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As Baylor’s beloved hometown of Waco continues to grow, it becomes increasingly difficult to answer that ever-impossible riddle that has plagued everyone: \u201cWhere do you want to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n
We’ve attempted to solve this puzzle before (in 2016<\/a>, and again in 2019<\/a>) — but the eatery landscape in Waco has continued to evolve, as new restaurants arrived and old restaurants underwent transformations or, sadly, said goodbye. This list was first compiled in 2022, and updated in 2024 — a detailed<\/em> list of where to eat if you\u2019re visiting Baylor\/Waco (and what to order):<\/p>\n COFFEE\/BREAKFAST:<\/strong><\/p>\n Common Grounds<\/a><\/strong> — The coffee shop that started it all, Common Grounds has now served multiple generations of Baylor Bears, slinging cups of concentrated energy so that students (and more than a few professors) can concentrate on their daily tasks. The homey d\u00e9cor and quirkily named concoctions are just a few of the many reasons this is a can\u2019t miss part of the Baylor experience. Try the seasonal drinks, which always pair perfectly with the weather.<\/p>\n Pinewood<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0— Does any Waco locale other than McLane Stadium shine as bright in autumn months? We can\u2019t imagine a better place to grab a latte and bring a good read (whether for academic or entertainment pursuits) and enjoy the fall foliage and the comfortable hustle and bustle of one of the nation\u2019s best coffee shops. We\u2019re partial to a dirty chai, but there aren\u2019t any bad moves to be made at what has now become a staple to the Waco community and Baylor students, alike.<\/p>\n Magnolia Table<\/a><\/strong> — In truth, this reimagining of the historical landmark that was the Elite Caf\u00e9 on the Circle needs no further endorsement. With a line that forms daily and reservations that fill up days in advance, the offerings at Magnolia Table would be sought after even if they did not bear the Magnolia name. Their chicken salad, which is available for take away, is the definitive chicken salad in the state, but by altering the standard \u201cbacon and eggs\u201d to incorporate deviled eggs and thick jalape\u00f1o bacon, they manage to redefine breakfast.<\/p>\n Lighthouse Coffee<\/a><\/strong> — Curiously unassuming, a small coffee shop sits on Washington Avenue in downtown Waco. Humbly going about its business, it might never occur to passers-by that the coffee shop that offers extremely high-end coffee has a secret identity as a premier dining destination. Lighthouse, which offers Olympia Coffee and decadent pastries for breakfast, hosts monthly dining experiences that allow Waco chefs to show off their most envelope-pushing skills. So, whether you want a really solid cup of java or you want to test your culinary boundaries, you should allow yourself to be lead to Lighthouse.<\/p>\n Caf\u00e9 Cappuccino<\/a><\/strong> — Visit the Waco Downtown Farmer\u2019s Market on any given Saturday and you\u2019ll see a line of people steadily building across the street. They\u2019re all waiting for plate-sized pancakes, innovative omelets or some of the only crepes to be found in Waco. Catering to sweet and savory palates alike, \u201cCaf\u00e9 Cap,\u201d is the most popular breakfast spot in Waco and its notoriety is well deserved, but don\u2019t ignore their light salads and other lunch specials.<\/p>\n Harold Waite Pancake and Steak House<\/a><\/strong> — In the rush of restaurant development and general construction and change that has become the norm in Waco, it is good to know that some things stand the test of time. Harold Waite\u2019s, a breakfast icon since the 1990s, feels far more classic. This is a diner, built like the old diners were, with wood paneling on the walls and warmth in every aspect of the establishment. From the customer service to the soul-warming food, everything on offer (from 5:30 a.m. to just after noon, only) communicates a time long past. Everything in Harold Waite\u2019s is classic, and that may be what makes this little diner a Waco classic.