The Best Waco Visitors Guide : Get the full Texas Experience
This Waco Visitors Guide is packed with ideas for shopping, dining and entertainment in and around Waco, Texas
I have lived in Texas my whole life and been TO and through Waco many times.
Even so, never in a million years could I have imagined I’d be writing a guide to Waco, but here we go!
Now that Waco has become a Mecca that home decor lovers pay homage to, it seems like it’s a good time to share a little bit of what I know and have learned.
Whether you’re going to Waco for a girls trip, retreat, family reunion, antique hunting, or just being dragged along by your antique-hunting wife, I hope you find some useful tips in this post.
…and as always if you have ideas or tips to share, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
As a proud native Texan, I love to share (and maybe brag a little) about this great state and all the unique experiences, flavors, and customs! If you love to get the LOCAL experience when you travel, this guide is for YOU!
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Which Season?
Waco Visitors Guide : What Time of year to visit
There are certain times of the year you may prefer to travel to Waco, TX.
Different seasons offer different experiences.
Spring
Spring is a great time to visit Texas. The weather is nice and not as hot as summer. Usually Spring temperatures in Texas are in the 60s-80s depending on how early or late in the season. March can still be a little chilly in Waco, and May can start to get warm, but most days are quite pleasant.
Another bonus of visiting Texas in the Spring: the bluebonnets are blooming! Our state flower lines the highways from late March to early May. Ennis, Texas is known for their annual bluebonnet festival and is on the way to Waco from DFW. (More about bluebonnets HERE)
Summer
Summer in Texas is hot (and often humid). Come prepared with lightweight cool clothes, hats, and sunscreen.
With schools out, you may see more families traveling. The Magnolia Markets are very family friendly. (More about that HERE)
In the Summer, you may want to consider renting a house with a pool or on a lake near Waco.
Fall
Fall is a great time to visit Texas. Temperatures usually start to cool down late September, but for your best shot at cool weather, I suggest waiting until at least the 3rd week of October. November (and December) are often very nice in Texas too. Not too warm, not too cold.
The State Fair of Texas (in Dallas) usually runs Mid September-mid October and is definitely a TEXAS experience.
Winter
Y’all, it almost never snows in Waco, Texas, or even gets cold enough to snow. So, Winter is just as good a time as any to visit! The coldest temps are usually in January and February.
Dining
Waco Visitors Guide to Dining and Eating in Waco
I am ALL for experiencing local and iconic favorites when I travel. This list of my personal recommendations will give you a wide range to choose from and a few surprising places that are essential for out-of-state travelers. This is not an exhaustive list of every restaurant but it is a pared-down list so you can decide quickly and easily.
Magnolia Table
I just have 2 words: COME HUNGRY
(Or share with a friend.)
Not to miss: 2 more words: BUTTER FLIGHT …with a Basket of Biscuits.
Expect a wait for large parties and on weekends, or arrive early (at opening) to avoid a wait. They do have nice tents and covered seating for those waiting, and of course lots of photo ops around the building.
There’s also a small market on the opposite corner of the building from the host stand, where you can shop while you wait.
Reservations are available for parties up to 6 people, up to 30 days in advance.
Union Hall
Lots of small walk-up eateries where everyone can order and pay for their own meal.
Great for large groups or families who want different things.
There’s extra seating on the second floor, which we found helpful when visiting with a group of 12.
Silos Baking Co.
On Magnolia Market property in downtown Waco the line usually wraps around the side of the building. On this day (line as shown in picture to the left), the line took about 20-25 minutes to get to order. Our orders were handed to us within 1-2 minutes after paying.
Want to skip the wait? you have 2 options:
- Get there as they open or arrive late afternoon, at about 5pm (they close at 6).
- Preorder 48 hours in advance for takeaway. You must order 3 dozen items for this option.
There’s a little bit of patio seating on the other side of the building.
My fave flavors: Silobration, Strawberries and Cream.
Hecho En Waco
If you’re from out of state, you need to have Tex Mex while visiting Texas! This is a great option.
Tex Mex with a fun atmosphere located within a short walking distance of Magnolia Market on 6th street.
Indoor and Patio seating.
Hey Sugar
Candy Shop with fun vibrant murals and photo ops.
Short walking distance from Magnolia Market.
Backyard Bar and Grill
You can catch awesome live music here in a fun atmosphere.
Dining by Category:
This is not a list of ALL the restaurants in Waco, but these are ones recommended by me and my very brilliant and helpful Instagram friends. You can skip to the category you’re looking for:
- American + Southern
- Coffee
- Mexican + TexMex
- Fast Food + Food Trucks + Food Hall
- Bar & Grill
- Mediterranean + Italian
- Grocery
- Desserts/Pastries
>>> American + Southern Restaurants <<<
George’s
Good food, Bar and Grill atmosphere.
Noteworthy because Pat Green, a Texas country music icon, wrote/sang a song about it.
