Happy graduation season, Bears! With commencement rapidly approaching, families will be traveling from far and wide to celebrate this special day with their graduates. Consider this your ultimate guide to having the best graduation weekend in Waco. From where to stay, to where to eat, to where to celebrate, we’ve got you covered.
Where to Stay for Baylor Commencement
Whether you’re staying for the full weekend or just a night, finding the right hotel near the Ferrell Center can make your Baylor commencement much smoother.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Waco SpringHill Suites
A reliable and modern all-suite hotel located just less than 2 miles from campus, making it ideal for busy commencement schedules. Its spacious rooms and included breakfast make the SpringHill Suites by Marriott especially convenient for families or groups attending multiple ceremonies.
Address: 115 Jack Kultgen Expy, Waco, TX 76706
Price (Commencement Weekend): $400–$600 per night
Style: Modern all-suite hotel
Amenities: Free breakfast, coffee/tea in lobby, valet & same-day dry cleaning, wake-up service
Pivovar Hotel
Located about 2.0 miles from the Ferrell Center, this Czech-inspired luxury hotel delivers a unique, elevated experience for commencement weekend. With its on-site brewery, spa, and restaurant, Pivovar Hotel is a great option for families wanting a full, all-in-one stay without having to leave the property.
Address: 320 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76701
Price (Commencement Weekend): ~$361 per night
Style: Czech-inspired luxury hotel
Amenities: Brewery, spa, restaurant, bar, beer garden, event space
StayAPT Suites Waco StayApt Waco
Located about 5 miles away from the Ferrell Center, StayAPT Suites Waco is an apartment-style stay designed for longer visits, offering more space and flexibility than a traditional hotel. This is a great choice for families who want separate living areas, a full kitchen, and a more home-like environment during graduation weekend, especially since that time can be incredibly stressful.
Address: 2340 Creekview Dr, Waco, TX 76711
Price (Commencement Weekend): ~$325–$359 per night
Style: Apartment-style hotel
Amenities: Full kitchen, separate living room, on-site laundry, fitness center, pet-friendly
Hotel 1928
Only 2.2 miles from the Ferrell Center, a high-end boutique hotel that turns your commencement trip into a full experience. With thoughtfully designed interiors and multiple on-site dining options, including a rooftop restaurant, Hotel 1928 is perfect for celebrating such a special occasion in style.
Address: 701 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Price (Commencement Weekend): ~$775 per night
Style: Boutique luxury hotel
Amenities: Robes & slippers, Dyson hairdryers, on-site restaurants, rooftop dining
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waco Holiday Inn
A practical and budget-friendly option, located about 2 miles from the Ferrell Center, that still offers comfort and convenience for a short stay. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waco is Ideal for guests who want a reliable place to rest during a busy graduation weekend without the higher price tag.
Address: 5701 Legend Lake Pkwy, Waco, TX 76712
Price (Commencement Weekend): ~$268–$306 per night
Style: Budget-friendly hotel
Amenities: In-room microwave, mini fridge, free breakfast
Where to Get Coffee & Breakfast
Post-graduation is the perfect time to reminisce—these are some of the best coffee shops and breakfast spots in Waco near Baylor University, ideal for slowing down and soaking in your graduation weekend with the ones you love.
Cafe Cappuccino
Think big breakfast plates, pancakes the size of your head, and classic diner energy. Expect a wait—but it’s worth it. From caramel apple-topped Belgian waffles for breakfast to homemade chicken salad sandwiches for lunch, this Waco staple has got you covered for good food, good vibes, and even better commencement memories.
Address: 100 North 6th Street, Waco, TX 76701
Distance from Baylor: ~2 miles
Best for: Big family breakfasts, Commencement brunch
Why it’s great for graduation: For big families looking for a fun, casual setting, this is the perfect spot to celebrate.
