The best restaurants in Waco

Family-owned since 2011, Shorty's Pizza Shack nails the crisp crust, gooey whole-milk mozzarella, and house-made sauce, plus from-scratch…

1712 S 12th St

Magnolia Table turns breakfast and lunch into fresh, garden-and-farm driven comfort, with prepared-to-go bites that save the day when life…

2132 S Valley Mills Dr

Craving that no-nonsense Central Texas smoke? Terry Black's Barbecue Waco nails the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, beef ribs that demand two…

228 S 8th St

License plates line the walls of this tiny joint with a simple menu of burgers & classic sides.

1810 Herring Ave

European market-style food hall offering over 20 global eateries, plus communal dining & events.

720 Franklin Ave

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

220 S 2nd St #2

Classic sweet treats, breads & 35 types of kolaches are offered at this busy bakery in a gift shop.

214 Melodie Dr (West)

Brisket, ribs & sides served up cafeteria-style in a no-frills setting with indoor picnic tables.

2510 Circle Rd

Cozy spot serving wine, beer, and tapas in a space with live entertainment.

300 S 6th St Ste f

Local landmark serving classic Texas BBQ plus the Gut Pack, a signature corn-chips-&-beef dish.

1600 Speight Ave

Relaxed, colorful eatery serving chicken tenders and sandwiches with varying spice levels, plus fries and sides.

4017 Jack Kultgen Fwy

Whiskey bar & eatery for brunch, cocktails & happy hours, plus craft beer & Southern-inspired fare.

420 Franklin Ave

Pizza restaurant with a sprawling turf field offering pizza pillows and wings.

8640 La Village Ave

Upbeat counter serve featuring made-to-order chuck burgers, chili dogs & homemade potato chips.

600 N Patricia St

Stylish spot in a former church with locally sourced burgers, salads & sandwiches, plus wine & beer.

704 Elm Ave

Mexican & Tex-Mex staples are turned out in an unfussy dining room with full bar & outdoor seating.

300 S 6th St b

Barbecue restaurant serving brisket, ribs, burnt ends and banana pudding.

417 N Lacy Dr (Lacy Lakeview)

Sea-inspired dishes such as ceviche, lobster rolls and crab cakes served at a modern joint.

228 S 8th St Suite B

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

2312 W Loop 340

Counter-serve, industrial-chic chain restaurant known for build-your-own pizzas.

1015 S Jack Kultgen Expy

Upscale Italian plates & a wine list in a light-filled eatery with a central bar & an open kitchen.

6500 Woodway Dr Ste 121

Relaxed spot serving up large New York-style pies and slices, plus craft beer.

7608 Woodway Dr

Basic food truck offering creative grilled-cheese sandwiches, plus mac 'n' cheese & tomato soup.

601 Webster Ave

Coffee, pastries & American breakfast & lunch bites served in a relaxed, warehouse-style space.

215 S 2nd St

Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.

919 S 6th St

Cozy Italian restaurant serves large portions of classics such as lasagna and chicken alfredo, plus beer and wine.

6025 Woodway Dr

Bright, upbeat diner with a juice bar specializing in breakfast staples & lunch combos.

4600 Franklin Ave #100

Relaxed restaurant featuring Cajun classics such as crawfish & fried chicken, plus patio seating.

601 S 11th St

Chain serving Hawaiian quick bites, including soft-serve Dole Whip, in a casual atmosphere.

825 S 6th St

Trendy chain offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch classics, plus coffee, and cocktails.

1725 Washington Ave

Cheery, socially conscious cafe offering familiar comfort grub & fair trade goods for sale on site.

1321 N 15th St

Casual Italian eatery serving pies, slices, calzones, and other comfort fare, plus gelato.

720 Franklin Ave Ste 200

Veteran counter-serve place with a down-home vibe offers Texas-style BBQ that often sells out early.

1000 Elm Ave

Quaint Italian eatery dishing up traditional pasta plates & pizza in an easygoing, BYOB setup.

904 N Valley Mills Dr

Old-school operation offering hearty American fare & drinks in a TV-equipped space.

1925 Speight Ave

Chain with gourmet beef, turkey & vegan burgers, plus spiked shakes. Some locations have game meats.

801 S 2nd St

Casual eatery dishing out hot dogs, fries and, most notably, made-to-order burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere.

1500 I-35

Hip restaurant, bar and lounge featuring small plates, cocktails and live music, with a piano bar.

319 S 4th St

Airy, rustic-chic eatery serving up seasonal Southern comfort grub alongside cocktails, beer & wine.

1020 Franklin Ave

Burgers, pizza & beer served alongside many large-screen TVs showing sports & music videos.

2601 S Jack Kultgen Expy

Rooftop eatery serving American fare such as cheeseburgers, steaks, and seafood.

701 Washington Ave

Brisket, ribs and sausage; burgers too at a down-to-earth eatery.

7809 Hwy 6 (Woodway)

Fast-food chain offering fried chicken, chicken tenders, sandwiches & wings, plus Southern-influenced sides.

1515 S Valley Mills Dr

Global-inspired dishes and cocktails served in an inviting space with a fireplace.

2200 Robinson Dr

Old-school, counter-serve burger joint with a drive-thru & treats such as handmade milkshakes.

901 Lake Air Dr

Trendy option offering a variety of burgers and chicken sandwiches, plus fries and shakes.

1425 La Salle Ave