Waco, a city in central Texas that has 140,000 residents has grown significantly through time and evolved into a center for commerce, higher education, and tourism.
One thing that sets Waco apart is its diverse and lively food scene that boasts a blend of classic Southern dishes and modern fusion cuisine. Events also happen in the city and there are nightlife areas, so there's always something to do whether you're visiting or a resident.
We have everything you need to know about Waco if you're interested. We'll be delving into the best bars and restaurants in town, as well as highlighting some of the top events and nightlife spots.
Top 25 Waco Businesses By January 2025 Alcohol Sales
Below are the top 25 establishments in Waco ranked by total alcohol sales for January 2025.
| # | Establishment | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
George's
|
$75,451 | $1,995 | $81,808 | $159,254 |
| 2. |
George's Restaurant & Bar
|
$51,199 | $1,924 | $56,937 | $110,060 |
| 3. |
Bubba's 33
|
$41,625 | $1,263 | $57,086 | $99,974 |
| 4. |
Oakley's
|
$52,589 | $208 | $35,419 | $88,216 |
| 5. |
Hotel Herringbone, LLC
|
$64,331 | $16,533 | $5,780 | $86,644 |
| 6. |
Jorge's Cantina
|
$69,945 | $1,904 | $12,618 | $84,467 |
| 7. |
The Salty Dog Bar & Grill
|
$37,651 | $3,445 | $32,876 | $73,972 |
| 8. |
Texas Roadhouse
|
$34,716 | $2,195 | $31,719 | $68,630 |
| 9. |
Truelove
|
$50,375 | $124 | $15,367 | $65,866 |
| 10. |
Bj's Restaurant and Brewhouse
|
$28,770 | $8,272 | $23,052 | $60,094 |
| 11. |
Diamond Back's Restaurant / Gratziano's
|
$31,795 | $3,982 | $23,740 | $59,517 |
| 12. |
Scruffy Murphy's
|
$41,222 | $0 | $9,471 | $50,978 |
| 13. |
Saltgrass Steakhouse
|
$26,523 | $7,103 | $12,765 | $46,391 |
| 14. |
Shorty's Pizza Shack
|
$13,040 | $1,378 | $30,492 | $44,910 |
| 15. |
Main Event - Waco
|
$22,628 | $614 | $21,069 | $44,311 |
| 16. |
Crying Shame
|
$27,749 | $687 | $14,755 | $43,191 |
| 17. |
Lounge 93
|
$30,459 | $6,356 | $3,793 | $40,608 |
| 18. |
One Thirty Five Prime
|
$20,924 | $16,265 | $821 | $38,010 |
| 19. |
Chili's Grill & Bar #1572
|
$26,695 | $480 | $9,282 | $36,457 |
| 20. |
Chapter 11 Night Club
|
$22,411 | $1,211 | $12,777 | $36,399 |
| 21. |
Hot Concession Services, Inc.
|
$24,264 | $2,771 | $8,042 | $35,077 |
| 22. |
Cambria Hotel
|
$20,951 | $10,014 | $2,445 | $33,410 |
| 23. |
The Dog House
|
$22,293 | $1,003 | $9,291 | $32,587 |
| 24. |
Hemingway's Watering Hole
|
$21,305 | $1,258 | $6,862 | $29,425 |
| 25. |
Pivovar
|
$12,531 | $4,633 | $11,672 | $28,836 |
Yearly Events in Waco, Texas
Waco hosts some of the most exciting and vibrant events in the US. Brazos Nights, a free concert series held on the banks of the Brazos River. You can enjoy live music here while taking in the beautiful views of the river. If you love arts, check out the city's Cultural Arts Fest which is a celebration of all things artistic, featuring exhibits, performances, and even hands-on activities. For all food lovers, Texas Food Truck Showdown is a must-attend event. You can taste some of the best food truck offerings in the state, and trust me, you won't be disappointed. And who says you can only enjoy winter wonderlands up north? Waco Wonderland is a winter wonderland experience that includes ice skating, carriage rides, and even visits with Santa. Last but not least, we have Silobration, held at the famous Magnolia Market. It features live music, food trucks, and unique shopping opportunities.
Popular Nightlife Areas in Waco, Texas
One of the most popular areas for nightlife in Waco is downtown. This vibrant part of town has range of bars and restaurants, each with its own unique vibe and atmosphere. If you're a college student or young adult looking for a fun night out, the University Parks area is a great choice. Many bars and eateries that welcome students may be found in this area of the city. And of course, no visit to Waco would be complete without a trip to Lake Waco. The perfect place to unwind after a long day, with several waterfront bars and restaurants offering breathtaking views of the water. With so many great options to spend the night, it's no wonder that Waco's alcohol sales data continues to grow year after year. Local or visitor, there's always something new and exciting to discover in Waco.