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Magnolia House
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Magnolia House
8.2
Century-old craftsman bungalow transformed into trendy gastropub with craft cocktails and global small plates. The eclectic atmosphere features bizarre artwork, cozy lounges, and weekend DJ sets creating vibrant nightlife energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bourbon Burger, Mushroom Toast, Brussels Sprouts
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Historic 1912 bungalow with unique cocktail program
Who should go: Happy hour seekers and cocktail enthusiasts
When to visit: Friday nights for DJ sets
What to order: Craft cocktails, mushroom toast, deviled eggs
Insider tip: Happy Hour 3-6pm weekdays for best deals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot fills quickly, street parking on Lake Avenue usually available but competitive after 7pm on weekends
Dress code: Trendy casual - think nice jeans with a stylish top, locals dress up for weekend nights
Noise level: Lively buzz that gets loud after 9pm, especially with DJ sets - better for energetic dates than intimate conversations
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical Friday/Saturday without reservation, bar seating sometimes available sooner
Weekday lunch: No wait, plenty of tables especially on the patio
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - about 40% of small plates are vegetarian, including popular mushroom toast
Vegan options: Limited - typically 2-3 modified options, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Some options available but no dedicated prep - staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for fun first dates if you both enjoy cocktails and lively atmospheres - the unique decor is a great conversation starter, but skip if you want quiet intimacy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes, especially before 7pm. Weekends are tough but bar seats open up regularly - put your name in and grab a cocktail while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - it's more of an adult scene, especially after 8pm. Occasional families early evening but no kids menu and the vibe skews cocktail-focused
Best For
Better for: Superior craft cocktail program and late-night energy compared to other South Lake spots - the historic house setting creates more character than typical gastropubs
Skip if: Choose Union or Plate 38 instead if you want a quieter dinner conversation or more substantial entrees - Magnolia House is about drinks and small plates
Magnolia House
8.2
This 100-year-old craftsman bungalow turned trendy brunch spot offers craft cocktails and small plates with serious Instagram appeal. The vintage house setting with modern touches creates an incredibly photogenic atmosphere perfect for social media.
Must-Try Dishes:
Forager Omelette, Artisan Waffles, Brunch Board
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Historic 100-year-old house with modern cocktail program.
Who should go: Groups seeking photogenic brunch cocktails
When to visit: Saturday-Sunday 9am for patio seating
What to order: Forager omelette, craft cocktails, waffles
Insider tip: Request outdoor patio for best photo lighting
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot fills quickly, street parking on Magnolia and side streets usually available
Dress code: Trendy casual, Instagram-ready outfits encouraged - think sundresses and stylish brunch wear
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation-friendly on patio, louder inside historic house
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min for patio during peak brunch
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several egg dishes, waffles, and creative small plates
Vegan options: Limited - mainly modified sides and salads, ask server for options
Gluten-free options: Some options - omelettes without toast, modified plates available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for brunch dates - the photogenic setting breaks the ice, craft cocktails keep things fun, and the patio creates a romantic atmosphere without being too formal
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but weekend brunch requires booking 3-5 days ahead for patio seating. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate the unique setting. No kids menu, limited high chairs, and craft cocktail focus makes it more adult-oriented
Best For
Better for: Most Instagrammable brunch in the area with the historic house setting - beats typical restaurants for social media content and group celebrations
Skip if: You want quick service, traditional breakfast fare, or a quiet meal - try local diners instead for classic brunch without the scene
Magnolia House
8.0
100-year-old Craftsman cottage transformed into innovative craft-cocktail lounge serving market-driven small plates with Saturday-Sunday brunch. Built as family home turned hideaway featuring female DJ lineup and specialty coffee program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Forager Omelette, House Burger, Brussels Sprouts
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Century-old cottage with evolving history now featuring all-female DJ rotation on weekends
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts, date-night couples, weekend brunch groups
When to visit: Saturday-Sunday 9am-2:30pm for brunch, happy hour Mon-Fri 3-6pm
What to order: Tapas-style portions designed for sharing, craft cocktails, wagyu steak
Insider tip: Brunch portions are tapas-sized; order multiple dishes to share per person
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive on weekends; small lot behind building fits 8-10 cars first-come basis
Dress code: Elevated casual - sundresses and button-downs fit the vibe, nice jeans welcome but skip athleisure
Noise level: Moderate with music - intimate conversation works but not ideal for large group discussions, louder during DJ sets
Weekend wait: Not applicable - closed for dinner service
Weekday lunch: Not applicable - brunch weekends only, evening happy hour Mon-Fri no wait typical
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - market-driven menu includes seasonal vegetable small plates, ask server for current options
Vegan options: Limited - 1-2 vegetable-forward dishes can be modified, call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Available - kitchen accommodates requests but tapas format means cross-contact possible, communicate needs clearly
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate cottage setting and shareable tapas format naturally encourage conversation, craft cocktails set sophisticated tone without stuffiness
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday happy hour yes, weekend brunch risky - book ahead for Sat-Sun brunch or arrive right at 9am opening, prime 10:30am-12pm slots fill fast
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) - no children's menu, tapas portions work for adventurous young eaters, but cocktail-lounge vibe and small plates format not ideal for toddlers
How much should I budget per person? $40-60 per person for satisfying brunch with 3-4 small plates and 1-2 cocktails, happy hour runs $25-35 with careful ordering
What's the scene like with the female DJs? Weekend brunch energy elevated but not club-like - curated background music adds ambiance without overwhelming conversation, typically noon-2pm sets
Best For
Better for: Craft cocktail quality with food that matters, intimate date atmosphere without pretension, historic setting adds character most brunch spots lack
Skip if: You want traditional large-portion American brunch, need quick service with kids in tow, or prefer quiet library-level conversation - louder than typical breakfast spot