White Rhino Coffee + Kitchen

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414 W. Main St., Waxahachie

214.903.7082

whiterhinocoffee.com

Because you're going to need as much caffeine as possible, your time exploring Waxahachie's new-restaurant scene should kick off here, at the third location of this locally owned mini-empire of craft coffeehouses. Opened in May by Chris Parvin, an estate planning attorney and former Cedar Hill City Councilman, White Rhino is nestled inside a restored, two-story Victorian home that dates back to 1895. Those wanting to sip in solitude plant themselves upstairs in a library filled with shelf after shelf of books, new and old.

Downstairs is a bustling coffeehouse and dining room, where fancy lattes and light and hearty edibles are served by friendly baristas. They also serve breakfast-y items such as egg tacos and chicken and waffles all day; sprouty sandwiches and salads are big at lunch and dinner. Pies in cool flavors like orange pistachio are brought in from Dallas' Emporium Pies, although a just-hired baker makes pastries on-site, by hand. Outdoor seating on a wraparound patio is a serene and scenic plus.

You Gotta Try: Banana pudding, made with shortbread, caramelized bananas and housemade whip. It’s as attractively presented — neatly stacked in a mason jar — as it is devilishly addicting.