I highly recommend listening to Pat Green and all the Texas Music artists while driving around Waco and Texas. Here’s a playlist for you!
Milo All Day
Southern comfort food is scratch-made using the best, Texas-sourced ingredients of the season. Reservations are available.
Olive Branch
Salads, sandwiches, and other bistro fare, bakery too!
Rudy’s BBQ
Texas is known for Bar B Que and Rudy’s does it so well in a down-to-earth, true-to-Texas way. They also sell bottles of sauce and rub to take home to your husband, who will then “need” you to go back to Waco again when he runs out… win-win!
Schmaltz Sandwich Shop
Delicious sandwiches, fresh salads and hot soups.
Tejun – Texas Cajun Restaurant
Local hotspot, with amazing food.
Twisted Root
Really good big burgers with lots of options, including bison or chicken as the protein.
Vitek’s BBQ
One informed/experienced Instagram friend says: ” Seriously Best BBQ, Get the Gut Pak!”
Whataburger
If you’re from out of state, you must experience this Texas treasure and the best fast food burger and fries in America.
I am a fan of the good ol’ Whataburger (#1 meal).
The ketchup is its own thing too …and now you can buy a whole bottle of Whataburger Ketchup at H.E.B.
>>> Coffee <<<
Common Grounds
Dichotomy
Pinewood Coffee Bar
>>> Mexican + TexMex Restaurants <<<
Chuy’s
Good Tex Mex option (When in Texas…) Pro Tip: When they bring your chips and salsa to the table ask for a side of Creamy Jalapeño (it’s not that spicy and its free), dip your chips in it…you’re welcome!
Hecho En Waco
Tex Mex with a fun atmosphere located within short walking distance of Magnolia Market on 6th street.
Ninfas
A TexMex legacy. The green sauce is my fave!
>>> Fast Food + Food Trucks + Food Hall<<<
Food Trucks inside the Magnolia Market courtyards
Lots of great options, the grilled cheese truck is a fave and of course, the Iced Tea truck- it’s $9 but you get to keep the cute XL glass jar and straw it comes in.
Whataburger
There’s only one fast-food restaurant worth mentioning. If you’re from out of state, you must experience this Texas treasure and the best fast food burger and fries in America.
The ketchup is its own thing too …and now you can buy a whole bottle of Whataburger Ketchup at H.E.B.
Union Hall
Lots and lots of walk-up/carry-out service counters. All kinds of foods, drinks, and desserts, even a bar.
>>> Bar & Grill <<<
George’s
Noteworthy because Pat Green, a Texas country music icon, wrote/sang a song about this place.
Backyard Bar & Grill
Great live music and an outdoor stage.
>>> Mediterranean + Italian <<<
Alpha Omega Grill and Bakery
Alpha Omega’s kitchen is visible from the seating area, allowing guests to experience the food being prepared. Fresh bread, pastries, and gelato are made daily.
With a self-serve style, the customer is able to choose a long-neck beer or a nice wine to pair with their meal. Inside or outside on our patio area in view of the historic Alico building lights.
Di Campili’s Italian Restaurant
Authentic Italian Experience with exceptional service, delicious food, and a family environment.
>>> Desserts and Pastries <<<
Czech Bakery
Located on I-35 in the town of West, TX just north of Waco, but it’s a must-stop for all Texas road trips and it’s on the way to and from Dallas/DFW if you’re going that way.
Kolaches and pastries! need I say more?
What’s a kolache? It’s ham or sausage or fruit inside a soft buttery pastry.
Alpha Omega Grill and Bakery
Alpha Omega’s kitchen is visible from the seating area, allowing guests to experience the food being prepared. Fresh bread, pastries, and gelato are made daily.
>>> Grocery <<<
H.E.B.
Our beloved Texas grocery store chain, has great sushi, wines, cheeses, Whataburger ketchup, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Texas coffee, and everything else you’d expect to find at a grocery store.
What to Listen to as you drive around Texas
These songs are all by Texas artists and singer-songwriters and many are about the great state of Texas.
Shopping
A visitors guide to great shops in and around Waco, Texas
Magnolia Little Shop on Bosque
Junque in the Trunk
Findery
Spice Village
Entertainment/Sights
Things to do and see in and around Waco
Backyard Bar and Grill
Great Live Music with outdoor stage, bar food and drinks. Next door to The Findery.
Bluebonnets (In the Spring
Murals
Cameron Park and Zoo
2601 N University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76708
Hello! I’m Jessica, wife to Cody, and mom to 2 boys and a girl, who are SO lucky because everyday with me is like an episode of carpool karaoke! They get a ride and a show! (What I lack in talent, I make up for in loudness and enthusiasm). I have a background in architecture and designed this home that we just built in a small Texas town. We self-contracted the build…and we are still finishing up a few projects. Oh! And our Floor Plans are available on this website. Most days you can find me on Instagram @the.old.barn so come say hi!