<\/p>\n Street Dog Caf\u00e9<\/a> —<\/strong> From the culinary mastery that brought Waco the Revival Eastside Eatery comes this heir to the Lula Jane\u2019s space. Retaining all of the charm (and the famous baked oatmeal) from that Waco mainstay, Street Dog Caf\u00e9 offers scratch-made pastries from cinnamon rolls to kolaches, as well as daily breakfast specials, all in a pet-advocacy environment (thus the name). They also brew some of the best coffee served in Texas, using Merit Coffee, which is a much-lauded Texas-born brand. Street Dog, like Revival, is all about local and it shows.<\/p>\n For Keeps<\/a> —<\/strong> Away from the hustle and bustle of both downtown Waco and Baylor campus, For Keeps is a \u201cwhole vibe.\u201d Picturesque, with plenty of study alcoves and good lighting, Baylor students are drawn to this Bosque Road establishment to sip on fastidiously brewed coffee, dine on bagels and bagel sandwiches (including the standard New Yorker\u2019s \u201cbaconeggandcheese\u201d), along with schmears to match. They add a number of pastries and the ubiquitous Texas staple, the breakfast burrito, to the mix, and it makes for an ideal conversation, casual hang, study spot, or off-the-beaten-path cup of joe.<\/p>\n Bitty & Beau\u2019s Coffee<\/a> —<\/strong> Waco is a burgeoning hub of coffee culture, with lots of options to quench the infinite preferences of coffee-lovers throughout. But the draw to Bitty & Beau\u2019s, in the heart of downtown Waco, isn\u2019t just the caffeine and the pastries, both of which are in ready supply. The story, too, is worth more than the cup of java. The store is intentional in its business practices about creating a path for people with disabilities to become more valued, accepted and included in the community. It\u2019s more than coffee for a cause; it\u2019s coffee with a purpose. And, added to the energy boost the caffeine and sugar from their offerings provides, it makes for a good start to the day that you can feel good about.<\/p>\n Be Kind Coffee<\/a> \u2013<\/strong> From a modest countertop in the Waco Custom Marketplace (which is still in operation!) to a brick-and-mortar building closer to the heart of Waco and Baylor campus, Be Kind coffee is the chipper sibling of all the coffeeshops in the area. Think bright and cheery walls, a thoughtful staff, and unique spins on the typical coffee offerings, and you\u2019ll be in the neighborhood. Their Pink Horchaita (horchata + chai, an incredible fusion) is a rollercoaster for the palate, and their Do Good Latte is a floral masterpiece. Be Kind also has bagels, muffins and chocolate chip cookies called \u201cChoccy Chunk!\u201d that could brighten any day. Be kind to yourself and visit Be Kind Coffee.<\/p>\n LONG-TIME FAVORITES:<\/strong><\/p>\n Vitek\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> — Death, taxes, and the Gut Pak; these things are certain. The neighborhood, the clientele, and the world have all changed in the 105 years that Vitek\u2019s has been in operation. And while the Gut Pak\u2019s distant relative, the frito pie, wasn\u2019t invented until the 1940s, it would not achieve its ultimate form until Vitek\u2019s elevated the simple combination of corn chips, chili, cheese and onions by getting rid of the chili in favor of slow roasted brisket with beans, and adding jalape\u00f1os (with sausage, if you dare). The iconic dish comes in both regular and mini sizes, and is as good as you remember.<\/p>\n Ninfa\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> — How we left this Waco food landmark off our list (twice!) was the cause of much criticism. Truth be told, we take it for granted that this stalwart destination of impressive fajitas and unmatched chips and salsa (red or green, it doesn\u2019t really matter) has been a staple in Waco for so long. After any time away — whether it\u2019s four years or four months — the magnetic pull of this Tex-Mex icon is as undeniable as their fajita quesadillas or crawfish enchiladas, which have no equal.<\/p>\n George\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> — What does it take to become a Waco legend? Let’s see: Sustained business dating back to 1930? Check. A mainstay presence at Baylor football games? Check. A popular country song written about you? Check. George\u2019s checks off plenty of other boxes, too. And, whether you\u2019re in the mood for Southern comfort food or odd Central Texas inventions (we\u2019ll take an order of bacon, chicken, cheese and jalape\u00f1o crazy wings, thanks), they have a seat waiting for you.