Best of Waco Guidebook
Sightseeing
Waco's #1 destination. Chip and Joanna Gaines from the show Fixer Upper bought and renovated this area of downtown Waco and ever since it's become Waco's #1 destination spot. The Silos has the following on its campus: a home goods store, furniture store, 6 boutique shops, a coffee shop, a cupcake bakery, 8-10 food trucks, a concert venue, a chapel, a small baseball field, 3 open plazas with an open grass area and plenty of seating.
256 locals recommend
Magnolia Market Silos
601 Webster AveWaco's #1 destination. Chip and Joanna Gaines from the show Fixer Upper bought and renovated this area of downtown Waco and ever since it's become Waco's #1 destination spot. The Silos has the following on its campus: a home goods store, furniture store, 6 boutique shops, a coffee shop, a cupcake bakery, 8-10 food trucks, a concert venue, a chapel, a small baseball field, 3 open plazas with an open grass area and plenty of seating.
Chip and Joanna's Gaines original storefront before they became famous. This store has all the overstock and defected items from the Silos, so everything is discounted. Plus, if you go to the Silos first and let them know you'll be going to Little Shop they'll give you an additional 10% off.
18 locals recommend
Little Shop on Bosque
3801 Bosque BlvdChip and Joanna's Gaines original storefront before they became famous. This store has all the overstock and defected items from the Silos, so everything is discounted. Plus, if you go to the Silos first and let them know you'll be going to Little Shop they'll give you an additional 10% off.
The very first University established in Texas, even before UT. Football games and many great events happen here.
101 locals recommend
Baylor University
1401 S University Parks DrThe very first University established in Texas, even before UT. Football games and many great events happen here.
Cameron park is one of the largest urban parks in the nation. The park is 416 acres with dozens of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, the largest kids playground in the city, and a River walk/trail along Bosque River.
143 locals recommend
Cameron Park
2601 N University Parks DrCameron park is one of the largest urban parks in the nation. The park is 416 acres with dozens of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, the largest kids playground in the city, and a River walk/trail along Bosque River.
Our zoo is amazing! Tons of epic animals to see, but you could easily see the entire zoo in one day and it's never really packed.
168 locals recommend
Cameron Park Zoo
1701 N 4th StOur zoo is amazing! Tons of epic animals to see, but you could easily see the entire zoo in one day and it's never really packed.
Did you know that Dr. Pepper was created and founded in Waco, TX?! Yep, learn the history behind the Doctor and his drink and try the original recipe made with real sugar cane (not high fructose corn syrup) here at the Museum.
138 locals recommend
Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute
300 S 5th StDid you know that Dr. Pepper was created and founded in Waco, TX?! Yep, learn the history behind the Doctor and his drink and try the original recipe made with real sugar cane (not high fructose corn syrup) here at the Museum.
Waco is home to the largest Mammoth graveyard in the USA. 23 mammoths were found in one spot. It's now a National Monument that you can visit.
139 locals recommend
Waco Mammoth National Monument
6220 Steinbeck Bend DrWaco is home to the largest Mammoth graveyard in the USA. 23 mammoths were found in one spot. It's now a National Monument that you can visit.
Homestead Heritage is a fully off the grid community that offers over 100 classes to the community on sustainable living. There is a lot to see: Woodshop, Pottery shop, Basket Weaving, Blacksmith shop, restaurant, gardens, aquaponics garden, etc.
92 locals recommend
Homestead Heritage
608 Dry Creek RdHomestead Heritage is a fully off the grid community that offers over 100 classes to the community on sustainable living. There is a lot to see: Woodshop, Pottery shop, Basket Weaving, Blacksmith shop, restaurant, gardens, aquaponics garden, etc.
Mayborn Museum Complex
1300 S University Parks DrMayborn Museum is a premier children's science museum.
Learn about the history of the Texas Rangers.
112 locals recommend
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
100 Texas Ranger TrailLearn about the history of the Texas Rangers.
Lake Waco Wetlands
Gorgeous hikes through the wetlands. Great for bird watching.
Enjoy picnics, swimming, sunsets, BBQ's, boating, jet skiing, fishing in Lake Waco.
39 locals recommend
Lake Waco
Enjoy picnics, swimming, sunsets, BBQ's, boating, jet skiing, fishing in Lake Waco.
A couple miles of forest hiking trails and several beautifully manicured gardens.
Carleen Bright Arboretum
9001 Bosque BlvdA couple miles of forest hiking trails and several beautifully manicured gardens.
Breakfast and Brunch
The BEST Brunch in town, but 2-3 hour wait and closes at 3 daily. Local tip: Arrive there when they open at 7 a.m. to avoid the wait OR put in your name whenever and visit the Silos while you wait for hours. They have an app that shows where you are in the queue so you could be back in time when they call your name
125 locals recommend
Magnolia Table
2132 S Valley Mills DrThe BEST Brunch in town, but 2-3 hour wait and closes at 3 daily. Local tip: Arrive there when they open at 7 a.m. to avoid the wait OR put in your name whenever and visit the Silos while you wait for hours. They have an app that shows where you are in the queue so you could be back in time when they call your name
Best Hipster joint in Waco. Good food overall, but their breakfast food is amazing.
