Opal&#x27;s Oysters

Love the vibe, it's a bit divey but still trendy. Service at the start wasn't friendly and…read morewelcoming but it got better towards the end. Maybe because a different staff checked on us. He was more attentive and he kept checking on us throughout the night. They got busy around 9 pm. And it seemed to be a local favorite. Their cocktails are creative but it's still budget-friendly. I enjoyed my cocktails but some were more tart than others. Still, If we were ever to come back to Waco this is the place I would like to come back to.

One Day is a really cute place that offers an upscale cocktail bar vibe that Waco didn't really…read morehave before. The neon signs, brick walls, and interesting decor make this a unique place to visit, and honestly a great place to grab an Instagram picture. The bartenders are knowledgeable and have great recommendations. They offer cocktails, beer and wine, and coffee and tea. I haven't had the coffee here so I can only comment on the bar. The drinks are pretty pricy for Waco (~$10), so going here for me is an experience thing. I have tried the Faerie Fire, which the bartender told me tasted like a strawberry moscow mule, and he was right! What's interesting about it is that there is cayenne in it, so some spice hits the back of your throat. I have also had their Tom Collins and enjoyed it. It's a pleasant, refreshing drink. I tried the Jungle Bird and the Pink Flamingo and they weren't really my thing, but my friends have enjoyed them. I think the key to going here is knowing what you like. The best part about One Day is all of the outdoor seating. Especially during covid, when barhopping is pretty much out of the question, this place has been a refuge for drinks with friends. They have six picnic tables out front, where the Yaki food truck is typically stationed (SO GOOD, must try!), and they also have several two-top tables in a little "alley" past the picnic tables between two buildings. Instagram tip: there's a neon sign out there if you wanna grab a pic! It's also nice because the experience hasn't changed because of covid like it has at other bars. I think everyone can find something they like at One Day. Try it out!

Old Fashion & Kentucky Blue

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Various drinks from the Cocktail Menu

Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits

4.2(369 reviews)

0.2 mi

I've enjoyed coming here over the years! From coffee dates to study sessions to my first drink with…read morefriends on my 21st bday, I've had some great memories here! Some of their speciality lattes (like the Remember Me one fall) have been so delicious that I've braved the trek downtown, searching for a parking spot in the middle of my workday, just to get one as an afternoon pick-me-up. I also love the 1885 drink, which is Dr Pepper + espresso. It sounds crazy, but a Waco girl loves it. I will say, ever since the inside was re-painted as a weird, tentacle-esque, purple and orange mural, the ambiance has tanked. It used to feel like a peaceful, vibey spot, especially at night or during the holidays. Now the walls make my skin crawl a bit. Maybe some people love it--I usually hear the opposite But it's still worth going for the drinks!

I just want something to WAKE me up! Not all coffee is the same. If you're looking for a roast…read moretasting coffee you can find it here! I ordered the Boxing Day coffee with the cinnamon notes. I couldn't taste cinnamon so much til I was almost done. It's good coffee, but nothing special even with the descriptive notes for their drinks. It feels industrial inside. Nice bathrooms, spacious layout towards the back. Comfortable seatings and plenty of tables.

Frai D'été

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Dichotomy old fashioned

Lucky Buck's Rooftop Bar

4.3(12 reviews)

We closed out the night at Lucky Buck's Rooftop Bar, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our…read morelittle day trip to Waco. The vibe was really nice, especially with the purple lighting that gave the whole rooftop a cool, laid-back atmosphere. I made it just in time for last call, which felt like perfect timing to grab one last drink and take in the night air. I ordered a Dusty Road. It had a nice tart kick to it, which I liked, but I honestly didn't taste much of the honey. A little more honey probably would have balanced the bitterness better. That said, it was still a really good drink and definitely hit the spot after a full day out. Overall, Lucky Buck's was a great stop to end the evening--good atmosphere, nice rooftop setting, and a chill way to close out the night. If you're in Waco and looking for somewhere to wind down with a drink and a view, it's definitely worth checking out.

The ambiance is great, you can see all of downtown Waco. Go at night, especially fun at…read moreChristmastime to see the city lit up. Not much for food, just some snacks, but there is a restaurant downstairs. The service is friendly and quick. Clean restrooms.