<\/p>\n La Fiesta<\/a><\/strong> — In Texas, the common way to push a culinary envelope is to try to fry. The State Fair of Texas, as well as nearly every rodeo in the state, lives on frying random foods to see how they\u2019ll taste. La Fiesta has found the secret everyone else is looking for in their Avocado Fries. Sure, La Fiesta is a cornerstone of Waco cuisine, serving up great Tex-Mex for years. But it is these delicate Avocado Fries, dipped in either ranch or salsa, that set the Franklin Avenue mainstay apart. Consider their open patio and live music offerings, and it\u2019s easy to see how they\u2019ve been around so long.<\/p>\n Poppa Rollo\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> — Yes, the pizza at Poppa Rollo\u2019s is iconic for Waco, but it\u2019s the throwback environment that reels us in, again and again. The building is replete with video games, a carnival atmosphere, vaudevillian cartoons on a large projection screen, and the most alluring part of the ambience — secret passageways between areas of the restaurant. Add the most overloaded pizzas you could ever hope for to this entertaining and authentic environment, and you can see why so many grads still head to Poppa Rollo\u2019s upon their return to Waco.<\/p>\n Whizzbang\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> — Waco and Texas cities, in general, do not suffer for lack of hamburger places. What is harder to find is a place that will play with the foundational elements of a burger so successfully as the restaurant long known as “Captain Billy Whizzbang\u2019s.” Using a half-burger, half-bacon grind to create their Whizz-Pig, theirs is a burger that is so much more than standard fare. If a diner wants to multiply the experience, they can opt for bacon atop the Whizz-Pig, making it a subtly double-bacon burger. Whatever the toppings, this is a rare offering in what is often a predictable burger landscape, and we are happy they call Waco home.<\/p>\n Schmaltz\u2019s Sandwich Shoppe<\/a><\/strong> — For the closest thing to a muffaletta outside of New Orleans, look no further than Schmaltz\u2019s. Pillowy bread that is bigger than it has any right to be is filled with deli meats and standard veggie toppings, but it\u2019s the attention to each element that makes Schmaltz\u2019s so easy to revisit. The bread is a meal unto itself, toasted on the outside for just the right crisp, while the inside is fluffy and light, making it the perfect vehicle for whatever sandwich fillings you choose.<\/p>\n D’s Mediterranean Grill<\/a><\/strong> — It still feels odd to recommend that Waco visitors head to a place that serves such great Mediterranean food — gyros, falafel and spanakopita — and tell them to order the chicken tenders, but that\u2019s exactly what we suggest. The Mediterranean food notwithstanding, these chicken tenders, whether regular or spicy (we favor the spicy ones), are served piping hot, with a crispy batter that stays through dipping in gravy or sauce. Further, you can get fried green beans as your side dish, making the entire meal a healthier endeavor.<\/p>\n Health Camp<\/a><\/strong> — The oldest and most venerated of Waco\u2019s iconic and historic eateries, Health Camp has been a fixture on Waco\u2019s iconic traffic circle since 1948. Some of their items are time machines back to a number of different iterations of Waco dining culture. The malteds can ferry you back to the 1950s, the burgers can send visitors all the way back to the roadside diners of the 1960s, and the setting itself is pure nostalgia. Here\u2019s to another 70+ years of Health (Camp).<\/p>\n Kitok<\/a><\/strong> — We are overjoyed that Kitok survived the turmoil of the pandemic. But even after all this time, we can\u2019t say it any better than we did the last time we went looking for the best dining in Waco. \u201cIf we\u2019re talking about iconic dishes in Waco, this is the monument. Thinly sliced potatoes (and, we often suspect, some thinly sliced onions and carrots) are dipped in tempura batter and then deep fried to pair with your burger.\u201d Go there. Go there, now.