By Arden Berry | Arts & Life Editor
Waco is home to many locally owned restaurants that you can’t find anywhere else. With so many options, some are bound to get passed over, especially by Baylor students who like to stick to the familiar spots right by campus.
From someone who’s lived in Woodway for two years, here are a few nearby spots that I believe deserve a stop if you’re willing to make the journey.
Cathay House
Cathay House has an extensive menu of primarily Chinese foods, including soups, chicken, rice and more. The restaurant is quiet and charming inside and out, with painted walls inside and an exterior based on traditional Chinese architecture.
I like their orange chicken with wonton soup and a crab puff. Their portion sizes are great for the price, so plan to bring home leftovers. You can find Cathay House with its dark green roof and beautiful white-paneled with brown accents exterior on 825 Wooded Acres Drive.
Lily LeMaire | Photo Intern
Brown House Cafe
For breakfast and comfort-food lovers, look no further than Brown House Cafe. You can get comforting classics like steak fingers and chicken tenders, breakfast foods served all day and desserts. Plus, it’s on 9110 Jordan Lane over by Sip City, so you can get a dirty soda on your way back to campus.
I have fond memories of visiting this spot with my grandparents. I love their breakfast sandwich with sausage, but you really can’t go wrong with this menu. It’s got everything from pancakes to grilled salmon. As for dessert, the chocolate layer cake is wonderful, but depending on the daily selections and availability, you can get other cakes, pies and cobblers. The desserts are a bit expensive, but they usually last me a couple days.
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
According to the Waco History website, Sam Castillo Sr. opened La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant and Cantina in 1963. However, its history begins with his father, Antonio P. Castillo Sr., who opened El Patio, later renamed The Italian Village, in 1948. While The Italian Village closed in 1986, its family legacy lives on through La Fiesta.
I have strong opinions about Tex-Mex fajitas, and La Fiesta meets my basic criteria: good steak, good tortillas and good shredded cheese. While places like Rosa’s, Ninfa’s and Chuy’s are also great sit-down Tex-Mex spots, if you haven’t tried La Fiesta, go check out its colorful space and reasonably priced local Tex-Mex food on 3815 Franklin Ave.
Jimenez Bakery
Jimenez Bakery has three walls lined with cases filled with colorful pastries, cakes, cookies and pan dulce. The establishment is cash only. You grab a tray from next to the cash register, pull out a pair of plastic gloves from the box provided and pull what you want off the shelves. The prices are insanely affordable, with one cookie or pastry costing a little more than a dollar.
I had one of their sugar cookies, and it looked almost too good to eat. When I did eat it, its sweetness was nice but not overpowering and it had a melt-in-your-mouth feel. The bakery is located at 1915 Dutton Ave.
Lily LeMaire | Photo Intern
JD’s Cafe
You might already be familiar with JD’s catering, but they opened the cafe in 2023. Located at 6500 Woodway Drive, Suite 101, its interior is bright and welcoming, complete with a large artificial tree. Its lunch and dinner menu features a variety of options, from steak frites to curry.
I enjoy the shaved steak sandwich, but I’m usually there for the desserts. The signature frosted sugar cookie is the perfect mix of sweet and salty, and the tiered cake slices are worth checking out as well. JD’s has some great grab-and-go options near the front, so you can take certain meals and treats to go. The meals are a bit pricey, but it’s a nice place to go for a special occasion.
According to an Instagram post from Joshua Davis himself, the business began with JD’s Art Cafe downtown, transitioned to a catering company for almost 20 years and opened JD’s Cafe in its current state in 2023.
Health Camp
From the moment I first sipped a chocolate milkshake from Health Camp following my first Baylor tour, I knew Waco, and Baylor by extension, was the place for me. Located at 2601 Circle Road, Health Camp has been flipping burgers since 1948 according to the Waco History website.
Health Camp serves the classic burgers and fries, so it’s up to you what you want on it. I used to eat my burgers exclusively plain, which is how I know that Health Camp burgers, even on their own, are great.
Schmaltz’s Sandwich Shoppe
No list of Waco restaurants that I make would be complete without one of my mom’s favorites: Schmaltz’s Sandwich Shoppe. Schmaltz’s has two locations, with one at 105 S. Fifth St. and another farther out at 1412 N. Valley Mills Drive.
I have spent many a day at Schmaltz’s during the lunch rush with my family, sometimes in doubt of there being an open table. My willingness to do so is a testament to how much I love this sandwich shop. When I had a friend tour Baylor back in high school, I insisted that she try it out.
I like to get a sandwich that’s just cheese with garlic butter, but the menu has a variety of classic sandwich options alongside soups, salads and chips. The standard option I would recommend would be the Blue Plate Special, which comes with “The Schmaltz Sandwich,” chips or potato salad and a small drink.
If I missed one of your favorites…
If I missed a spot, and you have suggestions for other Waco food spots, keep an eye on The Baylor Lariat Instagram stories, where we’ll be asking for your recommendations on the subject later this semester.
