Here are some recipes that are simple, foolproof and perpetual crowd pleasers that will soften the blow of your holiday cooking obligations.

While Sison might be new to the restaurant game, Wacoans have been seeing this business’s smiling taco logo on Ziploc-style bags of horchata and paper trays of homemade tacos at local events for years now.

Customers are greeted with questions about where they’re from and what they’re craving. Introductions to the pitmaster and the cook come naturally, and most leave feeling like regulars by the time they walk out.

A tradition has lived on for generations: tamales bubbling over a large cooking pot, the smell of masa and fresh spices filling the air, friends and family gathered around a long table savoring the taste of their culture’s food. Despite the warmth and joy these traditions invoke, one Baylor professor says there is still a harmful immigrant narrative in the U.S. that is gaining ground.

The downtown food hall transformed into a Halloween destination, with each vendor decked out in festive decorations and ready to hand out sweets to a steady stream of visitors.

Starting Friday, local foodies will have the opportunity to get discounted meals and special menu items from over 50 restaurants, cafes and food trucks across town, all thanks to Waco Restaurant Week.

We took the liberty of braving the fair food waters this year, trying a few of the most beloved and wackiest carnival staples. Here are our ratings based on price, size, flavor, quality and presentation.

Three out-of-state freshmen walked into North Russell Hall one fateful August day, and started a friendship over a card game of “Exploding Kittens” that would later spark a campus-wide sensation in the form of a TikTok account under the name “NoRo Food Reviews.”

At Luna Café, messes, mismatched socks and even meltdowns are welcome. For co-owners Laís and Cida Loewen, it’s all part of creating a home for Waco families.

If you’ve been searching for something off the beaten path for your next night out, perhaps spots that don’t require a long wait time or an influencer’s recommendation, you’re in luck. These local gems may not get the same spotlight, but they’re just as worthy of attention.

Slumber Rollz is a gourmet cinnamon roll shop that is changing the treat game. Say goodbye to the world of boring, lackluster cinnamon rolls, and hello to flavors like “Banana Pudding,” “Fruity Pebbles” and “Peaches and Cream.”

If you’ll be spending your summer here in Waco and are looking for ways to enjoy your college town, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered.

The Brooks Great Hall, home to Tuesday Teas and Sunday community dinners, will close its doors on May 14 after serving meals to the Baylor community since 2007.

The first point of Da’ Shack Farmer’s Market was to tackle food insecurity by educating Waco locals on gardening, given how advantageous it can be because of the regenerative cycle of crops.

Located on 1001 Webster Ave, Webster Market aims to bring both locals and tourists a place to enjoy local shopping close to downtown.

“This is an opportunity for us to give students a care package to celebrate the Easter season and also have some meals for those suffering food insecurity who may need it over the season,” Fernandez said.

One of Baylor’s longstanding traditions returned for another year of on-campus fun as students flocked to Fountain Mall to enjoy food, games, activities and a concert from artist Joshua Bassett.

Walking into Sagrado Cocina & Bar feels like stepping into an intimate garden party wrapped in modern elegance. The lighting is dim and moody, casting soft shadows over a rich palette of deep greens, blush pinks and creamy whites. Oversized floral installations bloom above and around you, adding a romantic, whimsical touch to the sleek, contemporary space.

As a senior, I’ve hardly put any thought into graduation. I could be in the minority here, but the last thing I want to think about is leaving this awesome school and being thrown into the real world.

While food banks and delivery services look to solve the symptoms of food insecurity, Meraz said that poor nutrition is often linked to a lack of internal motivation. This, in turn, is caused by the increasing social isolation felt by many adults. According to the CDC, one in three report feeling lonely, and one in four say they lack social and emotional support.

SNAP, food stamps and EBT each run under a different name but the goal is ultimately the same –– to support lower-income families with their grocery shopping. As of 2023, around 42.1 million or 12.6% of the U.S. population rely on SNAP for grocery shopping.

To captivate audiences, Roni’s social media content leans into bold opening lines, humor and even a bit of profanity. Inspired by YouTube trends, they constantly iterate on creative approaches. As a result, they have amassed nearly a million TikTok followers and 500,000 on YouTube.

The light attraction park is open from 6-10 p.m. every night from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30 and is located right off of I-35 in West. This Christmas attraction allows people to drive their vehicles through a 25-minute seasonal light display. The park also has activities for children, such as a petting zoo, pony rides for children, writing letters to Santa, watching Christmas movies, pictures with real life Santa and more.

As college students juggle academic pressures, social expectations and newfound independence, eating disorders have become a growing concern on campuses nationwide.

Whether you’re looking for a post-dinner sweet treat or a dessert for your Christmas potluck, this list includes five mouth-watering Waco spots that will fulfill your holiday dessert needs.

“Every donation makes a difference and helps us provide essential items to those who rely on our store,” Baldwin said. “We want to make it as easy as possible for community members to give and deeply appreciate the generosity and support we receive.”

“A lot of times they use what’s called the blood quantum rule, so it dictates whatever percentage you are of Native American,” Canas said. “There’s also the tragedy of a lot of tribes nowadays; after the next generation, they will not be considered Native anymore. The whole philosophy and the identity behind it is dictated by the U.S. government, but currently, there is a big push between us to kind of build the identity for ourselves.”

The festival, hosted by Cultural Arts of Waco, runs from Friday to Sunday and includes a WordFest, ScienceFest, ArtsFest and a film showcase. Many of the events will take place around and inside the Waco Convention Center at various times that are clarified on their website.

From Caribbean spices to the flavors of Southeast Asia, Waco’s ethnic restaurant scene has a lot to offer. Here’s a spotlight on some of the best places to eat your way around the world in Waco.