<\/p>\n Baris<\/a><\/strong> — If you drive by Baris on a weekend evening, you might wonder if there\u2019s a convention at the small Valley Mills Drive restaurant. Cars are parked on every conceivable piece of pavement around the Italian eatery, and they\u2019re all there to pursue the affordable, savory dishes that Baris has provided to Waco for decades. The pink sauce is so popular, it should be on social media. Combining the creamy cheesiness of alfredo with the tangy savory flavors of a marinara, it deserves all of the attention it gets.<\/p>\n The Brazos Landing<\/a> (formerly Buzzard Billy’s) —<\/strong> At the confluence of the usual concerns of dining out — location, parking, convenience, distance from other activities, scenic views, and good food that has a menu of both standards and adventurous fare — is a solution that Waco has known for almost a quarter of a century. Whether at the downtown location that you remember from the late 1990s\/early 2000s, or next to the river as it has been since 2008, Buzzard Billy\u2019s\/the Brazos Landing offers cajun dishes and Gulf Coast seafood dishes alongside a vibrant and laid-back environment. Just a short walk from McLane Stadium and replete with patio seating that offers views of the Brazos (particularly stunning at sunset), the Brazos Landing represents an incredible combination of everything one could ask of a dinner on the town in Waco.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Katie\u2019s Frozen Custard<\/a><\/strong> — Waco has plenty of ice cream or frozen dessert offerings to choose from. A significant number of them are national chains, and worth a stop. But none of them compare to the distinctly Waco experience of parking off of Valley Mills Drive, stopping in to Katie\u2019s Custard, and watching the cars go by. It\u2019s a DIY enterprise, meaning that your Katie\u2019s experience is only bound by your own imagination. Gummi Bears and Peanut M&M\u2019s? Done. Pretzels and mint chocolate chips? They\u2019ll do it. They blend and whip all the ingredients together for a rich, velvety smooth dessert that makes Katie\u2019s a very busy place on weekend evenings.<\/p>\n MODERN CLASSICS:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Helberg Barbecue<\/a><\/strong> — One of Texas Monthly<\/em>‘s Top-50 BBQ places, Helberg is just within driving distance in Valley Mills (the city west of Waco) — and it’s worth the drive from anywhere in Texas. Helberg serves up smoked brisket, ribs, pork and a pesto-stuffed turkey that is a highlight. But locals know that the showstopper is the chicken, which has been buttermilk soaked, then smoked on their pits and flash fried when ordered to warm it up and get the outside crispy.<\/p>\n Milo All Day<\/a><\/strong> — From food-truck darling to brick-and-mortar culinary destination and now to pioneer in reviving an entire city area, Milo has continued its meteoric rise to the top of the Waco scene. Combining Texas cuisine with influences from Nashville to New Orleans, Milo brings haute couture and high-style aesthetics together, offering unique fusion dishes like Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos and the must-have that shows off the restaurant\u2019s enthusiasm for Baylor, the Sic ‘Em on a Chicken, a biscuit sandwich that plays recklessly and ever so deliciously with conventions.<\/p>\n Revival Eastside Eatery<\/a><\/strong> — Whether you\u2019re feeling carnivorous and want a burger or if you\u2019re a vegetarian and still want a burger, Revival has precisely what you need. And while the Technicolor Dreamcoat — a true dream of a vegetarian sandwich — is one of the best sandwiches in the region, it shouldn\u2019t distract from the rest of the menu, which includes the Golden Calf, which adds caramelized balsamic onions and goat cheese to turn an American standard into haute cuisine.<\/p>\n Slow Rise on the Brazos<\/a><\/strong> — When last we spoke of this slow-fermented dough pizza, we lamented the distance from the center of town that it took to enjoy a classic Margherita pizza. Now, we can not only celebrate how close this Waco-born temple to all things pizza is, but we can enjoy a waterfront view of the Brazos from their location just west of the Suspension Bridge. Deck pizza might be the best pizza.