Guidebook for Waco

Jodie
Guidebook for Waco

Drinks and Nightlife

63 locals recommend
The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill
511 S 8th St
63 locals recommend
Craftsman in the ART of MIXOLOGY and GREAT local scene! We love this coffee shop + cool bar in Downtown Waco.
71 locals recommend
Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, LLC; serving coffee drinks & craft cocktails
508 Austin Ave
71 locals recommend
Craftsman in the ART of MIXOLOGY and GREAT local scene! We love this coffee shop + cool bar in Downtown Waco.
This is an awesome place to go and relax. The live music acts are very talented. The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel at home! The wine and truffles is amazing too!
6 locals recommend
Texas Fine Artists
708 Austin Ave
6 locals recommend
This is an awesome place to go and relax. The live music acts are very talented. The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel at home! The wine and truffles is amazing too!
Get the flight so you can find the perfect Whiskey for your buds. Don't miss the behind the scenes tour of the multiple award winning distillery. Its a eclectic gathering space to wind down after a day of exploring Waco. Take a sip, take it home! This could become the highlight of your Waco adventure.
43 locals recommend
Balcones Distilling
225 S 11th St
43 locals recommend
Get the flight so you can find the perfect Whiskey for your buds. Don't miss the behind the scenes tour of the multiple award winning distillery. Its a eclectic gathering space to wind down after a day of exploring Waco. Take a sip, take it home! This could become the highlight of your Waco adventure.
Unique coffees and a quirky venue for live music. Eclectic decorations. Fun vibe and a favorite hangout for the Baylor crowd. Large selection of coffees, teas and iced beverages. Prices are reasonable, especially if you're used to Starbucks. It appeals to multiple different age groups. From students working on lap tops to senior citizens on the patio enjoying a cup of joe, you're sure to find a cozy seat and relax.
69 locals recommend
Common Grounds Waco
1123 S 8th St
69 locals recommend
Unique coffees and a quirky venue for live music. Eclectic decorations. Fun vibe and a favorite hangout for the Baylor crowd. Large selection of coffees, teas and iced beverages. Prices are reasonable, especially if you're used to Starbucks. It appeals to multiple different age groups. From students working on lap tops to senior citizens on the patio enjoying a cup of joe, you're sure to find a cozy seat and relax.

Food Scene

43 locals recommend
DiamondBack's
217 Mary Ave
43 locals recommend
48 locals recommend
Alpha Omega
929 Franklin Ave
48 locals recommend
58 locals recommend
Milo
1020 Franklin Ave
58 locals recommend
38 locals recommend
Guess Family Barbecue
2803 Franklin Avenue
38 locals recommend
125 locals recommend
Magnolia Table
2132 S Valley Mills Dr
125 locals recommend
48 locals recommend
Hecho En Waco Mexican Cuisine
300 S 6th St
48 locals recommend
56 locals recommend
Vitek's BBQ
1600 Speight Ave
56 locals recommend
37 locals recommend
Heritage Creamery
1125 S 8th St
37 locals recommend
Looking for a local burger dive? This is it. Locals have known about this special place for decades! Open for lunch only.
15 locals recommend
Cupp's Drive Inn
1424 Speight Ave
15 locals recommend
Looking for a local burger dive? This is it. Locals have known about this special place for decades! Open for lunch only.
He only makes what he can sell that day and then closes till tomorrow. If you get there on Wednesday go super early for the all you can eat ribs. The line will be out the door for a good reason. The brisket melts in your mouth. Plus you have to try the dipping sauce. We don't know what's in it but its so good it has to be bad for you.
12 locals recommend
Tony DeMaria's Bar-B-Que
1000 Elm Ave
12 locals recommend
He only makes what he can sell that day and then closes till tomorrow. If you get there on Wednesday go super early for the all you can eat ribs. The line will be out the door for a good reason. The brisket melts in your mouth. Plus you have to try the dipping sauce. We don't know what's in it but its so good it has to be bad for you.
Beer is served in a frozen fish bowl sized goblet. Get your chicken fried steak smothered in gravy with homestyle veggies. Tasty bar food or huge salads if you want to save calories for more beer. If you know Pat Green this is the bar he sings about!
89 locals recommend
George’s Restaurant Bar & Catering
1925 Speight Ave
89 locals recommend
Beer is served in a frozen fish bowl sized goblet. Get your chicken fried steak smothered in gravy with homestyle veggies. Tasty bar food or huge salads if you want to save calories for more beer. If you know Pat Green this is the bar he sings about!
Breakfast tacos! Great Mexican dive all the locals know. Close to downtown. Little known fact, Jeremy who usually works the register, is a master pool shark! (as in billiards)
22 locals recommend
Lolita's Restaurante
1911 Franklin Ave
22 locals recommend
Breakfast tacos! Great Mexican dive all the locals know. Close to downtown. Little known fact, Jeremy who usually works the register, is a master pool shark! (as in billiards)
50 locals recommend
MOROSO Wood Fired Pizzeria
4700 Bosque Blvd
50 locals recommend

