should have gotten their orders. I tried to complain to the manager, who immediately went on the offense about the situation. She even turned to my husband and said, "Does she speak English? Does she understand me?" I asked the cashier for the owner and was told he was out of the country and didn't speak to anyone. She ended with "Believe me, I should know." I called later and someone who claimed to be the owner answered. He started arguing with me about the incident, and when I said I was going to the media with my story, he said that no ethical media person would report something like this. (What about food critics and restaurant reviewers?)

So - The food wasn't that good, the service was terrible, and management and the owner think nothing of arguing with and insulting a repeat customer (now former customer) who complains about bad service and simply expects an apology.

Pros: Lots of parking, convenient location

Cons: Overpriced, management will argue with and insult a customer who complains

Posted 01/06/08

We went on a Saturday morning (10:30am)...there were 6 of us so I knew I was in for a long wait. But we were seated in 30 min. Not too bad for that time of day. It was worth it! I had the Gingerbread pancakes which were so good. The OJ is fresh. My hubby got the bananas foster pancakes...with a praline sauce. yum. thier whipped cream is homemade..no cool whip stuff here. Another one of us got the biscuits and gravy...their gravy is very homemade as well. Another friend got a waffle which was fresh and full of pecans and apples. The waitress was very attentive. I have to say that there was nothing bad about this place..oh and the bacon?!! great! loved it, everyone should go!

Pros: Everything

Cons: nothing

Posted 12/04/07

This is a great place to start off your morning,. Breakfast is enjoyable. The wait can be long, but its worth the wait.

Pros: The food is great

Cons: The wait, but good company makes the time go quickly

Posted 07/23/07

I have eaten at the Magnolia Pancake Haus several times now. I have only been Sunday mornings and have found that if you get there before 9:00 am you only have to wait about 20 minutes to be seated. The food has been very good each time. Great selection of dishes that you will not find at other restaurants. I am not sure how long the wait on other days is, but if you arrive after 9:00 you can count on waiting a minimum of 45 minutes to be seated. Well worth it though if you have the time.

Pros: You have to wait too long to be seated

Cons: Great food

Posted 07/14/07

You've got to check out this restaurant...it was all everyone said and more. It exceeded our expectations and is a place we will look forward to revisiting when we are in San Antonio. The food was delicious, fresh, good variety. The service was great, the servers very informative and helpful. We went two days in a row..it helped to get there before 8:30 am...after that, it gets packed! It's a pleasant ambience, lots of stuff to read and worth the wait if you don't get there eary enough.

Pros: Quality of food, service, pleasant ambience, great coffee

Cons: The wait, if you don't get there early

Posted 05/09/07

I started going to the Magnolia Pancake Haus years ago -- and it's still fantastic. Just remember to always call them before you are heading over -- so you can get your name on the waiting list.

Pros: Quality food everytime you go

Cons: Always seems to be a wait -- even at their new location

Posted 04/11/07

This place is absolutely delicious! Everything on the menu is homemade, even the orange juice is fresh squeezed! The whole restaurant has a light, open feel which is very comfortable. The servers are extremely friendly. The food is more than worth the price. You must try this place!

Pros: awesome family environment, amazing food

Cons: the wait on weekends is long, but it's very worth it.

Posted 03/28/07

This is a must go-if you can find it. It's hidden in a strip mall type of thing. But the chocolate chip pankcakes melt in your mouth..the denver frittata is absolutely amazing..the coffee is great..kids get a free pancake which my son always devours..service is usually pretty good. It is ALWAYS busy though- no matter the day of the week

Pros: pancakes, coffee, light and airy room, food period!!

Cons: servers get really busy-but they are still good!

Posted 01/11/07

Magnolia provides a country home environment, that recreates a "breakfast in the county" experience for all. The food is fantastic and tantalizes the mouth with every bite. The hostesses are gorgeous and always willing to answer any questions you need to have answered. The service is impeccable and eager to please; Magnolia is an overall exciting experience for all of the family to enjoy!

