Guidebook for Waco
Food Scene
The food scene in Waco has been steadily growing with many options from, BBQ to Pho. If a restaurant is more than 10 minutes away from The Crow's Nest, The Hen House, or The Bluebird Inn, I've tried to note that. I've only included a few restaurants that are more than a 5 miles away and if I did, it's worth it!
If you have a group of 8 or more, feel free to reach out and I'm happy to give you some good recommendations so you don't spend your time waiting or separated from your group. I've made a few notes for places that are good options for larger parties.
A must when visiting all things Magnolia! Here's my tip, either go super early or arrive whenever you like (they only serve breakfast and lunch 6:00-3:00pm) and get on a waiting list. They will text you when your table is ready. You can also log in and see how long the wait is and watch as it goes down. If the wait is an hour or more, I would check out something else in town and keep a close eye on your table wait, then head back when you are less than 30 min away from being seating. It seems it goes faster than they say every time! There's really not much to see right around there that's in walking distance. However, you can get anywhere in Waco in 10+min.
***Note*** Please check seating availability during Covid
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Magnolia Table
2132 S Valley Mills DrA must when visiting all things Magnolia! Here's my tip, either go super early or arrive whenever you like (they only serve breakfast and lunch 6:00-3:00pm) and get on a waiting list. They will text you when your table is ready. You can also log in and see how long the wait is and watch as it goes down. If the wait is an hour or more, I would check out something else in town and keep a close eye on your table wait, then head back when you are less than 30 min away from being seating. It seems it goes faster than they say every time! There's really not much to see right around there that's in walking distance. However, you can get anywhere in Waco in 10+min.
***Note*** Please check seating availability during Covid
Super close to Baylor and home of Chip's favorite - The Gut Pack! (It's a Frito pie only made bbq style)
Also great for large groups with walk up ordering and you take your own food to your table.
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Vitek's BBQ
1600 Speight AveSuper close to Baylor and home of Chip's favorite - The Gut Pack! (It's a Frito pie only made bbq style)
Also great for large groups with walk up ordering and you take your own food to your table.
If your stay includes a week day, make sure to try the best sandwich place anywhere! It's just down the street form the house and one of the local favorite. You will pass right by it on your way to the Silos!
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Schmaltz's Sandwich Shoppe
105 S 5th StIf your stay includes a week day, make sure to try the best sandwich place anywhere! It's just down the street form the house and one of the local favorite. You will pass right by it on your way to the Silos!
One of the oldest restaurants in Waco and some of the best TexMex food around, make sure you save at least one meal for La Fiesta.
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La Fiesta
3815 Franklin AveOne of the oldest restaurants in Waco and some of the best TexMex food around, make sure you save at least one meal for La Fiesta.
My favorite part of this restaurant is watching the reflection of the Silos at sunset...beautiful!
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Hecho En Waco Mexican Cuisine
300 S 6th StMy favorite part of this restaurant is watching the reflection of the Silos at sunset...beautiful!
A TexMex tradition that started with Mama Nifa in Houston Tx nearly 50 years ago. This place is large enough you don't normally have to wait to be seated unless it's a Baylor weekend. ;)
It's only a couple of miles straight up the road.
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Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant
220 S 3rd StA TexMex tradition that started with Mama Nifa in Houston Tx nearly 50 years ago. This place is large enough you don't normally have to wait to be seated unless it's a Baylor weekend. ;)
It's only a couple of miles straight up the road.
Another Waco and Baylor favorite for decades. Pappa Rollos has it all from fully loaded pizzas with sardines to Vegan and GF options. There's truly something for everyone here and one of our personal favorites. The have a drive up window to pick up orders you call in or a very unique dining experience inside.
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Poppa Rollo's Pizza
703 N Valley Mills DrAnother Waco and Baylor favorite for decades. Pappa Rollos has it all from fully loaded pizzas with sardines to Vegan and GF options. There's truly something for everyone here and one of our personal favorites. The have a drive up window to pick up orders you call in or a very unique dining experience inside.
Another unique dining experience! Gourmet burgers and plenty of drinks. You will truly be a movie star here! ;)
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Twisted Root Burger Co.
801 S 2nd StAnother unique dining experience! Gourmet burgers and plenty of drinks. You will truly be a movie star here! ;)
Way more than just bar food... lots of choices and really good food. They have plenty of beer choices, all kept at 33 degrees, thus Bubba's 33.
