An Average Joe in San Antonio

Finding a good spot for an American breakfast can be somewhat difficult in the land of barbacoa and breakfast tacos. One place that is on the top of many people’s lists for some good pancakes, bacon and eggs is Magnolia Pancake Haus off of Bitters and West. This is not to be confused with Magnolia in Austin as it is a completely separate entity. I decided to go try out their pancakes one Sunday morning with a friend who is a huge fan of Magnolia Pancake Haus.

Now let me be up front, I have been to Magnolia once before and had a mixed reaction to it. You should expect to wait a long time (especially on Saturday or Sunday mornings) as locals always pack this place in. While I thought that the pancakes were good (they are very fluffy), I didn’t think that they were worth a 45 minute wait. You can see that I was a little reticent to return.

My friend, however, thinks that they are the best pancakes in the world, so I decided to give them another shot. After the 30 minute wait (you can’t escape the wait, just plan on it and enjoy reading the paper or talking with your friends and family), we were seated. I do like the inside of Magnolia; it has a good diner type feel and you can tell everyone is having fun.

My friend always orders one of two items, but was eyeing some different types of pancakes. I tend to judge a pancake house based on how awesome their blueberry pancakes are, but I had remembered that is what I ordered at Magnolia before. In order to get her to try something new, and so that I could try an assortment of pancakes, I proposed the idea that we ordered six different kinds of pancakes!

I don’t know, sometimes I think it is good to go crazy and do something out of the ordinary. This was one of those days. Unfortunately, we could not order a stack of pancakes with each one being different, so we had to order six different servings. After looking at the menu we decided on the following: blueberry, apple cinnamon, chocolate chip (made with Godiva chocolate chips), bacon (she was particularly interested in this one), pecan, and bananas foster (this was one I lobbied hard for because she wasn’t particularly interested).

When you order six types of pancakes, you get a lot of butter and syrup!

After eating all the pancakes, there were three that were unmemorable, two that were pretty good, and one that was outstanding. All of the pancakes were fluffy and had a good taste, however, I am judging the pancakes on the fact that you have to wait at least 30 minutes to eat them (and on how much all the people rave about this restaurant).

The pancakes that leave something to be desired were the bacon, pecan, and blueberry. If you want the bacon pancake, you are better off ordering normal pancakes and a side of bacon. You don’t get a whole lot of bacon in the pancakes and I couldn’t even taste it in there. The pecan was equally disappointing with the pecans looking like they came from a package instead of being shelled in the restaurant. Again, I couldn’t discern their taste in the batter.

The blueberry pancakes were an epic disappointment. First, the blueberries are really small and even eating them alone you will not be able to taste any flavor. They are just small and rubbery with no real flavor. To top it off, there are not that many blueberries in the pancakes. If you go to Magnolia and wait through that line and are a lover a blueberry pancakes, do not order them. You will be sorely disappointed.

Both the apple cinnamon and chocolate chip pancakes were pretty good. The apple cinnamon pancakes had a great flavor and were a little tart (think along the lines of apple pie). The chocolate chip pancakes were incredibly sweet and were chopped full with chocolate. It seemed that as stingy as they were with blueberries, they were generous with chocolate chips. With these two pancakes you won’t be disappointed that you ordered them, however, it might not be enough to get you to come back.

The six different pancakes on our table; the bananas foster pancake at the top left stole the show!

Finally, the pancake that stole the show was the bananas foster pancake. This is absolutely the item you must order out of the bunch. I am really not that big of a fan of bananas in breakfast items or desserts, but I do love some bananas foster (especially in New Orleans).

This pancake does it right where the top is filled full of bananas and the brown sugar sauce that is very rich and very sweet. The bananas foster pancake stands alone and there is no need for syrup on it. The sweet is complimented nicely by the fluffy pancake and is something that I would wait in line for again.

I had a lot of fun getting to try this assortment of pancakes and even got to learn something in the process. First off, you have to take consideration for the fact that I am not a professional food critic. I’m just an Average Joe writing about what I like and don’t like.  This blog started as a way for all my friends to know about what I was eating so that they could decide on where they want to eat when they come to town.

I don’t have the luxury of getting to order a variety of items because, unless stated explicitly in the article, I am funding my culinary adventure out of my own pocket. I can very easily order something that is not the restaurant’s core competency; if you find a review of mine that you don’t like, by all means disagree and leave a comment on what I should try in a future visit. (That being said, if you are a pancake house, you really have to bring it on the blueberry pancakes.)

