Over the last decade, Waco has grown from a college town into one of Texas’ most talked-about getaways, thanks in part to the Magnolia Market at the Silos. As the birthplace of Dr Pepper, the city’s cred for incredible sips and eats runs deep.
Just a 90-minute drive south of Dallas, Waco is ideal for a day trip, a laid-back weekend stay, or something more extended. With lots of places to eat and drink your way through, there is plenty to do in between sightseeing. Here are 10 spots to add to your Waco itinerary.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a testament to the power of love and inclusion. Founded in North Carolina in 2016 by Amy and Ben Wright, the shop was created to provide meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since 2021, Waco franchise owners Mark and Amy Sauer have carried that mission forward, serving hot and iced drinks, frappes, and smoothies with a side of purpose. 110 Franklin Ave., Waco, bittyandbeauscoffee.com
J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House & Restaurant
Whiskey enthusiasts, take note: J.S. Barnett’s has the largest whiskey selection in Texas, with more than 1,200 bottles in house. Come for the rare pours from around the globe, and stay for the live music and dishes like green chili grits. Deep pocketed aficionados can splurge on the Macallan Decanter flight, which will set you back $1,300. 420 Franklin Ave., Waco, barnettswhiskeyhouse.com
Magnolia Table
Chip and Joanna Gaines built their Magnolia empire in Waco, and through Magnolia Table, they honor the city’s culinary history. Housed in the revitalized Elite Cafe building, Magnolia Table breathes new life into the Waco institution that served the community for 41 years. Today, the space buzzes with new energy as tables fill with Jo’s Buttermilk Biscuits, battered crispy onion rings, and other Magnolia Table cookbook hits. 2132 S. Valley Mills Dr., Waco, magnolia.com
Opal’s Oysters
Opal’s Oysters joined the roster of new Waco restaurants last fall. This coastal gem comes to Waco by way of the team behind Austin’s famed Terry Black’s BBQ, and is named after the Black family matron, Opal Faye Hendershot. Its debut preceded the opening of Waco’s own location of Terry Black’s BBQ. Opal’s menu summons the Texas coast with white tablecloth service, a $45 Opal’s Spritz served with a mini bottle of Moët, and plenty of fruits de mer. 228 S. Eighth St., Waco, opalsoysters.com
Balcones Distilling
Experience the Texas Whiskey Trail at Waco’s award-winning Balcones Distilling. The distillery offers tastings Wednesday through Saturday. Stop by to sip a dram of the flagship Texas 1 Texas American Single Malt, or explore a flight of Balcones’ decorated whiskeys and cocktails. For the full experience, book a one-hour distillery tour. 225 S. 11th St., Waco, balconesdistilling.com
Milo
Chef Corey McEntyre leans on his Southern heritage to shape Milo’s seasonally driven menu. The bright, industrial interior is filled with natural light from the garage-style windows, while cascading greenery adds to the charm. Milo shines brightest at brunch with veggie-packed plates like the Farmer’s Daughter. On the weekends, order a plate of blue corn ricotta pancakes. 1020 Franklin Ave., Waco, milowaco.com
Blaine’s Restaurant & Wine Shoppe
Blaine’s is among Waco’s newest additions. The namesake neighborhood eatery is the vision of native Wacoan chef and sommelier Blaine Fischer. Raised on a vineyard, Fischer blends his culinary passions and wine expertise into a seasonal, made-to-order menu and a sommelier-curated wine list featuring picks from California, Greece, Texas, and Argentina. 1101 Richland Dr., Waco, blaineswaco.com
Waco Surf
In 2022, Waco Surf transformed the college town known for its “Fixer Upper” fame into an inland surfing destination. The water park’s nostalgic summer camp vibe includes five distinct dining outposts. Among them are the swim-up Dive Bar, the burger-focused Wedge Grill, and the Saloon. This isn’t your typical water park food. Fuel up for the waves with Surfside Shack’s New Brekky Sandwich, then wind down with the Saloon’s steak fries, topped with chimichurri and queso fresco. 5347 Old Mexia Rd., Waco, wacosurf.com
Bertie’s on the Rooftop
As a nod to the ‘20s, the Gaines launched their first hospitality branch in 2023 via Hotel 1928. The restored Moorish Revival lodge is filled with deep jewel tones, gold finishes, and dim, romantic lighting. Perched on the top floor is Bertie’s on the Rooftop, an elegant dinner destination with an outdoor terrace overlooking the city. The 33-room boutique hotel also features Southern-inspired the Brasserie and an all-day café. 701 Washington Ave., Waco, hotel1928.com
Red Herring
Design-forward locale, Red Herring is one of Waco’s most lavish dining destinations. The restaurant and piano bar is housed inside Hotel Herringbone, a 21-room boutique hotel built from converted shipping containers. It features a seafood-focused Mediterranean menu with a raw bar, skewers, tapas-style plates, and large plates by chef Joel Garza and Milo’s Corey McEntyre. Checking off the ultimate destination wishlist, Hotel Herringbone also features wine and charcuterie bar Song Bird and Lucky Bucks, a rooftop bar with western flair and stunning views. 319 S. Fourth St., Waco, hotelherringbone.com
