DIRECTORY WACO ROUNDUP
O
nce a sleepy city on the Brazos
known mostly as the birthplace
of Dr Pepper and the Baylor
Bears, Waco has become a world class
travel destination. Thanks mostly to
Chip and Joanna Gaines of television’s
Fixer Upper fame, whose Magnolia
brand started with real estate and has
evolved into housewares, fashion and
eventually food.
If you find yourself at the Silos, and
crave more than food truck fare, a quick
trip around town offers an assortment of
family-owned restaurants that longtime
locals know and love.
Here are our picks for some must-
eat Waco destinations. Make sure to
check at least a couple of these off your
list to get the whole hometown Waco
experience:
TEX-MEX/MARGARITAS:
LA FIE S TA • 3815 F R A NK L IN AV E .
T
he Castillo family is one of the
oldest restaurant families in Central
Texas still in business today serving up
South-of-the-Border cuisine for more
than 85 years. Try the famous purple
margarita, a high-octane margarita made
with Chambord and secret ingredients.
With a limit of two per guest, you better
believe these are strong!
BARBECUE:
TONY D E MA R I A’ S BA R -B -Q UE
1000 E L M AV E .
A
family-owned counter-serve place
with a down-home vibe that offers
Texas-style barbecue that sells out
quickly. You’ll want to get in line early
and don’t skimp on its signature au jus
gravy instead of barbecue sauce.
VITEK’ S B B Q • 1600 S P E IGHT AV E
L
ocal landmark serving classic Texas
barbecue plus the Gut Pack, a
signature dish which includes corn chips,
12
T H E T E X A S F O O D IE
cheese, pulled pork, beans, sausage,
pickles, onions, jalapenos, barbecue
sauce and sliced bread.
OLD FASHIONED BURGERS:
C UP P ’S DRIV E INN
1 4 2 4 S P E IGHT AV E.
F
shows, like the Three Stooges and the
Little Rascals, and classic cartoons every
day. Take a stroll to the game room and
let the kids have some fun in the arcade
or find the backroom behind a secret
door!
amily-owned, neighborhood nook
since 1947 preparing burgers, hand-
cut fries and other nostalgic eats. This
classic burger dive offers old fashioned
flat top cooked burgers to order. Limited
seating is available so grab large orders
to go. Q
HE ALT H CA M P
2 6 0 1 C IRC LE RD. WAC O SANDWICHES:
lassic roadside pit stop for burgers
and hot dogs washed down with
shakes, malts and frozen custard. SC HM A LTZ’S SA NDWIC H SH O PPE
105 S. FIFTH ST.
C
COFFEE SHOPS:
C O M M O N GROUNDS
1 1 2 3 S . EIGHTH ST.
W
elcoming venue with rustic decor
draws a college crowd for coffee,
snacks and live-music shows.
P INE WO OD C OFFEE BA R
2 2 2 3 AU STIN AV E SUITE A
O
pened by a couple of Baylor
University graduates, this upscale,
modern coffee bar also serves as a
community hub and live music venue.
DIC HOTOM Y C OFFEE & SPIRITS
5 0 8 AUS TIN AV E.
C
lassic espresso drinks and craft
cocktails offered in a vintage-chic
space lined with local art.
ITALIAN/PIZZA:
P OP PA ROLLO’S PIZZA
7 0 3 N. VA LLEY M ILLS DR.
C
ome enjoy Waco’s best pizza in a
unique atmosphere. It shows old
BA RIS PA STA & PIZZA
904 N VA LLEY M ILLS DR
uaint Italian eatery dishing up
traditional pasta plates and pizza
in an easygoing, BYOB setup. Try
its signature pink sauce which is a
combination of marinara and Alfredo.
W
aco’s favorite sandwich!
Handmade breads baked fresh
daily, salads, soups. Home of the original
Schmaltz!
CHICKEN FRIED STEAK/
COLD BEER:
GEORGE’S RESTAURA NT
1925 SPEIGHT AV E.
S
erving Chicken Fried Steak and Big
‘O’ Beer in a laid back atmosphere
since 1930. Made even more famous
when featured in a song by Texas singer-
songwriter Pat Green.
NEW FACE OF WACO CUISINE:
M AGNOLIA TA BLE
2132 S VA LLEY M ILLS D R.
H
ip setting for breakfast and lunch
with nearby garden and farm
ingredients plus prepared food to-go.
SILOS BA KING C O
601 WEBSTER AV E.
Q
uaint bakery owned by Chip and
Joanna Gaines with pastries, breads
and goodies such as cupcakes.