One of the best parts of our annual editor’s picks is that there is always something new that our editorial team discovers.

We, of course, eagerly share our favorite spots and eats around town — that roll of sushi that ignites a craving every so often; the indulgent caramel apples that make the day even sweeter; a special celebration made memorable by the crafted plates. But then we read the submissions from our contributors whose words and photos you see in every issue, and we realize that Waco still has so much to offer.

From an assortment of mini tacos to brunch with river views to an outdoor music venue with an unforgettable experience, we have new experiences on the itinerary. And we hope that you will have your own adventures, tasting new flavors, meeting new faces behind the counter and discovering your next fave. It all starts here. I dare you not to drool over the next several pages.

Sushi

Domo Sushi
A truly underrated spot, Domo Sushi in Union Hall is a must try! Every roll I’ve sampled has been perfectly fresh and yummy, and the Caliente Roll is the best so far, but it’s not for the faint of heart. As the name states, this is a spicy roll. Spicy crab is rolled inside with spicy tuna and fresh jalapeños on top with a spicy mayo to complete it. For a full meal, the Korokkae is the best appetizer for your meal. – Emily Ober

Bakery

Fox & Co. Bakery
This was honestly a tough pick, as Waco has flourished in the bakery scene the last couple of years and there are so many delights around town, but Fox & Co. Bakery just has something special to it. Several coffee shops around town carry their fresh-made pastries (I’m always checking for the chocolate empanadas that pop up at Mila Café), and the in-house selection is just as delicious. The pumpkin cake has been a staple with my coffee treat this fall. – Emily Ober

Brunch

The Brazos Landing
In a town with several excellent brunch options, The Brazos Landing gets our vote for three reasons: 1. Outstanding views of the Brazos River and downtown. 2. A creative brunch menu that includes several unique options, like Shrimp & Grits (with polenta and Gouda cheese), Chicken & Waffles, Jumbo Lump Crabcake Benedict and my favorite, the Redneck Benedict (which swaps out chicken fried steak for the ham). 3. Did we mention the views? – Bob Darden

Milkshake

Health Camp Burgers & Shakes
The Texas summer days can be brutal and a freshly made milkshake from Health Camp is one of the best ways to cool down and indulge a little. While I always enjoy a classic malt, the banana pudding flavor is all the sweet southern goodness in a cup. – Emily Ober

Outdoor Dining

Southern Roots Brewing Co.
Nestled away in downtown, Southern Roots’ hidden backyard dining area is one of the few in Waco that doesn’t face a busy road. It’s like having your own “Secret Garden,” only with beer and pizza — and a view of Hotel 1928! When the weather allows it, quaffing one of this excellent brewpub’s beers (try the sampler flight) or sharing one of their quirky specialty pizzas under the stars is a stellar Waco experience. – Bob Darden

Sandwich

Un je ne sais Quoi…
One of the things I’ve missed most about living in Europe are the sandwich shops, especially ones found in France. Un je ne sais Quoi… has filled the French-sized void that I’ve been feeling here not only with the delightful pastries but the perfect sandwiches for an easy lunch. While they have a small selection, the simple Ham & Beurre (butter) Sandwich is an easy fave. With a fresh baguette and butter from Normandy (trust me, you’ll taste the difference), it’s leagues beyond the ham sandwich of lunchbox days. – Emily Ober

Atmosphere

Hotel 1928
When Hotel 1928 received Waco’s first-ever prestigious Michelin Key award, the judges described it this way: “Excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighborhood or setting.” That about sums it up. Every aspect of Hotel 1928 exudes atmosphere and class. A true Waco treasure. – Bob Darden

Historic Site

Waco Mammoth National Monument
When family visited this summer, we headed straight to the Waco Mammoth National Monument. We all — ages 9 to 84 — totally geeked out over the only fossil remains of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths in the world. The kids completed their Junior Ranger cards; we all marveled at the huge skeletons alongside remains of a saber-toothed cat, western camel and giant tortoise. There’s a great souvenir shop with T-shirts, stuffies and polished rocks too. – Susan Bean Aycock

Chips & Salsa

Sagrado
I enjoy the vibe of chips, salsa and a ‘marg’ in any season. Sagrado has the salsa they bring you, and then the “off menu” salsa; but beware…it’s for the spicy fans! – Emily Mills

Asian

Bangkok Royal
Bangkok has been feeding me since the early 2000s and I’m still discovering menu items that slap! Tom Kha Kai soup with the hot Thai tea is my favorite to start with. For mains I never go wrong with the yellow chicken curry or the spicy Thai Lab Salad. Bonus: save room for the sticky sweet rice and coconut ice cream! – Emily Mills

