There are an abundance of places to eat in Waco, and the food options are incredibly diverse. No matter what you're looking for, this small city has it all. That includes quite a few black owned restaurants in Waco - many of which are my favorite places to eat.
Black Owned Restaurants in Waco
Some of the restaurants on this list are hidden, hole-in-the-wall gems, and others are prominent, well-known locations in the heart of high-traffic downtown areas. If you're looking for a black owned Caribbean restaurant like Tru Jamaica, or a black owned barbecue joint such as Papa Jacks, these black owned restaurants in Waco have you covered.
Let's dive in!
Select any of the titles below to jump to that section:
If you are familiar with any black owned restaurants in Waco that are not on this list, please contact me so I can get the information updated.
Black Owned Caribbean & Cambodian Restaurants
Welcome to the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean and the exotic spices of Cambodia, all under one section! Waco is home to a diverse culinary scene, and these black-owned restaurants are adding to its richness.
From Jamaican jerk chicken to Cambodian lemongrass beef, these eateries offer a unique blend of cultures and traditions that tantalize the taste buds. So, get ready to embark on a journey of flavors and discover some of the best Caribbean and Cambodian cuisine that Waco has to offer.
TRU JAMAICA
Tru Jamaica Restaurant is a Caribbean restaurant located at 937 Taylor St. in Waco. It is operated by a mother-son duo from Jamaica, who serve up authentic Jamaican dishes. Their location in East Waco burned down, but that hasn't stopped them from continuing on their mission of serving up incredibly delicious plates of Jamaican food out of a food truck!
You'll want to follow them on Facebook or Instagram to get the latest updates from them on the status of their brick-n-mortar restaurant.
Tru Jamaica Restaurant is known for its authentic Jamaican dishes, such as jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and ackee and saltfish. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, including a vegetarian platter and a veggie burger. Customers have praised the restaurant's generous portions and reasonable prices.
The restaurant also offers catering services for events and parties.
Tru Jamaica Restaurant | 937 Taylor St. | Open Monday – Saturday | Caribbean food
THE BLASIAN ASIAN
The Blasian Asian is a family-owned and operated restaurant that offers a fusion of uniquely flavored Cambodian and soul food. The restaurant's menu includes dishes such as spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, pho, fried rice, and traditional Cambodian entrees such as loc lac and amok.
They also offer vegan and vegetarian options.
The restaurant is located inside Union Hall which has a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is known for their friendly and attentive service. The Blasian Asian is open for both dine-in and takeout, and they also offer catering services for events and parties.
They recently announced that they will be opening a second brick-n-mortar location right next to Dichotomy Coffee - a popular locally owned coffee shop in downtown Waco.
The Blasian Asian | 2 Locations: 720 Franklin Ave. (Union Hall) & 506 Austin Ave | Open every day | Brick-N-Mortar
Black Owned Comfort Food Restaurants
There's something about comfort food that warms the soul and brings a sense of nostalgia. And if you're in Waco, you're in for a treat because the city is home to some of the best black-owned comfort food restaurants in Central Texas.
From mouthwatering mac and cheese to juicy fried chicken, these restaurants serve up dishes that are as comforting as they are delicious.
MAC HOUSE WACO
Mac House Waco is a black-owned restaurant that used to be located at 1901 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701. However, they recently converted the brick-n-mortar location into another business known as "Pop's Lemonade" (detailed below in the juice section).
Now, Mac House Waco is a food truck that specializes in serving gourmet macaroni and cheese dishes. They offer a variety of unique mac and cheese dishes, such as the "Truffle Mac," "Tex-Mex Mac," "Chicken Alfredo Mac," and "Philly Cheesesteak Mac." In addition to mac and cheese, they also serve sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
You'll frequently find them located at Pop's Lemonade (their original location), as well as at festivals and other locales around Waco pretty much every day of the week. You can keep up with their current food truck location via their social media pages.
MAC HOUSE WACO | Generally Open Daily | Food Truck
SASCEE'S SOUTHERN STYLE EATERY
Sascee's Southern Style Eatery is a black-owned restaurant located at Ross Ave and 11th Street in downtown Waco, TX.
Sascee's Southern Style Eatery is a family-owned restaurant that specializes in serving classic Southern comfort food. The menu includes dishes such as fried chicken, catfish, smothered pork chops, collard greens, mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie.
