Are you planning a long-awaited vacation to Waco in Central Texas and want to know all your terrific dining choices?
If you are, take a look at this hand-picked list of the best restaurants in Waco.
I gave you an array of outstanding options, like charming bakeries, vibrant pizzerias, delightful steakhouses, eclectic breweries, welcoming fast-food chains, relaxed brewpubs, budget-friendly diners, and countless others.
There are eateries serving options for those following specific diets, large platters for groups, the freshest seafood dishes, decadent pastries, premium-quality steaks, exquisite pasta, and so much more.
So, let me help you prepare for an epic and unforgettable culinary experience as you learn more about your options!
1. Cafe Homestead
608 Dry Creek Rd
Waco, TX 76705
(254) 754-9604
Cafe Homestead, established in 1994, is a long-time running restaurant serving locally sourced American dishes.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have a memorable culinary experience with your travel buddies at one of the top Waco restaurants, Cafe Homestead.
It features a unique setting with rustic touches, healthy food choices, freshly brewed coffee, and an impressive all-day menu.
What to Eat
Do you want to try a one-of-a-kind dish? If you do, I recommend the famous Quesadilla Burger. It is a crispy handmade tortilla filled with a premium patty, sautéed pico de gallo, a creamy chipotle sauce, roasted poblano peppers, and Muenster cheese.
I recommend the Open-Face Chile Rellenos for dinner. It consists of roasted poblano pepper, sautéed onions, smoked chicken, green chile sauce, cheese, craisins, toasted pecans, and jalapeno grits.
2. MOROSO Wood Fired Pizzeria
4700 Bosque Blvd
Waco, TX 76710
(254) 235-6000
The MOROSO Wood Fired Pizzeria, founded in 2016, is a highly acclaimed restaurant known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Are you a pizza-lover searching for good restaurants in Waco to satisfy your cravings? Then, make your way to the MOROSO Wood Fired Pizzeria.
Here, you can enjoy Italian wines, artisan pizzas, draft beers, hand-crafted pasta dishes, fresh salads, a la carte options, and plates for sharing.
What to Eat
Try the Moroso Benedict when visiting during brunch time. It includes crispy pancetta, Moroso hash, poached eggs, pesto-infused hollandaise, and caviar.
I recommend the Wild Hog if you want to enjoy a Neapolitan-style pizza. It has a homemade, award-winning dressing, house-made barbecue sauce, aged white cheddar, pickled onions, smoked pulled pork, and coleslaw.
3. Magnolia Table
2132 S Valley Mills Dr
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 265-6859
The Magnolia Table is a renowned dining establishment specializing in breakfast and lunch dishes.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Are you looking for the best places to eat in Waco with your companions to start your day with a hearty meal? If so, consider dining at the Magnolia Table.
It boasts a hip setting, indoor and outdoor seating, and mouth-watering dishes prepared from farm-fresh ingredients.
What to Eat
Enjoy a classic and filling meal by sampling the Pancake Breakfast. These are homemade lemon-blueberry or buttermilk pancakes with tater tots, eggs, and your choice of thick-cut peppered bacon or sausages.
Have a salad for lunch by ordering Our Table Salad. Some ingredients are mixed greens, dried cranberries, roasted chicken, candied pecans, marinated asparagus, house-made vinaigrette, sharp white cheddar, and microgreens.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Place Waco – South
4. Jake’s Texas Tea House
613 Austin Ave
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 756-2522
Jake’s Texas Tea House is an American restaurant that opened in 2013 in the downtown neighborhood.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Catch up with your friends, loved ones, or a special someone while having the best lunch in Waco at Jake’s Texas Tea House.
It offers Southern diner-style food, refreshing local beers, a delightful retro theme, homemade desserts, kid-friendly meals, and various daily specials.
What to Eat
Do you enjoy hamburgers and spicy food? Enjoy both by trying out the Diesel. It consists of red onions, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, a house-made patty, lettuce, poblano peppers, pickles, and tomatoes.
Opt for the Country French if you prefer sandwiches. It is a lightly toasted buttered baguette with smoked turkey, lettuce, French brie cheese, tomatoes, and sliced avocados.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Waco North – Near University Area
5. Brazos Bar & Bistro
211 Clay Ave
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 754-7000
The Brazos Bar & Bistro is a contemporary eatery established at the Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor, an IHG Hotel.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You can find numerous best rated restaurants in Waco to dine with your companions, like the Brazos Bar & Bistro.
It features a stylishly decorated interior, a laid-back ambiance, well-presented dishes, creative cocktails, and an impressive wine list.
