Going Casual on the Waterfront in Magnolia

Last month, I headed over to Maggie Bluffs in Magnolia with some friends of mine for lunch after a very busy and active morning. I'd never heard of this place before and I'm not totally sure who recommended it. It's near the marina next to the fancy-schmancy budget-busting Palisade. On a prior visit to Palisade this Fall, where I opted for the soup and salad to keep costs and calories down (still $30!), I didn't notice Maggie Bluffs at all. It's tucked away in the back and Palisade's presence dwarfs its sister restaurant. Maggie Bluffs is almost as memorable as Palisade, but come on, the chocolate pots I had over there in October totally trump fantastic french fries. If money's no object, and I do mean a lot of it for a full meal at Palisade...there's not really a question.

I love that this place has same view Palisade has, I'd take out-of-town visitors here for that alone. Regarding food, there are three things I remember best about Maggie Bluffs a month later: the fries, the Bloody Marys, and the excellent service. I'd never had a Bloody Mary before, and I didn't actually order one--one friend, Kathleen, made me try hers, and it was fantastic even though I get grossed out by the idea of V8 or tomato juice. Ooh, girl, this drink was tasty. My friend Ally ordered fries as we sat down, and these were pretty perfect. And believe you me, I know my fries. I'd planned to get a salad with whatever I ordered, but after trying these, I had to switch to fries for my side. It's a crime to pass up a good batch of fries.

Six out of eight of the women at my table were nursing hangovers that morning since it was the holiday party season. Some serious comfort food was in order and this place delivered. I recall an order for your average club sandwich, an unremarkable salad or two, my spicy chicken sandwich (pretty decent, decent enough to eat leftovers a couple of hours later) and lots of orders for chili. Judging from the reaction, chili seemed to be the best choice. If you check out other online reviews of Maggie Bluffs, you'll see references to fish and chips, or burgers, but I didn't notice that many people ordered those. I was too busy scarfing down my fries.

It was a really good, casual experience. I give this place 4.5 umbrellas on a 5 umbrella scale.