Guy Stuff

Get the real deal from a true Texas hatmaker. Cameron Morris has been making and restoring hats for cowboys and cowgirls the world over including numerous country music artists.. Most days you can watch him at work forming these masterpieces. Stop in and say howdy!
Standard Hat Works
1304 N New Rd
Get the real deal from a true Texas hatmaker. Cameron Morris has been making and restoring hats for cowboys and cowgirls the world over including numerous country music artists.. Most days you can watch him at work forming these masterpieces. Stop in and say howdy!
Are you a Harley guy but not the dealership guy? Jim's is a short trip east on highway 31 in Axtell. There's always bikes on consignment, tons of aftermarket accessories and clothing. It's a cool scene of bikers and some of the nicest folks around that keep them running. Say hi to Jim and tell him David Monroe sent you out there.
Jim's Cycle Shop
3789 TX-31
Are you a Harley guy but not the dealership guy? Jim's is a short trip east on highway 31 in Axtell. There's always bikes on consignment, tons of aftermarket accessories and clothing. It's a cool scene of bikers and some of the nicest folks around that keep them running. Say hi to Jim and tell him David Monroe sent you out there.
Ride West of Waco out Highway 6. Plenty of curves and rolling scenery as you head out to Meridian, Hico, Glen Rose and many other little towns outside the hustle of Waco. Stop in at the Rattlesnake Ballroom and Yellow Dog Saloon in Walnut Springs.
Harley-Davidson of Waco
4201 Jack Kultgen Fwy
Ride West of Waco out Highway 6. Plenty of curves and rolling scenery as you head out to Meridian, Hico, Glen Rose and many other little towns outside the hustle of Waco. Stop in at the Rattlesnake Ballroom and Yellow Dog Saloon in Walnut Springs.
Rent a mountain bike and roll to Cameron Park where you'll find miles of world-class trails. Take a map so you can navigate the various levels of difficulty. It's an easy roll down the hike and bike trail from the shop to the trailhead. I gaurentee you'll have the ride of your life and will want to come back again and again.
8 locals recommend
Bicycle World Waco
112 Mary Ave
8 locals recommend
Rent a mountain bike and roll to Cameron Park where you'll find miles of world-class trails. Take a map so you can navigate the various levels of difficulty. It's an easy roll down the hike and bike trail from the shop to the trailhead. I gaurentee you'll have the ride of your life and will want to come back again and again.
Locally owned and operated. Roll up the luxury smoke of your desire. Take home some beans for tomorrow morning.
Don's Humidor & Coffee Beans
1412 N Valley Mills Dr
Locally owned and operated. Roll up the luxury smoke of your desire. Take home some beans for tomorrow morning.
Bare Arms brewing rocks! Really good beers, nice atmosphere, super attentive and cool brewmasters. Try the flight for a full tour. Tried also the breakfast brew and it was awesome too. The coolest part is if you want your beer to go they can it and label it before your eyes.
18 locals recommend
Bare Arms Brewing
2515 La Salle Ave
18 locals recommend
Bare Arms brewing rocks! Really good beers, nice atmosphere, super attentive and cool brewmasters. Try the flight for a full tour. Tried also the breakfast brew and it was awesome too. The coolest part is if you want your beer to go they can it and label it before your eyes.
Yes they have great coffee...but across the courtyard they just opened a beer house carrying Brotherwell craft beer from Waco! Food trucks and hipsters create a unique vibe. But how can you beat cold beer?