Breakfast

Our Breakfast Place
On a lazy weekend morning, there is nothing better than a hot cup of coffee and sweet carbs smothered in maple syrup. The Oatmeal Pancake at Our Breakfast Place is the perfect sweet-tooth satisfying treat for a gluten-free breakfast! – Jenna McKillop

Take a Date

Red Herring
If we’re going out for a nice dinner at someplace not stuffy or fussy, Red Herring is our first choice. What we like best is the rotating selection of small, shareable plates. We’ve been consistently pleased with the pasta and Italian sausage topped with vodka sauce as well as the grilled pork belly. The sourdough focaccia is amazing.The servers are always knowledgeable about the menu and can make sensible suggestions without being pushy. – Kevin Tankersley

Food Truck

Frenchie Daddy French Toast
Now that Frenchie Daddy is parked in its home lot at The Feed Lot, I often find myself venturing down Hewitt Drive on weekend mornings for a quick fix to start my day right. As a gluten-free girl, it is so exciting to find delicious allergy-friendly French toast, and a side of eggs for some protein makes every Frenchie Daddy morning a great one! – Jenna McKillop

Place to Volunteer

Friends of the Waco-McLennan County Library Book Sale
Volunteering at the Friends of the Waco-McLennan County Library Book Sale — with a quarter-million books inside the BASE at Extraco Events Center — is my favorite weekend of the year. This year’s sale is Nov. 12–15. – Kevin Tankersley

Tacos

Mi Casita Mexican Food Restaurant
I’m not saying that we’re ahead of the curve, but we’ve been eating at Mi Casita in Hewitt long before Scott Drew sent out a tweet from there on April 10, 2024, signifying that he was staying at Baylor.While Abby usually goes with Enchiladas Verdes, my order varies between Taco Salad and the Mini Taco plate, five small tacos served with grilled onions and jalapeños. The folks working there are always friendly and welcoming. – Kevin Tankersley

Pool

Waco Surf
As a coastal girl at heart, Waco Surf is one of those places that makes me feel a little more at home. I love spending an entire day in the sunshine, watching our kids play in the waves, float the river and enjoy a taste of beach life right here in Central Texas. With kids in different stages of life, it’s one of those rare places where everyone has fun together. – Breanne Johnson

Community Event

Baylor Homecoming Parade
Being a Baylor alum, I love immersing my kids in all things Baylor. We have enjoyed football games, picnics on campus and visiting the bears, but my favorite tradition is taking them to the Baylor Homecoming Parade. It’s one of those events where it really feels like the whole community comes together! My kids love getting to see all the balloons, fun cars and, of course, catching all the candy. Personally, I love getting to see all the creativity that has gone into all the floats. Each year they get better and better and each year I am floored with just how incredible they all are. I can’t wait for this year’s Homecoming festivities! Sic ‘Em Bears! – Brittany Ross

Burger

Blaine’s Restaurant & Wine Shoppe
Enjoying this prime beef burger tastes and feels not unlike dinner in one of my fave tucked-away, candlelight West Village dinner spots in NYC. Topped with thick bacon, cheddar cheese, pickle and red onion on a brioche bun, the burger is decadent. Triple-cooked fries and a glass of wine make the full experience…sumptuous. – Gretchen Eichenberg

Mexican

Agaves Mexican Restaurant
Agaves Mexican Kitchen is a popular new restaurant for a reason. The food is fresh and delicious. The service is helpful and nice. There’s a variety of items on the menu so everyone finds something they enjoy. What’s not to love? – Katelyn Kasper

Dessert Selection

Around the World Bakery
Around The World Bakery is so fun to visit. The interior is cheerful and whimsical, and the desserts are absolutely mouth-wateringly delicious. You can find desserts from all over the world! They’re made fresh, and it’s hard to stop at one item. It’s a great place for a date, mommy-daughter time, chatting with friends or just dropping in for a quick treat. Bon Appetit! – Katelyn Kasper

Indulgence

The Apple Gal
Never have I ever met a caramel apple I didn’t love, but the decadent, extravagant and indulgent apples at The Apple Gal are quite literally a little slice of heaven. I’ve tried a handful of them and my absolute favorite is the cookie butter. The combination of the crunchy, sour granny smith apple dipped in the caramel and cookie butter white chocolate and then finished off with crushed Biscoff cookie crumbs is the perfect indulgent treat. It’s rich, sticky, sweet and oh-so-hard to resist! – Brittany Ross