58 locals recommend
Milo
1020 Franklin AveBest Hipster joint in Waco. Good food overall, but their breakfast food is amazing.
Our Breakfast Place
4600 Franklin AveBest traditional breakfast spot
Harvest on 25th
112 N 25th StBest Vegan/Vegetarian Brunch in Waco
Lunch and Dinner
A food court of about 15 different local restaurants (no chains) in one indoor place with A/C. They have outdoor seating too.
59 locals recommend
Union Hall
720 Franklin AveA food court of about 15 different local restaurants (no chains) in one indoor place with A/C. They have outdoor seating too.
Bangkok Royal
215 S University Parks DrBest Thai spot
Clay Pot Restaurant
416 Franklin AveBest Vietnamese spot
Wako Roll
2804 W Loop 340Best Korean Spot.
Stone Hearth Indian Cafe
506 Austin AveBest Indian spot
Fuji Steakhouse
5901 West Waco DriveBest Japanese spot (just like Benihanas)
Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant
220 S 3rd StBest Tex-Mex spot
Taqueria Altos De Jalisco
719 N Hewitt DrBest Mexican spot
Alpha Omega
929 Franklin AveBest Mediterranean spot
Twisted Root Burger Co.
801 S 2nd StBest Burgers in Waco
Las Trancas
400 N 25th StBest Taco Truck
Guess Family Barbecue
2803 Franklin AvenueBest Brisket in Waco
J-Petal & Poke’ Waco
315 S University Parks DrPoké, crepes, and thai ice cream
koKo Ramen
720 Franklin AvenueBest Ramen in Waco (inside Union Hall)
Our favorite food truck in Waco. THE BEST Banh Mi in Waco. Great vermicelli noodles, pho, summer rolls, spring rolls, and thai tea with Boba.
Vietnomz Mobile Cuisine
820 East Waco DriveOur favorite food truck in Waco. THE BEST Banh Mi in Waco. Great vermicelli noodles, pho, summer rolls, spring rolls, and thai tea with Boba.
Coffee Shops
Pinewood Coffee Bar
2223 Austin AveBest coffee shop in Waco
2nd best coffee shop in Waco. This place has great atmosphere and has an outdoor rooftop bar. Perhaps the only place in Waco that stays open until midnight 7 nights a week.
71 locals recommend
Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, LLC; serving coffee drinks & craft cocktails
508 Austin Ave2nd best coffee shop in Waco. This place has great atmosphere and has an outdoor rooftop bar. Perhaps the only place in Waco that stays open until midnight 7 nights a week.
3rd best Coffee shop in Waco. They have a location in Woodway and at Baylor.
7 locals recommend
Common Grounds
7608 Woodway Dr3rd best Coffee shop in Waco. They have a location in Woodway and at Baylor.
Even though this is Cronut shop, they serve Intelligencia coffee, making them one of the top coffee shops in Waco.
14 locals recommend
Nightlight Donuts & Coffee
6500 Woodway DrEven though this is Cronut shop, they serve Intelligencia coffee, making them one of the top coffee shops in Waco.
Lighthouse Coffee & Wine
624 Washington AveGreat coffee shop
KURBSIDE COFFEE & GOODS
Great coffee shop inside Union Hall.
Boba/Bubble Tea
Waco Cha
1001 Franklin AveBest Boba/Bubble Tea in Waco
1102 Bubble Tea & Coffee
804 South 7th Street2nd Best Boba in Waco. They also serve Banh Mi.
Bars
Best cocktail bar in Waco. Only place in Waco open until midnight 7 nights a week. They have great atmosphere and an outdoor rooftop bar as well.
71 locals recommend
Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, LLC; serving coffee drinks & craft cocktails
508 Austin AveBest cocktail bar in Waco. Only place in Waco open until midnight 7 nights a week. They have great atmosphere and an outdoor rooftop bar as well.
This is a coffee and beer joint. If you're looking for great craft beer with chill vibes, this is a great spot.
59 locals recommend
Pinewood Coffee Bar
2223 Austin AveThis is a coffee and beer joint. If you're looking for great craft beer with chill vibes, this is a great spot.
True Love Bar
414 Franklin AvePopular bar in town
This place is great because its outdoors, right next to the Silos, and usually has live music.
63 locals recommend
The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill
511 S 8th StThis place is great because its outdoors, right next to the Silos, and usually has live music.
If you're looking for a good local sports bar, this is the place.
7 locals recommend
Salty Dog Sports Bar And Grill
2004 N Valley Mills DrIf you're looking for a good local sports bar, this is the place.
Dessert
Silos Baking Co.
601 Webster AveBest bakery in town. Gourmet cupcakes, cookies, and muffins
Heritage Creamery
1125 S 8th StBest ice cream in Waco. Local and homemade.
J-Petal & Poke’ Waco
315 S University Parks DrThai Ice Cream & dessert crepes
Coco's Shaved Ice
3824 Bosque BlvdReally good shaved ice
Not the greatest Froyo place in the world, but we do have one in town if that's what you're craving.
Peachwave Frozen Yogurt, Hewitt, TX
1605 Hewitt DrNot the greatest Froyo place in the world, but we do have one in town if that's what you're craving.
Press Waffle Co.
720 Franklin AvenueGourmet dessert Waffles. Super Good. (Inside Union Hall)