Common Grounds
The Baylor coffee shop. Located just a short walk from Baylor University, this widely-known Waco coffee spot is known for its nostalgic atmosphere, signature Cowboy Coffee, and strong connection to campus life. It’s the perfect place for a casual post-graduation coffee, photos, and one last classic Baylor moment with family and friends.
Address: 1123 S 8th St, Waco, TX
Distance from Baylor: Walking distance
Best for: Casual post-ceremony coffee + photos
Why it’s great for graduation: This is a must-stop for that classic Baylor experience.
Pinewood Coffee Bar
A modern Waco coffee shop with a clean, aesthetic feel. Located just minutes from Baylor University, Pinewood is known for its specialty coffee. It’s a great choice for a post-graduation coffee with family while still staying close to all the action!
Address: 208 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX
Distance from Baylor: ~3 miles
Best for: Smaller groups or a slower morning
Why it’s great for graduation: Perfect for an elevated coffee experience.
Magnolia Table
One of the most popular and scenic breakfast spots in Waco, known for its elevated Southern brunch and picture-perfect setting. Magnolia’s table is a go-to destination for families looking to turn graduation weekend into a full brunch experience. With its well-known menu and inviting atmosphere, it’s ideal for celebrating such a big milestone—just be sure to plan ahead.
Address: 2132 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX
Distance from Baylor: ~3 miles
Best for: Celebratory commencement brunch and photos
Why it’s great for graduation: A great option for families wanting a sit-down, memorable meal to celebrate after the ceremony.
Where to Get Post-Ceremony Dinner
Bertie’s on the Rooftop
Elegant, upscale, and one of the most highly rated spots for a graduation dinner in Waco. Located at the top of Hotel 1928, Bertie’s offers rooftop views, a refined menu, and a celebratory atmosphere that feels like a true occasion. The combination of ambiance and elevated dining makes it ideal for families looking to dress up and enjoy a memorable evening together. Try one of their daily soups, along with standout entrées like their Chilean sea bass or Spicy tagliatelle fresh pasta.
Best for: Fancy dinner, smaller groups, reservations recommended.
Located: 701 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Reservations: Recommended
Pignetti’s
A go-to Italian spot that feels special without being too over-the-top. Known as one of the most reliable family dinner destinations in Waco, it offers classic Italian dishes such as Bolognese and other unique dishes like Lemon Pecrino shrimp pasta and Lobster Ravioli. With its lively atmosphere, it’s a setting that works well for groups celebrating after graduation.
Best for: Family dinners, reliable crowd-pleaser.
Located: 1924 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Reservations: It’s a popular choice during commencement weekend, so expect a wait without a reservation.
George’s Restaurant & Bar
If you want that Baylor feeling, this is your place. Big portions, loud energy, and the famous Big O define this longtime Waco staple. With a wide-ranging menu that includes everything from tacos and burgers to salads, it’s a great spot to bring the entire family together for a casual graduation celebration.
Best for: Large families, casual celebration, first-time Waco visitors.
Located: 1925 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706
Reservations: Not required (walk-ins only)
DiamondBack’s
Upscale steakhouse vibes with a more intimate, refined atmosphere. Known for its high-quality steaks, seafood, and polished service, it’s a great option for families looking to celebrate in a quieter, more elevated setting after commencement.
Best for: Smaller, upscale celebrations.
Located: 217 Mary Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Casa do Brasil
An upscale Brazilian steakhouse offering an elevated, all-you-can-eat dining experience. Known for its continuous tableside service of fire-roasted meats, along with a fresh salad bar and refined atmosphere, Casa do Brasil delivers a unique and celebratory dinner option in Waco. It’s a great choice for families looking to enjoy a longer, more interactive meal to mark a special graduation weekend.
Best for: Upscale celebrations, groups, memorable dining experience.
Located: 1500 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76706
Reservations: Recommended
Nightlife
Seniors, this one is for you! It’s basically a rite of passage to take your parents out in Waco after graduation. Whether you’re looking for a chaotic Baylor send-off, a relaxed rooftop hangout, or a full night out, these spots offer a range of nightlife experiences near Baylor University.
