A Guide to Our Favorite Shops, Stops, Eats & Drinks
Awesome Eateries
Locally owned, family-friendly place for New York-style pizza (made completely from scratch) and craft beer with a spacious outdoor patio right on the river.
12 locals recommend
Slow Rise on the Brazos
1620 North Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardLocally owned, family-friendly place for New York-style pizza (made completely from scratch) and craft beer with a spacious outdoor patio right on the river.
Serving a range of different tastes and offering the added nourishment of community, this eatery brings local chefs and entrepreneurs under one roof, offering delicious and diverse dining options from multiple stalls with seating at common tables.
59 locals recommend
Union Hall
720 Franklin AveServing a range of different tastes and offering the added nourishment of community, this eatery brings local chefs and entrepreneurs under one roof, offering delicious and diverse dining options from multiple stalls with seating at common tables.
Operational for more than 75 years, this full-service restaurant (and local favorite), provides a variety of eating options, including steak, seafood, burgers, fajitas, chicken and tap beer.
89 locals recommend
George’s Restaurant Bar & Catering
1925 Speight AveOperational for more than 75 years, this full-service restaurant (and local favorite), provides a variety of eating options, including steak, seafood, burgers, fajitas, chicken and tap beer.
A breakfast and lunch eatery specializing in fresh, homegrown ingredients and good, old-fashioned cooking. Plus the Take Away + Market offers the full menu, coffee, pastries, pre-boxed lunches and treats on the go.
125 locals recommend
Magnolia Table
2132 S Valley Mills DrA breakfast and lunch eatery specializing in fresh, homegrown ingredients and good, old-fashioned cooking. Plus the Take Away + Market offers the full menu, coffee, pastries, pre-boxed lunches and treats on the go.
Voted Waco's best brunch! A home away from home, family-friendly restaurant serving signature gourmet breakfasts, luncheons and coffees.
41 locals recommend
Cafe Cappuccino
100 N 6th StVoted Waco's best brunch! A home away from home, family-friendly restaurant serving signature gourmet breakfasts, luncheons and coffees.
Fresh means seasonal with menus that evolve throughout the year, ensuring simplicity and farm-totable quality. Brunch to dinner, their food combines time-honored traditions with big flavors to create a memorable dining experience.
58 locals recommend
Milo
1020 Franklin AveFresh means seasonal with menus that evolve throughout the year, ensuring simplicity and farm-totable quality. Brunch to dinner, their food combines time-honored traditions with big flavors to create a memorable dining experience.
Best BBQ in Waco! Texas Monthly Top 10 BBQ Joints. Old School Texas Barbecue smoked with post oak for amazing meats and sides. Plus daily specials and desserts!
38 locals recommend
Guess Family Barbecue
2803 Franklin AvenueBest BBQ in Waco! Texas Monthly Top 10 BBQ Joints. Old School Texas Barbecue smoked with post oak for amazing meats and sides. Plus daily specials and desserts!
An authentic Italian experience with exceptional service, delicious food, and a family environment.
22 locals recommend
Di Campli's Italian Ristorante
6500 Woodway DrAn authentic Italian experience with exceptional service, delicious food, and a family environment.
Fine dining in a casual atmosphere using only the finest beef, seafood, and farm-to-table produce.
29 locals recommend
135 Prime
1201 Hewitt DrFine dining in a casual atmosphere using only the finest beef, seafood, and farm-to-table produce.
A convivial hangout known for its beer selection & pub grub, plus pool tables, shuffleboard and other games.
41 locals recommend
Cricket's Grill & Drafthouse
211 Mary AveA convivial hangout known for its beer selection & pub grub, plus pool tables, shuffleboard and other games.
Cajun & American fare with a riverside setting. Fresh seafood, straight from the Gulf, plus fresh catch, straight from the boat, this laid-back eatery features indoor & outdoor dining overlooking the Brazos River.
32 locals recommend
Buzzard Billy's
100 N Interstate 35 Frontage RdCajun & American fare with a riverside setting. Fresh seafood, straight from the Gulf, plus fresh catch, straight from the boat, this laid-back eatery features indoor & outdoor dining overlooking the Brazos River.
Independently owned and proud to be "grown here" in Waco, this creamery provides locally and responsibly sourced, delicious, frozen treats.
37 locals recommend
Heritage Creamery
1125 S 8th StIndependently owned and proud to be "grown here" in Waco, this creamery provides locally and responsibly sourced, delicious, frozen treats.
Hecho En Waco is located in the heart of the Silo District! Experience an authentic taste of Interior Mexican cuisine: Enchiladas, Tacos, Fajitas, Tortillas, Chile con Queso, Chips and Salsa, and the best Margaritas made from scratch!
48 locals recommend
Hecho En Waco Mexican Cuisine
300 S 6th StHecho En Waco is located in the heart of the Silo District! Experience an authentic taste of Interior Mexican cuisine: Enchiladas, Tacos, Fajitas, Tortillas, Chile con Queso, Chips and Salsa, and the best Margaritas made from scratch!
Unique and locally owned bakery and coffee shop offering a variety of everyday and seasonal favorites of their scoop style cookies, other baked goods and delicious coffee drinks.