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Sam's Bar

4.3(18 reviews)

0.0 mi

I have been to both, Sam's Bar and Sam's Front Porch at the Union Hall and Union Grove. Both bars…read morewere vibey and chill. Such a nice scenery, very beautiful aesthetic. The customer service is also great, the bartenders tended to me quickly and were welcoming. And most importantly they have a variety of spirits and cocktails, and everything they make is so good!!

The ambience is nice. The service has always been horrible. I've been here four times now the big…read moregirl with the tattoos she's always preoccupied today she was blowing balloons. The dude with a mustache and the mullet and all the tattoos he's lazy he just kinda just sits there you got beg for your drink. But I just paid eight dollars for a Michelob ultra, which is insane

Watermelon Margarita

Ho ho ho hot chocolate

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Sam's Front Porch Bar

J S Barnett's Whiskey House

3.8(342 reviews)

0.2 mi

The ambience of this place was the big seller. Dimly lit, large selection of alcohol, and just…read moreoverall classy. They also have a outdoor patio section. That was nice to go smoke cigars. The service was good. The food was interesting, they tried to make it upscale some was a hit, some was a mess. The duck wontons are more like pierogies. The Wagyu meatballs were great, except they were almost room temperature. The chicken skewers were interesting because it was on grits which you would think would be a southern dish and they had chili oil and tried to kind of make it Asian? Would go back just for the atmosphere, bourbon and cigars.

Found this place online. The interior is great elegant dive bar. The staff is amazing. They had a…read morelimited menu due to saint paddy's day. Our group got the Shepards hand pie was very good so was the bangers and mash. I got the Irish burger, I perfectly cooked burger topped with corn beef, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing. Simply amazing. Can't wait to come back

Roasted root vegetables from Barnett's current dinner menu in downtown Waco, Texas.

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Grilled chicken was seasoned perfectly

Truelove Bar

3.5(71 reviews)

•$

We always pass this bar when we're in Waco but had never been until just the other day…read more I'm glad we stopped by. It's a cool little local sorta divey (in a great way) spot. My boyfriend and I shared an N/A beer and chatted up the bartender on duty for a bit. They were super welcoming and totally cool with our little fur guy Benji being there as well. Definitely wanna go back again soon.

Here's the thing. This is a fun bar with decent drinks, different crowd for Waco. The…read moreproblem....the freakin front door guys. It doesn't matter who they are, they are on a power trip. I've said this before, but cmon it's a Tuesday night, there's 2 guys working the front. One to not look in my purse but put his hangs in it and look!!!! Seriously??? You don't do that. And that ask me what's in my pockets ....I don't have pockets. 2 front door guys and there's maybe 20 people in here. They're always such a good at the door it makes me not wanna come here. Everyone else is awesome!!!

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Badass ass bar!

Red Herring Restaurant & Bar

4.3(128 reviews)

•$$$

Red Herring was an excellent dining experience from start to finish. The ambiance was warm and…read moreinviting perfect for a date night, but also great for a group dinner or business meeting. The menu is simple, thoughtfully curated, and everything we ordered was executed beautifully. I had the steak, served over a bed of perfectly cooked bell peppers and onions. It was flavorful and cooked exactly right. My mom ordered the whole fish and cleaned her plate, which says it all. My son chose the handmade pasta, and it was outstanding. The meat to sauce ratio was spot on, and he finished every bite. We started with the Caesar salad, and it was honestly one of the best I've had. The unique nut mix added an unexpected crunch and took it to another level. We wrapped up the meal with the mousse dessert, and I highly recommend saving room for it. it was the perfect ending. Every plate at our table came back empty. Great food, excellent execution, and a wonderful atmosphere and service. We'll definitely be back.

What a great happy hour!…read more I was in town for work and wanted to grab a quick drink before heading out to dinner. I walked over to the Red Herring restaurant and took a seat at the bar where I was greeted by a super friendly bartender. He guided me through the happy hour menu, from which I decided half a dozen oysters. The oysters were fresh, flavorful, and came with all the necessities. The perfect pre-dinner appetizer. The restaurant is beautiful inside and very spacious. It would be a great space if you were looking to host a celebration with a large group. Looking forward to my next trip to Waco, and another stop at the red Herring restaurant.

