Location: Waco
Top Restaurants in Waco
Countries
Top 10 Southwestern food in Waco, Texas, United States
Find out what Southwestern restaurants to try in Waco. Waco (/ˈweɪkoʊ/ WAY-koh) is a city which is the county seat of McLennan County, Texas, United States. It is situated along the Brazos River and I-35, halfway between Dallas and Austin. The city had a 2010 population of 124,805, making it the 22nd-most populous city in the state. The US Census 2016 population estimate is 134,432 The Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of McLennan and Falls Counties, which had a 2010 population of 234,906. Falls County was added to the Waco MSA in 2013. The US Census 2017 population estimate for the Waco MSA is 268,696.
Things to do in Waco
10. Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Mike S
We ate here twice while we stayed a block away at the Hilton. Very convenient, with superb food! They have a porch available to eat outside. The menu provided a good variety at very reasonable prices.
9. Leal's Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By TravelAmericaNow
Leal's is not a pretty place, but they sure have great food. Even better than the food are the smiles & happy attitude of the staff, and their helpfulness. Apparently we are not alone in our assessment, as they are always busy, We are retired but we notice it seems like a lot of hardworking people are dining there. Hardworking people want good, solid food. I have checked "mid-range" below, but the prices are very reasonable. I don't like the term "cheap" because it implies inferior, which this place is not.
8. Hecho En Waco
Overall Ratings
4 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Scott P
I've eaten a lot of Tex-Mex in my life, and the combination of both here was exceptional. Right on the middle of the booming Silo district, I was impressed by the friendly wait staff and light, comfortable atmosphere. Our party of four dined on enchiladas mole (spicy and slightly more bitter than I'm used to, but good), quesadilla, and carnitas. The portions were just right, especially when considering the fresh tortilla chips and dips (salsa verde--Hot, red salsa--Medium, and bean dip-- mild and tasty). Happy Hour was, well, happy. We refreshed ourselves with 24 oz. Modelo Negros for $4, and margaritas for $3. I'll be back when next I visit.
7. La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Waco's favorite Tex-Mex restaurant! Freshest (never frozen) and finest ingredients used in all menu items. Happy Hour weekdays 3-6:30. Our frozen margaritas are another Wacoan's fav. Live music nearly every Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. We are proud
Reviewed By Catie B
We came here for the dog-friendly patio, which was actually not hot with cover and misters! So many choices on the menu, from healthy to not - lots of avocado, vegetarian options and even a small Italian menu to honor the former restaurant that was in the space. Knowledgeable waitstaff! Loved it! :)
6. La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Waco's favorite Tex-Mex restaurant! Freshest (never frozen) and finest ingredients used in all menu items. Happy Hour weekdays 3-6:30. Our frozen margaritas are another Wacoan's fav. Live music nearly every Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. We are proud
Reviewed By Catie B
We came here for the dog-friendly patio, which was actually not hot with cover and misters! So many choices on the menu, from healthy to not - lots of avocado, vegetarian options and even a small Italian menu to honor the former restaurant that was in the space. Knowledgeable waitstaff! Loved it! :)
5. Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By ash11251995
Food and service were good. I had spinach and shrimp enchiladas that were good. My husband loved the carnitas. Would like more a la carte choices on the menu for picky eaters/kids.
4. Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 728 reviews
Reviewed By travelingqueen88
Really great place. Nicely decorated with very good food. Really enjoyed the cheese enchiladas and the tamales were out of this world. Excellent salsa! The servers are all so polite and efficient. Great meal and nice atmosphere and very reasonably priced. Clean! We will return again and again. A+
3. Chuy's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By TacomaTRD
We were seated promptly and our waitress was very attentive. She kept the chips and cream sauce coming and the drinks full. I had the Comida Deluxe #1 with cheese enchiladas, beef taco, rice and beans, and guacamole. It was really tasty but a lot of food. Everyone in our party of 7 enjoyed what they ordered. The service was excellent. I recommend this restaurant and I will be back.
2. Cafe Homestead
Overall Ratings
4 based on 761 reviews
Cafe Homestead serves deliciously healthful food in the unique setting of a traditional craft village in our sustainable, organic farming community. We offer grass-fed beef; fresh buns, bread and rolls baked daily from whole-grain flour by Artisan Oven; c
Reviewed By Renee F
The Cafe Homestead was awesome! Great food, great service and the grounds around it were an added bonus to our girls trip. Both of their soups (pablano cream and jalapeno sweet potato) were outstanding! We all got their London fog latte and it did not disappoint. It was cold and wet the day we visited so the warm soup and latte's were like a gift. Since this was a girls trip, we also had dessert. I had the pumpkin cheesecake and my girls each had the warm apple cobbler with homemade vanilla ice cream. All were outstanding! This place was a fantastic place.
1. La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Waco's favorite Tex-Mex restaurant! Freshest (never frozen) and finest ingredients used in all menu items. Happy Hour weekdays 3-6:30. Our frozen margaritas are another Wacoan's fav. Live music nearly every Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. We are proud
Reviewed By Catie B
We came here for the dog-friendly patio, which was actually not hot with cover and misters! So many choices on the menu, from healthy to not - lots of avocado, vegetarian options and even a small Italian menu to honor the former restaurant that was in the space. Knowledgeable waitstaff! Loved it! :)
Texas, United States Food Guide: 10 Mexican food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Waco
