Waco, Texas, home to the esteemed Baylor University, is rapidly evolving into a vibrant culinary destination. For those asking the timeless question, “Where should we eat?”, especially when visiting Baylor or exploring Waco, the answer is becoming richer and more diverse each year. This guide, updated for 2024, dives deep into the Waco food scene, offering an extensive list of must-visit eateries, from cozy coffee shops to authentic Tex-Mex and innovative modern cuisine. Whether you’re a Baylor Bear, a visiting parent, or a food enthusiast exploring Central Texas, get ready to discover the best Food In Waco.
A vibrant spread of diverse Waco dishes showcases the city's rich food scene.
Waco’s Coffee and Breakfast Hotspots: Start Your Day Right
Waco’s mornings are best experienced with a cup of expertly crafted coffee and a delicious breakfast. The city boasts a range of cafes, each with its own unique charm and offerings, perfect for fueling up before exploring or settling in for a relaxed morning.
Common Grounds: The Baylor Tradition
A cornerstone of the Baylor experience, Common Grounds has been serving coffee to generations of students and faculty. More than just a coffee shop, it’s a Waco institution. Its welcoming atmosphere and uniquely named drinks make it a must-visit. Don’t miss their seasonal beverages, perfectly tailored to Waco’s weather.
Pinewood Coffee Roasters: Autumn Ambiance and Perfect Brews
Pinewood Coffee Roasters offers an exceptional coffee experience, especially enchanting during the fall. Imagine enjoying a perfectly brewed latte amidst the beautiful autumn foliage. A Waco staple for both locals and Baylor students, Pinewood is renowned for its quality coffee and inviting ambiance. Try their dirty chai for a local favorite.
Magnolia Table: A Waco Culinary Destination
No introduction is needed for Magnolia Table. This reimagined historical landmark, from Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia empire, consistently draws crowds and requires reservations days in advance. Beyond the Magnolia name, the food speaks for itself. Their chicken salad, available for takeaway, is a state-wide contender, and their breakfast redefines classics with dishes like deviled eggs and jalapeño bacon.
Lighthouse Coffee: High-End Coffee with Culinary Surprises
Lighthouse Coffee is a hidden gem on Washington Avenue, offering incredibly high-quality coffee from Olympia Coffee. While seemingly unassuming, Lighthouse transforms into a premier dining destination with monthly dining experiences showcasing Waco chefs’ innovative culinary talents. Whether you’re seeking a truly exceptional cup of coffee or an adventurous food experience, Lighthouse delivers.
Café Cappuccino: Farmer’s Market Favorite for Breakfast and More
Visit the Waco Downtown Farmer’s Market on a Saturday, and you’ll find a long line leading to Café Cappuccino. Known for its plate-sized pancakes, inventive omelets, and unique crepes, “Café Cap” is Waco’s most popular breakfast spot. They cater to both sweet and savory preferences, and their lunch salads and specials are equally noteworthy.
Harold Waite Pancake and Steak House: A Classic Waco Diner Experience
In a rapidly changing Waco, Harold Waite Pancake and Steak House remains a timeless classic. This diner, a Waco breakfast icon since the 1990s, offers a nostalgic experience with its wood-paneled walls and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Serving classic diner fare from early morning until just after noon, Harold Waite’s embodies a bygone era and is a true Waco classic.
Street Dog Café: Charm, Baked Oatmeal, and Community Focus
From the creators of Revival Eastside Eatery, Street Dog Café resides in the former Lula Jane’s space, retaining its charm and famous baked oatmeal. Street Dog offers scratch-made pastries, including cinnamon rolls and kolaches, alongside daily breakfast specials. They are also committed to pet advocacy and serve exceptional coffee from Texas-born Merit Coffee.
