Exploring Coffee Shops In Waco: Magnolia Press
One of the most popular (and prettiest!) coffee shops in Waco is Magnolia Press Coffee, the adorable shop at Magnolia Café, aka Chip and Joanna Gaines’s market. It’s seriously SO popular, and after too many times of driving through Waco without visiting, I decided to stop by for a cup of coffee. Here are my thoughts.
About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites. As a native Texan, I spend my own time and money exploring this state to help millions of readers find the best food, things to do, places to stay in Austin and beyond. Check out my other sites: TheSanAntonioThings.com and TheAustinThings.com!
About Magnolia Press
Magnolia Press opened in 2019 at the corner of 8th and Webster, right on the edge of Magnolia Market at the Silos. They don’t have dedicated parking, but there is street parking outside, and plenty of parking in the nearby downtown city blocks.
Since Chip & Jo are so focused on community, hospitality, and home, it makes sense that they would want to open a coffee shop in Waco.
They put this coffee shop at Magnolia Market so folks can stop by for a cup of coffee and a pastry before meandering through the shops or hanging out at the lawn near the silos.
Magnolia Press Coffee: Design
You can see Joanna Gaines going through her inspired design process through the video here. Her design process always looks so fun (probably why her TV show became so popular!) and just makes you want to be a fly on the wall in her home to see how she does it all.
My favorite part of this is how everything is made locally in Waco, which is so rarely seen in restaurant/coffee shop spaces! The cabinets, benches, and tables are custom for Magnolia Press.
Every part of this coffee shop feels sophisticated, welcoming, and absolutely delightful. The main green color is called “1905 Green” and it’s a rich forest green shade, which looks beautiful with the brass accents and wooden tables.
The Coffee at Magnolia Press
Ok, honest thoughts? Where the design shines, the coffee is honestly “meh.” Compared to something like Pinewood Coffee Bar or even Lighthouse Coffee down the street, Magnolia Press Coffee definitely caters to people who love beautiful design but don't have as much of a preference on their coffee.
My cappuccino was made with big stiff icebergs of foam, rather than those smooth, velvety bubbles that a great capp has. The espresso roast lacked much depth of flavor, and I immediately knew that this is the type of place where you might want to get a sugary coffee beverage, like a gingerbread latte during Christmas at the Silos, paired with a slice of chocolate cake. You know what I mean?
The Pastries at Magnolia Press
The coffee is lacking, but the pastries are PHENOMENAL. After all, they’re the same company that makes the pastries that are made at nearby Silos Baking Co and Magnolia Café.
I wanted to try one of everything in the pastry case, but just opted for a coffee cake muffin (delicious) to accompany my cappuccino (meh). But that chocolate cake was seriously calling my name.
Studying Or Working at Magnolia Press
I think that Magnolia Press Coffee Co is one of the best spots in Waco to stop by and get a few hours of studying done, especially if you love ambient background noise. It’s always buzzing with energy here since it’s at one of the most popular Waco tourist destinations.
There are plenty of indoor tables, but they do ask that if you’re there solo you don’t take up one of the larger booths. (I appreciate that!)
And if the inside is packed? There are TONS of outdoor tables and chairs and cozy little nooks. Magnolia Press has free wifi that you can access both indoors and out, so it’s a very easy place to stop by with your laptop and hammer out a couple hours of work.
TL;DR
Magnolia Press Coffee Co is Chip and Joana Gaines’s coffee shop at Magnolia Market at the Silos. It has STUNNING design that will make you feel like you’re walking into Jo’s kitchen, and a lot of cute spaces to study. The coffee program is lacking, but the pastries almost make up for it. I wouldn’t call this one of the top 3 coffee shops in Waco for coffee nerds, but if you just love a good ambiance, you’ll adore Magnolia Press.
About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites. As a native Texan, I spend my own time and money exploring this state to help millions of readers find the best food, things to do, places to stay in Austin and beyond. Check out my other sites: TheSanAntonioThings.com and TheAustinThings.com!
Related:
Are The Cupcakes At Chip And Joanna’s Bakery REALLY That Good?
If you’ve driven through Waco Texas at least one time you’ve seen billboards advertising Chip and Joanna Gaines’s bakery, Silos Baking Co. They’re usually cute little quotes about road tripping with cupcakes, signed by Chip, and they’re just this subtle…
Read More
Magnolia Market Is Decked Out For Christmas At The Silos
Christmas at the Silos is one of the most magical holiday events in Waco! If you’ve never been, be sure to add it to your Waco bucket list.
Read More