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Bubba's 33
2601 S Jack Kultgen ExpyWay more than just bar food... lots of choices and really good food. They have plenty of beer choices, all kept at 33 degrees, thus Bubba's 33.
Want a nice steak dinner? Want to make reservations? This may be the best steaks in Waco.
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135 Prime
1201 Hewitt DrWant a nice steak dinner? Want to make reservations? This may be the best steaks in Waco.
Cricket's Grill & Drafthouse
211 Mary AveLargest beer on tap in Waco
World Cup Cafe and Fair Trade Market
1321 North 15th StreetOne you don't want to miss!
Alpha Omega
929 Franklin AveIf you like fruit cakes, this is the place! If you don't like fruit cakes, there many more sweets to choose from and even some really good deli style lunch items. A large area with tables and couches to sit and enjoy coffee, tea and sweets with friends.
Collin Street Bakery - Bellmead/Waco
701 I-35If you like fruit cakes, this is the place! If you don't like fruit cakes, there many more sweets to choose from and even some really good deli style lunch items. A large area with tables and couches to sit and enjoy coffee, tea and sweets with friends.
Lots of options for everyone with a food court style dining experience like no other. Everyone is sure to find something they like from unique entrees to delicious desserts.
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Union Hall
720 Franklin AveLots of options for everyone with a food court style dining experience like no other. Everyone is sure to find something they like from unique entrees to delicious desserts.
Vitek's BBQ
1600 Speight AveExcellent farm to table style similar to an Amish community. Don't miss the cheese shop and all the crafts!
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Cafe Homestead
608 Dry Creek RdExcellent farm to table style similar to an Amish community. Don't miss the cheese shop and all the crafts!
Best ice cream in town and right next door to Common Grounds. They even have dairy free options and some of the best fresh cookies in Waco!
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Heritage Creamery
1125 S 8th StBest ice cream in town and right next door to Common Grounds. They even have dairy free options and some of the best fresh cookies in Waco!
Guess Family Barbecue
2803 Franklin AvenueThe best cinnamon rolls ever! There isn't one item here I wouldn't recommend. From quiche to cookies and even lunch items available. If you have dietary needs like gluten or dairy free, make sure to ask! They have amazing gf cinnies!
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Baked Bliss Baking Company
1114 N 15th StThe best cinnamon rolls ever! There isn't one item here I wouldn't recommend. From quiche to cookies and even lunch items available. If you have dietary needs like gluten or dairy free, make sure to ask! They have amazing gf cinnies!
This is our go to place when in town for breakfast. They have great coffee too! It's directly across the street from the Saturday morning farmer's market, so a great place to hang out while you wait on your table or after you eat. They also have great gluten free pancakes if you so desire!
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Cafe Cappuccino
100 N 6th StThis is our go to place when in town for breakfast. They have great coffee too! It's directly across the street from the Saturday morning farmer's market, so a great place to hang out while you wait on your table or after you eat. They also have great gluten free pancakes if you so desire!
A good 10 min drive from our houses but worth the drive for good Italian dining and wine in Waco.
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MOROSO Wood Fired Pizzeria
4700 Bosque BlvdA good 10 min drive from our houses but worth the drive for good Italian dining and wine in Waco.
Baris
904 N Valley Mills DrA local and BU family favorite for everything Italian!
Best Pho in Waco! So so close to our houses and everything Magnolia.
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Clay Pot Restaurant
416 Franklin AveBest Pho in Waco! So so close to our houses and everything Magnolia.
The best true Texan BBQ food and atmosphere you will find near Waco! Probably a good 20 min drive but oh so well worth it! Also, voted one of the best in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine, 2021.
Good for larger groups, self serve walk through order line and then you take your food to a table.
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Helberg Barbecue
8532 Hwy 6The best true Texan BBQ food and atmosphere you will find near Waco! Probably a good 20 min drive but oh so well worth it! Also, voted one of the best in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine, 2021.
Good for larger groups, self serve walk through order line and then you take your food to a table.
Probably "the" Waco icon when it comes to restaurants. Good southern style cooking and some of the best drink specials around. There are two location and both are good, but be prepared for long waits if it's a busy weekend night, but well worth the wait!
