Whether you’re checking off your Waco Restaurant Week bucket list, returning to town for Baylor Homecoming, or just searching for the best restaurants in Waco, here’s your guide to Baylor alumni-owned restaurants you have to try.
Your Guide to Baylor Alumni-Owned Restaurants in Waco
You have your digital passport. You’re hungry. Now where to start? Waco Restaurant Week offers a wealth of participating spots around town, each with their own unique menus (not to mention the exciting popup events). We’re here to provide you a roadmap of the best restaurants in Waco founded and operated by Baylor Bears.
The Olive Branch
The Olive Branch (215 S. Second St.), owned by Baylor alumna Leah Stewart, is located in the heart of downtown Waco. The bistro and bakery, originally born out of the idea that communities gather around great food and drink, delivers a welcoming vibe with “elevated comfort food” and hand-made baked goods.
Waco Restaurant Week Specials:
- Breakfast: Crab cake benedict with a house salad
- Lunch: Smoked pork belly po’ boy with shaved brussels slaw and house-made salt and vinegar chips
- Dinner: Surf & Turf. Beef filet and grilled shrimp with cajun butter, with dirty rice and asparagus
Revival Eastside Eatery
On historic Elm Avenue in East Waco, Baylor alumna Danielle Young’s Revival Eastside Eatery serves Texas-sourced and house-made salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The menu features cleverly named offerings, including the 8th Day sandwich, Holy Grail burger, and Garden of Eating salad.
Located the renovated former Waco Community Baptist Church building at 704 Elm Ave., the restaurant’s name comes from “the building’s natural beauty” that was revealed during the revitalization process.
Special: Golden Calf burger paired with a pint from Brotherwell Brewing – a local brewery co-founded by Baylor alumnus David Stoneking.
Read more: Revival Eastside Eatery energizes East Waco
Street Dog Cafe
Also owned by alumna Danielle Young and located less than one minute down the road from Revival sits Street Dog Cafe at 406 Elm Ave. Offering scratch-made baked goods, a full espresso bar, ever-rotating menu of lunch specials, the cafe’s cozy space has something to everyone.
Outfitted with a dog-friendly patio, the restaurant’s mission is to bring awareness to helping dogs get foster placements or adopted into their forever families.
Special: Breakfast taco & drip coffee combo, plus a green and gold breakfast taco in honor of Baylor Homecoming.
Club Sandwich
Owned by alumnus Youngdae Moon, Club Sandwich is known for its fresh ingredients, specializing in Asian food with an American style. The food truck located inside Magnolia Market offers light and flavorful rice bowls with your own combination of protein, onion, cilantro, shredded sweet pickled carrots and cucumber, and shredded cabbage.
Special: Build your own rice bowl with an additional $1 off of Club Sandwich’s usual $3 discount for students, faculty, and locals
YAKI Texas Teriyaki
Starting as a food truck and now a drive-in restaurant housed in a former Sonic Drive-In, Baylor alumnus James Patterson’s YAKI Texas Teriyaki (1307 S. Valley Mills Dr.) opened in 2020. YAKI is unique in having an all gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free menu and offers vegetarian and vegan options.
Specials:
- Jr. YAKI Box at a lower price point with all protein options
- Fountain drinks for $0.25 to introduce YAKI’s “Sonic ice” and new fountain machine
Read more: If You Grill It, They Will Come
Pop’s Lemonade
Baylor alumnus Omari Head started Pop’s Lemonade alongside his wife Abby, using his father’s lemonade recipe. Named after his late father, “Pop,” the pair created a perfect blend of sweet and tart, just like Pop always made.
A Baylor staple, you can create a customizable cup of delicious, fresh-squeezed lemonade at 3428 Franklin Ave., or at its food truck.
Listen now: Faith, Family and Food: An Interview with Omari and Abby Head
Cha Community
Owned by Baylor husband and wife duo Devin Li and Jaja Chen, Cha Community was built on the mission of bridging cultures and offering a diverse menu. The family-, immigrant-, and woman-owned boba tea cafe offers premium boba tea and fast-casual Taiwanese and Chinese-inspired foods at its 1001 Franklin Ave. and 1205 S. Eighth St. Waco locations.
Specials:
- Housemade chorizo egg potato dumplings with in-house fresh salsa verde
- Soy chorizo dumplings for those looking for plant-based options
- Agua de Jamaica – hibiscus drink
Read more: A Commitment to Inclusion: Empowering Waco’s Minority- and Women-owned Small Businesses
Sloane’s
Step back in time at Sloane’s (110 N. 25th St.), an ’80s-themed cocktail bar with seasonal drinks, nostalgic bites, and – best of all – complementary Goldfish. Try a comforting, nostalgic Bear Hug; a salty, smoky, juicy Mangos and Murder; or stick with one of the classics. And don’t forget to order a Big Kid Lunchable for the extra nostalgia factor.
Special: Limited-edition bandana, plus a “Back to the Wac” bingo board for prizes during Waco Restaurant Week
Add Sloane’s to the list of Baylor alumni-owned restaurants you must visit for cozy vibes and cocktails!
