Such beautiful tiny little cafe!! Very artistic. They have a great selection and good amount of seating extending into an art supply store. The little cafe is built in to an elevator of the loft building and uses a beautiful golden vintage coffee machine. The server was very nice and kind .

Wonderful place! Very small, yet cozy. They are dog-friendly. You go in to order, and you may sit outside. An expresso bar that also roasts their own beans, and has great tea choices including traditional & seasonal choices (summer peach is amazing). They also have hot & iced options for tea and coffee. Live music from time to time.

Super cute coffee shop inside a non functioning 1913 elevator in downtown Waco. Loved the tea selection and the employee was so kind! Highly recommend visiting this unique coffee shop near several other shops!

Cute Little coffee stop located in an antique elevator shaft. Definitely unique and very Instagrammable ;)

Stopped in here for a Latte. It was great. Barista was wonderful...talked to us about the shop being in the vintage elevator. Sat around a coffee table that was an old bellows. Will be back with friends.

Michael was friendly and attentive. Cute little Barista Coffee shop inside the building lobby spot, and the "Barista Station" is fitted in an elevator shaft. Very neat! Delicious Vanilla Iced Latte!

Tucked inside The Praetorian Waco, a downtown apartment building, Fable Bookstore & Cafe is one of Waco’s best-kept secrets. More than just a cafe, 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 cafe’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 & Cafe 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. Bon Appetit.

Usually not too busy (but is sometimes), but just an overall chill vibe to work or hang out. The menu is definitely not your typical Starbucks over-sweetened everything, but a more authentic, sophisticated menu with lots of tea options. They also have some scones and cookies and other small food items for sale. They share a space with Paper Crown, a super cute craft store that is great to go walk around in when you need a break or to shop in. Overall, I love this coffee shop for studying and its overall vibe!