Best Places to Eat in Waco, TX, For Foodies
Not going to lie, I wasn’t sure what I was going to find on the Waco, Texas, culinary scene (BBQ, steak, maybe some Mexican food… I mean, it is Texas). However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a melting pot of cultures and cuisines – Jamaican, Southern comfort food, Czech, Italian, Cajun, and diverse food court stalls and food trucks. Looking for a place to eat in Waco? Here are my top recommendations.
Tru Jamaica
My favorite place to eat in Waco. Not only did I get a taste of Jamaican food, I also got a taste of warm Caribbean spirit. If you get the pleasure to meet the owners, Aniceto and his mom, Viva (who is also the head chef), you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Hearing their story about how they were brought to Waco by “divine intervention – carried by little angels,” I’m in love with everything Tru Jamaica. Getting back to food, I can’t recommend the Jerk Chicken enough and don’t leave without dessert. The Rum Raisin Bread Pudding is to die for.
George’s Restaurant
A staple in the Waco dining scene since 1930, George’s is exactly what I imagine when I think of down-home country cooking. Chicken fried steak with white gravy and sweet potato casserole (with the marshmallows on top!) – and super-sized portions. So much fried food, and I’m not mad about it. This is the perfect spot for when you need to soak up some of the booze from bar crawling the night before or to start the night off right with their signature “Big O” cocktails (I suggest one or three of the Rancho-Pina Margaritas).
Pivovar
Not just a Czech restaurant, Pivovar is a Czech restaurant, brewery, beer garden, bakery, hotel, and beer spa seamlessly all wrapped into one luxurious experience. But we’re here to talk about the food… and wow! Chef Jeremy knows his stuff when it comes to the kitchen (and to hospitality). I devoured the Braised Short Ribs Goulash. Of course, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to have a few Light Pilsner Lagers (all of their raw materials come from the Czech Republic). I can’t wait to go back to treat myself to the whole Pivovar experience!
Portofino’s
Photo Credit (left): Portofino’s
The food and atmosphere at Portofino’s are both made with love! From the first seat to the last bite, I felt like I was part of the family. Just like other places on this list, the owner, Nick, moved from Albania to Italy to New York and then found his home here in Waco. The menu is full of Italian classics and an extensive wine list. I highly suggest the Bruschetta as an appetizer and the Shrimp Scampi as your meal. Buon appetito!
Buzzard Billy’s
Photo Credit (both): Buzzard Billy’s (my phone was dead)
From BBQ to Cajun and Creole, you’ll get your Southern food fix here. Plus if you are a seafood lover, you’ll be excited to know you can get fresh fish in Waco. Buzzard Billy’s gets their seafood straight from the Gulf, never from fish farms. Even the laid-back atmosphere feels like you are in the Louisiana bayou. I ordered the gator strips and a bowl of gumbo… Can’t go wrong with that! They also make a mean Old Fashioned.
Union Hall
Not sure what you’re craving? Union Hall is the place for you. With over 20 local eateries set up food hall style, there’s a vendor sure to make everyone happy… Curry, waffles, salads, tea, beer, & even desserts. I would have loved to have done a food crawl and checked out a few different stalls, but I was short on time. I ended up getting the Brisket Bao Buns from Koko Ramen, and there were no regrets
Food Trucks at Magnolia Silos
While you’re in Waco, you are more than likely going to spend a few hours exploring Magnolia Silos. As part of their latest expansion, they added space for over 10 rotating food trucks. The current offering includes pizza, grilled cheese, BBQ, specialty burgers, and even a sampling from Magnolia Table! While I was stuffed from lunch, I did grab an Arnold Palmer from The Alabama Sweet Tea Company. Perfection! Bonus tip: if you bring your mason jar back, you get half off your tea. View their current food trucks.
Were you as pleasantly surprised as I was by the diverse restaurant scene in Waco, TX? Have another gem to share? Let me know in the comments!
Note: While part of my Waco trip was in partnership with The Waco Tourism Board (which is a great resource for everyone!), all of my articles, recommendations, and tips are 100% accurate and true to my experience.
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