Lounge area seating

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An MEP wonder!

Cricket's Grill & Draft House

3.4(552 reviews)

0.4 mi

Really good burger and Caesar salad. The tater tots had a perfect crunch and was a very large…read moreportion. But, they were super salty. Good value.

Food: The burger was better than I actually anticipated it…read morewould be. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst. The reviews had me nervous before eating there so I really lowered my expectations before ordering the burger just so I wouldn't be too disappointed. After my first bite, I thought "hmm, that was better than I thought it would be." Service: The service was good. I didn't have any issues with the service. The waitress was attentive and helpful. The food arrived quickly after ordering. The establishment is dark inside so that would be one downfall.

Here's part of this place.

HH nachos 1/2 price... great. Burger... meh

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Grilled Cheese Melt

Dog Haus Biergarten

3.8(27 reviews)

0.5 mi

Family-owned & operated

Happy hour specials

We landed here for a late lunch on a weekday. Not much of a crowd, but some lively soccer fans…read morewatching the games. Greeted and seated quickly, waiter was prompt with drinks and food order. The food was amazing. Hot honey and sweet potato fries?!? Who knew! Highly recommend visit here if you're in that part of town. The GM came out and made a special point to ask how it was. He gave the kids some swag so they were thrilled.

Not busy at all but food took an hour to come out (this is typical, they have the slowest service…read moreof anywhere I have ever been) Server was nice so it's not her fault but man this place is slow On top of that, I got the "80g protein burrito" which I can GUARANTEE did not have more than 30g of protein in. It was triple wrapped and looked big but was 80% tortilla. Inside was MAYBE an egg and a half and 1/3 of a chicken breast. Would unfortunately not come back, ambiance is great.

Three handcrafted Dog Haus cocktails on a wooden table, including a salted-rim drink and michelada-style glasses with lime, h...

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A Passion Fruit Spritz and an Irish Mule-style drink with fresh mint sit on a table, highlighting the refreshing, handcrafted...

Brazos Bar & Bistro

3.8(231 reviews)

0.5 mi

Service was great ' Savanna was attentive but not over whelming. She came as she saw needed and…read morechecked in when in doubt. Polite and well dressed with a gorgeous smile. Food was great we both had "Sea Bass" with no substitutions as is the as cooked well and delicious. Wife had the Marg and I had a few Stella's in a cold glass. Atmosphere was calm and easy going for a Saturday around 4:00 pm. We want to try the cheese and fruit platter next time and some wine. If all goes as we think "fantastic" this place will be our go to brunch and dinner place in waco. Maybe just spend the night at the Indingo if all goes to well. Only reason we didn't give 5 stars is because we haven't tried everything we plan on !

After three days of driving from the west coast we needed dinner out, not just fast food. This was…read morea nice reprieve. Margaritas were good. Smallish but well made. Good queso and quesadillas for me, She had the salmon without the mango chile sauce on a salad. Good service. Dogs were happy on the patio. Newer menus attached.

Named after the River

Chef's Bread Board

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B-Inspired Chicken Pasta (yummy!)

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4 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Goose G.

219

228

4 months ago

Unfortunately, Opal's is one of the most poorly run restaurants I've experienced in a long time. We made reservations months in advance, and they still managed to completely botch it by giving away and relocating our table to accommodate someone else. Apparently reservations here are meaningless. What really took it to another level was watching the staff actually ask the people sitting at the table they stole from us to move. It was unbelievably awkward, unprofessional, and honestly pathetic to watch unfold in real time. Total chaos. I stayed polite the entire time -- holding doors for guests and staff, trying to be understanding -- and then a waiter carrying dirty dishes tried sneaking through behind me when I let the door go and absolutely ate it. Glass shattered everywhere, drinks spilled all over the place, and instead of acting professionally or apologizing, the staff just stood there looking confused. No ownership. No urgency. No class. The whole place feels like it's being run by people completely in over their heads. Disorganized management, clueless staff, zero communication, and customer service that borders on nonexistent. For a place trying to present itself as upscale, the operation felt amateur hour from start to finish. Honestly, if this is how they handle guests who planned ahead for months, I'd hate to see how they handle a busy night. Save yourself the frustration, the wasted time, and the secondhand embarrassment. Good luck staying open, Opal's. With management and service like this, you're going to need a miracle. PS...Bring your bug spray if you don't want extra protein with dinner. read more

Shelley N.