<\/p>\n Clay Pot<\/a><\/strong> — When it\u2019s cold outside and you just need to warm up (or, when you\u2019re just hungry for Asian cuisine), Clay Pot has the cure for what ails you. Never mind the exhaustive menu of Asian food staples like sesame chicken and fried rice. It is the specialties like vermicelli (complete with all the fixings) and pho that will tackle any cold weather snap valiantly, that make Clay Pot a staple for Baylor Bears. Add a Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which combines divine condensed milk sweetness with a very strong coffee brew, and you\u2019re ready to power through any day.<\/p>\n Olive Branch<\/strong><\/a> — No, we didn\u2019t forget the Waco touchstone for hearty, scratch-made breakfasts and light lunches. How could we ever forget that croissant, those cookies or the cake? Olive Branch has become such a standard in Waco that it can be taken for granted. What can never be taken for granted, however, is the Olive Branch\u2019s elegant aesthetic and remarkable customer service that have been a part of downtown Waco for almost 20 years. And while breakfast with an omelette or a lunch burger are absolutely the right move, their Sunday brunch menu really shines, with dishes like Eggs Sardou (spinach, artichoke and Hollandaise) and the Cinnamon Biscuit Bites.<\/p>\n Bangkok Royal<\/strong><\/a> — Many an ailment in Waco and on Baylor’s campus has been helped or fully healed by the ginger soup or Tom Kha Kai, with lemongrass and coconut milk. Beyond Bangkok Royal\u2019s healing powers, they offer the absolute standard in Pad Thai in Waco. Offered in heat levels that accommodate the cautious and the daring alike, the noodle, chicken and peanut sauce combination is a signature move of this landmark Baylor-area restaurant.<\/p>\n Moroso Italian Ristorante<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0— You\u2019ve seen the tv show or movie, where a raucous group of friends is all laughing at a family table, sharing dishes and stories with glee as a one-hour dinner turns into a three-hour \u201cbig night.\u201d Moroso embodies what those scenes are trying to emulate. Italian dishes served in generous portions are just the starting point. The friendly staff and heady ambience complete the scene that is only lacking you and your party. We recommend getting a good group together and ordering the entire small plates menu, complete with arancini, decadent meatballs and a silky buratta. From there, the night is yours to make a story you\u2019ll relive.<\/p>\n Cha Community<\/a><\/strong> — In compiling this list, we were initially hesitant to oversell a few restaurants that had been recently featured in Baylor Magazine<\/em><\/a>. It seemed excessive to mention these gems over and again. But, with the ever-changing landscape of Waco dining, it\u2019s probably not the worst idea. Take, for example, Cha Community, where one can get the best boba in the Central Texas area, along with some authentic Taiwanese and Chinese food. The dumplings are the diamond of the menu and one of the dishes to seek out in the Waco area — but don\u2019t ignore the Taiwanese Cold Noodles, which are somehow light enough to make you feel like a healthier person for ordering them, but filling enough that you don\u2019t need to order more. You can also order arguably the prettiest beverage Waco has to offer in the Galaxy Lemonade.<\/p>\n Shorty\u2019s Pizza Shack<\/a><\/strong> — It\u2019s almost hard to believe that there was a time when a Baylor student couldn\u2019t get a Pizza Pillow in Waco. It\u2019s even harder to believe that one Pizza Pillow would suffice. The grown-up version of the ubiquitous microwave snacks that most of us all relied on and clamored for, these baked delicacies share more in common with calzones than kolaches, but they have no peer in Central Texas, and disappear just as quickly for alumni as they did when they were students at BU.<\/p>\n Yaki<\/a><\/strong> — Perhaps no restaurant has ingratiated itself into the Baylor-Waco food scene as much as the DIY rice and Asian proteins and veggies that is Yaki. Short for teriyaki, the uncomplicated menu began with offerings at coffee shops like One Day and Pinewood before taking over an abandoned Sonic on Valley Mills. The Yaki empire is growing, built on the back of a fierce dedication to great service, phenomenal combinations, and the \u201cChoose Your Own Adventure\u201d nature of the restaurant.