By Rae Jefferson, Copy Desk Chief
At some point in time, we have all been “The Pregnant Woman.” The tendency to occasionally crave specific types of food is common to the human experience. Fortunately, the food scene in Waco is as diverse as the cravings its inhabitants might have. Here’s what to eat when you get a hankering to grub.
VIETNAMESE:
CLAY POT
920 Jack Kultgen Freeway
11 a.m. – 10 p.m, Tuesday to Sunday
The only restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine in Waco, Clay Pot has developed a following of foodies who love pho and the signature clay pot dishes which include rice, steamed vegetables and stir fried meat or tofu. Guests have the option to dine at tables or barefoot, atop pillows. Delivery available.
THAI:
BANGKOK ROYAL
215 S University Parks Drive
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Monday to Friday
Noon – 3 p.m.; 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday
Also the only restaurant of its kind in Waco, Bangkok offers a wide variety of Thai curry, noodle and rice dishes. The restaurant has different pricing for the lunch and dinner menus, so check online for this information.
ITALIAN:
BARIS
904 N Valley Mills
11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
Baris is a staple to the Waco community. The Italian cuisine offered by the family-run restaurant is affordable, and therefore popular with Baylor students. From pizzas to pastas, Baris offers from-scratch dishes that cover the full scope of Italian grub.
BURGERS:
DUBL-R OLD FASHIONED HAMBURGERS
1810 Herring Ave.
10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday to
Friday
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday
It may not look like much from the outside, but rest assured, Dubl-R offers some of the best burgers in Waco. The restaurant offers take-out and call-in options to suit foodies with tight schedules, so give ’em a call.
SOUL FOOD:
SASCEE’S
416 Franklin Ave.
11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday to Friday
11 a.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday
1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday
Sascee’s speaks to the southern tradition of soul food with dishes like smothered chicken, collard greens and cornbread. If you grew up on food like this, you won’t be disappointed. If you didn’t grow up on food like this, you won’t be disappointed.
HOMESTYLE:
GEORGE’S RESTAURANT
1925 Speight Ave.
6:30 a.m. – midnight, Monday to Saturday
For more than 75 years, George’s has served southern meals to Wacoans and visitors alike. If you want something fried, George’s will surely deliver. Best of all, it offers a $5.99 lunch special every day.
BURRITOS/TACOS:
SERGIO’S FOOD TRUCK
in front of Dichotomy (508 Austin Ave.)
Lunch hours (no times posted)
In the past few years, Waco has experienced a food truck boom. Mexican cuisine was not left out, with the mobile version of local restaurant Sergio’s selling some of the best and cheapest Mexican street fare in the city. Guests can enjoy breakfast or lunch-style burritos and tacos on the streets of downtown Waco.
FROZEN DESSERT:
KATIE’S FROZEN CUSTARD
602 S Valley Mills Drive
11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Monday to
Thursday
11 a.m. – midnight, Friday and Saturday
Noon – 11 p.m., Sunday
In a town abounding with frozen yogurt chains, Katie’s offers the local charm of a gas-station-turned-custard-stand. The frozen treat is freshly prepared every hour and is used desserts like gourmet banana splits and sundaes. Katie’s also offers dinner foods like hamburgers and hot dogs.
COFFEE:
DICHOTOMY
COFFEE & SPIRITS
508 Austin Ave.
6 a.m – midnight, Sunday to Thursday
6 a.m – 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday
Dichotomy is an upscale coffee shop in downtown Waco that offers traditional espresso coffee drinks, as well as spirits. The shop even serves a drink called the “1885,” which pairs espresso shots with the Waco-appropriate Dr Pepper.
