Unfortunately, I have to spend a full week in Waco for a conference. I have never spent much time in Waco, so I do not know anything about the available restaurants. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Depends on what you want.
Lake Brazos Steakhouse, Heitmillers Steakhouse, Ninfa's, Chedders, Chipolte, Pei Wei, 5 Guys, Road House, Outback, Chuy's, Rudy's, Uncle Dan BBQ, La Fiesta, Cathay House(Chinese),Shogun (Japanese Steakhouse), Health Camp (Way Old Drive INN on Circle) Elete Cafe(Waco Original)
All the Interstate Cuisine At Baylor and on North Loop 340 and I-35 in Bellmead,

Lots of local type stuff near the Hilton and Ninfas On University Drive.

Rabid,

You forgot Hooters!

5 guys, the food was decent, but way over-priced

I'd leave off the Lake Brazos Steakhouse.

Heitmiller's has large servings, but I would go elsewhere for a decent steak.

this is mom posting from my son's laptop...give me a list of food you would like and I will tell you where to get it!

Go to Georges for a good time, drinks, and pretty decent food. Great people-watching too.

Baris on N. Valley Mills for Italian.

The Ninfa's in downtown is pretty good. La Fiesta not bad as well.

Does anyone know if that Mexican seafood place near Kyle Field North is still there? That used to be really good, but man it's been years...

Siete Mares is the Mexican seafood and seriously good!

Siete Mares is bring your own wine by the way....

Siete Mares

OP, what is so unfortunate about spending a week in Waco, and why would you preface your question that way before seeking help from those who actually live there and don't find it so unfortunate?

imo, Ninfas blows. The entries are a little different, but the service is bad. Both sieta maries and Baris require you to bring in your own booze. I'll pass on that.

Captain,

Really not meaning to destroy Waco. I actually like the town and the area. But, if you have to go to a conference for a full week, and, if you live in Odessa, Texas, where there are very few restaurants, after having lived in San Antonio for 10 years, you really want to have a conference in a large city with plentiful restaurant possibilities. Sorry if I offended anyone, that was not my intention.

As for the type of food, I am not picky, just wanting some good choices, hopefully not chains.

Thanks for the replies so far.

No one mentioned Lolitas on Franklin and about 20th. Other locals, Michnas BBQ, Uncle Dan's BBQ. Upscale - Diamondbacks, 135 Prime, The Green Room, 1424. Also Tequiaria #9 on VM Drive.

Okay, I've got your week planned out with the help of AggieTJ. I'm assuming you're staying downtown and hopefully you have some sort of transportation or you'll be a little limited. I'm going to recommend mostly local places and try to stay away from chain stuff so you can have an authentic Waco experience.

1st Night - Ninfa's; broke my rule on the first night, but it's downtown, right across from where you're staying and it's a good atmosphere and good food IMO

2nd Night - Baris III Pasta and Pizza; solid Italian food and I like the BYOB aspect. It's located on Valley Mills Dr., < 7 minute drive from downtown.

3rd Night - George's - Waco mainstay; the previous poster was pretty spot on; not far from downtown < 5 minutes

4th Night - Sebas Cocina or Siete Mares; both good Coastal Mexican food; both BYOB; Sebas Cocina is downtown and Siete Mares is not far, but in a little rougher part of the neighborhood

5th Night - Green Room; if you want to splurge, this is the place to do it in Waco; the menu is overpriced IMO, but it's the best food you'll find in Waco; it's also downtown; other fine dining options, 135 Prime, Diamondbacks, 1424 Restaurant, Elite Circle Grill

Lunch Stops Nearby
- Schmaltz's (think Schlotsky's; walk there)
- Olive Branch Bakery and Cafe (Sandwiches & Soups; walk there)
- Kitoks (Asian, but good burgers too; 5 minute drive)
- Geriks Ole Czech Bakery and Deli (open for breakfast too; walk there)
- Vitek's BBQ (home of the Gutpak; 5 minute drive)
- Teryiaki Park (Sushi; walk there)
- Health Camp (Burgers; 5 minute drive)

Local Chain Restaurants that I enjoy too.
- Chuy's
- Texas Roadhouse
- On the Border
- Pei Wei
- Outback
- Rudy's (but not as good as College Station)

Nightlife (around downtown)
- Crickets - most popular big bar in Waco; downtown
- George's
- Austin's on the Ave. - smaller atmosphere; outdoor seating is nice, especially if they have a band playing
- Dancing Bear - located near Baylor campus, small bar, but nice

Hopefully all that helps your experience to be a more enjoyable one in Waco. Check out the Texas Sports Hall of Fame with the Southwest Conference exhibit, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, and the Dr. Pepper Museum if you have time off from your conference.

[This message has been edited by washburn321 (edited 7/29/2010 6:58p).]

AggieTJ, are you talking about La Bodega? We used to eat there all the time. Good place and yes it's still open. Ate there last year after a football game.

Thanks guys. Many more food choices in Waco than in the big town of slodetha and midland.

do not go to 135 Prime. Their steaks are paper thin. Diamond backs is without a doubt the best.

Also Sam's on the Square just opened up right down the street from where you are staying. It is in Austin Avenue Flats where the old Square Bar was. Went there last night and it was really good. Great tacos and huge drink menu.

There's a place called La Bodega in the Wac??? Why wasn't I told about this?!?

Wait a minute... washburn, maybe you need to brush up on your geography??? Ya see, KFN would be right down the street from Siete Mares!

I think I need a lesson in message board deciphering... is KFN supposed to be Floyd Casey? If so I don't think I've ever heard that. You learn something new everyday. Maybe we should open up La Bodega and make some money in Waco!

Sebas Cocina on Austin Avenue (downtown) between 6th and 7th.

Be sure to start with the fresh guacamole they prepare at your table - yum! Then go for the fresh seafood. It's the best in Central Texas! I prefer the grilled sea bass with scallops - awesome!

It's also BYOB which is great to keep the cost down.