59 locals recommend
Pinewood Coffee Bar
2223 Austin Ave
59 locals recommend
Yes they have great coffee...but across the courtyard they just opened a beer house carrying Brotherwell craft beer from Waco! Food trucks and hipsters create a unique vibe. But how can you beat cold beer?
Hand-tooled leather is somewhat of a dying artform. But Danny Uptmore is a never-say-die artist and is keeping the western traditional artform alive and well. This is where the true cowboys get their saddles, boots and belts made or repaired. The smell of leather is intoxicating. I don't believe you'll find anything here from the mass producing factories.
Uptmor Saddlery
6020 N State Hwy 6
Hand-tooled leather is somewhat of a dying artform. But Danny Uptmore is a never-say-die artist and is keeping the western traditional artform alive and well. This is where the true cowboys get their saddles, boots and belts made or repaired. The smell of leather is intoxicating. I don't believe you'll find anything here from the mass producing factories.
From professional, college and highschool sports, this is the quintessential highlight reel for the sports enthusiast. Hide out here from all the fixer-uppers!
32 locals recommend
Texas Sports Hall of Fame
1108 S University Parks Dr
32 locals recommend
From professional, college and highschool sports, this is the quintessential highlight reel for the sports enthusiast. Hide out here from all the fixer-uppers!
I love this place! See the actual stories unfold through the archives of the legendary Texas Rangers. Bonnie and Clyde met their fate with the Rangers and you can view all the guns confiscated including the ones the Rangers used. Hundreds of stories are shared here from the elite lawmen. A couple of hours could easily be spent here. Oh, they have great air conditioning too!
112 locals recommend
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
100 Texas Ranger Trail
112 locals recommend
I love this place! See the actual stories unfold through the archives of the legendary Texas Rangers. Bonnie and Clyde met their fate with the Rangers and you can view all the guns confiscated including the ones the Rangers used. Hundreds of stories are shared here from the elite lawmen. A couple of hours could easily be spent here. Oh, they have great air conditioning too!
If you can't find a beer you like at this place...drink tea. There's a wall of taps (like 60 but I can't count). Let's just say there's a lot! Grab a pint and hit the pool tables, shuffleboard, giant jenga or darts. TV's are everywhere for live sports. And beer. It's downtown. So while she shops, hide out at Crickets.
41 locals recommend
Cricket's Grill & Drafthouse
211 Mary Ave
41 locals recommend
If you can't find a beer you like at this place...drink tea. There's a wall of taps (like 60 but I can't count). Let's just say there's a lot! Grab a pint and hit the pool tables, shuffleboard, giant jenga or darts. TV's are everywhere for live sports. And beer. It's downtown. So while she shops, hide out at Crickets.
You gotta' see this! Friday night dirt track racing. Go fast, turn left and leave a mark. These guys are crazy fast. There's plenty of local fans who leave no doubt who they're pulling for. It makes for a great guy night you'll may want to experience more than once.
6 locals recommend
Heart O' Texas Speedway
784 North Mc Lennan Drive
6 locals recommend
You gotta' see this! Friday night dirt track racing. Go fast, turn left and leave a mark. These guys are crazy fast. There's plenty of local fans who leave no doubt who they're pulling for. It makes for a great guy night you'll may want to experience more than once.

