As someone who has lived in Waco for several years, I can attest to the fact that the city has a vibrant drinking scene. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a craft beer or a lively bar to dance the night away, Waco’s best drinking spots offer plenty of options to choose from. In this article, I’ll be sharing some of the top drinking destinations in the city.

Waco’s Best Drinking Spots: Top Destinations

One of the most popular spots in Waco is George’s Restaurant Bar & Catering. This American restaurant has been around for decades and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. In addition to serving delicious Southern cuisine like chicken fried steak and burgers, George’s is also featured among Waco’s Best Drinking Spots: Top Destinations with an extensive drink menu. Be sure to try their signature Big O’s beer, brewed exclusively for the restaurant.

If you’re in the mood for a more laid-back atmosphere, Bare Arms Brewing is a great option. Located near the popular Magnolia Table restaurant, Bare Arms is Waco’s first brewpub. They offer a variety of beers on tap, including their popular Creekside American Lager. The space is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot to relax with friends.

Exploring Waco’s Best Historic Drinking Spots

Waco is a city with a rich history, and its drinking spots are no exception. Here are two historic drinking spots that are worth checking out:

Historic Pub in Waco
Uncover the charm and history of Waco’s iconic drinking establishments.

The Backyard Bar

The Backyard Bar is a Waco institution that has been around since the 1970s. This family-owned and operated bar is in the heart of downtown Waco and is one of the oldest bars in the city. The Backyard Bar has a laid-back atmosphere and is a wonderful place to grab a drink with friends or watch the game. The bar has a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, and the prices are reasonable. The Backyard Bar is also known for its live music, which is performed on the outdoor stage during the warmer months.

The Waco Winery

The Waco Winery is another historic drinking spot in Waco. This winery has been around since the 1940s and is one of the oldest wineries in Texas. The winery is located on the outskirts of Waco and is surrounded by beautiful vineyards. The Waco Winery produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. The winery also offers tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. The Waco Winery is a wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine and take in the beautiful scenery.

These two historic drinking spots are just a few of the many great drinking destinations in Waco. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back bar or a beautiful winery, there’s something for everyone in Waco.

Waco’s Best Craft Beer Destinations: Top Spots

Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, and Waco has some great spots to enjoy a cold one. Here are two of my favorite craft beer destinations in Waco:

Waco's Best Craft Beer Destinations: Top Spots
Experience the craft beer scene at Waco’s top breweries.

Bare Arms Brewing

Located near Magnolia Table, Bare Arms Brewing is Waco’s first brewpub and a must-visit for any craft beer lover. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. The Creekside, a super drinkable American lager, is a personal favorite of mine, but they have a wide range of beers to choose from, including IPAs, stouts, and porters.

In addition to their delicious beer, Bare Arms Brewing also offers a food menu with tasty options like burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. They also offer a children’s menu, which makes it an excellent choice for families.

Brotherwell Brewing

Brotherwell Brewing is another great craft beer destination in Waco. The taproom is spacious and modern, with plenty of seating options to choose from. They have a rotating selection of beers on tap, so there’s always something new to try. Some of my favorites include Honey Wheat and the Coffee Porter.

In addition to their great beer, Brotherwell Brewing also hosts events like trivia nights and live music, making it a fun spot to hang out with friends. They even have a small outdoor area where you can enjoy your beer in the sunshine.

Overall, Waco has some fantastic craft beer destinations, and these two are worth checking out. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Bare Arms Brewing and Brotherwell Brewing are sure to impress.

Discover Unique Cocktail Bars in Waco’s Top Drinking Spots


If you’re in search of a unique and unforgettable drinking experience in Waco, discover top destinations at “Waco’s Best Drinking Spots.” Explore cocktail bars that stand out for their creativity and great atmosphere, making them favorites for indulging in creative cocktails.

Unique Cocktail
Indulge in innovative cocktails at Waco’s distinctive bars.

Balcones Distilling

Located in the heart of downtown Waco, Balcones Distilling is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates craft cocktails and high-quality spirits. The bar is attached to the distillery, which produces award-winning whiskey, rum, and other spirits.

The cocktail menu changes frequently, but you can always expect to find unique and creative drinks that highlight the distillery’s products. Some of my personal favorites include the “Texas Mule” made with Balcones Texas Rye and ginger beer, and the “Whiskey Sour” made with Balcones Baby Blue corn whiskey.

In addition to the cocktails, Balcones Distilling also offers tours of the distillery and a retail shop where you can purchase bottles of their spirits to take home.

The Hippodrome

The Hippodrome is a historic theater and restaurant that has been a fixture in downtown Waco since 1914. In addition to showing movies and hosting live performances, they also have a fantastic cocktail bar.

The bar is located on the second floor of the building and offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The cocktail menu is extensive and features a variety of classic and modern drinks. Some of my favorites include the “Old Fashioned” made with bourbon and house-made bitters, and the “Bee’s Knees” made with gin, lemon, and honey.

One of the unique features of The Hippodrome’s bar is the “Cocktail Roulette” option. You can choose a liquor and a flavor profile, and the bartender will create a custom cocktail just for you based on your preferences.

Overall, both Balcones Distilling and The Hippodrome offer unique and memorable drinking experiences that are worth checking out if you’re in Waco.

Waco’s Best Drinking Spots: Late Night Hangouts


When it comes to late-night hangouts in Waco, there are a few spots that I always recommend. These bars, part of Waco’s Best Drinking Spots: Top Destinations, are perfect for a night out with friends or even for a solo adventure.

Friends Enjoying Night Out in Waco
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Waco’s late-night hangouts.

Dancing Bear Pub

The Dancing Bear Pub is one of my favorite late-night hangouts in Waco. This cozy bar has a broad selection of beers on tap, and the bartenders are always friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day.

One of the things I love about the Dancing Bear Pub is the live music. They have a great lineup of local bands and musicians who play everything from country to rock. The dance floor is always packed, and the energy in the room is contagious.

True Love Bar

Another great late-night hangout in Waco is True Love Bar. This bar has a unique vibe that I just can’t get enough of. The decor is eclectic and quirky, with vintage furniture and interesting art pieces scattered throughout.

True Love Bar has a broad selection of craft cocktails and beers, and the bartenders are always happy to make recommendations. They also have a small food menu with some delicious snacks and small plates.

One of the things I love about True Love Bar is the outdoor patio. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and some conversation with friends on a warm summer night. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and I always feel welcome when I visit.

Overall, Waco has some amazing late-night hangouts that are perfect for a night out with friends or a solo adventure. Whether you’re looking for live music or a cozy spot to enjoy a drink, these bars have something for everyone.

Exploring Waco’s Best Drinking Spots: Top Picks

I hope this article has helped you discover some of the best drinking spots in Waco. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft beer, a delicious cocktail, or a glass of wine, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

From the laid-back atmosphere of Bare Arms Brewing to the sophisticated ambiance of One Thirty-Five Prime, Waco has a diverse range of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and preferences. And with the rise of the city’s food and drink scene, there are sure to be even more exciting new spots popping up in the coming months and years.

So next time you’re in Waco, be sure to check out some of these top drinking destinations. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring all the city has to offer. Cheers!