Scruffy Murphy’s
Extremely Baylor. Packed, loud, chaotic—but iconic. This is one of the most well-known college bars in Waco, especially popular with students and recent grads looking for a high-energy (and potentially sweaty) send-off. The atmosphere is more about the experience than the menu, though drinks are the main focus.
Hours: 7pm–2am
Address: 1226 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706
Age: 18+ (ID required)
Food: Limited bar-style food options
Best for: Full and chaotic college send-off energy
Cricket’s Draft House + Grill
Still very Baylor, but with a more relaxed and social atmosphere. Known for its wide selection of drinks and solid food menu, Cricket’s is a great middle ground if you want to hang out, eat, and actually have conversations without the intensity of a packed bar.
Address: 2112 Waco St, Waco, TX 76707
Age: 21+ to drink (family-friendly earlier in the day, depending on timing)
Food: Yes—full menu including burgers, sandwiches, and bar food
Best for: Good drinks, good food, and a more laid-back nightlife vibe
5IVE Night Club
A full nightclub experience with music, dancing, and late-night energy. This is the spot if you’re looking to go “all out” after graduation, with DJs, a dance floor, and a more traditional club atmosphere compared to other nightlife options in Waco.
Address: 200 E Bridge St, Waco, TX 76704
Age: 21+ only (ID required)
Food: Limited or none (focus is on drinks and nightlife)
Best for: Dancing, music, and late-night club energy
Uniquely Baylor Graduation Gift Ideas
Custom Baylor stole or framed degree
A personalized stole or framed diploma is one of the most meaningful ways to commemorate graduation day. You can customize a stole with honors, organization, or even inside jokes from your Bayor years. Pair it with a framed degree for a timeless keepsake they’ll have forever.
A scrapbook of your Baylor years (this hits, trust us)
A scrapbook filled with game days, late-night study sessions, and campus memories becomes something they’ll revisit for years. Recipients can add handwritten notes, ticket stubs, and photos to make it extra personal.
A “Waco favorites” gift basket
Create a curated basket of Baylor and Waco staples—think local coffee, Baylor merch, and small keepsakes that remind them of home. It’s especially meaningful for grads moving away! Some ideas to include:
- Common Grounds coffee
- Baylor bookstore gear
- Local Waco treats
- Baylor-themed accessories
Baylor decorated white boots, Ivory Western Baylor Boots
Nothing says Baylor graduation quite like a pair of white (or green) boots. They’re perfect for grad photos and game days long after graduation.
Custom artwork
Especially from platforms like Etsy, custom artwork adds a personal and aesthetic touch. Think illustrations of campus landmarks, custom name prints, or Baylor-themed designs that match their apartment or future home.
Some honorable mentions
- Schmaltz Sandwiches: An iconic Waco spot to grab a quick bite to eat. Known for their delicious scratch-made bread prepared every morning, if you have the time to squeeze a Schmaltz visit into your weekend, you absolutely should.
- Un Je Ne Sais Quoi: An authentic French bakery new to the Waco community, the coffee and pastries at Un Je Ne Sais Quoi won’t disappoint. Stop in and try one of their buttery croissants, and we promise it will feel like you just stepped into a Parisian cafe.
- Fox & Co Bakery: A brand new bakery in the heart of downtown Waco, Fox and Co offers delicious cookies, cakes, and baked goods. Stop in for a treat and be sure to try one of their delicious specialty sodas or coffees while you are there.
- Spice Village: Need a Waco souvenir or something to remember your trip by? Be sure to stop by Spice Village for an abundance of Waco goodies to take home with you.
- The Carpenter’s Daughter: Stop by this one-of-a-kind lifestyle spot and explore a hand-curated collection of vintage pieces, stationery, fragrances, and more.