What to Eat
I suggest the Chilean Sea Bass to sample a fish-based entree. It is a lightly seared Chilean filet served with lemon Beurre blanc, classic risotto, and roasted asparagus.
Order the Porcini Chicken Roulade if you prefer poultry-based dishes. It is a chicken breast stuffed with porcini mushrooms and spinach, with a white wine cream topping and parmesan risotto on the side.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Indigo Waco, an IHG Hotel
6. George’s
1925 Speight Avenue
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 753-1421
Georges is officially known as George’s Restaurant Bar & Catering #2. You can find it at the West Rock Center, a prominent business center.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
George’s is one of the best birthday restaurants in Waco, offering the perfect place to spend your special day.
This fantastic eatery offers full-service catering, customizable packages for every occasion, large platters, professional staff, and more.
What to Eat
Try a delicious specialty to start your day with a filling meal by ordering the Big “O” Breakfast. It includes three eggs, two strips of bacon, ham, two pancakes, a sausage, and your choice of grits, fruit, or potatoes.
Order Anita’s Sizzling Fajitas to sample a flavor-rich Mexican favorite. It consists of grilled onions, beans a la charra, peppers, protein, and Spanish rice.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites Near University
7. Baris
904 N Valley Mills Dr
Waco, TX 76710
(254) 772-2900
Baris, which opened in 1996, is a well-loved dining establishment specializing in traditional Italian cuisine.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Consider this outstanding eatery when searching for the most popular restaurants to try authentic Mexican dishes.
It boasts an easygoing atmosphere, friendly staff, reasonable rates, gourmet dishes, and catering services catering to every budget.
What to Eat
Do you want to sample a gourmet pizza? If you do, try the Baris Florentine Pizza. It features a homemade sauce base topped with spinach, onions, fresh mushrooms, garlic, and sliced tomatoes.
Try an exquisite pasta dish by ordering Dee’s Special. It is sauteed ziti with mozzarella, ricotta, Italian seasonings, and a meat sauce.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Waco Near University Area
8. Alpha Omega
929 Franklin Ave
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 732-7506
Alpha Omega, which opened in June 2016, is a downtown restaurant serving Mediterranean and Greek cuisine.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Alpha Omega is the perfect choice when looking for Waco eats to satisfy your cravings for authentic Greek dishes.
It has a relaxed space, a patio for outdoor dining, and an extensive menu offering mezze platters, gyros, specialty drinks, and so much more.
What to Eat
The Veggie Gyro is a superb option if you follow a meat-free diet. It is a pita filled with fresh vegetables, cucumbers, feta cheese, tomatoes, hummus, lettuce, and olives.
The Ribeye Gyro is a must-try for meat lovers. It consists of grilled ribeye, wine mushroom sauce, tomatoes, bell peppers, fries, and onions.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton Waco
9. Chuy’s
5501 Legend Lake Pkwy
Waco, TX 76712
(254) 420-4242
Chuy’s is a famed eatery serving Tex-Mex fare. It neighbors the Cottonwood Creek Golf Course and the Central Texas Marketplace.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Enjoy some of the best food in Waco by dining at this fabulous restaurant with your travel buddies.
Here, you can enjoy flavorful appetizers, fajitas, burritos, tacos, salads, enchiladas, yummy options for your children, and platters for families.
What to Eat
Order the Chuychanga to sample a house specialty. It is a deep-fried flour tortilla filled with cheese, green chiles, roasted chicken, and cilantro served with refried beans and Mexican rice.
Opt for the Tacos Al Carbon to try out a flavor-rich taco. These are flour tortillas topped with grilled onions, lettuce, peppers, cheese, guacamole, and your choice of fajita beef or chicken.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites Hewitt – South Waco
Related: Best Things to Do in Waco
10. Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant
220 S 3rd St
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-2050
Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant is a vibrant dining establishment located at the River Square Center, a premier business and shopping area.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant is one of the coolest eateries in the city, boasting beautifully plated dishes and a gorgeous interior with eye-catching chandeliers.
It offers generous portions, a wide variety of Mexican classics, catering services for special occasions, and a laid-back vibe.
What to Eat
Try a healthy, gluten-free dish by sampling the Pechuga Grillada. It is a char-broiled boneless chicken breast served with a sinner salad, white rice, and lite Italian dressing.