Second, it is a lot of fun to just order a bunch of different types of plates. I enjoyed getting some funny stares from other folks in the restaurant and the “You want what?” question from our waiter. Life is too short to always order the things that you are familiar with; next time you are out at your favorite restaurant, instead of ordering your standard, try a couple of dishes that you have always been interested in. You never know, you might find something new that you like.

Value: 8.5/10 (the cost of their pancakes and breakfasts are in line with the rest of the city between $5-$8/plate)
Atmosphere: 9/10 (very clean and cheerful atmosphere)
Service: 8.5/10 (good service; the waiter was very friendly, but I was disappointed that he didn’t really interact with us more and ask us which pancake was our favorite)
Taste: 7/10 (the bananas foster pancake is out of this world while the blueberry pancake badly misses the mark; I still don’t understand what all the hullabaloo is around this restaurant)
Website: http://www.magnoliapancakehaus.com/

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As much as I like getting a big bacon and eggs breakfast or a couple of breakfast tacos, some mornings I am happy with a pastry and some coffee.  It’s no secret that I have a sweet tooth.  In fact a former roommate bought a tub of cookie dough that they sell for school fundraisers, and after seeing me eyeing it in the fridge for a while she mentioned I could have some of it (we had a strict policy of not eating each other’s food).  After asking a couple of times if she was sure, in the next couple of weeks I proceeded to knock out most of the tub with the exception of a half moon wedge at the bottom about an inch high, because after all, we know that in guy logic the tub was practically full and she would never notice.  At any rate, Broadway Daily Bread is the perfect place to satiate that sweet tooth first thing in the morning.

While the namesake is located on Broadway in Alamo Heights, I often go to the one off of DeZavala and I-10.  I like this location because it is kind of tucked into a neighborhood right around Clarke High School, and it really has a strong neighborhood feel with a lot of regulars stopping by.  The owner of this location, Bryant, is incredibly friendly and will visit with you whether your are a newbie or a regular if he is not busy at work kneading dough.

One of the reasons that I like Broadway Daily Bread so much is that it is one of the few “Tech” businesses in town; both of the owners daughters attended Texas Tech and there is a lot of Tech paraphernalia on the walls.  Being in the land of Longhorns and Aggies, this is always a nice surprise.  Additionally, they source their coffee from Daybreak Coffee Roasters, a Lubbock company and coffeehouse that I frequented when I was growing up.

When you walk in, you will notice the bakers rack full of baked goods.  They have all types of bread (their Birdman is the most popular) alongside tons of different sweets: cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, etc.  You can even order a cake for that special occasion.  When I was working for a company, I would try to bring some muffins in for breakfast to my coworkers; this is always a good idea if you are running just a little bit late.

The bakers rack filled with all sorts of goodness.

I have three favorite breakfast items that are my standards.  If I am going to get a muffin, I am going either for their sour cream pecan or the cranberry.  The sour cream pecan muffin has more of a spongy type texture and the top is dusted with cinnamon and sugar.  In a way, it is like a cinnamon role without being too over powering and without the icing; it is the best item to pair up with their coffee.

The cranberry muffin is equally good in a different way; the best part is the muffin top which has a nice crispy taste to it and is really sweet.  The cranberries are plentiful and are warm/gooey (if you get it fresh out of the oven) and have a nice tart taste.  I decided to get the cranberry muffin this past visit.

The cranberries are plentiful in the muffins and give them a great tart taste.

Finally, if you are REALLY in the mood for something sweet, get the brownie cupcake with peanut butter topping.  While they don’t always have this, it is every sweet tooth’s dream.  Smaller than a normal cupcake, when you pick it up you will be surprised how dense it is; it is like they are packing as much sugar and goodness into as little of a space as possible.  To top it off, there is this peanut butter icing that they are quite generous with.  This concoction is best with an ice cold glass of milk.

Whether in North San Antonio or Alamo Heights, Broadway Daily Bread delivers the goods if you are looking for something sweet for breakfast.

Value: 9/10 (You are probably going to spend between $3 and $4 for a muffin and a cup of coffee which seems standard; the muffins are pretty big)
Atmosphere: 10/10 (Pertaining to the DeZavala Location: Really clean feel, the inside is painted with bright colors and the entire storefront is windows which lets in the natural light; you can watch the folks make the dough, pastries, and sandwiches; people always seem happy here)
Service: 10/10 (Very friendly people always greeting you with a smile)
Taste: 9.5/10 (Everything tastes really good and I like pretty much everything here – the bread, cake, cupcakes, muffins, sandwiches; only thing that I think falls short is the kolaches but, then again, what do I know as they are sold out pretty much every day before 8:30-9:00 in the morning!)
Website: http://www.broadwaydailybread.net/
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I don’t know if you have noticed, but I have started to get into a rhythm with blogging.  I think that one of the reasons is because I have kind of started a weekly ritual where I stop by Sip coffee house downtown to read the paper, knock out some posts, and enjoy some good coffee.

