The Mamasaur Reviews: Magnolia Pancake Haus

Picture this. The line of people, starting at the entrance, is wrapped around the corner of Magnolia Pancake Haus before 7AM. It’s one of the most popular establishments around, but is it really worth the hype…and the wait…when you’re with three hungry kids?

For Mother’s Day 2023, Magnolia Pancake Haus Cibolo was our planned celebration destination. We told Orson that we were having special pancakes for breakfast the night before. The second we opened the nursery door the next morning, he jumped out of bed squealing “Pancakes!”. We had made it a point to wake up super early and leave the house by 6:30 AM just to have a chance at getting in and getting seated quickly.

We got the toddlers ready in record time, the teenager didn’t drag his feet, and we made it out the door as scheduled. However, when we arrived, the line was still already stretching around the building. There we stood, pancakes on the brain, my hungry toddler desperately gazing up at me with anticipation, all of us with grumbling stomachs.

Great Expectations

Then it happened. At last, the doors opened. Orson led me by the hand, quietly chanting “Pancakes, pancakes, pancakes” like a little breakfast zombie. In spite of the line, we were seated immediately. In spite of the masses, our food came out reasonably quickly. Even though our order included two Apfel Pfannkuchens (which are made fresh to order and require extra time). 

Upon first bite, there was absolutely no question. Magnolia Pancake Haus is always worth the wait. It’s always worth risking a hangry toddler meltdown. Yea, Magnolia Pancake Haus is popular for a reason, and it isn’t all hype. 

The flavors in every morsel of food are divine. The buttermilk pancakes are soft, light, fluffy pillows that you can nestle into. The exquisite Pfannkuchens are eggy, appley, cinnamon-packed delicacies topped with the most delectable cream that you really have to try to fully appreciate. We ordered some corned beef hash as well, which exceeded all expectations, and even our picky, texture-sensitive toddlers gobbled it up. 

They really go above and beyond here. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food that you receive. For kids under 3 years old, they even provide a free pancake on the haus! For a family of 5, we were able to eat for $70 before tip. Our order consisted of two Pfannkuchens, an order of Strawberry Cheesecake pancakes with a side of eggs and hashbrowns, an order of Corned Beef Hash with upgraded Blueberry Lemon Ricotta pancakes, a bottomless carafe of coffee, and two FREE pancakes.

For anyone who thinks “Psh, it’s breakfast food. How spectacular can it really be?”…

I’ll Be Back to the Magnolia Pancake Haus

It’s been ingrained in their mission as a family-owned restaurant to “pursue excellence” in all that they do. Their exact mission statement is “to create a dining experience so enjoyable the guest can’t wait to come back”. Over the past 23 years that they’ve been in operation, they’ve truly made a name for themselves by striving for flavor perfection and creativity in their foods, while prioritizing the guest experience and supporting the community. Love is in their breakfast food, and you can taste it.

Apparently, Guy Fieri could, too. Back in 2011, Fieri featured Magnolia Pancake Haus on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and he absolutely fell in love. Since then, Magnolia Pancake Haus has had to expand to two additional locations beyond its San Antonio home base to accommodate the hungry and expectant masses. So that they can continue to serve the best breakfast in town. Magnolia Pancake Haus even opened its very own event center, Magnolia Halle, in 2016.

Maybe for a vow renewal, Nathan?

Really, my only scruple about Magnolia Pancake Haus is that they don’t serve mimosas before 10 AM on Sundays. But, to be fair, the state of Texas is more to blame for that. My family loves this restaurant, and have plans to visit again very soon. I’d even go so far as to say that we “can’t wait to come back”. Even if we have to wake up early. Even if there’s a line. It’s ALWAYS worth it.