2 years ago

We visited this restaurant based on recommendations from some directors at work, and it truly exceeded our expectations. While it's not for those on a tight budget, it's absolutely worth it for a special occasion. The ambiance was enchanting, providing a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere. We sat on the porch, and even though it was chilly outside, the warmth from the fireplace and heat lamps embraced us. Four of us gathered to celebrate a birthday, and the service and food were exceptional. We indulged in lobster mac & cheese, lobster bisque soup, a lobster roll, blue crab Louie salad, red snapper seafood hot cakes, and concluded with a decadent Belgian chocolate cake. To my amazement, both the salad and soup were loaded with chunks of lobster! I wholeheartedly recommend this place! It will undoubtedly become our go-to spot for special occasions or whenever we crave seafood! read more

Mia L.

1 year ago

Wow such great service!!! Stevie, made our visit memorabl. one of the nicest persons ever!!!! The food was great, the vibe was great, I mean other than the mosquitoe, lol. Thanks Stevie for making our visit the best experience ever! read more

Marcus V.

2 years ago

Great restaurant with amazing food and service. Perfect atmosphere to enjoy exclusive wines and good company

Opal's Oysters - seafood - Updated September 2026

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Blaine's

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We had an absolutely incredible dinner at Blaine's tonight; easily one of the best dining…read moreexperiences we've had in Waco. We started with the pan-roasted romanesco, which was perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. The bread service with compound butter was a standout on its own: simple, but done at such a high level that it set the tone for the entire meal. We grabbed seats at the bar, which ended up being a great move. The atmosphere was lively but relaxed, and we enjoyed several glasses from their excellent wine selection. Our bar tender was knowledgeable, welcoming, and she made the whole experience feel elevated without being pretentious. For entrees, my wife ordered the chicken and fries, crispy, juicy, and incredibly satisfying. I went with Blaine's burger, and I don't say this lightly: it's hands down one of the top three burgers of my life. Perfectly cooked, beautifully balanced, and unforgettable. Blaine's is doing something special. If you're in Waco and looking for a place that nails both food and experience, this is it. We'll be back soon.

Blaine's is a beautiful restaurant with a great atmosphere. The music provided by Tram Kelly and…read morePat McKee was outstanding and added significantly to the evening. Presentation of the dishes was attractive and thoughtful, and we were pleased with our wine selections. We started by sharing the poblano corn chowder. Unfortunately, the dominant impression was salt. The soup was more of a brown, creamy sauce with chicken and corn than the aromatic, herb-forward poblano chowder I was expecting. Beyond the saltiness, there wasn't much depth or complexity of flavor. For entrées, we ordered the steak and the ahi tuna tomahawk. Both were visually impressive, but once again the overwhelming characteristic was salt. The tuna may have had a hint of tarragon, but it was difficult to appreciate much else. The steak was exceedingly salty--surprisingly so, even for someone who is not shy about using salt. Service was courteous but somewhat inattentive and slower than expected. At this price point, I would have hoped for more attentive service and a broader range of flavors rather than repeated assaults on the sodium receptors. One final curiosity: water was served in what appeared to be small jelly jars, which felt a bit odd given the otherwise upscale presentation. Overall, Blaine's gets good marks for ambiance, presentation, wine, and especially the live music. Unfortunately, the kitchen's heavy-handed use of salt overshadowed much of the meal. With more restraint in seasoning and a bit more attention to service, this could be an exceptional dining experience.

