Health Camp Burgers and Shakes

Quaint cute little local diner. Always great and fresh hamburgers, the best milkshakes, fries or onion rings served with a smile. Always clean and usually busy but it was not when we went this evening. Was nice to get in and have a choice of tables. There’s nothing on the menu that isn’t delicious and it’s something soothing about enjoying your food pretty much prepared right in front of you when you’re at the counter. Definitely recommended and and a frequent stop for my family.

Built in 1949 by successful food cart operators at the old James Connally Air Force base now owned by TSTC and leased by L3Harris. This burger joint is one of the best in town. Their buns are expertly toasted and soft divided by quality 100% ground angus chuck patties!

Was riding from Killeen with my bro & I just had arrived in Texas. I was confused when he said we were going to Health Camp🤣 I thought it was a gym or athletic park🤣 we got there & I was sooo amazed!!! I thought the best burgers were at Shake Shack but this place is #1 to me!!! Butter Pecan shake was like nothing I had ever tasted!!! I also had a Health Burger with all the fixings (no fries) but I tasted my brother’s order of fries & YES they are ELITE!!! I recommend this place to anyone who loves burgers, fries & shakes🤤🤤🤤

Health Camp – A Waco Institution Old-School Charm, Big-Time Flavor Health Camp has been holding down the fort on Waco’s Circle for decades, serving up nostalgia with a side of crispy onion rings and thick shakes. It’s the kind of place where the griddle’s been seasoned by time, and the menu stays simple because, well—why mess with perfection? The Burger: Smash-Style Satisfaction The cheeseburger here leans into that classic smash burger aesthetic—100% Angus ground chuck, seared just right to give it that crispy outer edge while staying juicy inside. No gimmicks, just beef done right. Mustard, onions, cheese, lettuce, pickles, and tomato—all stacked onto a perfectly toasted bun. The mustard gives it that Texas tang, cutting through the richness, while the crisp veggies bring balance. At nine bucks, you’re paying a little extra, but you’re also getting a burger with real beefy character. Onion Rings: Golden Crunch Perfection Skip the fries—this is an onion ring kind of place. They come out thick-cut and fried to an ideal crunch, the batter light but substantial. No limp, greasy afterthoughts here. These rings are the real deal, seasoned just enough to keep you reaching for the next one. Banana Pudding Shake: Southern Sweetness in a Cup Now, let’s talk about that shake. If you love banana pudding, this one’s a winner. It’s got that rich banana flavor, the kind that doesn’t taste artificial but instead reminds you of a homemade dessert. The real magic? The vanilla wafer crumbs dusted on top, with a few surprise wafers hidden inside, giving it that classic banana pudding texture. Cold, creamy, and just the right amount of thick—this one’s a must. Final Verdict Health Camp is more than just a burger joint—it’s a Waco staple, a slice of Texas history on a buttered bun. You’ll pay a little extra for the nostalgia, but you’ll also leave satisfied, knowing that places like this still exist. Whether you’re craving a classic burger, crispy onion rings, or a shake that tastes like dessert straight from grandma’s kitchen, Health Camp delivers.

Stumbling upon this place was a great surprise. The classic-style hamburgers, complemented by great music from various eras, create a fantastic atmosphere. The burger's high-quality meat was tasty and natural, with cheese that melted perfectly. The double health burger was simply fantastic—one of the best I’ve had in a long time. You get a great value for your money as well. I'm so glad I discovered it by chance!

Front desk lady was rude. Ordered tator tots with my burger but they forgot the tots. When I eventually got them, they were burnt. The staff gets mad when you complain. I guess because it’s just college kids here. Burger was okay. Seems like they use Kraft cheese.

Is that old school feeling that when your parents were together back in the 60s 50s and 70s they went to get a burger and they were hand pressed this is what you’re gonna get here. It is so good. My cousin who went with me is extremely picky. She wanted to go back the next day my daughter loved it. I loved ithands down in the lady cooking the food. She is adorable.

I was craving a great burger from a local joint and knew there was no place better than Health Camp Burgers and Shakes! They’ve been around for quite some time and you know the quality you’ll get here. You have to get a shake; there are many options. I went with a root beer shake and it was delicious.

Well Bidenomics has finally hit HealthCamp!!! No more combos and at least 50 to 100% price increase across the board. Kids meals up about 300%.

Obviously, this spot doesn't need a review but my wife and I loved it so much I had to. Protect this place for decades to come! I first heard of this spot 24-25 years ago from friends who went to Baylor. But since I've never spent time in Waco, I never made the time to come and try it. It was such a solid burger and shake (with amazing service), I will now make it a point to stop anytime I'm driving anywhere near it. I got a Health Burger with cheese, while splitting onion rings with my wife. When I asked if the banana shake or chocolate shake was better, one staff member said, "get chocolate banana". AMAZING decision. That shake was f'in delicious and I thank the staff for dropping that idea on me. So creamy and well balanced! Back to the main event - the onion rings had a tasty breading with a nice crunch. The burger was an old school, thin diner burger that nobody does right anymore. Nice flavoring with just a little char. The buns were buttered and golden brown. I loved the vibe inside - the artwork of other classic spots throughout Texas planted the idea to make a road trip and try them all (sadly, I know several are now closed). But this place has got to stand the test of time! I was gonna stop by on our way out of town for another shake but looks like they are closed on Sundays! Darn!

