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.
The following is a table showing the bars & restaurants in Waco, Texas that sold the most alcohol in October 2024. This data lags behind by a month or two but is automatically updated each month when we get the fresh data.
| Establishment Name | Liquor Receipts | Wine Receipts | Beer Receipts | Total Receipts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEORGE'S | $91,046 | $2,616 | $81,498 | $175,160 |
| HOT CONCESSION SERVICES, INC. | $71,537 | $3,902 | $95,563 | $171,002 |
| BACKYARD BAR STAGE AND GRILL | $96,908 | $893 | $56,752 | $154,553 |
| HOTEL HERRINGBONE, LLC | $100,893 | $25,988 | $14,197 | $141,078 |
| CRICKET GRILL AND DRAFT HOUSE | $80,437 | $1,999 | $51,994 | $134,430 |
| GEORGE'S RESTAURANT & BAR | $57,557 | $2,258 | $64,504 | $124,319 |
| JORGE'S CANTINA | $102,299 | $2,571 | $18,342 | $123,212 |
| ADVENTUROUS JOURNEYS OPERATIONS | $82,365 | $34,381 | $5,671 | $122,417 |
| LA FIESTA RESTAURANT | $82,329 | $442 | $11,671 | $94,442 |
| BUBBA'S 33 | $41,116 | $1,508 | $50,960 | $93,584 |
| FREIGHT BAR WACO | $68,371 | $1,524 | $17,608 | $87,503 |
| OAKLEY'S | $51,763 | $126 | $34,883 | $86,772 |
| TRUELOVE | $64,502 | $239 | $20,605 | $85,346 |
| SMILEY'S COUNTRY CLUB | $0 | $0 | $0 | $84,151 |
| DIAMOND BACK'S RESTAURANT / GRATZIANO'S | $34,021 | $42,163 | $3,478 | $79,662 |
| NINFA'S WACO | $64,539 | $938 | $13,403 | $78,880 |
| BLACKS BEVERAGE CO | $35,506 | $13,539 | $22,071 | $71,116 |
| TEXAS ROADHOUSE | $36,648 | $2,419 | $30,501 | $69,568 |
| AUSTIN'S | $0 | $0 | $0 | $67,687 |
| TOPGOLF WACO | $30,689 | $2,063 | $33,500 | $66,252 |
| THE SALTY DOG BAR & GRILL | $34,472 | $2,803 | $28,812 | $66,087 |
| THE MELODY RANCH | $40,507 | $0 | $25,167 | $65,674 |
| BJ'S RESTAURANT AND BREWHOUSE | $30,748 | $7,846 | $25,602 | $64,196 |
| BUFFALO WILD WINGS | $18,466 | $277 | $43,075 | $61,818 |
| CHUY'S | $51,287 | $541 | $8,735 | $60,563 |
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.
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.
Waco has grown into a center for commerce, higher education, and tourism. The city offers a diverse food scene with a blend of classic Southern dishes and modern fusion cuisine. Waco hosts several exciting and vibrant events throughout the year, including Brazos Nights and Silobration.
The city also has a big nightlife scene with popular areas such as downtown, University Parks, and Lake Waco, each with its own unique vibe and atmosphere. Waco’s alcohol sales data continues to grow, making it an exciting place to explore after dark.