Neon Sign of the Magnolia Cafe - Austin, Texas - "Sorry, We're Open"
Originally uploaded by JIMWICh
This beautiful picture of our sign was posted by a fan on Flickr. The owner of the picture has suggested this music as well. What an interesting combination! Please feel free to play this podcast to enjoy the sounds of Texas (?)
Meg writes a blog to share her Top Five lists.
We're please to make it into her Top Five Restaurant list. She writes: "What makes food so great is the rest of the experience."
5. Magnolia Cafe, Austin, Texas
I had dropped out of high school and was waiting to find out whether I got into college or not the summer my sister came home from her freshman year at UCLA. A little after midnight, Sarah and I wanted to find a cup of coffee, so we went cruising around South Austin. That's when we found Magnolia, the digs I can't go without patronizing every time I visit Austin. I bring everyone there, and all the food is delicious. Every town deserves a 24-hour greasy spoon. Every person deserves their own Magnolia Cafe.
The Magnolia Cafe is part of the "inner circle" of SXSW Interactive intelligentsia. We discovered this blog post about us by a fan:
SXSW Interactive (day 1)
Posted by Nick Finck public@digital-web.com
March 7, 2008
...I myself have been busy hammering away the details on my presentation for Saturday only to take a break for a midnight dinner at the notorious Magnolia Cafe were geek ideas for the next killer apps are discussed and new companies are formed seemingly overnight. Tonight there were few from the web industry at the cafe, my guess is because most of them are still stuck in Dallas. Tomorrow should be pretty exciting and we are hoping for a more insightful blog post summary that goes beyond the weather and travel.
sorry (reposted)
Originally uploaded by mofo
It's amazing how this marketing message got started. Let me be clear to say that I wasn't there, but I saw the original sign in the window at the Omelettry West (which later became the Magnolia Cafe under the new ownership by the former sweat equity manager, who later became my husband, Kent Cole).
If you can imagine the intensity of starting your own restaurant AND having to be one of the cooks in the kitchen from opening to closing -- well, this sign is a result of post-traumatic-cook-syndrome.
The sign was prophetic: only years later did we become a 24 hour eatery. Maybe because, when you turned the sign over, it said Come In, We're Closed.
I'll be blogging a bit about our creative marketing choices from 1980-1995 or so. You might enjoy staying in touch with us and seeing the eccentric charm of Kent Cole in print advertising. Thanks for your generous time and curiosity about the Magnola Cafe.
d.p.
We've got the scoop from Rare Magazine that Magnolia Cafe will be featured in the upcoming May issue. Rare Magazine has taken a cue from the venerable Austin Chronicle's "Best" list, and they've put together their own "Rarest of the Rare."
The Magnolia Cafe has been chosen in some category, but we don't want to spoil the suspense. We'd just like to thank the two customers who volunteered to eat their lunch in front of the Rare Magazine photographer - thanks to Stacey and Sarah!
Stay tuned to the May issue, and find out who else got a Rare mention for something special.
This, from the Rare Magazine web site:
What is Rare Magazine?
Rare is a monthly magazine based in Austin, Texas -- the coolest city in the world. We represent the best of Austin -- from boutiques to restaurants to artists to realtors and everything in-between. We give our readers a taste of what's local, fun and interesting.
You're looking very beautiful tonight. No, really. I love your hair like that. And you're also looking for a perfect place for a romantic dinner. Well, let's look no further than one of the Magnolia Cafes.
Magnolia Cafe, Lake Austin Blvd., is offering Heart Shaped Ravioli as well as Hearts of Palm Salad, with a nice selection of wines to pair with your selection.
Magnolia Cafe, South Congress, is offering some cozy choices, including Lovin' Lamb Chops, Cornish Game Hen or Halibut with Mango Citron Butter.
Among the many desserts, we offer Gateau Marissa and Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
Making memories.
At two locations.
Magnolia Cafe, 2304 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin
Magnolia Cafe South, 1920 South Congress Ave., Austin
The Magnolia Cafes have enjoyed a long history of eclectic marketing efforts. Every year we run a short edition of the Magnolia Cafes annual wall calendar, printed in Mexico. You'll see eight of the designs in the picture above.
The price is only $1.00 each, and the selection of images will surely allow you to find one that matches your decor or holiday gift list.
Available while supplies last, at either Magnolia location:
Magnolia Cafe (original)
2304 Lake Austin Blvd. Google Map
Magnolia Cafe South
1920 S. Congress Ave. Google Map
To order by phone, please call: 512-447-7636
(If you miss us, you can leave a message and we'll call you back.)