Pinewood Coffee & Beer
Searching for a gourmet coffee? A local or specialty beer? Pinewood has the best of both worlds.
Founded by Baylor alumni Dylan Washington and John Beard, Pinewood (2223 Austin Ave.) focuses on high-quality coffee and pub drinks. Enjoy a tasty beverage inside the swanky shop at, or grab a table at its outdoor courtyard.
Read more: 14 Best Coffee Shops in Waco
Wine Shoppe
Wine Shoppe (1800 Austin Ave.), owned by Baylor alumnus David Mayfield, offers a unique array of wine from around the world at its cozy corner store. Mayfield, the shop’s importer, seeks to celebrate the diversity of wine. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or a blend with a little more bite, Wine Shoppe has something for everyone.
Their “chalkboard classics” praises the old-school production of wine sourced from small, family-owned growers. Try a glass in house, or grab a bottle to go.
Read more: The 11 Best Bars in Waco
Helberg Barbecue
OK, you caught us. The Helbergs didn’t technically go to Baylor, but they’re honorary alumni to us.
Helberg Barbecue owners Philip and Yvette Helberg believe in passion and perseverance. After losing their restaurant to a devastating fire in 2023, the Helbergs rebuilt their empire stronger than ever, serving delicious barbecue at their new restaurant at 7809 N. Highway 6.
They stoke their own oak wood fires all day, use USDA prime beef with no antibiotics or hormones, make their sausage by hand, and cut everything to order. In the mood for a good brisket? Visit Helberg Barbecue.
Summary: Plan Your Baylor Alumni-Owned Restaurant Tour
The wide variety of Baylor alumni-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and bars in Waco means there’s something on the table for everyone. Now that you have your guide, make the most of your digital passport and stop by these restaurants:
- The Olive Branch
- Revival Eastside Eatery
- Street Dog Cafe
- Club Sandwich
- YAKI Texas Teriyaki
- Pop’s Lemonade
- Cha Community
- Sloane’s
- Pinewood Coffee & Beer
- Wine Shoppe
- Helberg Barbecue
About The Baylor Line
The Baylor Line supports initiatives that foster meaningful connections between the Baylor Family and the community it impacts. Our commitment extends beyond storytelling; we actively seek ways to uplift and amplify the voices of every Baylor grad and the local community.
By Kassidy Tsikitas and Kalena Jones
Whether you’re checking off your Waco Restaurant Week bucket list, returning to town for Baylor Homecoming, or just searching for the best restaurants in Waco, here’s your guide to Baylor alumni-owned restaurants you have to try.
Your Guide to Baylor Alumni-Owned Restaurants in Waco
You have your digital passport. You’re hungry. Now where to start? Waco Restaurant Week offers a wealth of participating spots around town, each with their own unique menus (not to mention the exciting popup events). We’re here to provide you a roadmap of the best restaurants in Waco founded and operated by Baylor Bears.
The Olive Branch - Elevated Comfort Food
The Olive Branch, owned by Baylor alumna Leah Stewart, is located in the heart of downtown Waco at 215 S. Second Street. The bistro and bakery, originally born out of the idea that communities gather around great food and drink, delivers a welcoming vibe with “elevated comfort food” and hand-made baked goods.
Waco Restaurant Week Specials:
- Breakfast: Crab cake benedict with a house salad
- Lunch: Smoked pork belly po’ boy with shaved brussels slaw and house-made salt and vinegar chips
- Dinner: Surf & Turf. Beef filet and grilled shrimp with cajun butter, with dirty rice and asparagus
Revival Eastside Eatery - Texas-Sourced Sandwiches, Salads, and Burgers
On historic Elm Avenue in East Waco, Baylor alumna Danielle Young’s Revival Eastside Eatery serves Texas-sourced and house-made salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The menu features cleverly named offerings, including the 8th Day sandwich, Holy Grail burger, and Garden of Eating salad.
Located the renovated former Waco Community Baptist Church building at 704 Elm Ave., the restaurant’s name comes from “the building’s natural beauty” that was revealed during the revitalization process.
Special: Golden Calf burger paired with a pint from Brotherwell Brewing – a local brewery co-founded by Baylor alumnus David Stoneking.
Read more: Revival Eastside Eatery energizes East Waco
Street Dog Cafe - Dog-Friendly Coffee & Bites
Also owned by alumna Danielle Young and located less than one minute down the road from Revival sits Street Dog Cafe at 406 Elm Ave. Offering scratch-made baked goods, a full espresso bar, ever-rotating menu of lunch specials, the cafe’s cozy space has something to everyone.
Outfitted with a dog-friendly patio, the restaurant’s mission is to bring awareness to helping dogs get foster placements or adopted into their forever families.
Special: Breakfast taco & drip coffee combo, plus a green and gold breakfast taco in honor of Baylor Homecoming.
Club Sandwich - Asian-American Fusion
Owned by alumnus Youngdae Moon, Club Sandwich is known for its fresh ingredients, specializing in Asian food with an American style. The food truck located inside Magnolia Market offers light and flavorful rice bowls with your own combination of protein, onion, cilantro, shredded sweet pickled carrots and cucumber, and shredded cabbage.
