Waco area guide
What to do around Austin Avenue District
Historic downtown thoroughfare of historic buildings, boutiques, restaurants and the Waco Hippodrome Theatre; First Friday hub. A Waco area guide with nearby places, food stops, walking routes, and a map you can open when you arrive.
What should I do near Austin Avenue District?
Historic downtown thoroughfare of historic buildings, boutiques, restaurants and the Waco Hippodrome Theatre; First Friday hub.
How does Gyde turn this into a plan?
Tell Gyde your time, group, start point, mood, and booking needs. It can combine nearby places with events, tours, food breaks, and app-ready routing.
Source-backed place · Food and drink
Be Kind Coffee
Be Kind Coffee is a beloved independent Waco roaster and cafe known for exceptional coffee and tea, offering a unique experience…
Adorable downtown shop where quality coffee and compassion go hand in hand, perfect for studying.
Source-backed place · Public art
25th Street Corridor murals and painted streetscape
A vibrant collection of murals and streetscape elements that celebrate the Latinx heritage and creative spirit of Waco's 25th Str…
Source-backed place · History
Praetorian Building
A historic seven-story skyscraper in Waco, designed in the Chicago School style, that survived the catastrophic 1953 tornado and…
Source-backed place · Food and drink
Ranchito on Waco Drive
A beloved local favorite on Waco Drive, The Ranchito #5 serves authentic, made-to-order Mexican cuisine, ranging from hearty brea…
A no-frills, high-flavor spot famous for its mini tacos pastor.
Source-backed place · Public art
Starry Night mural
A vibrant rendition of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night, this community-driven mural stands out against a plain brown brick buildi…
Source-backed place · Brewery Distillery
Balcones Distilling
Located in the heart of downtown Waco, Balcones Distilling is one of Texas's most awarded and famous whiskey distilleries, offeri…
A local distillery in an old theater serving award-winning Texas whiskeys and craft cocktails with a gritty, unpretentious vibe.
Source-backed place · Food and drink
For Keeps Coffee
A local favorite in Waco, For Keeps Coffee and Bakery combines a modern, welcoming atmosphere with the quality of coffee roasted…
Bright, calm, and seriously coffee-forward, with the kind of pour-over cred locals recommend.
Source-backed place · Brewery Distillery
Waco Ale Company
A family-owned, local craft brewery located in the heart of downtown Waco, offering a relaxing atmosphere and a wide variety of b…
Relaxing downtown spot with unique local flavors like 7th Day IPA and Waco Kid in cans to-go.
Source-backed place · Theaters and music
Waco Hippodrome Theatre
A historic downtown Waco landmark, the Waco Hippodrome Theatre is an intimate 400-seat venue that has evolved from a vaudeville h…
Historic downtown stage for comedy, concerts, and Broadway-style shows under one roof.
Source-backed place · Brewery Distillery
Southern Roots Brewing Company
A family-owned craft brewery and dining venue in Waco, emphasizing southern hospitality, camaraderie, and a welcoming atmosphere…
Best pizza and signature IPAs in an enclosed outdoor space perfect for kids while parents enjoy a pint.
Source-backed place · Food and drink
Milo All Day
A modern barn chic destination in downtown Waco, Milo All Day serves chef-driven Southern fare made from scratch for breakfast, l…
Seasonal plates and a polished-but-relaxed vibe make Milo a favorite for easy, memorable dates.
Source-backed place · Bars and nightlife
Marie’s Wine Bar
A sophisticated downtown Waco destination featuring a serve-yourself wine experience, curated global and Central Texas selections…
Self-serve wine flights and live music make this downtown bar a fun first-timer pick.
Source-backed place · Bars and nightlife
Red Herring
An upscale dining and cocktail venue located within the luxury boutique Hotel Herringbone, Red Herring features Waco's first raw…
Stylish small-plates spot for oysters, cocktails, and a dinner that feels very downtown-insider.
Reservations Resy
Source-backed place · Bars and nightlife
The Backyard Bar Stage & Grill
A high-energy sports bar and live music venue in Waco, featuring a massive outdoor concert stage, rooftop deck, and a variety of…
Big-name shows, a huge outdoor stage, and a rooftop deck make this Waco’s marquee live-music hangout.
Source-backed place · Food and drink
Opal's Oysters
Opal's Oysters is an elevated, fine dining destination in downtown Waco, renowned for its rave reviews and a sophisticated atmosp…
A chic oyster bar with a craft cocktail program and a hushed, intimate vibe that locals love for date night.
Source-backed place · Landmarks
Magnolia Market at the Silos
A charming blend of shopping, dining, and family fun in downtown Waco, inspired by Chip and Joanna Gaines, featuring iconic 120-f…
An iconic destination to stroll, grab cupcakes, and enjoy food trucks.
Source-backed place · Landmarks
The Silos
The iconic 120-foot silos of the former Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company, now a bustling community hub owned by Chip and Joanna G…
Two 120-foot silos transformed into a community gathering space for shopping and eating
Source-backed place · Bars and nightlife
Sloane's
Sloane's is a trendy neighborhood cocktail bar in Waco, known for its intimate speakeasy atmosphere, minimalistic retro 80s-inspi…
Tiny, stylish 80s-vibe cocktails with the kind of intimate crowd locals love.
Free Gyde walk · Baylor University Campus Walk
Baylor University Campus Walk
A roughly two-kilometer, seven-stop loop through the heart of Baylor University in Waco, taking in campus landmarks, museums, a historic vi…
Free Gyde walk · Historic Downtown & the Brazos Riverfront
Historic Downtown & the Brazos Riverfront
A roughly two-kilometer walk through the heart of Waco, with seven stops moving from the modern downtown core to the historic Brazos riverf…
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