BRÛ Artisan Coffee Works — Restaurant in Waco

Tucked inside The Praetorian Waco, a downtown apartment building, Fable Bookstore & Café is one of Waco’s best-kept secrets. More than just a café, it’s a carefully curated space where books, coffee, and community intersect. You step into the Praetorian, catch the elevator upstairs, and suddenly, you’re in a place that feels more like an old-world literary lounge than a modern coffee shop.

Atmosphere & Space

The café’s setting inside The Praetorian gives it a unique, almost hidden-gem vibe. It’s not just a street-level coffee spot; you have to know it’s there. Once inside, it feels like an urban retreat—rustic wood tables, soft lighting, and vintage decor set the scene. String lights dangle from high ceilings, bookshelves are filled with interesting reads, and there’s a cozy mix of communal tables and private corners.

One of the standout aspects is its connection to the arts—with different authors and artists coming in for talks and book discussions. It’s a departure from the usual grab-and-go coffee shop. Instead, this is a place where you linger, you read, you think.

Coffee & Experience

Fable’s coffee is brewed by BRU Artisan Coffee, and they take their craft seriously. I ordered an Americano, and while the price might make some pause, the experience justifies it. The cup? A masterpiece in itself—ribbed, black, and premium. It’s the kind of cup that makes you feel like you’re drinking something special, not just another mass-produced coffee.

The Americano was smooth, rich, and full-bodied, with none of the bitterness you sometimes get from a rushed espresso shot. Just a clean, strong brew that feels like it belongs in a place dedicated to slow moments and deep conversations.

Final Verdict

Fable Bookstore & Café is an experience. It’s more than coffee, more than books—it’s a curated space for those who appreciate a break from the mainstream. Whether you’re a resident of The Praetorian Waco or just visiting, this spot is worth the elevator ride.

Would I recommend it? 100%. Would I come back? Already thinking about my next cup.

Five stars....

Visited here a couple of weeks ago. I checked the requirements on Google prior to driving here. It is not listed on here that masks are required. There is a sign on the door but the door is also a part of a larger building and is not clear which business it it pertains to. There was one customer in the shop ahead of me. When it was my turn to order, no one other than the barista, myself, my daughter and sister in law were in the shop. The barista asked if I had a mask, I told her no I do not. She asked me to put one on from a box of cloth masks that they have there. First off, the mandate was lifted. Secondly they should really have this information listed so that a customer can know ahead of time. Third, if they're so concerned for their workers or customers safety they should offer medical masks from a concealed box, not cloth masks from open box that have possibly been used and not washed or have dust on them from sitting there exposed. They can claim all they want that they're washed but how can a customer trust that they are and people have allergies to certain detergents as well. When I expressed that I wouldn't use their cloth mask the barista just stared at me blankly. I said, " okay, I guess we are leaving then?" The barista then said, "yeah". So I left there and took my business to the Magnolia Press Coffee Company which by the way didn't force masks on anyone, people gave their 6 feet of space and the coffee was great! I highly recommend going...

(9/7/21 - A short disclaimer - I come here multiple times a week for a coffee-d up work experience and have been doing so for the past year.) It's a great little coffeeshop in an interesting old building. The coffeeshop has been pieced together from a front entryway, an abandoned elevator shaft, and half of a retail space shared by a crafts/art store. It sounds a bit goofy but it works really well; high ceilings, good ambiance, a ton of natural light. It's a cozy place to meet up or get some work done. And, the coffee is solid. I usually get the breve which none of the other shops offer (Correction 9/7/27: most of the other coffeeshops will make a breve for you, but few put them on their menu). And, while drink size can be a little inconsistent, it's very tasty. A reviewer or two has made mention of how loud it can get - this may be true, but it's certainly quieter than both local establishments Dichotomy--half the space is a bar--and Pinewood--a perpetual hipster vinyl block party. My only real complaint is regarding the uncomfortable chairs - they're all light, wooden, patio type folding chairs which get uncomfortable quickly. (I've fixed this by bringing my own seat pad) However, as opposed to a couple other coffee shops in Waco, I've never had a problem getting seating. A great...