Pros: The food, the service and the hostesses

Cons: none

Posted 11/16/06

There is no better breakfast anywhere in San Antonio. This is a must go to place, an absolute must. The Magnolia Browns (hashbrowns) are fantastic, the Applewood Bacon is great as well. The key to this place is that the ingrediants are the best. Everything is fresh, you just cannot go wrong. And, while it does get crowded on weekends, these fine people manage the crowd very well so that your wait is minimized. A wait goes by faster when you know the people have it under control and that the food is well worth it. You will not leave hungry or dissappointed from this place.

Pros: Best Breakfast in San Antonio, Magnolia Browns, Warm Maple Syrup

Cons: None that I have experienced

Posted 08/20/06

It's an awesome spot for breakfast or lunch. The wait times on weekends can be quite long: usually 30-60 minutes, but it's worth it. There's nothing spectacular about the location or the decor, but the food and service are both great. Much, much better than Jim's, IHOP, Denny's, etc. There is no comparison. Monterey Omelette is good. The blueberry pancakes are excellent and the ginger pancakes (seasonal) are outstanding. Their portions are huge and the prices aren't bad. I usually eat breakfast, but lunch is great too. You can't really go wrong with Magnolia.

Pros: Outstanding food, wide selection, large portions

Cons: Long wait times on weekends, average decor

Posted 07/05/06

I personally think that you can get just as good of a meal at IHOP of Jim's, or even Denny's. They do have good food, but the prices are really high & you can get something just as good elsewhere.

Posted 06/22/06

After living in the Chicago area for several years and frequenting Walker Brothers Original Pancake House, the reality of moving back to San Antonio to dine at Denny's or Jim's, or even more dreadfully - IHOP, did not create excitement. But then, I stumbled (and make no mistake, you have to stumble to find this place) across Magnolia Haus and happily return often. While a bit pricey, the quality is outstanding, and when compared to the prices at IHOP, Magnolia is a no-brainer. I haven't had anything I didn't enjoy, but the waffles are a stand out item. However, I recommend skipping Sunday brunch, way too crowded and the service suffers. Might be time to consider expansion.

Pros: Excellent quality, Nice people

Cons: Poor location, Strip-center feel

Posted 03/04/06

Among the many restaurants there are to dine at for breakfast, I had decided on Magnolia Haus. The wait is worth it for delicious freshly prepared food. My server was Kayla. She was very informative and didn't miss a beat. I opted for the Peach and Pecan Waffles with a side of sausage patties, bowl of fresh strawberries and cup of their devine coffee. I was not able to finish the waffles and sausage so I'm saving the leftovers for breakfast tomorrow. The waffles were moist, airy and heavenly. I have to say the whipped cream was out of this world. Magnolia Haus and Kayla made breakfast a pleasureable experience and I can't wait to return.

Pros: fresh, informative, ample servings

Cons: wait time, hours not long enough

Posted 01/28/06

We went to the Magnolia Pancake Haus on a Wednesday morning - it was busy, but not packed. We were seated promptly. The menu had a wide variety of pancakes and other breakfast items , including biscuits and gravy and "Magnolia Browns" - their version of hash browns with garlic and onion. We ordered Pecan Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy, Country sausage and the Magnolia Browns. Everything was very tasy and the portions were quite large. The prices were also very good. Plenty of parking, too.

Pros: Food, Parking, Value for money

Cons: Hard to find

Posted 09/05/05

I always enjoy having the pancakes because they melt in your mouth. My husband is NOT a pancake eater but let me tell you he loved them!!

Posted 06/24/05

We called in our reservation which was convenient but still waited for some time. Our waitress took an tremendous amount of time getting out drinks- 3 coffees and a large OJ. She brought us Decaf when we asked for regular and did not provide enough coffee cups. We waited several minutes for a third cup. After asking several times my husband's orange juice came out with our meal. The pancakes were good but Joe's Eggs were greasy. We waited approx. 5 minutes for butter and syrup after our meal was delivered. A coffee refill took approx. 10 minutes. Maybe more staff covering the tables would have helped this poor waitress but the service was less than desirable. This was the second time eating here and we were dissapointed by the service.