<\/p>\n Pop\u2019s Lemonade<\/a><\/strong> — Waco\u2019s dining scene changes rapidly; to keep up with it, one needs to be nimble, and ready to move to wherever the people are at a moment\u2019s notice. Pop\u2019s Lemonade (alongside its sister store, Mac House) understands this ever-shifting landscape, and thus is always mobile. Baylor students have been charmed on campus when the Pop\u2019s truck pulls into Fountain Mall with a refreshing lemonade that either spirits the customer back to their youth or takes their flavor palate in new directions. Get wild and add a\u00e7a\u00ed and strawberry to your lemonade, or have them create a cherry-lime lemonade masterpiece that will make you forget about all your woes, whether studying for an exam or getting ready for another work meeting.<\/p>\n Oh My Juice<\/a><\/strong> — Not all the Waco food scene is being taken over by traditional restaurants. Some of the city\u2019s newer offerings are far less involved than a meal, yet significantly healthier for you. Take, for example, Oh My Juice. Whether in namesake juice form or one of their many healthy bowls, OMJ combines fresh fruit, grains and nutrients to provide a balm to your thirst, a healthy option for your hunger, or a little pick-me-up for your soul. It is the ultimate in \u201cfeel good\u201d food.<\/p>\n Harvest on 25th<\/a><\/strong> — There have been plenty of people and places one would consider survivors of the pandemic. Still, Harvest has quite the claim as the ultimate survivor. Not only did they pivot to a to-go model from a well-established cozy ambience ethos, but they also endured a fire in their main kitchen. And, yet, here they stand, providing perhaps the best, wholesome dishes that feels more farm-to-farm than farm-to-table. If you\u2019re there for breakfast, choosing between the hash and the sourdough pancakes, we leave that crucial call up to you. You cannot fail.<\/p>\n Nightlight<\/a><\/strong> — What started in New York City as a fad mashup of pastries has come home to Waco to stay, taking up permanent residence at the Farmer\u2019s Market and in a brick-and-mortar space near Woodway. Nightlight is where the croissant and donut combo known as the cronut can be ordered at all hours of the day. Flaky as a croissant and sweet and crispy as a donut, these heavenly concoctions kick a day off perfectly or serve as the ideal nightcap to a great day in Waco.<\/p>\n Taqueria Zacatecas<\/a><\/strong> — Say \u201cTaco Z\u201d to almost any Baylor student and they\u2019ll likely say, \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d Taqueria Zacatecas offers street tacos and tortas that represent the vast array of Mexican street food. And while those dishes are worthwhile, with their variety of proteins and toppings, we recommend getting on board with the birria craze that has taken Mexican restaurants by storm. Melted cheese and fillings are in a taco that is then soaked and crisped up to be dipped in a rich jus that increases both the flavor and the texture of this deliciously messy dish.<\/p>\n Helados La Azteca<\/a><\/strong> — What more can be said about an upstart ice cream and paleta (Mexican ice pop) business that gets so popular that it actually expands during global economic turmoil? Well, for starters, can we introduce you to the wonders of chamoy? Combine sweet syrup with salt and spice and then drizzle the result on everything from fries and chips to every possible kind of fruit and you\u2019ll understand. Its ultimate expression, the mangonada (think the best and fresh fruit smoothie you\u2019ve ever had), is where Helados La Azteca shines.<\/p>\n WHAT’S NEW:<\/strong><\/p>\n Pivovar<\/a><\/strong> — Among the new additions to the restaurant landscape, a few places make one feel like they might not be in Waco anymore. Stepping into Pivovar, you might not even feel like you\u2019re on the same continent as Waco. Decked out in all teak apportions and with the genuine feel of a Czech luxury restaurant, this newcomer to the scene offers a fusion you might never know you needed — “Czexan,” as they call it. Try the Czexan Schnitzel or the Czech Fried Cheese (served with tartar sauce — just trust the process) to see just how melodic this mash-up can be.