Special: Build your own rice bowl with an additional $1 off of Club Sandwich’s usual $3 discount for students, faculty, and locals
YAKI Texas Teriyaki - Allergy-Friendly & Flavor-Packed
Starting as a food truck and now a drive-in restaurant housed in a former Sonic Drive-In, Baylor alumnus James Patterson’s YAKI Texas Teriyaki (1307 S. Valley Mills Dr.) opened in 2020. YAKI is unique in having an all gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free menu and offers vegetarian and vegan options.
Specials:
- Jr. YAKI Box at a lower price point with all protein options
- Fountain drinks for $0.25 to introduce YAKI’s “Sonic ice” and new fountain machine
Read more: If You Grill It, They Will Come
Pop's Lemonade - A Baylor Staple Sweet
Baylor alumnus Omari Head started Pop’s Lemonade alongside his wife Abby, using his father’s lemonade recipe. Named after his late father, “Pop,” the pair created a perfect blend of sweet and tart, just like Pop always made.
A Baylor staple, you can create a customizable cup of delicious, fresh-squeezed lemonade at 3428 Franklin Ave., or at its food truck.
Listen now: Faith, Family and Food: An Interview with Omari and Abby Head
Cha Community - Boba Tea & Taiwanese-Chinese Eats
Owned by Baylor husband and wife duo Devin Li and Jaja Chen, Cha Community was built on the mission of bridging cultures and offering a diverse menu. The family-, immigrant-, and woman-owned boba tea cafe offers premium boba tea and fast-casual Taiwanese and Chinese-inspired foods at its 1001 Franklin Ave. and 1205 S. Eighth St. Waco locations.
Specials:
- Housemade chorizo egg potato dumplings with in-house fresh salsa verde
- Soy chorizo dumplings for those looking for plant-based options
- Agua de Jamaica – hibiscus drink
Read more: A Commitment to Inclusion: Empowering Waco’s Minority- and Women-owned Small Businesses
Sloane's - 1980s Cocktail Bar Nostalgia
Step back in time at Sloane’s (110 N. 25th St.), an ’80s-themed cocktail bar with seasonal drinks, nostalgic bites, and – best of all – complementary Goldfish. Try a comforting, nostalgic Bear Hug; a salty, smoky, juicy Mangos and Murder; or stick with one of the classics. And don’t forget to order a Big Kid Lunchable for the extra nostalgia factor.
Special: Limited-edition bandana, plus a “Back to the Wac” bingo board for prizes during Waco Restaurant Week
Add Sloane’s to the list of Baylor alumni-owned restaurants you must visit for cozy vibes and cocktails!
Pinewood Coffee & Beer - The Best of Both Worlds
Searching for a gourmet coffee? A local or specialty beer? Pinewood has the best of both worlds.
Founded by Baylor alumni Dylan Washington and John Beard, Pinewood (2223 Austin Ave.) focuses on high-quality coffee and pub drinks. Enjoy a tasty beverage inside the swanky shop at, or grab a table at its outdoor courtyard.
Read more: 14 Best Coffee Shops in Waco
Wine Shoppe - Curated Wines from Around the World
Wine Shoppe (1800 Austin Ave.), owned by Baylor alumnus David Mayfield, offers a unique array of wine from around the world at its cozy corner store. Mayfield, the shop’s importer, seeks to celebrate the diversity of wine. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or a blend with a little more bite, Wine Shoppe has something for everyone.
Their “chalkboard classics” praises the old-school production of wine sourced from small, family-owned growers. Try a glass in house, or grab a bottle to go.
Read more: The 11 Best Bars in Waco
Helberg Barbecue - Rebuilt & Better Than Ever
OK, you caught us. The Helbergs didn’t technically go to Baylor, but they’re honorary alumni to us.
Helberg Barbecue owners Philip and Yvette Helberg believe in passion and perseverance. After losing their restaurant to a devastating fire in 2023, the Helbergs rebuilt their empire stronger than ever, serving delicious barbecue at their new restaurant at 7809 N. Highway 6.
They stoke their own oak wood fires all day, use USDA prime beef with no antibiotics or hormones, make their sausage by hand, and cut everything to order. In the mood for a good brisket? Visit Helberg Barbecue.
Summary: Plan Your Baylor Alumni-Owned Restaurant Tour
The wide variety of Baylor alumni-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and bars in Waco means there’s something on the table for everyone. Now that you have your guide, make the most of your digital passport and stop by these restaurants:
- The Olive Branch
- Revival Eastside Eatery
- Street Dog Cafe
- Club Sandwich
- YAKI Texas Teriyaki
- Pop’s Lemonade
- Cha Community
- Sloane’s
- Pinewood Coffee & Beer
- Wine Shoppe
- Helberg Barbecue
About The Baylor Line
The Baylor Line supports initiatives that foster meaningful connections between the Baylor Family and the community it impacts. Our commitment extends beyond storytelling; we actively seek ways to uplift and amplify the voices of every Baylor grad and the local community.
