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6 New Hot Spots in Waco for Fall 2024

These new spots are sure to become part of your regular rotation - whether you're a local or a past Bear making a trip back to Waco

There’s no denying the growth and change in Waco, Texas over the past decade. With this rise in popularity, new Waco hot spots are constantly sprouting, bringing in plenty of new gems and expanding the city’s offerings for locals and tourists.

Whether you’re just visiting or are a looking for your new favorite spot, here are some new hot spots in Waco you need to check out.

Hotel Herringbone

More than just a hotel, Waco’s new Hotel Herringbone is an epicenter of food and fun. Its restaurants, event space, and shops are sure to elevate your stay. 

The Hotel Herringbone, an eclectic conglomerate of shipping containers at the corner of South Fourth Street and Jackson Avenue, opened its doors in April after years of buzz. The boutique hotel, dreamed up in part by local restauranteur Corey McEntyre, offers live music, gourmet restaurants and bars, and shops on top of a swanky place to stay. 

Location: 319 S. Fourth St., Waco, TX 76701

It’s hard to miss the flashy signs and public art that adorn Hotel Herringbone when passing by Fourth Street. | Lauryn Edwards

Inside Hotel Herringbone, you’ll find:

Lucky Buck’s at Hotel Herringbone

Glizzy’s, games, and great views. Lucky Buck’s on the rooftop of Hotel Herringbone is sure to bring a good time.

With panorama views of Waco’s iconic landmarks, Lucky Buck’s provides one of the best views in all of Waco, complete with plenty of space to watch current sporting events or hang out with friends.

The menu contains a variety of hot dogs and nachos, and a selection of beers and other drinks.

Location: Take the stairs or elevator to the top of Hotel Herringbone’s iconic container structure.

Red Herring at Hotel Herringbone

With a unique atmosphere and Mediterranean-inspired menu, Red Herring is elevating the fine dining scene in Waco.

Whether you enjoy a craft cocktail at the bar or seasonal seafood from the raw bar, Red Herring’s menu provides something for everyone.

The dining room is in a converted brick warehouse and is the perfect spot for small birthday dinners, date nights, and business dinners. 

Location: Enter through Hotel Herringbone’s courtyard or the door facing 4th Street.

Song Bird at Hotel Herringbone

A wine and charcuterie bar is Hotel Herringbone’s hidden gem. 

With plenty of outdoor seating and a selection of fine wines, Song Bird is the perfect spot for date nights and girl’s nights alike. Its proximity to the Plaza Herringbone, Hotel Herringbone’s outdoor venue, provides the perfect atmosphere with live music throughout the year.

Location: In the back of Hotel Herringbone’s courtyard on the right side.

Nightlight Donuts at Hotel Herringbone

The Waco-famous donut spot has added another location, conveniently positioned in the heart of downtown Waco, Texas.

Location: Enter through the door facing 4th Street.

More on the way…

Lots of retail space is in the works for Hotel Herringbone – including a future Sendero Provisions Co. storefront.

 

Whether you like your brisket bare or between buns, Terry Black’s has you covered. | Lauryn Edwards

Terry Black’s BBQ

A family barbecue legacy originating in Lockhart, Texas and presenting its first namesake restaurant in Austin, Terry Black’s BBQ opened a new location in Waco earlier this spring. Alongside it is Opal’s Oysters, a seafood concept from Black Family Hospitality, which is coming soon. Gone are the days of passing up Waco on the trek down Interstate 35 from Dallas to Austin.

Located just a block away from the Silos and serving delicious barbeque, Terry Black’s has already solidified itself as a new Waco hot spot. Whether it’s brisket, sausage, mac and cheese, or a mini pecan pie you crave, you’re sure to find something magical to munch on. 

Location: 228 S. Eighth St., Waco, TX 76701

Common Grounds’ new location on Franklin Avenue features all of the same drinks the shop is known for, including the Cowboy Coffee and No Bull. | Lauryn Edwards

Common Grounds on Franklin Avenue

In May, Common Grounds opened a new location on Franklin Avenue. For more than 30 years, Common Grounds has been a Baylor student’s go-to study spot and local favorite coffee shop, and their new location is no different. 

The new location inhabits an old Whataburger. While the building keeps its original structure – the iconic A-frame-style building Whataburger is known for – the inside gives a 70s feel with plenty of seating to study or meet up for a cup of joe.

Location: 3401 Franklin Ave., Waco, TX 76710

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