Best-Rated Restaurants in West Waco¶

The western Waco corridor — particularly the Woodway Drive and Hewitt Drive corridors in the 76712 zip code — offers a strong concentration of well-regarded restaurants ranging from upscale steakhouses to casual food halls. Many of Waco's best-reviewed dining establishments are located in or adjacent to this area. Below are the top options organized by cuisine.

Steakhouse / Fine Dining¶

OneThirtyFive Prime (135 Prime)¶

Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood, Fine Dining
Address: 1201 Hewitt Dr, Ste 110, Waco, TX 76712
Phone: (254) 666-3100
Price Range: $$$$ (upscale; ~$225 for dinner for two is commonly cited)
Hours: Monday–Thursday 4:30 pm–10:00 pm; Friday–Saturday 4:30 pm–11:00 pm; Sunday closed
Website: 135prime.com
Description: OneThirtyFive Prime has long been regarded as Waco's premier fine dining steakhouse. Known for prime cuts, certified Akaushi wagyu beef, fresh seafood, and a polished but comfortable atmosphere. A standout dish is the certified Akaushi 8 oz filet ($68). The restaurant is consistently cited as one of the top fine dining destinations in the broader Waco area and is a popular choice for special occasions and business dining.
Source: 135prime.com, Yelp, TripAdvisor

The Butcher's Cellar¶

Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood, Upscale American
Address: 13701 Woodway Dr, Building 5, Woodway, TX 76712
Phone: (254) 224-6176
Price Range: $$$–$$$$ (upscale; private dining packages start at $1,000; Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:30–5:30 pm with $4 off cocktails, wine, and select appetizers)
Hours: Monday–Thursday 4:30 pm–10:00 pm; Friday–Saturday 4:30 pm–10:30 pm; Sunday closed
Website: butcherscellar.com
Description: Opened in May 2024, The Butcher's Cellar quickly established itself as a premier upscale dining destination in the western Waco corridor. The restaurant is helmed by two chefs who both competed on Hell's Kitchen Season 21. The menu features chef-driven creations alongside premium cuts sourced from Iron Table Wagyu (including a 28 oz Porterhouse and a 36 oz Tomahawk), seafood, and elevated starters. The restaurant tells the story of Central Texas through locally sourced ingredients and a sophisticated but welcoming atmosphere. Reviews describe it as "stunning and sophisticated."
Source: butcherscellar.com, KWTX News, Yelp

Italian¶

Di Campli's Italian Ristorante¶

Cuisine: Italian
Address: 6500 Woodway Dr, Suite 121, Waco, TX 76712
Phone: (254) 300-5978
Price Range: $$ (under $30 per person)
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:00 am–2:00 pm and 4:00 pm–9:00 pm; Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–10:00 pm; Sunday closed
Website: dicamplis.com
Description: Di Campli's has been one of the most celebrated restaurants in West Waco since opening in 2020. Serving authentic Italian dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients in a modern atmosphere on Woodway Drive. In the 2024 "Best of Waco" awards, Di Campli's took first place in the Italian, Pasta, Dessert, and Celebration Meal categories. Rated 4.6/5 on Google and 5/5 on TripAdvisor, with 323+ Yelp reviews. Ideal for romantic dinners, family gatherings, and celebrations.
Source: dicamplis.com, Yelp, Visit Waco

Food Hall / Multi-Vendor¶

Union Grove (CLOSING ~April/May 2026)¶

Cuisine: Multi-vendor food hall (diverse cuisines from local chefs and entrepreneurs)
Address: 8100 Woodway Dr, Woodway, TX 76712
Price Range: $–$$
Website: unionbrandstexas.com/uniongrove
Description: Union Grove opened in November 2023 as a 30,000 sq ft food hall with 25+ vendor stalls — Union Brands Eateries Texas's second concept (Union Hall downtown continues to operate). On February 3, 2026, Union Brands announced closure within 90 days upon lease expiration, citing the need to be a deliberate destination rather than benefiting from organic foot traffic. Expected closure ~April/May 2026. Union Hall downtown (400 Austin Ave) is unaffected.
Source: KWTX, Waco Tribune-Herald

Burgers / Casual American¶

Hat Creek Burger Company (Woodway)¶

Cuisine: Burgers, American, Casual
Address: 103 Archway Dr, Woodway, TX 76712
Price Range: $–$$
Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00 am–9:00 pm (check website for weekend hours)
Website: hatcreekburgers.com/restaurants/waco-woodway
Description: A popular regional Texas burger chain with a Woodway location. Hat Creek is known for high-quality, made-to-order burgers with gluten-free, vegan, and keto-friendly options available. A family-friendly casual dining spot near Woodway's commercial corridor. Well-reviewed on TripAdvisor and Yelp for its fresh ingredients and outdoor-friendly atmosphere.
Source: hatcreekburgers.com, TripAdvisor

BBQ¶

Helberg Barbecue¶

Cuisine: Texas BBQ
Address: 2301 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710
Price Range: $$
Website: helbergbarbecue.com
Description: One of the premier BBQ destinations in Central Texas. Fire destroyed the original building on November 26, 2023; the restaurant rebuilt and reopened March 2025. Named to Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas (2025) — its 2nd appearance on the list. Also recognized by Yelp's 100 Best BBQ in America and Wacoan's Best BBQ & Ribs (2024). Worth the drive for serious BBQ enthusiasts.
Source: helbergbarbecue.com, Texas Monthly (2025)

Quick Service / Fast Casual¶

Wienerschnitzel (Opened December 2025)¶

Cuisine: Hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, corn dogs
Address: 305 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (at Franklin Ave)
Price Range: $
Description: Wienerschnitzel's return to Waco for the first time since 2009 — a brand-new 1,490 sq ft drive-thru-only location, opened December 3, 2025. The chain's 48th Texas location. Operated by Brett Swartz, a Baylor graduate also known for running Slow Rise Slice House in Waco.
Source: KXXV, PR Newswire

Coming Soon¶

[Untitled Sports Bar / Comfort Food Concept] (In Development)¶

Cuisine: Casual American, sports bar, comfort food (chicken fried steak, chicken and waffles)
Address: Adjacent to The Butcher's Cellar, 13701 Woodway Dr area, The Outlook at Bosque Ridge, Woodway, TX
Description: A second, more casual concept from Butcher's Cellar owners Matt and Tiffany Fatheree, managed by the same executive chef team (Alejandro Najar and Alyssa Osinga). Announced February 2025; 9,000 sq ft. No confirmed name or opening date as of early 2026.
Source: KWTX, February 2025

Note: For more Waco-wide dining options including downtown restaurants, see the Waco Restaurants file.

Sources: TripAdvisor - Best Restaurants in Waco, Visit Waco, Yelp - Waco Restaurants, Stacker - Highest-Rated Restaurants in Waco, The Waco Things