10 Amazing Downtown Waco Restaurants
The word “downtown” means the central part of a city, and most of us expect there to be some high-rises, horrible parking fees, and a dense population. Well, keep your expectations in check, because “downtown Waco” is pretty quaint. However, there really are quite a few really great restaurants that have opened recently in downtown Waco. And since that’s what you’re looking for, let’s get right to it.
The Best Restaurants in Downtown Waco
About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites. As a native Texan, I spend my own time and money exploring this state to help millions of readers find the best food, things to do, places to stay in Austin and beyond. Check out my other sites: TheSanAntonioThings.com and TheAustinThings.com!
1. Milo
Milo is one of the trendiest restaurants in Waco, so you’ve most likely already heard of this one. But just in case you haven’t, it’s a bright and beautiful brunch, lunch, and dinner spot with an American-inspired menu. Stop by for delicious cocktails, a lot of fun shareable plates like pimiento cheese or truffle fries, and some of the best “fancy” fried chicken in town.
WEBSITE | 1020 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701, United States
2. Lucky Bucks
There are a few fun rooftop bars and restaurants in Waco, but Lucky Bucks is my personal favorite. It’s on the rooftop of the gorgeous Hotel Herringbone, a boutique hotel made of shipping containers. This bar and restaurant features a rotating beer list (including a few local craft Waco beers!) and classic American food like hot dogs and pizza. Yum.
WEBSITE | 319 S 4th St, Waco, TX 76701, United States
3. Opal’s Oysters
Opal’s Oysters has landed on this list of the best upscale restaurants in Waco because it is positively swanky! It’s a small chic oyster bar with amazing martinis, raw oysters, grilled seafood dishes, and absolutely incredible desserts. This is a fun spot for a fancy date night out or a big group dinner with your best girlfriends.
WEBSITE | 228 S 8th St Suite B, Waco, TX 76701, United States
4. Cajun Craft
Where to get the best cajun food in Waco? Cajun Craft…duh! This little cajun shack is going to absolutely wow you with the incredible po’boys, fried catfish, gumbo, and fried chicken. Come very, very hungry…everything here is so good.
WEBSITE | 601 S 11th St, Waco, TX 76706, United States
5. Pivovar Brewery and Restaurant
Pivovar is one of those places that I sometimes have to explain twice…because people are just like, “wait, what?” Ok, so here it goes: Pivovar is an authentic Czech brewery, restaurant, and hotel in the heart of downtown Waco. (I’ll let that settle for a minute.)
Yes, they serve incredibly authentic Czech lagers, served the old-world way with Czech luke side pour spouts. They have delicious eastern-European cuisine, and a beautiful space with lots of dark wood and green textiles. It’s the type of place that’s SO cool, you would be hard pressed to find something like this even in a big city like Dallas or Austin. But here it is, an amazing restaurant in downtown Waco!
WEBSITE | 320 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76701, United States
6. Maria Mezcaleria
Best Tex Mex in Waco? Maria Mezcaleria! And if you have a soft spot for mezcal ,then lucky you because the selection here is amazing. They also have excellent tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and some more authentic Mexican cuisine like cochinita pibil and absolutely scrumptious carnitas.
Photo Credits: Vitoria N., Yelp
WEBSITE | 724 Austin Ave Ste 102 Waco, TX 76701
7. Red Herring
One of the very best upscale restaurants in Waco, Red Herring is the ground floor restaurant inside Hotel Herringbone. It’s a really cool art-deco space that feels sophisticated and cool (there’s even a grand piano in there for live music) but it’s not too pretentious. The cocktails are AMAZING, the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is fresh and fun, and the service is top notch. Easily one of the best restaurants in downtown Waco.
WEBSITE | 319 S 4th St, Waco, TX 76701, United States
8. Union Hall
Union Hall is always my top recommendation of places to eat in Waco with a big group. Why? It’s a food hall with more than a dozen eateries! You can choose from burgers or ramen or Thai food or pizza or WHATEVER. There are options for everyone here.
WEBSITE | 720 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701, United States
9. J.S. Barnett’s
J.S. Barnett’s is an awesome whiskey house where you can get incredible steaks, cocktails, desserts, and live music. It’s a fun spot in downtown Waco for a bachelor party or a group dinner out. Psst: try their brunch - it’s unreal! Bacon flight, anyone?
Photo Credits: Jeff H., Yelp
WEBSITE | 420 Franklin Ave Waco, TX 76701
10. Pignetti’s
Pignetti’s Italian actually started in Temple back in 2002, and it was so popular they decided to open a location in downtown Waco. It’s not the premier spot to get pasta, steaks, and a great selection of Italian wines.
Photo Credits: Yazmin A., Yelp
WEBSITE | 401 S 3rd St Waco, TX 76706
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