Anytime someone asks on a local social media group what the best restaurants are in Waco, Sascee's Southern Style Eatery is always at the top of the list of recommendations, no matter who you ask.
Sascee’s Southern Style Eatery | 719 S. 11th St. | Open Monday – Saturday | Brick-N-Mortar
Black Owned American Food Restaurants
When it comes to American food, there's no shortage of options in Waco. But if you're looking for a taste of the diverse flavors and influences that make up American cuisine, you'll want to check out these black-owned restaurants.
These black-owned American food restaurants have dishes that will make even the most stubborn taste buds do a double-take. From burgers and fries that are classics for a reason to fusion cuisine that blends together different culinary traditions, these eateries offer a fresh take on American food that even the most biased taste buds will have to admit is pretty darn tasty.
So come hungry, leave your taste bud bias at the door, and prepare to be impressed.
WAFFLE CHIC
Waffle Chic is a black-owned food truck based in Waco that specializes in breakfast and brunch foods, particularly waffles.
From its humble beginnings out of a tiny food trailer parked outside of Pinewood Coffee House (a local Waco coffee shop), to its meteoric growth as a smash-hit food spot in downtown Waco inside the gates at Magnolia at The Silos, Waffle Chic has been my favorite waffle stop for quite some time.
Waffle Chic is unique in that it also offers fresh, organic produce, as well as vegan menu options. And every single thing on the menu is absolutely delicious. If you're in Waco, a stop at Waffle Chic is an absolute MUST.
Waffle Chic | 601 Webster Ave | Open Monday Sunday | Food Truck
BOARDWALK ON ELM FOOD TRUCK
Boardwalk on Elm Food Truck is a black-owned, veteran-owned, women-owned food truck based in Waco that serves American food.
The Boardwalk on Elm Food Truck is owned and operated by a local couple and is known for serving delicious American comfort food with a Southern flair. Some of their popular menu items include burgers, loaded fries, chicken sandwiches, and tacos. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The food truck's location varies, but they often set up shop at the Magnolia Market at the Silos in downtown Waco. They are also available for private events and catering.
Boardwalk on Elm Food Truck | 904 Elm Ave. #202 | Open Tuesday – Friday | Food Truck
DOS MUNDOS SPUD SHACK
Dos Mundos Spud Shack is a black-owned food truck based in Waco that serves a combination of American and Mexican food and has received a ton of positive reviews for its creative dishes.
Dos Mundos Spud Shack is a family-owned and operated food truck that specializes in serving unique and flavorful dishes that combine American and Mexican cuisine. Some of their popular menu items include loaded potato dishes, street tacos, and loaded nachos. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The food truck's location may vary, but they can often be found at local events and festivals throughout the Waco area. They also offer catering services for private events and parties.
As is always the case with food trucks, it's best to follow them on social media to get their latest location updates.
Dos Mundos Spud Shack | Schedule May Change - Check Social Media For Latest | Food Truck
Black Owned Cajun, Creole & Soul Food Restaurants
Waco is known for its rich culinary heritage, and few cuisines capture the essence of the city's food scene better than Cajun, Creole, and soul food. And when it comes to these flavors, the black-owned restaurants in Waco are second to none.
From spicy gumbo to flavorful jambalaya, and tender collard greens to savory fried catfish, these restaurants serve up some of the most mouthwatering and authentic dishes in town.
FRIDAY'S SEAFOOD AND MORE LLC
Friday's Seafood and More LLC is a black-owned business in Waco known for its fresh and flavorful seafood dishes, including shrimp, catfish, crawfish, and even alligator, as well as its Cajun/Creole-inspired dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, and etouffe.
They also offer a range of sides like hush puppies, fries, and coleslaw.
The restaurant has a casual and cozy atmosphere, with friendly staff that make customers feel welcome. They offer dine-in, takeout, and catering services for events and parties.
At the time this article was written, they had a 4.7-Star rating on Google Reviews from well over 600+ guests. That kind of score for any restaurant demands respect, and especially so for a seafood restaurant that's located 200 miles from the coast.
Friday’s Seafood and More LLC | 1308 New Dallas Highway | Open Wednesday – Sunday | Brick-N-Mortar
WEST BANK POBOYS
West Bank Po-boys is a black-owned restaurant in Waco, TX that serves New Orleans-style cuisine.
Their menu features classic po-boys with fillings such as chicken, shrimp, crawfish and catfish. They also offer a few of their classics such as The Waceaux, Peacemaker and Cajun Philly.