Situated on the corner of St Mary’s and Houston Street, Sip offers its customers the kind of feel that you would expect in a bigger city.  There are large windows flanking two sides of the coffee shop with a bar that travels along one side where many of my posts have been typed up.  I like this shop so much because it is a way to feel like you really are in a big city since you can “people watch” the tourists and locals as they walk by, see trolleys/buses/traffic buzz by, and be surrounded by tall buildings.  All the while, the high ceilings and large windows are perfect for a Texan like myself because, even being downtown, I still like to feel like I am in an open space.

The bar that I often like to sit at to type up blog posts.

I think that you have to look at the cost of Sip to something comparable like Starbucks.  For starters, the coffee is pretty reasonable and you can get a cup of Joe in a refillable mug for just under $2.  While there is not really an abundant selection of self service coffee (I would like to see a “bold” offering), the coffee is good and always fresh.

They have an assortment of fresh pastries that they purchase from different bakers around town.  I’ve enjoyed the chocolate cream cheese muffin several times and the chocolate chip cookies are really good as well.  I have yet to try a slice of pie or cheesecake, but they are always tempting.  While I usually keep it to coffee, expect to pay about $4 to $5 if you throw a pastry in with it.

Assortment of pastries at Sip; sorry for the glare! The chocolate cream cheese muffins are at the top right.

Additionally, they have all the specialty drinks that you would expect to find.  This past visit, they had made a mocha freddo for a customer and had a little left over in the blender and offered me a sample.  I liked the balance of sweet and coffee taste and think it would be a good summer drink for tourists navigating downtown in the hot sun.  However, being an Average Joe I usually stick to the basic cup of Joe.

Finally, they do offer some different sandwiches for the lunch crowd.  I have to admit, I have never ordered a sandwich as I am usually just ordering a cup of coffee or a pastry.  If you try one out, leave a comment on this post about how you liked it.

The staff is incredibly friendly and always up for a little conversation.  I enjoy chewing the fat with them a little bit and to find out how business is going.  Additionally, stars staying in the nearby hotels (Robert Duval, the band Buckcherry, Kathy Griffin and others) often stop by before or after a show.  If you are visiting San Antonio and staying at the Valencia or the Gunter, I highly recommend you eating breakfast and grabbing a cup of coffee at Sip and enjoy some of the San Antonio hospitality.  Who knows, you might even see a famous person to boot.

Value: 8/10 (In like with Starbucks and other coffee houses, but you do get free refills!)
Atmosphere: 10/10 (Modern, hip feel with big windows that let in plenty of natural light; get to “people watch” all the folks on the street)
Service: 10/10 (really friendly and always willing to chew the fat)
Taste: 9/10 (good coffee, but would like to see a little more diversity in the self service offerings; never met a pastry here I didn’t like)
Website: http://sip.bigz-burgerjoint.com/ (guess they are owned by the Bigz Burger people??)
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If you have ever been just a little south of downtown, you have seen what I call the “Pioneer Castle” which is where C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. make Pioneer Pancake mix, some of the best pancake mix that you will find, along with the White Wings Tortilla mix.  Founded over 150 years ago, the mill was the primary business of one of the great families of San Antonio.

The Guenther House was the original residence of the family and has since been renovated, placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and converted to a restaurant that is known for its breakfast and brunch menu.

I have been to the Guenther House quite a few times and have tried to write an article several times, but for whatever reason the articles always turned up flat; hopefully this one is a little better.

I like the Guenther House because it is one of the few places in San Antonio to find an American styled breakfast; while breakfast tacos and chilaquiles are easy to find, a place that serves good waffles, bacon, and eggs can be more challenging.  Furthermore, since I have moved to San Antonio 5+ years ago, I have always enjoyed Southtown and have been going down there since the property values were pretty expensive until now where they are more ridiculous than Alamo Heights!

The building that the restaurant is located in takes to days long and past, and while you wait (yes, there will be a wait of 30 minutes to an hour), grab a complimentary cup of coffee and wander around the old Victorian styled house and store.  If you aren’t from around Texas, be sure to grab some Pioneer pancake mix in the store to take home with you.