For Keeps Coffee: A Relaxed Vibe for Coffee and Conversation
Away from the downtown and campus bustle, For Keeps Coffee provides a picturesque and relaxed environment. Popular with Baylor students for its study alcoves and good lighting, For Keeps serves meticulously brewed coffee, bagels, bagel sandwiches, and breakfast burritos, making it ideal for casual meetings, studying, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee: Coffee with a Purpose
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in downtown Waco is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a mission-driven business. While offering great coffee and pastries, Bitty & Beau’s is dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive community. Enjoy your coffee knowing you’re supporting a meaningful cause.
Be Kind Coffee: Cheerful Coffee with Unique Flavors
Be Kind Coffee, starting from a small marketplace counter to a brick-and-mortar location, is known for its bright, cheerful atmosphere and inventive coffee creations. Their Pink Horchata and Do Good Latte are palate adventures. Beyond coffee, they offer bagels, muffins, and their delightful “Choccy Chunk!” cookies.
Waco’s Long-Time Culinary Icons: Taste Waco History
For a true taste of Waco, explore these long-standing restaurants that have become integral parts of the city’s culinary identity. These establishments have stood the test of time, offering consistent quality and beloved dishes that locals and visitors cherish.
Vitek’s BBQ: Home of the Original Gut Pak
Vitek’s BBQ is a Waco institution, operating for over a century. Synonymous with Waco food is the “Gut Pak,” Vitek’s legendary creation. Elevating the frito pie, Vitek’s uses slow-roasted brisket with beans instead of chili, topped with cheese, onions, and jalapeños (with sausage optional). The Gut Pak, available in regular and mini sizes, is a must-try Waco experience.
Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant: Tex-Mex Staple with Unmatched Fajitas
Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant is a Tex-Mex landmark in Waco, known for its exceptional fajitas and irresistible chips and salsa (both red and green are excellent). A Waco staple for years, Ninfa’s magnetic pull is undeniable, especially for their fajita quesadillas and crawfish enchiladas.
George’s Restaurant: Waco Legend Since 1930
George’s Restaurant is more than just a restaurant; it’s a Waco legend. Operating since 1930, a Baylor game day fixture, and even the subject of a country song, George’s offers a diverse menu from Southern comfort food to unique Central Texas creations like bacon, chicken, cheese, and jalapeño crazy wings.
La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina: Avocado Fries and Tex-Mex Favorites
La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina is a cornerstone of Waco Tex-Mex cuisine, but their culinary innovation shines with their Avocado Fries. These delicate fries, served with ranch or salsa, set La Fiesta apart. Enjoy their open patio and live music alongside classic Tex-Mex dishes.
Poppa Rollo’s Pizza: Pizza, Games, and Secret Passageways
Poppa Rollo’s Pizza is more than just pizza; it’s an experience. With video games, a carnival atmosphere, classic cartoons, and secret passageways, Poppa Rollo’s provides a unique and entertaining dining environment. Their overloaded pizzas complement the fun atmosphere, making it a favorite for generations.
Whizzbang’s Burgers: Elevated Burgers in Waco
Whizzbang’s Burgers, formerly Captain Billy Whizzbang’s, stands out in Waco’s burger scene by playing with burger fundamentals. Their signature Whizz-Pig uses a half-burger, half-bacon grind, creating a uniquely flavorful patty. Options to add bacon on top enhance this already exceptional burger.
Schmaltz’s Sandwich Shoppe: New Orleans Flavors in Waco
For a taste of New Orleans in Waco, Schmaltz’s Sandwich Shoppe offers the closest thing to a muffaletta outside of Louisiana. Their pillowy, oversized bread, filled with deli meats and fresh toppings, is the star. The perfectly toasted bread makes every sandwich a memorable experience.
D’s Mediterranean Grill: Unexpectedly Amazing Chicken Tenders
D’s Mediterranean Grill is known for its excellent Mediterranean food, but surprisingly, their chicken tenders are a must-order. Whether regular or spicy, these tenders are served hot and crispy. Pair them with fried green beans for a unique and satisfying meal.