Magnolia Table

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Me and my husband been there. The food is good. Egg Benedict so good. Definitely we will come back.read more

Thursday for dinner. Service was subpar. Waiter was very inattentive. Originally seated near…read morekitchen doors which squeaked loudly every time someone walked in or out. Were allowed to move to another table. Ordered burgers and salmon. Salmon was a little dry and the orzo gummy. Burgers, fries and pickles were all heavily seasoned. We've eaten there for breakfast and lunch and had good experiences but dinner was a great disappointment. I would not return for an evening meal. Experience was not up to the cost of the meal.

Cafe Homestead

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We went for lunch and every single dish we ordered was amazing! The homemade ketchup was great! We…read moreordered chicken fried steak, spicy crispy sandwich (spicy mayo was amazing), chicken salad sandwich (chicken has great flavor), and the brisket quesadillas (Munster cheese makes these). Our waiter was very pleasant and always on top of filling our drinks. (Peach sweet tea, on point) oh and we can't forget about the dessert! The pies are delicious! All in all highly recommend!!

Café Homestead is one of those niche places that you have to experience to believe. Excellent…read morequality food from a scratch made kitchen from what we understood. Fresh breads, and really good service. The special was good, and also my wife loved the quesadilla burger.

George’s Restaurant Bar & Catering

4.1

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First time here. Amazing service and atmosphere. Rena was our waitress and she did a great job…read more We had a very large party and we waited for nothing. She made sure we were all taken care of. I had "The George" burger. Lots of flavors on this huge burger. Definitely a must stop when you're in Waco, Texas.

Strike 3, garbage! 1. Got irder wring on chicken soecial and…read moredud nit care! 2. Ordered entree w rings instead of fries and asked if ok to substitute. Git a full size order if rings ORIVE, not portion! Server did NOT care!!! 3. Got worst breakfast ever!! Wrong irder, got Big breakfast with grits, but got I soevial w less meat, no biscuits, less one egg, then she charged full price fir grits on side!! Grits old and they just turned over so gross thick crust on bottom and muddle, pancakes tasted gross n were burned on top n bottom AND mushy in middle, eggs not scrambled but hard n chopped! Told server n she did not care!!!!! F 'them Called 4 times n no answer!!!! Truly disgusting that locals like this garbage!!! For 40 years eat out w family everyday!!! Never experienced such garbage food n service!!! Went to Bubbas 33 after to est.

Segovia Wine Bar

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Visited last week and Segovia is a very cozy & quaint establishment. Felice was SO HELPFUL &…read morepersonable! I really enjoyed the tasting to figure out what s my palate. We got to opportunity to chat it up with Armando, the owner as well. Exceptional customer service, felt very welcome here. Additionally we ordered Gambas Al Ajillo, Albondigas and Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese. Everything was absolutely delicious, full of flavor. I wish I had room for dessert but that's absolutely good enough reason to return and try more wine!

This is an amazing family-run business. The sommelier really knows his wines, especially his…read moreSpanish and European wines. And they offer the perfect dishes to accompany the wine. You can come for appetizers and wine tasting or dinner and wine by the bottle. Seating includes a covered front and back porch. Inside there's a long bar with plenty of bar seating, along with tall two-tops and standard four top tables. For a large party you been rent out half the space or all of the space. The service was like being waited on by friends. They were so helpful in explaining everything and, if you're inclined, they're happy to talk about what they've built here together -- Mother, Son, and Daughter-in-Law, all working in harmony to make this place sing. We've tried a number is wines and dishes get. The Pintxos are amazing. The Tapas are totally on point with our favorite being the Albondigas meatballs. And the charcuterie featured really high quality chorizo, Serrano ham, Manchego and Mahon cheeses, almonds, grapes and an amazing quince jelly that's firmer than a standard jelly and quite delicious. Well be back. And we'll bring friends :-)

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Such a fun new spot!! drinks were awesome, staff is so kind and I loved the live entertainment!…read moreQuay paid incredible attention to when we needed something and I really enjoyed the dedication she brought to making sure we had a good experience! as most of these reviews reiterate- I can confirm bathroom was excellent. bonus points for mints and freshen ups IN THE bathroom.

Great food, awesome service and even better atmosphere! Would recommend to anyone in the area. When…read moreI return to Waco I will be back!

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