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George’s Restaurant Bar & Catering
1925 Speight AveProbably "the" Waco icon when it comes to restaurants. Good southern style cooking and some of the best drink specials around. There are two location and both are good, but be prepared for long waits if it's a busy weekend night, but well worth the wait!
Twisted Root Burger Co.
801 S 2nd St
Slow Rise on the Brazos
1620 North Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardSightseeing
Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute
300 S 5th StLearn all about the Texas Rangers and see artifacts from days gone by.
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Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
100 Texas Ranger TrailLearn all about the Texas Rangers and see artifacts from days gone by.
Kids and kids at heart, there's something here for everyone. Check their website for current exhibits. Across the street from the main Baylor Campus.
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Mayborn Museum Complex
1300 S University Parks DrKids and kids at heart, there's something here for everyone. Check their website for current exhibits. Across the street from the main Baylor Campus.
Historic Waco Foundation
810 S 4th StWaco bucket list
Traveling to Waco is full of more than just Magnolia... Check out some of our favorite places to shop.
Want to see more after you leave the Silos, make sure to make the short walk across the street to visit the Findery. So many beautiful things to see and buy! I always get lots of inspiration here! I've even found a few very cute things to wear. :)
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The Findery
910 S 8th StWant to see more after you leave the Silos, make sure to make the short walk across the street to visit the Findery. So many beautiful things to see and buy! I always get lots of inspiration here! I've even found a few very cute things to wear. :)
Remember the player piano in the Fixer Upper episode? Well, this is THE place! So many little antique booths and areas, you will spend hours here. This is probably one of the furthest sights you will want to make time for, but it's only about 20 minutes from the house.
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Cedar Chest Antique Mall
31707 US-84Remember the player piano in the Fixer Upper episode? Well, this is THE place! So many little antique booths and areas, you will spend hours here. This is probably one of the furthest sights you will want to make time for, but it's only about 20 minutes from the house.
Whoa! If you like antiques and want to see a historic home all in one, this is the place to go. It's less than 2 miles from the house and only open on Saturdays but a real treasure of antiques and history. Make sure to ask about the original owners... you will find out lots of interesting facts and hear how this house is related to the invention of Dr. Pepper. The elderly couple who run the shop are full of knowledge. The place is also very full of amazing things. They suggest ladies put their bags in the storage cabinet at the front. Don't think this is weird, just know it's to keep little things from getting knocked over. They are fine if you choose to keep your bag with you too.
Show and Tell Antiques
1525 Morrow AveWhoa! If you like antiques and want to see a historic home all in one, this is the place to go. It's less than 2 miles from the house and only open on Saturdays but a real treasure of antiques and history. Make sure to ask about the original owners... you will find out lots of interesting facts and hear how this house is related to the invention of Dr. Pepper. The elderly couple who run the shop are full of knowledge. The place is also very full of amazing things. They suggest ladies put their bags in the storage cabinet at the front. Don't think this is weird, just know it's to keep little things from getting knocked over. They are fine if you choose to keep your bag with you too.
If you are waiting to be seated at Magnolia Table, this is a great stop to make while you watch your phone for the notifications when your table is ready.
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LaSalle Shoppes
1800 La Salle AveIf you are waiting to be seated at Magnolia Table, this is a great stop to make while you watch your phone for the notifications when your table is ready.
Looking for that unique piece, you will likely find it here along with lots of antiques and unusual items. Also close to Magnolia Table.
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The Junky Monkey
1715 La Salle AveLooking for that unique piece, you will likely find it here along with lots of antiques and unusual items. Also close to Magnolia Table.
Shabby Chic and antiques all tied up with the perfect bow! Don't miss this one!
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Junque in the Trunk
910 La Salle AveShabby Chic and antiques all tied up with the perfect bow! Don't miss this one!
Magnolia Market Silos
601 Webster AveSpice Village
213 Mary AveShop til you drop!
So many cute things here you won't want to miss it! If you're from Texas you will know about the Round Top Collection and this is the only place you will find their items in Waco. You are sure to find the perfect treasure to show off your trip to Waco.
Coming Home to Waco
600 Franklin AveSo many cute things here you won't want to miss it! If you're from Texas you will know about the Round Top Collection and this is the only place you will find their items in Waco. You are sure to find the perfect treasure to show off your trip to Waco.