Health Camp: Waco’s Oldest Eatery, a Step Back in Time
Health Camp, Waco’s oldest and most historic eatery since 1948, offers a nostalgic dining experience. Their malteds, burgers, and the setting itself are time capsules to different eras of Waco dining culture. It’s a true taste of Waco history.
Kitok Restaurant: Iconic Tempura Potatoes and Burgers
Kitok Restaurant is a Waco icon, famous for its unique tempura potatoes. Thinly sliced potatoes (and often onions and carrots) are tempura-battered and deep-fried, creating a perfect pairing with their burgers. Kitok is a must-visit for a unique Waco food experience.
Baris Italian Restaurant: Pink Sauce and Affordable Italian
Baris Italian Restaurant is a popular spot, especially on weekends, known for its affordable and delicious Italian dishes. Their signature pink sauce, a blend of alfredo and marinara, is a local sensation and deserves all the acclaim it receives.
The Brazos Landing: Riverside Views and Cajun Flavors
The Brazos Landing, formerly Buzzard Billy’s, offers a combination of great location, scenic views, and diverse menu. Located by the Brazos River, near McLane Stadium, it provides Cajun and Gulf Coast seafood dishes in a vibrant, relaxed setting. The patio views, especially at sunset, are stunning.
Katie’s Frozen Custard: DIY Dessert Delights
Katie’s Frozen Custard is a distinctly Waco dessert experience. This DIY custard shop allows you to customize your frozen treat with endless mix-in combinations. Create your perfect blend and enjoy it while watching Waco life go by.
Waco’s Modern Culinary Classics: Contemporary Waco Dining
Waco’s food scene isn’t just about history; it’s also thriving with modern classics that are pushing culinary boundaries and earning accolades. These restaurants represent the contemporary Waco dining experience, blending innovation with local flavors.
Guess Family Barbecue: Award-Winning BBQ, Once a Secret
Guess Family Barbecue has evolved from a local secret to a Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ destination. While famous for brisket and ribs, locals know their Sunday brunch is exceptional, featuring dishes like brisket hash and pulled pork pancakes.
Helberg Barbecue: Another Top-Tier Waco BBQ Destination
Helberg Barbecue, located just outside Waco in Valley Mills, is another Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ gem. Worth the drive, Helberg offers smoked brisket, ribs, pork, and a standout pesto-stuffed turkey. Their buttermilk-soaked, smoked, and flash-fried chicken is a local favorite.
Milo All Day: Fusion Cuisine and Waco Flair
Milo All Day has risen from a food truck to a culinary leader in Waco. Blending Texas cuisine with Nashville and New Orleans influences, Milo offers unique fusion dishes like Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos. The “Sic ‘Em on a Chicken” biscuit sandwich is a playful nod to Baylor spirit.
Revival Eastside Eatery: Vegetarian and Carnivore Delights
Revival Eastside Eatery caters to all palates, offering both excellent burgers for meat-lovers and incredible vegetarian options. The Technicolor Dreamcoat vegetarian sandwich is a standout, and the Golden Calf burger elevates the classic with balsamic onions and goat cheese.
Slow Rise on the Brazos: Waterfront Pizza Perfection
Slow Rise on the Brazos brings slow-fermented dough pizza to a beautiful waterfront location near the Suspension Bridge. Enjoying deck pizza with a Brazos River view is a quintessential Waco experience.
Clay Pot: Asian Comfort Food and Warming Soups
Clay Pot is the go-to for Asian cuisine, especially when craving warming dishes. Beyond staples like sesame chicken and fried rice, their specialties like vermicelli and pho are perfect for cooler days. Vietnamese Iced Coffee complements the meal perfectly.
Olive Branch: Hearty Breakfasts and Scratch-Made Goodness
Olive Branch is a Waco standard for scratch-made breakfasts and lunches. Known for their croissants, cookies, and cakes, Olive Branch offers elegant ambiance and excellent service. Their Sunday brunch menu, with dishes like Eggs Sardou and Cinnamon Biscuit Bites, is exceptional.
