Mexican Food in Waco (2025)

A lively mezcal bar-restaurant drawing on coastal and Mexico City flavors, from aguachile to enchiladas suizas. Featured by Eater Dallas in May 2025 and praised locally for brunch and late-hours energy, it anchors downtown’s newer dining wave.

Run by the Castillo family since 1963, this cornerstone serves Tex‑Mex classics, famed purple margaritas, and recipes traced by the Waco History project to the family’s earlier Aztec Café era. A perennial locals’ favorite with deep community ties.

A century-old lineage of Tex‑Mex with Spanish influence, kept by the Castillo siblings. Profiled by the Waco Tribune-Herald for its 100‑year story, the menu leans classic—enchiladas, chile relleno, carne guisada—served with multigenerational care.

Interior‑Mex dishes and from‑scratch margaritas two blocks from the Silos, operated by the Leon Orozco family. Baylor’s editorial team spotlights it for fresh, Mex‑Mex flavors beyond standard Tex‑Mex; locals come for pozole, tacos, and lively nights.

A late‑night staple since the 1990s known for birria, al pastor, and elote. Celebrated by the City of Waco’s We Are Waco series and frequently recommended by Baylor publications, it’s the place students and night owls point to for real-deal tacos.

Cash‑friendly, breakfast‑and‑lunch taqueria revered for handmade tortillas, gorditas, and breakfast tacos. Cited by Baylor’s dining roundup as a landmark choice, it’s where Wacoans send you for a morning taste of the border.

Daytime stalwart loved for no‑nonsense breakfast tacos, migas, and burritos. A recurring pick in local roundups and community polls, it’s where generations start the day with flour tortillas, salsa, and a bottomless hometown vibe.

The Gonzalez family’s multi‑generation restaurant dating to 1969, known for house salsas, fajitas, and convivial service. Recent local news covered the brand’s continued investment and reopening efforts, underlining its active role in the community.

Family‑owned paletería and ice‑cream shop weaving Mexican dessert culture into Waco since 1998. Covered by the Waco Tribune‑Herald and local TV for its community roots and growth, it’s the sweet finish after tacos and enchiladas.