I will either order the featured waffle or, what I got this last time, the Guenther Favorite Breakfast Platter which includes two homemade biscuits, sausage gravy, preserves (the jalapeño is interesting but I really like the blackberry), applewood smoked bacon or sausage (go for the bacon), and a side of fruit.  For good measure, I always through a fried egg on the side because it goes so good with their bacon.

The Guenther Favorite Breakfast Platter with an extra egg; the biscuits are really good!

While this might seem strange if you are visiting town from somewhere other than the South, biscuits and gravy are really good.  You should try it, because unlike most outfits down here, the Guenther House will put your gravy on the side so you can sample it and see if you like it.  If you don’t, you will most definitely enjoy the blackberry preserves on your biscuits.

The bacon is absolutely delicious, thick, and crispy; be sure to get that fried egg so you can mix the bacon with a little bit of the yolk.  Really, really good.  Furthermore, the coffee is interesting and they have a special blend just for their restaurant.  To me, it tastes like it has a little chocolate flavor in it, but then again, I am not the most discerning when it comes to coffee.

My only complaint about the Guenther house is that it is a very expensive breakfast; now, you will definitely be full, but for the Gunther Favorite, a fried egg, and a cup of coffee, you are looking right at $12 for breakfast!  That makes it kind of pricey, but the atmosphere, the service, and the fact that you get to eat something that is made with a product from the mill right next to you makes it a treat to enjoy every once and a while.

Value: 7/10 (Personally, I think that $12 a person for breakfast is a little ridiculous, but…)
Atmosphere: 9.5/10 (…the atmosphere is really nice; the grounds of the restaurant is gorgeous, the outside eating area is really pleasant because you are right by the south part of the San Antonio River, and the Victorian house is interesting to tour; the inside seating area is a little plain though; if it is nice, eat outside)
Service: 10/10 (some of the best; I have seen many of the same waiters/waitresses since I have been dining there)
Salsa: 6/10 (they do have salsa for their breakfast tacos that I think is weak; again, go there for the American breakfast, you can find better breakfast tacos at many other places in the city)
Taste: 9.5/10 (I always have a good meal there and have tried a variety of dishes!)
Website: http://www.guentherhouse.com

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***NOTE: It appears that this restaurant is no longer in operation***

My continuing search for breakfast food besides tacos led me around the corner to the Flour Power Café.  With a funky painted interior, the restaurant tries to strike a chord with a hippy feel full of peace and love.

I will say that I tried to eat breakfast here once before and was like 5 minutes after 11:00AM, which I was told is when they stop serving breakfast.  I understand that there has to be a point in time when you stop serving breakfast, but I think you should have a grace time of at least 15 minutes!  I ended up returning on this morning to check them out.  (Oddly enough, their website shows that they serve breakfast all day long on the weekend, but I would advise getting there early and not chance it!)

I was in the mood for a big breakfast and ordered coffee, orange juice, the European Omelet (which came with a couple of biscuits), and a couple of jalepeño sausage kolaches.

When my plate was brought out, you could immediately smell the deliciousness of the European Omelet.  It is made with three eggs, pesto, garlic, tomato, basil, Parmesan and Brie cheese.  The two cheeses and the spices work incredibly well to get an amazing taste to the omelet.  Particularly pleasing was the way that the omelet smelled as you ate it; looking at other tables, this dish looked as though it was one of the tops.

This omelet is amazing and will really fill you up!

The homemade biscuits were really nice and had that more course crumbly texture rather than the flakey kind of biscuits.  With a little butter and jam, they made a nice sweet compliment to the omelet.  I will say that kolaches are not worth ordering.  They are really small  and the bread is really dense instead; there was also a strange sweet taste in the kolache that I was not a fan of at all.

My waitress was incredibly friendly and we talked a lot about where we were both from and some of the places we liked in San Antonio.  She was excellent at providing suggestions from the menu (the kolaches were my own doing) and didn’t let my coffee go empty.

I would say that Flour Power Café is pretty groovy man.

Value: 7.5/10 ($8.25 for a three egg omelet and $2 for coffee can make this a fairly expensive little breakfast, although the omelet is huge)
Atmosphere: 8.5/10 (funky colors on the interior, but not as much hippy décor as I would have thought)
Service: 9.5/10 (waitress really engaged me in conversation and made good suggestions)
Taste: 8.5/10 (great tasting omelet and biscuits; the kolaches were a miss so I don’t know how other entrees would be like; so-so coffee)
Website: www.flourpowercafesa.com
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