Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
Imagine a few scenarios: You’ve been working on your prospectus for hours. You’ve been staring at search engine results for what feels like days, checking and double checking to make sure you’ve done your research due diligence. You’re on your sixth Quizlet in a row, practicing for your Hebrew midterm tomorrow. And suddenly, the words on the screen are making you irrationally angry. The cursor isn’t moving fast enough. Your typo seems like a huge deal. The internet is being slow, and you are ready to flip some tables. This is the moment you realize, Wow I’m hangry.
We are not about to let low blood sugar get you down. You’ve got work to do, and you need to know where to acquire the best caloric fuel in Waco. At the same time, food isn’t just fuel. You need to know the places to go to celebrate after completing your first semester of coursework, that first article acceptance, that dream job offer. And for all the events in between, like the first date since the baby was born, birthday cocktails and appetizers, or cohort hangouts, we’ve got you covered there too. These recommendations come straight from other graduate students who have budgets and time constraints just like you!
Cheap Eats in Waco: These great places taste amazing without destroying your tender grad student budget.
- Rufi’s Cocina: the best Mexican food in town (yes, we’ll fight you on this); ask for the rotating salsa sampler.
- 1801 N 25th St
- Taqueria Zacatecas (affectionately known as Taco Z): authentic Mexican food conveniently located for anyone living in the Baylor Bubble.
- 2311 La Salle Ave
- Ranchito #5: 3 for $3 breakfast tacos… need we say more?
- 2310 W. Waco Drive
- Health Camp: not healthy, but who cares when giant milkshakes are on the menu?
- 2601 Circle Rd
- Clay Pot: warm and comforting Vietnamese dishes that are sure to cure your comprehensive exam blues.
- 416 Franklin Ave
- Shorty’s Pizza Shack: classic greasy-yummy pizza that hits the spot within walking distance of campus.
- 1712 S 12th St
- Cha Community: the handmade fried dumplings are out of this world. And the boba tea is scrummy!
- 1001 Franklin Ave
- And for cheap chain joints, there’s always In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A for the win!
Mid-Range Meals: You’re willing to spend a little more for a good meal, but this isn’t “my parents are in town and they’re buying” level spots.
- Revival Eastside Eatery: creative sandwiches and burgers, loads of house-made dips and sauces.
- 704 Elm Ave
- Helberg BBQ: Helberg is listed in the top 25 BBQ joints in Texas. Their brisket will change your life.
- 8532 Hwy 6
- Saffron: authentic Indian/Pakistani food. Their naan is the diameter of a car tire. Just go there, please.
- 416 N Valley Mills Dr
- Harvest on 25th: seasonal, farm-to-table cafe; very vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free friendly. Creative menu.
- 112 N 25th St
- Union Hall: want to make everyone happy? Union Hall is home to over 20 local eateries. You can’t go wrong!
- 720 Franklin Ave
- D’s Mediterranean Grill: authentic Lebanese food, family business. Best falafel in town!
- 1503 Colcord Ave
- Slow Rise Slice House: wanting fancy pizza for the grown-ups but a play area for the kiddos? You got it.
- 7608 Woodway Dr
- Cajun Craft: missing Louisiana cuisine? Cajun Craft is the real deal. You can’t say no to their gumbo.
- 601 S 11th St
- Mac House: if you don’t fall in love with their gooey mac and cheese or grilled cheeses, you have no soul.
- 3428 Franklin Ave
- Bangkok Royal: there are some problems that only Pad Thai can fix.
- 215 S University Parks Dr
High-End High Rollers: You just got your PhD, yes you did. It’s time to order the filet mignon, pop the bubbly (Dr. Pepper, obviously; this is Baylor y’all), and let your PI foot the bill.
- Milo All Day: fried Brussels sprouts. Fried. Brussels. Sprouts. FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS. Nothing else exists.
- 1020 Franklin Ave
- Di Campli’s Italian Ristorante: house-made pastas, the best dang caprese you’ve ever had, and a vast beverage selection for the grown-ups.
- 6500 Woodway Dr, Suite 121
- The Grape: always a new menu, seasonally driven, intimate venue; perfect for a candlelight dinner.
- 2006 N Valley Mills Dr
- 1424 Bistro: a Waco staple in the dining scene. Huge wine selection and beautifully cooked meats.
- 1424 Washington Ave
- Moroso Wood Fired Pizza: incredible Neapolitan-style pizza, but also have excellent pastas and entrees.
- 4700 Bosque Blvd
- Pivovar: a brand new Czech restaurant and brewery. Come for the schnitzel, stay for the schnitzel.
- 320 S 8th St
What would you add to this list? Comment below!
Anna E. Beaudry is a second-year English PhD student studying 19th-century American literature. Her primary area of research focuses on female writers in the New England regionalist movement and material feminisms. She earned her Master’s at Baylor University in May 2020. Anna is Baylor’s Graduate Writing Center coordinator and president of the English Graduate Student Association. She is also BearTracks blog editor for the Graduate School.