If you want to go with a (slightly) healthier option, they can make any of their sandwiches on top of a salad, instead of on bread.
And, because West Bank PoBoys is owned by the same family that owns Pop's Lemonade, you can also get Pop's Lemonade at West Bank PoBoys without having to drive to the physical Pop's Lemonade location (which is also on Franklin Ave, but a few miles down the road).
West Bank PoBoys | 720 Franklin Ave. (Union Hall) | Open Daily | Brick-N-Mortar
THE EATERY
For soul food, customers can visit The Eatery, a black-owned restaurant located at 821 Clifton St. in Waco, which has received rave-reviews for its flavorful soul food dishes.
The Eatery is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves classic soul food dishes in a casual, cozy, and welcoming atmosphere with colorful decor.
Their menu features a variety of soul food staples such as fried chicken, smothered pork chops, meatloaf, and fried catfish. They also offer sides like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole. They have vegetarian and gluten-free options as well.
The Eatery | 821 Clifton St. | Open Daily | Brick-N-Mortar
SURF-N-SOUL
Sure! Surf-N-Soul is a black-owned, family-operated food truck restaurant that offers a unique blend of seafood and Southern-style cuisine.
The restaurant's menu changes frequently, but often features a variety of seafood dishes such as shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and crawfish étouffée, as well as classic Southern comfort food dishes like chicken and waffles and collard greens.
The Surf-N-Soul food truck also attends festivals, food truck parks, and hosts private events upon request.
Surf-N-Soul | Location Varies | Open Tue-Sun | Food Truck
Black Owned BBQ Restaurants
When it comes to BBQ, Waco knows how to do it right. And if you're a fan of smoked meats, tangy sauces, and all things BBQ, you'll definitely want to check out these black-owned BBQ restaurants.
From brisket to ribs, pulled pork to chicken, these eateries offer a variety of meats that are slow-cooked to perfection and served up with all the fixings. So fire up your taste buds and get ready to savor some of the best BBQ in town - and possibly all of Central Texas.
PAPA JACK'S BBQ
Papa Jack's BBQ, located in East Waco, is a black-owned barbecue restaurant that has gained recognition for its mouth-watering barbecue and sides. However, it is only open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so you'll need to make sure you plan accordingly.
Papa Jack's BBQ is frequently featured in articles that cover the best BBQ in Waco, and for good reason! They do not disappoint in the realm of all things BBQ and they've been doing it for a long time.
That's evident by the solid 5-Star Rating on Google Reviews from well over 500+ customers, both local and visitors. It's rare for any restaurant to achieve that, let alone a BBQ restaurant.
..... Why are you still reading this? If you're anywhere near Waco right now, you should already be on your way to Papa Jack's!
Papa Jack’s BBQ | 700 E. Waco Drive | Open Thursday – Saturday | Brick-N-Mortar
MAMA & PAPA B'S BAR-B-Q
Mama and Papa B's Bar-B-Q is a black owned barbecue restaurant that has been serving up delicious smoked meats and classic Southern sides since 2013. The restaurant's menu features a variety of barbecue favorites, including brisket, ribs, sausage, and pulled pork, as well as sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and potato salad.
Mama and Papa B's Bar-B-Q is known for its authentic Texas-style barbecue, with meats that are slow-smoked over mesquite wood for hours to achieve the perfect tender and juicy texture. The restaurant also offers a variety of homemade sauces to complement their meats.
Mama & Papa B's Bar-B-Q is conveniently located just a short walk away from Magnolia Market - the world famous location of The Silos at Magnolia where Chip & Joanna Gaines empire is largely based.
The atmosphere at Mama and Papa B's Bar-B-Q is casual and laid-back, with a cozy dining area that is perfect for enjoying a hearty meal with family and friends. Their Google business listing describes Mama and Papa B's Bar-B-Q as a, "Humble nook dispensing hefty platters of slow-smoked BBQ & Southern-style sides in basic digs".
Mama and Papa B’s Bar-B-Q | 525 S. Eighth St. | Open Monday – Saturday | Brick-N-Mortar
R&S BBQ
R&S BBQ is a black-owned and operated barbecue restaurant that has been serving up classic Texas-style barbecue since 1996. The restaurant's menu features a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, sausage, pork ribs, chicken, and turkey, as well as classic Southern sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans.