Order the Parrilla Mixta to enjoy a little bit of everything. It consists of pork ribs, chicken and beef fajitas, charbroiled shrimp, carnitas, fried mushrooms, jack cheese stuffed poblano pepper, rice, Pico de Gallo, refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, and more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Waco
11. Cricket’s Grill & Draft House
211 Mary Ave
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 754-4677
Cricket’s Grill & Draft House, founded in 1996, is a renowned restaurant and local hangout.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Cricket’s Grill & Draft House is a brilliant choice when searching for casual spots to eat to enjoy an unforgettable bonding experience with your companions.
It has plenty to offer you, like pool tables, exceptional service, at least 100 draft beers, and a variety of delicious dishes.
What to Eat
The Steakhouse Salad is a terrific option if you want to enjoy a salad-based entree. It consists of grilled steak, onions, crumbled bleu cheese, diced garden tomatoes, and hand-dipped onion rings.
Sample the Texas BBQ Braised Beef Melt to try a savory sandwich. It comes with pickles, griddled sourdough, a secret cheese blend, and sriracha mayo.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Waco
Related: Things to Do in Waco with Kids
12. One Thirty Five Prime
1201 Hewitt Dr Suite 110
Waco, TX 76712
(254) 666-3100
One Thirty Five Prime, also known as 135 Prime, is a world-class restaurant at the West Rock Center.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have an intimate dinner date with your beloved while enjoying fine dining in Waco at One Thirty Five Prime.
This spectacular eater boasts an elegant banquet room, a refined space, accommodating staff, and an impressive array of dishes prepared from the finest meats and freshest seafood.
What to Eat
I suggest the Steak & Crab Oscar to enjoy the perfect combination of seafood and red meat. It is a 6oz prime tenderloin with seasoned blue crabmeat stuffing, served with asparagus and Béarnaise sauce.
Indulge in a decadent dessert by ordering the Chocolate Tower Cake. It is an eight-layer amaretto cake with Callebaut chocolate buttercream frosting and choco sauce and shavings.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Woodway – Waco South
13. Jasper’s BBQ
105 Clifton St
Waco, TX 76704
(254) 732-0899
Jasper’s BBQ is a casual barbecue restaurant dating back to 1915, making it one of the oldest eateries in the city.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Consider this dining establishment when looking for local restaurants to try exquisite Texas-style barbecue.
Jasper’s BBQ is a famous spot, welcoming high-profile guests like former President George W. Bush and Bonnie and Clyde, notable outlaw heroes.
What to Eat
Try a flavorful specialty by ordering the Beanie-Q. It is a bowl of house-made pinto beans topped with chopped brisket.
Do you want to sample a famous dish? If you do, I recommend the Waco Tornado. It consists of tender chopped beef, grated cheddar cheese, crunchy corn chips, pinto beans, and smoked sausage.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waco North
Related: Best Hotels in Waco
14. Kitok Restaurant
1815 N 18th St
Waco, TX 76707
(254) 754-1801
The Kitok Restaurant, which debuted in 1975, is a highly acclaimed dining establishment serving traditional Korean-style dishes.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Are you a foodie craving Korean-American cuisine? If you are, head to the Kitok Restaurant with your travel buddies.
This locally-owned eatery features a chill ambiance, fast service, budget-friendly prices, and simplistic decor.
What to Eat
Order the Bulgogi Burger to try something different and tasty. It is a hamburger with bulgogi marinated in ginger, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and wine, served with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
Try an oriental meal for dinner by sampling the Teriyaki Steak. It comes with a side of fries and stir-fried vegetables.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriott Waco
15. D’s Mediterranean Grill
1503 Colcord Ave
Waco, TX 76707
(254) 754-6709
D’s Mediterranean Grill, which opened in 2002, is a counter-serve eatery serving Med-Middle Eastern fare.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Do you have an adventurous taste palate? Are you searching for where to eat in Waco that offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes? If so, there is no better place than D’s Mediterranean Grill.
It offers shareable plates for large groups, a laid-back setting, various exotic dishes for you to sample, and affordable rates.
What to Eat
Try a flavorful dish by sampling the Kibbe Plate. It includes cracked wheat, seasoned ground beef, meat, and pine nuts.
If you are a health-nut, I recommend the Lebanese Salad. It consists of mashed garlic, green onions, tomatoes, olive oil, cucumbers, lemon juice, and peppers.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Waco Baylor Downtown
16. The Blasian Asian
720 Franklin Ave
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 640-2940
The Blasian Asian, founded in 2016, is a well-known restaurant serving Cambodian-inspired cuisine at Union Hall.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The Blasian Asian is one of the best dinner places in Waco, offering you a selection of delicious Asian delicacies.
