10 Best Places to Eat in Waco This Week (Part One)
10 Waco Restaurants I’ve Photographed Along the Way
One of the coolest parts of being a photographer in Waco has been getting the chance to step inside so many of the local businesses that make this city what it is.
Over the years, I’ve work with many restaurant clients and photographed a LOT of food. And yes, one of the perks is occasionally getting to try it too.
I’ve photographed everything from longtime Waco staples to newer restaurants bringing something completely different to town, and digging back through those archives made me realize how many local places I’ve gotten to experience through my camera.
So, I thought I’d start sharing some of them.
This is not a ranking of the best restaurants in Waco and definitely not an exhaustive list. These are simply ten places I’ve had the chance to photograph that you might want to add to your list the next time everyone is staring at each other asking:
“Okay...where should we eat?”
Consider this Part One because I have plenty more where these came from.
1. Jorge’s Cantina
If Mexican food, margaritas and a fun atmosphere sound like your kind of weekend, Jorge’s Cantina is one to add to the list.
Jorge’s has a hacienda-inspired atmosphere with a dining room, cantina and patio, making it work just as well for a casual family dinner as it does for meeting friends for drinks and appetizers. Jorge's Waco
And from a photographer’s perspective, restaurants that put as much thought into the space as they do the food are always fun to photograph.
2. Waco Waffle Co.
Waffles don't have to be reserved for breakfast.
Waco Waffle Co. has both sweet and savory options, with everything from fruit and Nutella additions to fried chicken, eggs and cheese. Their current menu also includes things like breakfast sandwiches and a brisket grilled cheese. Waco Waffle Co.
It’s one of those spots that works when half the group wants breakfast and the other half absolutely does not.
3. Health Camp
You really can’t make a Waco restaurant list without including at least a few of the places that have been part of the city for generations.
Health Camp is one of them.
The Circle landmark has been serving Waco since 1949 and is still known for its burgers, fries, onion rings and huge selection of shakes. Health Camp Burgers & Shakes
It feels nostalgic in the best way, and it’s one of those places that is so distinctly Waco.
4. Curry Up & Wok This Way
For Thai food, Curry Up & Wok This Way brings something completely different to this list.
They started through the local farmers market before growing into a full-time restaurant, and today they serve dishes like Panang curry, green curry, Pad Thai, Pad See Ew and Thai-style fried rice. Curry Up and Wok This Way
You can find them at Union Hall downtown, along with their Woodway-area location. Curry Up and Wok This Way
5. The Olive Branch
The Olive Branch has been part of downtown Waco dining for years and is one of those places that can cover a lot of bases.
Breakfast? Yes. Lunch? Yes. Sunday brunch? Yep. Dinner too.
The restaurant describes its food as elevated comfort food and serves freshly prepared meals alongside handmade baked goods in its downtown space. Olive Branch Waco
It’s also a good reminder that sometimes the answer to “where should we eat?” is simply somewhere everyone can find something they want.
6. King’s Wings
Sometimes you just want wings.
King’s Chicken Wings keeps it pretty straightforward: fresh wings, house-made sauces, seasoned fries, loaded fries and plenty of flavor choices. They currently have Waco locations at Union Hall and on Waco Drive. King's Chicken Wings
This is the kind of stop I’d put in the casual, grab-food-with-friends category.
7. Terry Black’s Barbecue
And then there’s barbecue because, well, Texas.
Terry Black’s opened its Waco location in 2024 and serves the barbecue staples you’d expect: brisket, pork ribs, turkey, sausage and sides like mac and cheese, pinto beans, creamed corn and potato salad. Terry Black's BBQ
The Waco location is also right downtown, so it’s an easy addition if you’re already spending the day around that part of town.
8. Clay Pot
Clay Pot is another longtime Waco restaurant with a really special local story.
The Le family opened their first Waco restaurant in the 1980s, and today Clay Pot continues serving Vietnamese cuisine downtown. Their menu draws from dishes and flavors across different regions of Vietnam. Clay Pot
It’s exactly the kind of locally rooted place I love having represented in these archives because the story behind a restaurant is often just as interesting as what ends up on the plate.
9. Opal’s Oysters
Opal’s brings a little seafood into the mix.
Located downtown on 8th Street, it’s another option when you want something that feels a little different from your everyday lunch or dinner stop. They also currently offer Sunday brunch in addition to their regular lunch and dinner service. Opal's Oysters
And oysters just happen to photograph VERY well.
10. Pignetti’s
Finishing Part One with Italian food feels right.
Pignetti’s has been serving Central Texas since 2002 and describes its Waco restaurant as an upscale-casual Italian dining experience with a lounge, wine program and patio. Pignetti's Waco
It’s an easy choice for a date night, celebration or one of those dinners where you want the night to feel a little more like an occasion.
There’s Plenty More Waco Food Where This Came From
One thing going through these photographs reminded me of is just how many people are working incredibly hard behind the scenes to make Waco’s food scene what it is.
Restaurants are early mornings, late nights, busy weekends, new menus, staffing headaches, tiny details and a whole lot of work that most customers never see.
So, shoutout to all the local businesses creating these places for us to gather, eat and enjoy our city.
And like I said, this is only Part One.
I’ve got years of Waco restaurant photographs sitting in my archives, so there are plenty more coming.
Save this list for your next weekend in Waco or send it to the person who can never decide where they want to eat.
Are you a Waco restaurant or local business looking for updated photography?
Along with families, weddings and portraits, I love photographing the people, food and spaces behind local Waco businesses.
Whether you need updated food photography, environmental images of your space, branding photos or content for your website and social media, I’d love to help tell the story of what you’ve built.
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