Restaurants in East Waco¶
East Waco's dining scene is centered on the Elm Avenue corridor, which has seen significant new restaurant openings since the $6.7M streetscape was completed in 2024. The neighborhood features one of Waco's oldest continuously operating businesses (Tony DeMaria's Bar-B-Que, since 1919), alongside a new wave of women-owned, Black-owned, and independent restaurants drawn by the revitalization.
The Waco Downtown Farmers Market at Bridge Street Plaza (Saturdays 9am–1pm) is also an important food access and community gathering point.
Historic / Anchor Establishments¶
Tony DeMaria's Bar-B-Que - Address: 1000 Elm St, Waco, TX 76704 - Website: tonysbarbque.com - Cuisine: Texas BBQ — brisket, sausage, pork - Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–2pm; Sat 9am–1pm (sells out daily) - Price: $ - History: Family business since 1919, when Jasper DeMaria opened a grocery and meat market at 1219 Elm Ave. Tony DeMaria Jr. opened the dedicated BBQ operation in 1946 after returning from WWII. In the 1950s the operation fed road crews building I-35 through Waco. Now operated by 4th-generation owner Blake DeMaria. One of the oldest continuously operating businesses on Elm Avenue.
Elm Avenue Corridor (Current)¶
Revival Eastside Eatery - Address: 704 Elm Ave, Waco, TX 76704 - Phone: (254) 339-1401 - Website: revivaleastsideeatery.com - Cuisine: Contemporary American — sandwiches, burgers, salads; beer and wine - Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–3pm; Fri–Sat 11am–8pm; closed Sun - Price: $$ - Notes: Located in a converted former church building (Waco Community Baptist Church) that sat vacant for years. Bible-themed menu items: the "Old Pestoment" sandwich, "Garden of Eating" salad, "Golden Calf" burger with goat cheese. Women-owned. Featured prominently in East Waco revival coverage.
Street Dog Cafe - Address: 406 Elm Ave, Waco, TX 76704 - Website: streetdogcafe.com - Cuisine: Cafe / bakery / espresso bar - Hours: Tue–Sat 7:30am–2pm; closed Mon and Sun - Price: $ - Notes: Opened 2023 in the former Lula Jane's space. Freshly baked parmesan herb biscuits, sticky buns, breakfast pizza, baked oatmeal; house-made syrups; gluten-free/vegan options; dog-friendly patio. Featured by Texas Highways magazine.
310's Kitchen - Address: 310 Elm St, Waco, TX 76704 - Phone: (254) 227-1141 - Cuisine: Southern Comfort / Cajun-Creole — gumbo, chicken and waffles, brisket, crab cakes, beef and pork ribs, sausage - Hours: Fri–Sat 11am until sold out - Price: $$ - Notes: Outdoor seating; BYOB; Gulf Coast–influenced. Opened c. 2022; offers catering.
Pure Soul - Address: 1313 Elm Ave, Waco, TX 76704 - Phone: (254) 265-0723 - Cuisine: Soul food — smothered pork chops, oxtails, mac & cheese - Hours: Sundays 11am–7pm (carry-out/takeout only; also catering) - Price: $ - Notes: Sunday-only carry-out soul food operation.
The Eatery - Address: 821 Clifton St, Waco, TX 76704 - Cuisine: Soul food - Hours: Wed–Sun 11am–5pm - Price: $
Bridge Street / Near Elm¶
Brotherwell Brewing - Address: 400 E. Bridge St, Waco, TX 76704 - Phone: (254) 301-7152 - Website: brotherwell.com - Cuisine: Craft brewery / beer garden; rotating food trucks on premises - Hours: Mon–Wed 4–9pm; Thu 4–11pm; Fri 12–11pm; Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 12–7pm - Price: $$ - Notes: One block off Elm Avenue. Family and dog friendly; hosts private events and community markets. Beers available at multiple Waco restaurants.
Unique / Specialty¶
Tru Jamaica Restaurant - Address: 937 Taylor St, Waco, TX 76704 - Phone: (254) 304-9288 - Website: trujamaica.com - Cuisine: Jamaican / Caribbean — jerk chicken, curry vegetables, beef patties, oxtail - Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–8pm; Fri 11am–9pm; Sat 12–8pm; closed Sun - Price: $$ - Notes: Waco's only Jamaican restaurant. Black-owned; listed on EatOkra (Black-owned restaurant directory).