Posted 06/26/04

This is the most consistent breakfast place in SA I've been eating there since they opened and the food is always the same...GREAT!. Only problem is they are a bit crowded on the weekends buit the wait moves along pretty quikly. The food comes fast and tasty. Keep up yhe good work

Pros: Food, Quality, Value

Posted 06/22/04

Absolutely the BEST pancakes I have ever had. Go for the full stack, or you'll be left wanting more. I learned about this restaurant from a friend. Get there early or you'll have to wait. Don't worry, the wait is worth it.

Pros: Best pancakes in SA

Cons: Long Lines

Posted 01/05/03

This is a great breakfast restaurant. The eggs are always cooked perfectly, coffee is good, and the hash brown (I'm sure it has a special name but can't remember it now) is just delicious.

Posted 11/21/02

I wish they would consider expanding their hours. We enjoy their food and atmosphere so much that we would like to go even in the evening hours. There is no reason why you can't enjoy their "breakfast" menu for dinner!

Pros: variety of food items, specialized pancakes

Cons: crowded on weekends, needs to expand hours

Posted 11/14/02

Wonderful breakfasts! Many dishes to try so each visit brings a new experience.

Posted 11/13/02

When there's a line out the door...you know the food is good.

They have amazing pancakes and french toast!

Posted 10/21/02

over blown,over priced,plain dry and bland.no sausage gravy?? dry hash browns. lousy over worked waiters. i think dennys is better!!

Pros: nice place, good area, upscale customers

Cons: bad wait staff, bland food, over priced

Posted 09/25/02

I've been going here since they opened."bout time they were listed here. The food is always really good and the coffee is great. My wife loves the automated sani seat in the ladys room. Service is friendly pretty attentive. Prices are fair considering the huge portions. I like the pancakes, corned beef hash and the Eggs benedict. If youy have not gone there yet do so today!

Pros: great food, clean restaurant, attentive service

Cons: sometimes a wait

Posted 08/28/02

Great homemade food and excellent coffee. My particular favorites: buckwheat pancakes and Omlette Monterey. Most importantly, I've never had coffee that was this consistently good. Arguably, the best in the city. Service is usually strong.

Pros: Excellent coffee, Great homemade food

Cons: Occassionally crowded

Posted 08/21/02

One of the best breakfast spots in town. Well worth the money.

Pros: good parking

Cons: a bit pricy

Posted 08/19/02

Magnolia Pancake Haus serves the best breakfast and brunch in town, hands down. Whether you're in the mood for specialty pancakes, just-right waffles, omelettes scrambled to a ooey-gooey perfection, or for a bowl of fruit, you won't find any other place with more wonderful taste than this place. This restaurant has a comfortable, easy charm that beckons you to return next Sunday for a different breakfast dish. The service is bar-none and the prices are quite reasonable.

I've taken out of town friends, family, and clients to this place and each one commented very positively on the setting, atmosphere, service, and most important of all, food quality. I continue to urge those who have not tasted Magnolia Pancake Haus to take the opportunity to do so. The half hour waits on the weekends are well worth your time.

Pros: Outstanding food, Excellent service, Great setting & value

Cons: Crowded on weekends, Variety

Posted 08/13/02

WOW What a breakfast!!! Best coffee I have had too!!

Pros: atmosphere, service, quality

Posted 08/08/02

The food was excellent and the variety was exceptional also the service was good. The rueben sandwhich was not very good it was small and did not have the traditional ingerdients

Posted 08/07/02

The food at the Magnoila Pancake Haus is outstanding. The pancakes are fluffy and that syrup is to die for. The omlets are also very fluffy and delicious. The overall design, food and service is wonderful!

Pros: servicer, food

Cons: wait

Posted 08/04/02