Food & Drink
Eat Local: Waterfalls Cafe
On a busy stretch of FM 2920 between I-45 and Kuykendahl Rd. is the family owned restaurant Waterfalls Cafe, serving diner-style food, such as chicken fried steaks, sandwiches and a variety of southern and south of the border breakfast all day.
THE NAME
Benito Munguia dreamed of owning his own restaurant, and named the cafe after the waterfalls in his favorite place in his hometown of El Rosario. In September of 2016, Benito opened his first Waterfalls Cafe and it quickly became a neighborhood favorite.
THE STORY
Benito has called Spring, TX his home for 20 years and wanted to open the restaurant in his own community. The original location could only be open till 3:00 pm because of the lack of parking in the busy shopping center in the afternoon and evening, so a change in location was needed.
In July 2023, Benito moved the restaurant to 3625 FM 2920, Spring, TX 77388, a location with ample parking. The restaurant now is now open until 8:00 pm on most days, with an expanded menu offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day.
Because the original location was staying busy, Benito and his brother Francisco opened another location in Magnolia, TX.
75% of both locations’ menu recipes have come from their mother, Maria Juana. When asked what he attributes his success to, Benito replied, “Whatever family business you make, it will succeed if you make it with love.”
THE GOODS
There is something for every family member on the menu, including kids’ favorites like pancakes and French toast, and Southern favorites including scratch made biscuits, that can be made into breakfast sandwiches or covered with the eatery’s signature cream gravy. Lunch features sandwiches and burgers, and dinner platters will satisfy anyone’s hunger with two sides.
A top seller is the Cowboy Breakfast with fresh eggs cooked to order and your choice of bacon or sausage, house potato, hash browns or grits, and toast or a biscuit. Simplicity at its best.
The popular Big Biscuit is a homemade biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, served with two eggs and a choice of hash browns, house potato, or grits.
Another local favorite is the Chicken Fried Steak Platter with cream gravy served with your choice of two sides (mashed potatoes, French fries, onion rings, corn, green beans, mac & cheese, apple sauce, okra, salad, or mixed veggies). The dish is also available as Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs for breakfast.
COMMUNITY
Benito and his brother Francisco always try to help with local schools and church fundraising efforts.
THE FAMILY FAVORITES
Benito’s personal favorites:
- Breakfast: Cowboy Breakfast
- Lunch: Jalapeño Burger
- Dinner: Chicken Fried Steak
Francisco’s personal favorites:
- Breakfast: Chilaquiles
- Lunch: Chicken Fried Steak
- Dinner: Pork Chops
WHAT THE LOCALS ARE ORDERING
According to Benito, the following are highlights/best selling items from each section of their menu.
- Breakfast Platter: Benny Benedict – Two poached eggs on an English muffin with spinach and fried chicken, smothered with hollandaise sauce and your choice of hash browns, house potato or grits.
- South of the Border: Homemade Chilaquiles – Fried corn tortillas on red sauce topped with sour cream, onions, Monterey Jack cheese, and two eggs any style, served with house potatoes and refried beans.
- Omelets: Meat Lovers Omelette – Your choice of American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese and stuffed with bacon, chorizo, ham, or sausage.
- Burritos & Tacos: Shrimp Tacos – Includes red cabbage, tomato & cilantro, served with beans and salsa.
- Pancakes/Waffles: Blueberry Pancakes.
- Appetizers: Fried Green Tomatoes – This dish is served with ranch or Texas cheese fries and topped with Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeño, and bacon.
- Burgers: Sunny Burger – The burger has mayo, lettuce, tomato, mustard and onions, and includes one egg any style.
- Salads: Avocado Salad – Topped with fresh lettuce and avocado mixed with onion, tomato, and cilantro, the Avocado Salad is served with your choice of beef, chicken, or shrimp.
- Hot Sandwiches: Rueben – Corned beef with sauerkraut & Swiss cheese on a grilled rye toast.
- Chicken Sandwiches: Chicken Avocado – The Chicken Avocado sandwich includes mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Lunch/Dinner Platters: Chicken Fried Steak.
- Specials: Steak Ranchero – The Steak Ranchero is a 10 oz. rib eye steak topped with onions, tomato, jalapeños, and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Limited Specials: Portobello Quesadilla or Tacos de Carnitas Barbacoa.
- Desserts/Shakes/Smoothies: Chocolate Shake or Strawberry-Banana Smoothie.
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
What you will find at both locations of Waterfalls Cafe is a family-friendly and casual atmosphere, welcoming owners, real food cooked by real people, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with something on the menu for all ages. Waterfalls Cafe is a welcome non-chain diner in the area.
5 Words to describe Waterfalls Cafe
“We give 100% of us,” said Benito.
Locations
Waterfalls Cafe – Spring
Address: 3625 FM 2920, Spring, TX 77388
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Aaron0710
Waterfalls Cafe – Magnolia
Address: 32823 FM 2978 Ste. F, Magnolia, TX 77354
Facebook: www.facebook.com/waterfallscafe2978
Website: www.waterfallscafespring.com
Nick Rama is a food writer, contributor to Hello Woodlands, and shares his restaurant experiences on Nick’s Local Eats at NicksLocalEats.com and on the TX BBQ, Burgers, and Brew Facebook page. Nick enjoys helping small business owners, supporting his community by fundraising for food banks, and plans tasting events with locally owned mom and pop restaurants.
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