Bangkok Royal: Thai Flavors and Healing Soups
Bangkok Royal is a Baylor-area landmark, renowned for its healing ginger soup and Tom Kha Kai. They also offer Waco’s standard for Pad Thai, customizable with various heat levels.
Moroso Italian Ristorante: Italian Family Dining Experience
Moroso Italian Ristorante embodies the spirit of Italian family dining – generous portions, friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere. Gather a group and explore their small plates menu, featuring arancini, meatballs, and burrata.
Cha Community: Boba, Dumplings, and Taiwanese Treats
Cha Community offers the best boba in Central Texas, along with authentic Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine. Their dumplings are a menu highlight, and the Taiwanese Cold Noodles are both light and satisfying. Don’t miss the visually stunning Galaxy Lemonade.
Shorty’s Pizza Shack: Pizza Pillows and Unique Creations
Shorty’s Pizza Shack introduced the Pizza Pillow to Waco, a grown-up version of microwave snacks, resembling calzones more than kolaches. These baked delights are a Central Texas favorite.
Yaki: DIY Asian Bowls and Growing Popularity
Yaki, short for teriyaki, offers customizable rice bowls with Asian proteins and veggies. Starting as a coffee shop offering, Yaki has expanded, known for great service and flavorful combinations.
Pop’s Lemonade: Mobile Refreshments and Flavorful Lemonades
Pop’s Lemonade is a mobile Waco favorite, bringing refreshing lemonades across the city, especially on the Baylor campus. Customize your lemonade with flavors like açaí and strawberry, or try their cherry-lime masterpiece.
Oh My Juice: Healthy and Refreshing Bowls and Juices
Oh My Juice focuses on healthy options, offering juices and bowls packed with fresh fruit, grains, and nutrients. It’s a perfect choice for a healthy and refreshing meal or snack.
Harvest on 25th: Farm-to-Farm Wholesome Dishes
Harvest on 25th has persevered and thrived, offering wholesome, farm-to-farm dishes. Their breakfast menu features hash and sourdough pancakes – both excellent choices.
Nightlight Donuts: Cronuts and Pastry Innovations
Nightlight Donuts brings the cronut craze to Waco, offering this croissant-donut hybrid at the Farmer’s Market and their brick-and-mortar location. These flaky, sweet treats are perfect any time of day.
Taqueria Zacatecas: Street Tacos and Birria Craze
Taqueria Zacatecas, or “Taco Z,” is popular for its street tacos and tortas. They’ve also embraced the birria trend, offering cheesy, flavorful birria tacos with a rich dipping jus.
Helados La Azteca: Mexican Ice Pops and Chamoy Delights
Helados La Azteca has rapidly grown, offering Mexican ice cream and paletas. Explore the unique flavor of chamoy, a sweet, salty, and spicy syrup, especially in their mangonada fruit smoothie.
Waco’s Exciting Newcomers: Fresh Flavors on the Scene
Waco’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, with exciting new restaurants adding to its vibrancy. These newcomers bring fresh concepts, innovative cuisine, and unique dining experiences to Waco.
Pivovar: Czech Luxury and “Czexan” Fusion
Pivovar is a unique addition to Waco, offering a Czech luxury dining experience. Its “Czexan” fusion cuisine blends Czech and Texan flavors. Try the Czexan Schnitzel or Czech Fried Cheese for a unique culinary adventure.
DiCampli’s Italian Ristorante: Authentic Italian Elegance
DiCampli’s Italian Ristorante brings authentic Italian flavors to Waco. Chef Massimo DiCampli and his Waco-native wife offer dishes like porcini and truffle pizza, cioppino, and veal tenderloin saltimbocca in a Joanna Gaines-designed elegant setting.
Hecho en Waco: Mex-Mex Cuisine with Fresh Flavors
Hecho en Waco offers a departure from standard Tex-Mex, focusing on “Mex-Mex” cuisine with fresh, vibrant flavors reminiscent of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The Steak Poblano is a standout dish.
