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11 Best Restaurants in Waco for a Weekend Getaway

One of our favorite things about a Waco weekend is how many good local restaurants are packed into a fairly easy area to explore. Whether you’re visiting Baylor, spending time at Magnolia, shopping downtown, or just getting away for a couple of days, these are some of our favorite places to eat while you’re here.

By Rebecca on 9/10/2026
Waco Waco Restuarants Waco Travel Baylor Magnolia Clay Oak Cottage

Photo: Lunch at JD's Cafe in Waco, TX

Breakfast & Lunch

Olive Branch
Olive Branch is a great casual stop for breakfast or lunch, and it’s especially convenient if you want to combine eating with a little shopping. It’s located near Spice Village, so it’s easy to make this part of a relaxed downtown afternoon.

Milo All Day
Milo All Day is one of our favorite brunch and lunch spots, especially on the weekend. It has a fun atmosphere and works well for anything from a casual breakfast to a longer brunch with friends.

JD’s Cafe
One of our newer favorites. JD’s Cafe is a great local option when you want something casual, comfortable, and a little less touristy.

Dinner Favorites

Opal Oyster
If you love seafood, Opal Oyster is such a fun choice. It’s small and intimate, and the patio makes it especially nice when the weather is good.

Red Herring
For a more upscale dinner, Red Herring is a beautiful Mediterranean option. This is a great pick for a date night or a nicer evening out while you’re in Waco.

Blaine’s
A neighborhood restaurant and wine shop with seasonal, scratch-made food and French bistro-Texas flavor.  The owner spent a year traveling the world an trying different foods before coming back to Waco to open his restaurant. The atmosphere is intimate and lively, and the gumbo and steak are two of our favorites.  

Pignetti’s
Pignetti’s is a great choice when you want casual Italian. It’s comfortable, approachable, and works well for an easy dinner after a full day exploring Waco.

Di Campli’s
If you want Italian but prefer something a little dressier, Di Campli’s is a great option. It’s perfect for a nicer dinner without feeling too formal.

DiamondBack’s
DiamondBack’s is one of our favorite downtown choices for steak. If you’re looking for a classic steak dinner while you’re in Waco, this is the spot we tend to recommend.

Save Room for Dessert

Milk Bottle Cookies
Milk Bottle Cookies is an easy and fun dessert stop, especially if you want something casual to take with you while you continue exploring.

Heritage Creamery
Heritage Creamery is a great place to stop for ice cream and makes an easy dessert option after dinner or while walking around Waco.

Make a Weekend of It

Waco is an easy city to enjoy at a relaxed pace. You can spend the morning around Baylor or Magnolia, shop downtown in the afternoon, and still have plenty of time for a great dinner.

If you’re planning a Waco weekend, Clay Oak Cottage makes a comfortable home base for exploring the area. It’s close to Baylor, Magnolia, downtown Waco, restaurants, shopping. You can view the property and check out availability through Oak & Field Retreats using the Properties tab at the top & bottom of this page.