Here, you can try all sorts of yummy dishes, like options for special diets, spicy food, noodle dishes, combo meals, and lots more.
What to Eat
Do you follow a meat-free diet? If you do, I suggest the Vegetarian Char Bon Lai. It includes red bell peppers, tofu, carrots, mushrooms, cauliflowers, onions, and green bell peppers, served with white rice.
Enjoy a filling and flavorful meal by ordering the Combo X – Sach Chrouk & Ko Jakak. It comes with grilled pork skewers, white rice, beef skewers, egg rolls, and a sweet chili sauce.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aloft Waco Baylor
17. Vitek’s BBQ
1600 Speight Ave
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 752-7591
Vitek’s BBQ, founded in the mid-1910s, is a local landmark and restaurant serving Texas-style barbecue.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Are you looking for restaurants near you to satisfy your meat craving appetite? If you are, dine at Vitek’s BBQ with your travel buddies.
This local institution offers signature dishes, reasonable rates, generous portions, charming decorations, and a welcoming vibe.
What to Eat
Order the Vitek’s Famous Gut Pak to sample a best-selling specialty. It includes Fritos corn chips, beans, jalapeno peppers, sliced bread, hand-chopped brisket, sausage, cheese, beans, pickles, and a barbecue sauce.
Do you want to order the perfect dish to share with your companions? If you do, try the Pulled Pork Nachos. These are tortilla chips topped with beans, onions, queso, jalapeno peppers, pickles, pulled pork, and house-made barbecue sauce.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Waco-South
18. Clay Pot Restaurant
416 Franklin Ave
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 756-2721
The Clay Pot Restaurant is a family-owned dining establishment specializing in authentic Vietnamese delicacies.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This magnificent eatery is one of the best restaurants downtown, boasting beautiful decorations, refreshing bubble tea, and various delicious dishes.
It boasts a relaxed space, many nearby attractions, catering services for special occasions, and various engaging events throughout the year.
What to Eat
Are you sensitive to gluten? If you are, try the Shrimp & Grilled Pork spring roll. It is hand-rolled rice paper stuffed with pork, shrimp, cilantro, beansprouts, rice noodles, apple, cucumbers, lettuce, and more.
Try a Clay Pot original by ordering the Spring Fried Rice. It includes your choice of protein, onions, carrots, eggs, broccoli, mushrooms, and rich coconut milk.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Waco North
19. Taqueria El Crucero
2505 Robinson Dr
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 662-3359
Taqueria El Crucero is a renowned restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine from breakfast to lunch.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Start your day with a laid-back meal amidst a casual space by dining at Taqueria El Crucero with your companions.
It offers fast service, simplistic decorations, budget-friendly prices, vegetarian options, a la carte meals, flavorful tacos, and more.
What to Eat
The Huevos Campesinos is a tasty option when visiting during breakfast time. It includes fried eggs, grilled whole beans, cheese, potatoes, your choice of meat, and oso sauce.
For lunch, try the Carnitas Plate. It is tender shredded pork served with Pico de Gallo and avocados.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Waco South, an IHG Hotel
20. Cupp’s Drive Inn
1424 Speight Ave
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 753-9364
Cupp’s Drive Inn is a family-operated hamburger dining establishment dating back to 1947.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Cupp’s Drive Inn is one of the best restaurants in Waco, offering a budget-friendly dining experience and accommodating staff.
Here, you can enjoy various mouth-watering dishes, juicy burgers, fresh salads, yummy sandwiches, kid-friendly food choices, and so much more.
What to Eat
Start your meal on the healthier side by sampling the Chef Salad. It has shredded carrots, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, and more.
Enjoy a heavy meal by ordering the Chicken Fried Steak Lunch Plate. It comes with a side salad, french fries, toast, and gravy.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Candlewood Suites Waco, an IHG Hotel
Map of Restaurants in Waco
List of image sources
20 Best Waco Restaurants for 2022
- Cafe Homestead
- MOROSO Wood Fired Pizzeria
- Magnolia Table
- Jake’s Texas Tea House
- Brazos Bar & Bistro
- George’s
- Baris
- Alpha Omega
- Chuy’s
- Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant
- Cricket’s Grill & Draft House
- One Thirty Five Prime
- Jasper’s BBQ
- Kitok Restaurant
- D’s Mediterranean Grill
- The Blasian Asian
- Vitek’s BBQ
- Clay Pot Restaurant
- Taqueria El Crucero
- Cupp’s Drive Inn
