You don’t want Cane’s or Taco Bell or Whataburger. You’re sick of the usual places: George’s, Shorty’s and Magnolia. Maybe you are craving something fresh. Maybe you feel like supporting smaller businesses. Maybe you just want to try something new. I’ve made a comprehensive list of some of the best restaurants in the Waco area, all locally owned and all delicious. These are places you need to try before you graduate.
- Cafe Homestead
608 Dry Creek Road, Waco, TX 76705
This small restaurant is located in the center of an agrarian Waco community. All of the food at this restaurant is locally sourced or grown on the Homestead’s land. From breakfast to dinner, this food is so, so yummy. I love the chicken fried steak and double cheeseburger, and please don’t get me started on the fries! My all-time favorite item at Cafe Homestead is the peach crisp a la mode. If you are looking for hearty comfort food, this is the place for you!
- The Blasian Asian
720 Franklin Ave., Waco, TX 76701
Are you tired of burgers, pizza, mashed potatoes and barbecue? If you are looking to spice up your life and your food, try a taste of Cambodia at The Blasian Asian. The yellow chicken curry is the bomb dot com, but you really can’t go wrong with any of their dishes.
- Taqueria La Milpa
2011 La Salle Ave., Waco, TX 76706
If you’ve been searching for the perfect tacos, look no further. This food truck is truly a hidden gem in Waco. The food is cheap and delicious and the employees are so nice. I always order street tacos and elote and I’ve never spent more than 10 dollars. Seriously, this is a must-try if you like Mexican food!
- The Backyard Bar, Stage and Grill
511 S. 8th St., Waco, TX 76706
If you haven’t been here for a concert, you’re missing out! The food is pretty good but the vibes are better. I recently saw Erick Willis and Clint Vines & the Hard Times there. The music was amazing, the drinks were delicious and the tater tots were the perfect way to end the night.
- 135 Prime
1201 Hewitt Drive Suite 110, Waco, TX 76712
If you ever find yourself going on a date, consider 135 Prime. Heck, if you want your parents to treat you the next time they come down, offer up this steakhouse. This is a lovely restaurant with a quiet atmosphere and delicious food. The prime cuts of meat, seafood and tasteful sides are perfect for any occasion.
- The Olive Branch
215 S. Second St., Waco, TX 76701
Brunch, anyone? The Olive Branch is located in the same building as Spice Village and is perfect for all of your breakfast and lunch needs. I am a huge fan of the spinach omelette on their breakfast menu. They offer avocado toast, omelettes, and French toast until 2:00 p.m. daily. This place is great for lunch as well, with a plentiful selection of pasta bowls and sandwiches. Stop by the next time you’re shopping in Spice Village!
- Uncle Dan’s BBQ
1001 Lake Air Drive, Waco, TX 76710
Truth time. I’ve never actually been here, but I have eaten loads of their food (thank you, Favor). It’s so hard to find great barbecue with good portions and a good price tag, but this place checks all the boxes. They offer lots of “plate-style” options where you pick your meat and sides. If you like Southern eats, you’ll love it here.
- Xristo’s Cafe
810 La Salle Ave., Waco, TX 76706
Another La Salle winner. This is some of the best Greek food in Waco. The gyros are yummy and they come on campus often, so you don’t even have to leave Baylor to try it. Don’t forget to get baklava for dessert – it’s the best.
- Butter My Biscuit Cafe
1427 S. Valley Mills Drive, Waco, TX 76711
The best biscuits and gravy. So many brunch options. Enough said.
- Health Camp
2601 Circle Road, Waco, TX 76706
This place is good, but MAN is the name deceiving. The food is certainly not healthy, but it is tasty. They serve old-fashioned burgers, but the best items on the menu are definitely the ice-cold shakes.
Good food is certainly not hard to find in Waco, but why would you limit yourself to a few restaurants when so many yummy ones exist? As a Waco resident, it’s important that you support locally owned businesses. As a Baylor student, it’s your job to check off all the things on the bucket list! Expand your horizons with some fun, new eats.