<\/p>\n DiCampli\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> — From a happenstance meeting on the Italian coast, you could call DiCampli\u2019s Italian Ristorante the child of destiny. Chef and founder Massimo DiCampli met his future wife, who happened to be from the Waco area. The couple moved to the Central Texas area and brought the flavors of Italy with them. Porcini and truffle pizza, cioppino and veal tenderloin saltimbocca are just a few of the benefits that the Waco area can reap from the DiCamplis\u2019 magical union. It isn\u2019t an exaggeration to say that DiCampli\u2019s, with its robust menu and Joanna Gaines-designed interior, makes for the finest dining.<\/p>\n Hecho en Waco<\/a><\/strong> — When Tex-Mex begins to sound boring (if that ever should happen), or one craves a spin on the standard fare of the cuisine, it stands to reason one might go for Mex-Mex, instead. If that\u2019s the case, Hecho en Waco has the fresh flavors and the subtle touches to differentiate their dishes and elicit memories of vacations in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Get the Steak Poblano if you want a dish you\u2019ll travel back to Waco again and again for.<\/p>\n Village Pizza-ria<\/a><\/strong> — The notion that one dish does not a great restaurant make is a lie. The Hot Honey Pizza from Village Pizza-ria in Union Hall is good enough to make almost any restaurant a success. Sure, they have other great offerings, but the introduction of spicy honey atop a parmesan, ricotta and pepperoni pizza takes pizza in a delightful and playful direction. Get your favorite slice, but maybe get a little adventurous and order the Hot Honey. It might become your new favorite.<\/p>\n Taqueria El Crucero<\/a><\/strong> — Many Baylor students will roam toward LaSalle in search of authentic street tacos, gorditas and burritos. But the real taco troopers know that a treasure trove of deliciousness is to be found where LaSalle ends. On Old Robinson Road, just off the Circle, there is a paradise of Tex-Mex cuisine known as El Crucero. Every burrito is oversized, and every sauce is overflowing with flavor. The Nachos Locos are exactly as billed, combining so many different elements into one dish, you\u2019ll wonder why you haven\u2019t been there before or how fast you can go back.<\/p>\n Curry Up and Wok This Way<\/a><\/strong> — The name says it all. If you want a great curry or anything that is prepared in a wok, then this Union Hall vendor is for you. They are introducing Waco diners to the wonders of flavored sticky rice, while serving almost every kind of curry imaginable, alongside traditional Asian fare. The menu changes with the season, opting for vegetables and flavors when the ingredients are at their freshest, and their dedication to that freshness ethic keeps the dishes tasting their best. Get the Green Curry and thank us later.<\/p>\n Cajun Craft<\/a><\/strong> — Fusion between cuisines has many homes in culinary destinations like Houston, San Francisco and New York, where a vast spectrum of cultures and cuisines collide. Respectfully, we think fusion is plenty alive and well at the corner of Clay and 11th in Waco, Texas. Cajun Craft has the jambalaya, etouffee and Cajun staples that are worthy of their name, but also brings the best of Texas and Nashville to the table, with the occasional Asian flourish. Any po-boy is a great move, but we favor the Korean Fried Wings for their spice and their subtle sweetness.<\/p>\n Pignetti\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> — One of Waco\u2019s newer arrivals on the dining scene comes with quite the pedigree. After serving the Temple community for years, the Italian wonderland took over the Phoenix building in downtown and is serving up traditional Italian pizzas, pastas and grilled meats in an elegant environment that is always easy to get to. The worn wood floors and rustic chandeliers accentuate classic preparations of Lobster Ravioli, Lump Crab Avocado Bruschetta and Margherita Pizza. This is the ideal date night for fall in downtown Waco.