R&S BBQ is known for its traditional smoking techniques, which use mesquite wood to impart a smoky flavor to their meats. The restaurant also offers a variety of homemade barbecue sauces to complement their meats, including a tangy mustard sauce, a sweet and spicy sauce, and a classic Texas-style sauce.
When their slogan is "Smoked Low & Slow", you know you're in for a treat.
R&S BBQ | 1101 Richland Dr. | Open Tuesday – Saturday | Brick-N-Mortar
Black Owned Juice Shops
Looking for a refreshing and healthy drink option in Waco? Look no further than these black-owned juice shops. From cold-pressed juices to smoothie bowls, these shops offer a variety of delicious and nutritious options that are perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a post-workout treat. Whether you're looking to detox or just enjoy a tasty beverage, these locally owned, Waco-based juice shops are the perfect destination.
OH MY JUICE!
Oh My Juice! is a black owned juice shop in Waco that offers a variety of juice and smoothie options, including cold-pressed juices, green juices, fruit smoothies, and protein smoothies.
Their acai bowls are also highly praised by customers, with many describing them as "delicious" and "filling". The atmosphere of the juice bar is described as inviting and friendly, with a clean and modern aesthetic. Additionally, Oh My Juice! offers vegan and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions!
Oh My Juice! | 201 S. Second St. | Open Monday – Saturday | Juices/smoothies/acai bowls
POPS LEMONADE
Pop's Lemonade is a black-owned and operated mobile lemonade truck that features fresh-squeezed lemonade.
The business started as a small stand at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market and has since expanded to a food truck that travels to different locations in the Waco area, as well as a brick-n-mortar location on Franklin Ave.
Pop's Lemonade specializes in handcrafted lemonades made from fresh ingredients and offer a variety of flavors such as strawberry lemonade, raspberry lemonade, and mango lemonade.
You may also find their freshly-squeezed, bottled lemonades at various stores in Central Texas. If you can't find them in your area yet, be sure to ask your local stores to carry Pop's Lemonade!
Pop's Lemonade | 3428 Franklin Ave | Open Mon-Sat | Lemonade Truck & Brick-N-Mortar Location
BLACK OWNED COFFEE SHOPS
As of today, there is only one black owned coffee shop in the entire city of Waco.
THRST COFFEE
I write a lot about coffee shops in Texas, especially coffee shops in Waco. And THRST Coffee has made it into several of those articles.
There are a lot of incredibly unique coffee shops in Waco that each offer something different. Make no mistake, there is no coffee shop in Waco like THRST Coffee.
As soon as you walk in you're greeted with a very soothing, earthy vibe and a super-chill ambience where the creativity in the air emanating from those in the room is almost tangible.
It's a place for innovators, creators, and difference makers. They're the people who are influencing the world around you though you may never know it.
If you want to get connected with the creative, entrepreneurial spirit of Waco, you'll find the driving forces behind it sipping on latte's at THRST Coffee.
THRST Coffee | 1500 Colcord Ave Suite C | Open Mon-Sun | Brick N' Mortar
BLACK OWNED BAKERIES
Two of my favorite bakeries in Waco are black owned bakeries, and they make desserts and treats that will only make you crave more. Whether you are ordering for a special event, or you just need a pick-me-up snack, these black owned bakeries have you covered.
O MY CAKES AND MORE
O My Cakes & More started out as a Cottage Bakery. They quickly grew in popularity, and recently opened a brick n' mortar location at Richland Mall in Waco, TX.
If you need cakes, cookies, cupcakes, or any other delicious baked good that sounds like it might be a cake (including cheesecake!), cookie or cupcake, then O My Cakes & More probably has you covered.
O My Cakes & More | 6001 W Waco Drive | Open Mon-Sun | Brick N' Mortar at Richland Mall
MO COOKIES
Uh, I literally cannot even write about Mo Cookies without practically drooling all over myself. It's disgusting. Their cookies are so ridiculously, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, it's wild.
Prior to finding Mo Cookies I was pretty proud of the cookies I made at home, and so were my kids. But after Mo Cookies showed up, I'm considered a second-class citizen who's cookies simply cannot compete.
Mo Cookies will drop kick your best cookie creations into oblivion at the drop of a hat without blinking an eye.
And you know... I'm perfectly ok with that. And I'll keep coming back for more.
Oh, yeah, and Mo Cookies is a local, black owned bakery in Waco.
Mo Cookies | 914 Lake Air Dr Suite G | Open Wed-Fri | Brick N' Mortar