Parks & Nature
Cameron Park Zoo
1701 N 4th StWaco Mammoth National Monument
6220 Steinbeck Bend DrLake Waco
BSR Cable Park
5347 Old Mexia RdHawaiian Falls Waco
900 Lake Shore DrCameron Park
2601 N University Parks DrEssentials
Only about 4 miles from the house and very close to Magnolia Table, this is your best place for a grocery stop. There is an HEB in Bellmead off of I-35, but we highly recommend going to the HEB on Valley Mills. It's a much better store and way less traffic getting there.
H-E-B plus!
9100 Woodway DrIt's not the closest to the Crow's Nest, but the BEST!
The best health food store in Waco. From supplements to specialty foods, you should find it all under one roof.
Drug Emporium
5900 Bosque BoulevardThe best health food store in Waco. From supplements to specialty foods, you should find it all under one roof.
Coffee, Sweets and Spirits
Grab your morning coffee and a sweet treat before shopping the Magnolia grounds!
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Magnolia Home
418 S 8th StGrab your morning coffee and a sweet treat before shopping the Magnolia grounds!
Arrive early, then walk down to Magnolia Press. The best cupcakes around!
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Silos Baking Co.
601 Webster AveArrive early, then walk down to Magnolia Press. The best cupcakes around!
My personal favorite for sitting with friends and enjoying either outside seating or inside.
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Pinewood Coffee Bar
2223 Austin AveMy personal favorite for sitting with friends and enjoying either outside seating or inside.
Coffee to Cocktails, all under one roof and so close to our houses. Just on the edge of downtown and everything trendy with plenty of seating for larger groups.
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Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, LLC; serving coffee drinks & craft cocktails
508 Austin AveCoffee to Cocktails, all under one roof and so close to our houses. Just on the edge of downtown and everything trendy with plenty of seating for larger groups.
Not just coffee! Check out the local entertainment offered on select nights and don't forget your ice cream next door at Heritage Creamery.
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Common Grounds Waco
1123 S 8th StNot just coffee! Check out the local entertainment offered on select nights and don't forget your ice cream next door at Heritage Creamery.
Local ice cream and cookies at it's best! A Chip and Jo favorite on the edge of the Baylor campus.
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Heritage Creamery
1125 S 8th StLocal ice cream and cookies at it's best! A Chip and Jo favorite on the edge of the Baylor campus.
Great place for live music with a casual atmosphere. Arrive early if you plan to park. Very close to the Silos. An Urber is a great option if you plan to stay late and can't get a good parking spot.
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The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill
511 S 8th StGreat place for live music with a casual atmosphere. Arrive early if you plan to park. Very close to the Silos. An Urber is a great option if you plan to stay late and can't get a good parking spot.
Worth adding to both the food scene and sweets! Cookies and cupcakes with lots of seasonal flavors!
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Baked Bliss Baking Company
1114 N 15th StWorth adding to both the food scene and sweets! Cookies and cupcakes with lots of seasonal flavors!
Cricket's Grill & Drafthouse
211 Mary AveThe largest tap anywhere!
A great stop on your way towards Dallas, just on the edge of Waco. Plenty of sweets but famous for their fruitcakes.
Collin Street Bakery - Bellmead/Waco
701 I-35A great stop on your way towards Dallas, just on the edge of Waco. Plenty of sweets but famous for their fruitcakes.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Stop by the Waco Visitors Center for Trolley info
Those of us from Texas love our cars and Waco is no exception. The Silo District has a trolley system that runs through all the major tourist spots and it can be very convenient for those who don't want to drive around or plan on not having a car during their stay. Uber an Lyft can take you just about anywhere and parking in the free Magnolia lots are always an options. Stay tuned for a trolley stop that is scheduled soon right in front of the Crow's Nest.
Verkehrsmittel
Always feel free to ask if you need help or have questions.
If I'm available, I'm happy to take you to any of your destinations such as the airport or even show you around town. I've been known to take our guest around town for short tours of Fixer Upper homes and some of Waco's best shopping spots for very small fees, so feel free to ask!
Mit Kindern reisen
Need a babysitter?
Our daughter is a Baylor pre-med student who is child care certified and loves to help out when she can. She can come to the house and help watch your kids while you enjoy our town. Just message us before your arrival to check availability.
Nicht verpassen
Tours
The best way to learn many fun facts about Waco and see many of the iconic places Waco is known for, take a tour with Waco Tours.