Village Pizza-ria: Hot Honey Pizza Sensation
Village Pizza-ria in Union Hall is making waves with their Hot Honey Pizza. This parmesan, ricotta, and pepperoni pizza topped with spicy honey is a must-try and could easily become a new favorite.
Taqueria El Crucero: Tex-Mex Paradise Off the Beaten Path
Taqueria El Crucero is a hidden Tex-Mex gem on Old Robinson Road, offering authentic street tacos, gorditas, and burritos. Their oversized burritos and flavorful sauces are exceptional, and the Nachos Locos are a must-try.
Curry Up and Wok This Way: Curry and Wok Delights at Union Hall
Curry Up and Wok This Way at Union Hall specializes in flavorful curries and wok-prepared dishes. They introduce Waco to flavored sticky rice and offer a seasonal menu emphasizing fresh ingredients. The Green Curry is highly recommended.
Cajun Craft: Cajun, Texas, and Nashville Fusion
Cajun Craft fuses Cajun, Texas, and Nashville cuisines, with occasional Asian influences. Enjoy Cajun staples alongside Texas and Nashville favorites. The Korean Fried Wings and any po-boy are excellent choices.
Pignetti’s: Italian Wonderland with Temple Pedigree
Pignetti’s brings its Italian expertise from Temple to Waco, offering traditional Italian pizzas, pastas, and grilled meats in an elegant downtown setting. The Lobster Ravioli and Lump Crab Avocado Bruschetta are highlights.
Cultura Mia Mexican Cuisine: Latin American Roots and Flavors
Cultura Mia Mexican Cuisine is a newcomer that delves into the roots of Latin American cuisine. Located in a renovated industrial space, Cultura Mia offers tortas and huaraches, showcasing scratch-made ingredients and authentic flavors beyond typical Tex-Mex.
Red Herring (Hotel Herringbone): Five-Star Fine Dining Experience
Red Herring at Hotel Herringbone brings a five-star fine dining experience to Waco. With a stylish ambiance and innovative menu, Red Herring offers raw bar selections and dishes like Hamachi aquachile, reminiscent of top-tier dining destinations.
Song Bird (Hotel Herringbone): French-Inspired Lunch Refinement
Song Bird at Hotel Herringbone offers French-inspired lunches in a refined courtyard setting. Specializing in made-to-order sandwiches and exquisite charcuterie boards, Song Bird is perfect for a sophisticated lunch.
Lucky Buck’s (Hotel Herringbone): Rooftop Views and Relaxed Vibes
Lucky Buck’s at Hotel Herringbone provides the best rooftop views in Waco. This relaxed patio offers panoramic city views, hot dogs (“glizzys”), and fries, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.
Terry Black’s Barbecue: Legendary Texas BBQ Heritage
Terry Black’s Barbecue brings legendary Texas barbecue to Waco, continuing the Black family tradition. With roots in Lockhart and Austin BBQ fame, Terry Black’s offers exceptional ribs, brisket, beef ribs, and sides in a spacious downtown location.
Brasserie 1928 (Hotel 1928): Neo-French Dining in a Historic Hotel
Brasserie 1928 in Hotel 1928 offers Neo-French dining in a stunning, historic setting. With a New York fine dining feel, Brasserie 1928 provides options from snacks like pimento cheese to salads, sandwiches, and classic steak frites. Don’t miss the crispy sweet potatoes.
Bertie’s on the Rooftop (Hotel 1928): Elevated Waco Dining Experience
Bertie’s on the Rooftop at Hotel 1928 offers the height of Waco dining, both literally and figuratively. This rooftop oasis provides refined dishes, attentive service, and breathtaking city views. The avocado grapefruit salad and wild mushroom and leek risotto are standout choices.
Sic ’em, Waco eateries! Discover the incredible food in Waco and enjoy your culinary explorations.