Gluten Free Dining

JD’s Cafe
I love that Waco has more options for gluten free peeps like me to enjoy and the food and atmosphere at JD’s is done well for a girls’ lunch, brunch, dinner or breakfast. The Signature Thai Panang Curry with steak is one of my favorites with a lot of flavor that’s not overpowering; it’s creamy and just delicious. The Thai Fried Pickles with the Bang Bang Ranch are crispy, fresh and hit all the notes of sweet and sour put together, and don’t forget to take home “That Coffee Cake,” or hit it there. – Michelle Geoffroy Johnson

Specialty Cake

Sweetness Desserts
Creating ornate and sumptuous bridal cakes for many in town and a darling shop to boot, the delicious creations at Sweetness is worth the visit. – Michelle Geoffroy Johnson

Celebration Dinner

The Butcher’s Cellar
Wow! Our staff was blown away by the meal we had at Butcher’s Cellar to celebrate the retirement of our office manager Polly Brown. If you are looking for an intimate setting or a large gathering, Butcher’s Cellar has beautiful spaces to enjoy. From top to bottom, everyone came away happy and raving. I personally had the Prime Ribeye and it was melt-in-your-mouth juicy and perfectly cooked. – Michelle Geoffroy Johnson

Art Gallery

Washington Gallery
To have sustainable galleries in Waco where artists from all over Texas and beyond are choosing to have gallery exhibitions in downtown is downright fabulous. I will add that when you walk on Washington Avenue when you visit the gallery, you see another side of the ALICO you might not have viewed before. I love it. – Michelle Geoffroy Johnson

Place to Volunteer

Central Texas Food Bank
Food is one of the simplest ways to make people feel loved and cared for. Supporting our local food bank is a beautiful way to extend that care beyond our own tables and into the community. – Breanne Johnson

Live Music Venue

The Will of Waco
On a beautiful night, there is not a more beautiful and unique setting to enjoy live music than The Will of Waco. The venue has live music nights several times a month and also host many private parties, weddings and corporate events. The Will seats 150 people in a setting surrounded by large oaks, sparkly lights and under fans and misters when it’s hot. They boast a full bar, great wait staff and limited but delicious food options.
– Elizabeth Barnhill

Place to Volunteer

Christian Women’s Job Corps
Working with CWJC on their Baskets of Hope fundraiser was special. While I am not able to support the organization each week in helping women obtain GEDs or practice for job interviews, I could still invest in these women and CWJC’s impact in their lives. Volunteering to help plan and work the fundraiser meant my short-term offering within my skillset supported the organization and women in our community who are working so hard to grow. – Katelyn Kasper

Place to Volunteer

Shepherd’s Heart Mobile Pantry
For a while now, our family has made it a tradition to spend the first Saturday morning of each month volunteering with Shepherd’s Heart Mobile Pantry at our church, Harris Creek Baptist Church, handing out food to those in need. It has become something we all look forward to, and I love that my kids are learning the joy of serving others in such a simple, hands-on way. – Brittany Ross

Artist

Zandartistry
I remember taking art classes with Zander Lim back in high school and always being in awe of his artwork
full of whimsy. One of my favorite pieces is “Collection of Phantasmagorical Habitat Heaps” which I watched him create. This piece went on to the Visual Arts Scholastic Event which he advanced to state with. Zander’s work is a reminder of how creativity can leave a lasting impression long after the art class ends. Zander shares his work with the Waco community and is a familiar face at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market where he regularly sells his art.
– Amerie Thomas

Charity Event

Fuzzy Friends Rescue Barkin’ Ball
Waco’s first “no kill shelter” is celebrating 30 years in Waco next year. The organization solely depends on financial support from individuals and businesses to operate and serve the Waco area and they have proudly found homes for over 20,000 homeless dogs and cats in that time. I have attended several charity events supporting Fuzzy Friends including their Bow Wow Bingo Night and Barkin’ Ball. They always have rescue animals as part of the events which makes them even more fun. The next Barkin’ Ball is January 29, 2027 and they are currently accepting sponsorships. – Elizabeth Barnhill

Place to Volunteer

Mission Waco | Mission World
It is so great to find an organization that solely takes care of the most vulnerable in our own community. Mission Waco has so many ways to volunteer that appeal to a variety of interests and skills including medical, educational, theatrical, musical and mentoring to name a few and is one of the shining jewels in our community that is just as meaningful to the volunteers as the participants.
– Elizabeth Barnhill