Shopping

63 locals recommend
The Findery
910 S 8th St
63 locals recommend
30 locals recommend
Sironia
1509 Austin Ave
30 locals recommend
256 locals recommend
Magnolia Market Silos
601 Webster Ave
256 locals recommend
102 locals recommend
Spice Village
213 Mary Ave
102 locals recommend
Linen and Cake
710 Austin Ave
Saturday morning treat with vendors from all over Central Texas converging in front of the courthouse. Plenty to snack on while you pick out ingredients for a perfect locally grown meal later. Immerse yourself in the organic experience of the Farmers Market.
76 locals recommend
Waco Downtown Farmer's Market
500 Washington Ave
76 locals recommend
Saturday morning treat with vendors from all over Central Texas converging in front of the courthouse. Plenty to snack on while you pick out ingredients for a perfect locally grown meal later. Immerse yourself in the organic experience of the Farmers Market.
See the work from the original artisan featured on Fixer Upper. This is Clint Harp's shop and well worth the experience.
22 locals recommend
Harp Design Co.
808 N 15th St
22 locals recommend
See the work from the original artisan featured on Fixer Upper. This is Clint Harp's shop and well worth the experience.
Jimmy Don of the Fixer Upper show.
6 locals recommend
JDH Iron Designs
407 S 8th St
6 locals recommend
Jimmy Don of the Fixer Upper show.
7 locals recommend
Wildland
721 Washington Ave
7 locals recommend
7 locals recommend
ADORN Boutique Waco
804 Austin Ave
7 locals recommend
This is one of my favorite local shops to hunt and gather those unique things. Jill always has cool FUN FINDS! Tell her Lisa Monroe sent you!
15 locals recommend
The Junky Monkey
1715 La Salle Ave
15 locals recommend
This is one of my favorite local shops to hunt and gather those unique things. Jill always has cool FUN FINDS! Tell her Lisa Monroe sent you!
15 locals recommend
Simply Irresistible
1018 Austin Ave
15 locals recommend

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Capital of Waco. Tour busses line the street most weekends with legendary and up and coming artists. Always easy to see the stage and plenty of bars scattered around so the lines are never too long. Check out their calendar on-line for upcoming acts. The food is really good. Try the chicken strips. (the batter has frosted flakes in it)
63 locals recommend
The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill
511 S 8th St
63 locals recommend
Live Music Capital of Waco. Tour busses line the street most weekends with legendary and up and coming artists. Always easy to see the stage and plenty of bars scattered around so the lines are never too long. Check out their calendar on-line for upcoming acts. The food is really good. Try the chicken strips. (the batter has frosted flakes in it)
16 locals recommend
Waco Escape Rooms
711 Washington Ave
16 locals recommend
Natural Habitat Zoo. It's a hidden gem in downtown Waco. You'll be amazed. It's a definite for all ages "must visit" place while in Waco.
168 locals recommend
Cameron Park Zoo
1701 N 4th St
168 locals recommend
Natural Habitat Zoo. It's a hidden gem in downtown Waco. You'll be amazed. It's a definite for all ages "must visit" place while in Waco.
111 locals recommend
Mayborn Museum Complex
1300 S University Parks Dr
111 locals recommend

Essentials

Groceries/Superstore and more.
34 locals recommend
H-E-B plus!
9100 Woodway Dr
34 locals recommend
Groceries/Superstore and more.
Pharmacy and essential items close by.
12 locals recommend
CVS
601 N Valley Mills Dr
12 locals recommend
Pharmacy and essential items close by.
Premier ER and Urgent Care
Premier ER & Urgent Care
221 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd
Premier ER and Urgent Care
Next to the HEB Superstore
Twin Liquors
1821 S Valley Mills Dr
Next to the HEB Superstore
Free parking! Two terminals. Minutes from downtown. So easy to get in and out of.
6 locals recommend
Waco Regional Airport
7909 Karl May Dr
6 locals recommend
Free parking! Two terminals. Minutes from downtown. So easy to get in and out of.

Fitness

Open play pickleball, tennis clinics and fitness center with hot tub
10 locals recommend
Waco Regional Tennis Center
900 Lake Shore Dr
10 locals recommend
Open play pickleball, tennis clinics and fitness center with hot tub