<\/p>\n Red Herring<\/a> (Hotel Herringbone) —<\/strong> Many attempts have been made to bring fine dining to Waco, but none like this. Red Herring, the restaurant housed in Hotel Herringbone\u2019s new boutique location, not only transports diners to a five-star dining experience, but also to a scene worthy of a movie set. Think Ocean\u2019s 11<\/em> or La La Land<\/em> and you\u2019re suddenly just as cool, just for being there. Pair that with a Wes Anderson aesthetic and innovative food items not seen before in the Waco area, and the illusion is complete. Your dinner is a blockbuster movie, and Red Herring is the star of the show. Try some of the raw bar offerings or the Hamachi aquachile (which pays homage to Austin\/Houston\/Dallas fine dining landmark, Uchi) to really let your meal shine.<\/p>\n Song Bird<\/a> (Hotel Herringbone) —<\/strong> Not to be outdone by its older sibling, Red Herring, Song Bird brings a different level of refinement to dining in Waco. Located in the courtyard of Hotel Herringbone, this French-inspired lunch locale specializes in made-to-order sandwiches made with the finest meats and cheeses to be found in the city limits. Song Bird also offers those elements in their most brilliant and insta-worthy form, putting the \u201ccute\u201d in charcuterie, but without sacrificing the quality. Soppressata, bresaola and Jasper\u2019s 5-year cheddar are some of the highlights in a blinding array of crackers, nuts, jams, spreads and other fine foods, all now available in the heart of the city.<\/p>\n Lucky Buck\u2019s<\/a> (Hotel Herringbone) —<\/strong> If Red Herring is Hotel Herringbone\u2019s formal affair and Song Bird is their elegant European lunch, then Lucky Buck\u2019s is the get-comfy-and-hang patio of the boutique hotel. Situated atop Herringbone\u2019s four-story structure, the view from the top is the best in all of Waco. A 270-plus-degree view of Waco, from southeast Waco through downtown and then to northwest Waco (including the County Courthouse, Alico Building, McLane Stadium and Baylor campus spires), is the perfect setting for whiling away the hours. Lucky Buck\u2019s serves hot dogs (each referred to by their modern nomenclature — the glizzy) and fries in a relaxed atmosphere that is as cozy as a front porch. Replete with games and sporting two enormous fans to beat away the summer sizzle, this covered rooftop takes the sting out of a Texas summer and leaves the fancy downstairs in favor of the familiar.<\/p>\n Terry Black\u2019s Barbecue<\/a> —<\/strong> As seen above with Guess and Helberg,\u00a0the burgeoning Waco barbecue scene has been sending great \u2018cue out into the world. It\u2019s only fitting that the BBQ world should send something back; enter Terry Black\u2019s Barbecue, which brings with it the long and storied tradition of great Texas barbecue associated with the Black name. The Black family, of Lockhart and Austin fame, has long been at odds between Black\u2019s and Terry Black\u2019s in the battle for whose \u2018cue reigns supreme. But, the by-product of the battle has been that Texas has been the most well-fed bystander. And now, Waco marks the new frontier, as Terry Black\u2019s has staked a claim in downtown. With amazing attention to detail — flowers in the patio, an orderly and spacious dining area — and the hallmarks of great ribs, brisket, sides and the infamous beef rib, Terry Black\u2019s is somehow always busy and yet not long a wait. Order for the family at lunch or dinner and share and enjoy a combination of both old (the historic Black family barbecue) and new (the newest Waco dining destination).<\/p>\n Brasserie 1928<\/a> —<\/strong> On the ground floor of the sparkling Hotel 1928 (Magnolia’s latest contribution to the city, built with loving care into the old Masonic Lodge space) sits Brasserie 1928. With sweeping street-level views of downtown Waco, Brasserie 1928 feels not only like stepping into a New York fine dining restaurant, complete with penny tiles and lush green leather, but also like stepping back in time, to when a hotel restaurant might be the talk of the town. Offering Neo French dining in a bright and vibrant atmosphere, Brasserie 1928 is ideal for either a small bite for a snack (pimento cheese is having a moment in Waco, and 1928 is at the vanguard), a fresh salad or healthy sandwich for lunch (the avocado caprese is a revelation), or a well-cooked (not well done) steak and fries for dinner. The locals\u2019 move, no matter what one orders, is to get the crispy sweet potatoes.<\/p>\n
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