10 locals recommend
milk bottle cookies
218 South 11th StreetUnique and locally owned bakery and coffee shop offering a variety of everyday and seasonal favorites of their scoop style cookies, other baked goods and delicious coffee drinks.
Must-See Stops
Featuring an outdoor concert stage, hosting local-regionalnational entertainment, covered dancing and viewing area, fire pits, rooftop seating, washers and cornhole pits, outdoor LED TVs, a full restaurant and inside/outside bars.
63 locals recommend
The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill
511 S 8th StFeaturing an outdoor concert stage, hosting local-regionalnational entertainment, covered dancing and viewing area, fire pits, rooftop seating, washers and cornhole pits, outdoor LED TVs, a full restaurant and inside/outside bars.
Cameron Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Texas, and it's where Waco celebrates life! Located right next door to downtown and the Brazos River, the park is an oasis with towering trees, two rivers, breathtaking cliffs and a National Recreation Trail system.
143 locals recommend
Cameron Park
2601 N University Parks DrCameron Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Texas, and it's where Waco celebrates life! Located right next door to downtown and the Brazos River, the park is an oasis with towering trees, two rivers, breathtaking cliffs and a National Recreation Trail system.
Bringing together local growers, producers and artisan food vendors while providing a vibrant cultural experience in downtown Waco every Saturday year-round! Conveniently located between the County Courthouse and the ALICO building.
76 locals recommend
Waco Downtown Farmer's Market
500 Washington AveBringing together local growers, producers and artisan food vendors while providing a vibrant cultural experience in downtown Waco every Saturday year-round! Conveniently located between the County Courthouse and the ALICO building.
An award winning natural habitat zoo located with Cameron Park along the Brazos river. With 52 acres of lush landscaping, this attraction creates a beautiful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy the wonders of the natural world.
168 locals recommend
Cameron Park Zoo
1701 N 4th StAn award winning natural habitat zoo located with Cameron Park along the Brazos river. With 52 acres of lush landscaping, this attraction creates a beautiful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy the wonders of the natural world.
This Baylor University museum features natural science and cultural history focusing on Central Texas, with walk-in dioramas and exploration stations for geology, paleontology, archaeology, and natural history. In addition, there are two floors of themed discovery rooms that encourage hands-on learning for all ages.
111 locals recommend
Mayborn Museum Complex
1300 S University Parks DrThis Baylor University museum features natural science and cultural history focusing on Central Texas, with walk-in dioramas and exploration stations for geology, paleontology, archaeology, and natural history. In addition, there are two floors of themed discovery rooms that encourage hands-on learning for all ages.
World renowned surf resort featuring a surf lagoon, wakeboard cable park, lazy river, wedge slide, and multiple food and beverage options.
57 locals recommend
BSR Cable Park
5347 Old Mexia RdWorld renowned surf resort featuring a surf lagoon, wakeboard cable park, lazy river, wedge slide, and multiple food and beverage options.
The historic home of the nation's oldest major soft drink -Dr Pepper! This non-profit organization tells the story of Dr Pepper and the soft drink industry; located in the original 1906 Dr Pepper bottling plant building.
138 locals recommend
Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute
300 S 5th StThe historic home of the nation's oldest major soft drink -Dr Pepper! This non-profit organization tells the story of Dr Pepper and the soft drink industry; located in the original 1906 Dr Pepper bottling plant building.
The nation's first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of mammoths, this paleontological site and museum displays fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other mammals from the Pleistocene Epoch.
139 locals recommend
Waco Mammoth National Monument
6220 Steinbeck Bend DrThe nation's first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of mammoths, this paleontological site and museum displays fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other mammals from the Pleistocene Epoch.
Open year-round, Monday through Saturday, offering tours, activities, learning opportunities, craft shops, heirloom furniture and handcrafted gifts, farm-to-table dining and much more.
92 locals recommend
Homestead Heritage
608 Dry Creek RdOpen year-round, Monday through Saturday, offering tours, activities, learning opportunities, craft shops, heirloom furniture and handcrafted gifts, farm-to-table dining and much more.
An outdoor oasis of endless fun! If you love yard games, live music, food trucks, dogs, endless conversations, and having a drink (or two) - this the place for you!
7 locals recommend
Freight Bar Waco
1613 James AveAn outdoor oasis of endless fun! If you love yard games, live music, food trucks, dogs, endless conversations, and having a drink (or two) - this the place for you!
A legendary icon of downtown Waco, completed in 1870. For years, the bridge served as a Chisholm Trail crossing, and at the time of its completion, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi.
62 locals recommend
Waco Suspension Bridge
101 N University Parks DrA legendary icon of downtown Waco, completed in 1870. For years, the bridge served as a Chisholm Trail crossing, and at the time of its completion, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi.
Unique Shops
Taking "destination shopping" to the next level with a collection of more than 60 various shops under one roof offering endless options of apparel, accessories, home decor and gifts.
102 locals recommend
Spice Village
213 Mary AveTaking "destination shopping" to the next level with a collection of more than 60 various shops under one roof offering endless options of apparel, accessories, home decor and gifts.
Set in a restored, airy space, this boutique offers a collection of fine home furnishings, home decor, boutique wear and an in-house craft beer and wine bar.
63 locals recommend
The Findery
910 S 8th StSet in a restored, airy space, this boutique offers a collection of fine home furnishings, home decor, boutique wear and an in-house craft beer and wine bar.
A lovely boutique retail store specializing in unique, locally made and carefully sourced household items to help you entertain at home.
7 locals recommend
Gather
719 Washington AveA lovely boutique retail store specializing in unique, locally made and carefully sourced household items to help you entertain at home.
There's something for everyone at Magnolia-shopping, coffee, the garden & even food trucks. It encompasses two city blocks in downtown Waco, marked by two 120' high silos, built in 1950 as part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company.
256 locals recommend
Magnolia Market Silos
601 Webster AveThere's something for everyone at Magnolia-shopping, coffee, the garden & even food trucks. It encompasses two city blocks in downtown Waco, marked by two 120' high silos, built in 1950 as part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company.
A women's boutique that features an assortment of hand-picked clothing tailored to compliment any body type. Inclusive fashion choices that give you the confidence to be your best self.
Aside from apparel, the store is filled with aesthetic home goods, beautiful accessories, and unique gifts.
Lone Star State of Mind
A women's boutique that features an assortment of hand-picked clothing tailored to compliment any body type. Inclusive fashion choices that give you the confidence to be your best self.
Aside from apparel, the store is filled with aesthetic home goods, beautiful accessories, and unique gifts.
Delicious Drinks
A charming coffee house that sits on the edge of Baylor campus, perfectly off 1-35. Known by Baylor students, Wacoans, and visitors alike for their signature Cowboy Coffee.
69 locals recommend
Common Grounds Waco
1123 S 8th StA charming coffee house that sits on the edge of Baylor campus, perfectly off 1-35. Known by Baylor students, Wacoans, and visitors alike for their signature Cowboy Coffee.
Locally owned by a Baylor grad, serving cold-pressed juice, acai bowls, smoothies and salads. All products are made with fresh, natural ingredients - no hidden preservatives or refined sugars.
6 locals recommend
Oh My Juice!
201 Mary AveLocally owned by a Baylor grad, serving cold-pressed juice, acai bowls, smoothies and salads. All products are made with fresh, natural ingredients - no hidden preservatives or refined sugars.
A grain to glass distillery conveniently located downtown. Known for crafting many unique whiskies and spirits that have received worldwide recognition.
43 locals recommend
Balcones Distilling
225 S 11th StA grain to glass distillery conveniently located downtown. Known for crafting many unique whiskies and spirits that have received worldwide recognition.
Locally owned craft brewery. Creating, crafting, brewing and sampling flagship beer ideal for everyone since 2018.
17 locals recommend
Southern Roots Brewing Co.
219 N 8th StLocally owned craft brewery. Creating, crafting, brewing and sampling flagship beer ideal for everyone since 2018.
A relaxing country-side setting that offers the enjoyment of friends, great wines, and beautiful scenery.
7 locals recommend
Country Spring Vineyard And Wine Garden
1685 Country Spring RdA relaxing country-side setting that offers the enjoyment of friends, great wines, and beautiful scenery.
If life is a cakewalk, then One Day is the icing. You’ll find your favorite classic cocktails, coffee, beer and wine on the menu, keeping you in mind while mixing the old and the new to craft noteworthy drinks.
11 locals recommend
One Day Bar
618 Columbus AveIf life is a cakewalk, then One Day is the icing. You’ll find your favorite classic cocktails, coffee, beer and wine on the menu, keeping you in mind while mixing the old and the new to craft noteworthy drinks.
Active Vacationing
Just because you are traveling doesn't mean you can't stay active! Try these fun ways to keep moving and have fun while visiting Waco!
A full-body workout that transforms you physically and mentally. Our musically driven group classes focus on low-impact, high-intensity movements that strengthen and tone your body in 50 minutes or less.
Pure Barre
A full-body workout that transforms you physically and mentally. Our musically driven group classes focus on low-impact, high-intensity movements that strengthen and tone your body in 50 minutes or less.
A 2.5 mile (one way) paved hike and bike Trail with a scenic view including wildlife and a bridge crossing the South Bosque River.
Cotton Belt Trail, Woodway, TX, USA
A 2.5 mile (one way) paved hike and bike Trail with a scenic view including wildlife and a bridge crossing the South Bosque River.
A riverside park that winds gently along the Brazos River featuring boat ramps, pavilions, a disc golf course, hiking trails, restrooms, horseshoe pits and scenic views of the limestone cliffs across the river.
Disc golf course is par 64. Difficult course with an open but challenging front nine and a tree-heavy, narrow back nine. Great course for a good challenge!
Brazos Park East
3516 N M.L.K. Jr BlvdA riverside park that winds gently along the Brazos River featuring boat ramps, pavilions, a disc golf course, hiking trails, restrooms, horseshoe pits and scenic views of the limestone cliffs across the river.
Disc golf course is par 64. Difficult course with an open but challenging front nine and a tree-heavy, narrow back nine. Great course for a good challenge!