What a neat place - and the food is great too ! This is a perfect example of a very modest "hamburger shop" that began serving great burgers, dogs, shakes, etc. in the same modest building since 1948. This is certainly an authentic throwback as this is retro with a capital R. Everything on the menu is simply great- including fantastic milk shakes that are second to none. Dine inside or take advantage of their outdoor seating. Either way, you will not be disappointed ! !

I was craving a great burger from a local joint and knew there was no place better than Health Camp Burgers and Shakes! They've been around for quite some time and you know the quality you'll get here. You have to get a shake; there are many options. I went with a root beer shake and it was delicious.

The level and selection of shakes and malts here are worth coming to visit alone! The burgers here are a grease spoon but come on - that is why you are here, right?! I came here to eat a quick burger, get some fries down, and wash it back with a delicious classic strawberry milkshake without shame. There was a short wait to get our order in but it was lunch time on a summer Friday so it was busy. We didn't mind the wait though as the service was friendly. Every time a table was available I noticed a staff member would come around and reset it for you and do a quick wipe down for you. The space here can be tight for some but it honestly all goes with the atmosphere and throwback feel of Health Camp. I felt like I was dining in a 1950's-era of quick meal (or what we know as 'fast food) before we continued our IH 35 traveling up to north Texas area. Booths are cute and picturesque. Restrooms are really small and only one so there might be a wait if it is busy here. The parking lot is shared with other spots around Health Camp but no big deal. You should find a spot to park in safely and come in to grab your order. The drive-thru line was bonkers too but seemed to go by fast. Quick, easy, fun, and nostalgic I will forever stop in at Health Camp in the future as it did not disappoint.

4 star rating for nostalgia and super friendly service. 3 stars for food Health camp it is not. This is an old school hamburger stand that still had its original charm. Is it the best burger, no. Does the chocolate milkshake taste like hersheys syrup, yes. Do I stop here to eat?yes this is a cute little spot that makes you feel like you have stepped back in time.

This is another review in my Waco Burgers series. My son and I are hitting places around Waco to try their Burgers. Health Camp is another Waco institution. Slou Stein and Jack Schaevitz opened HC in '48 as a food truck. A year later they opened the current "circle" location. There are two other location now at Union Grove and Union Hall. We went to OG in the circle. The place is small but clean with typical decor. You order and pay at the counter. Drinks are self serve and seating is sparse but adequate for a small crowd. Kiara was fast and friendly taking our order. We went with our usual. I ordered a cheeseburger, mayo all the way and my son ordered a Bacon Cheeseburger plain and dry. We both pair fries with our meal. The highlight for me was the soft, sweet bun. The crispy fries were also a definite plus. "All the way" on my burger meant pickles and onions. I'm not sure if that is the standard or a mistake on my order. We both agreed that the meat, while good, was not as flavorful as some other stops we've made in our journey. Jacob wondered if the patty was frozen or fresh. We arrived at 6:30. By the time we left, the place was full. I would recommend Health Camp to anyone needing a burger fix. The price matches the experience for sure. Look up our other burger reviews on yelp if you're interested in where we've been.

A true gem in the city of Waco, Texas! A cool burger shop with a truly authentic retro vibe. The prices are some of the best in Waco, it's a budget friendly stop for a family or group of friends. The staff is fast and friendly, and they work hard to keep the small shop clean. The burgers are out of this world fresh, and the onion rings are worth the add on fee. The fries are okay, they're hot and fresh but nothing too special. We ordered the Superburger Combo and Cheeseburger combo, with two drinks. Next time we visit, we'll be trying the Orange Dreamsicle ice cream cone! If you're visiting Waco, this is a must stop for a true Waco experience!!

Wanted to love this place after seeing all the great reviews. Parking is a mess, which I won't hold against them because they have Magnolia Table and one other restaurant next door. However the wait time for one kids meal to go was long, and they gave me the wrong kids meal, but I noticed too late to get it fixed. The chocolate shake was decent. I honestly would give them another try, I would just double check the order before I left and would try and find a less busy time to visit.

(Henry Cavill voiceover) Yes, ladies. It's Superman! The vibe is All-American Hamburger Place in Waco, TEXAS! HEALTH CAMP! Hoorah! Naomi warmly greeted us! I knew I was in great hands with her great smile! And you can predict with nigh absolute certainty that I'm gonna take her advice! Went with the #1 Combo x 2! TEXAS! Yeah! Naomi said go with the Tots. Crunchy! Satisfying! Perfectly crisp! She also mentioned to try the Onion Rings! Beautiful. Golden. Ergo, had to get the rings! My gosh. The Super Burger with all the fixin's and secret special sauce transformed me from the mild-mannered Clark Kent to the dapper & smooth Superman. It was delish! Thankfully, Lois Lane was right here in front of me to focus my newfound sun-kissed energy! Up, Up and Away! America! Yeah! Would order everything again! Woohoo!

Delicious!!! One of the best burgers I've ever had and the costumer service 10/10. We also tried the shakes and icecream cones also a 10/10 we will definitely be coming back .

It's a cool retro historic location and it's basically what you'd expect. Shake was excellent. Onion rings were average (I like Sonic better). Burgers were good but very thin patties. Flavor was good but if prefer a thicker patty more moist. Staff was friendly. My critique doesn't mean I wouldn't go back, I will.

if you are going through waco and are hungry STOP HERE! dont think about it, just DO IT! do not yelp any other restaurants in waco - proceed directly to health camp! stepping inside health camp makes it feel like you are literally stepping back in time. smallish space with limited seating. health camp seems to do a brisk takeaway business. food is like going to grama's house, nothing fussy, just good food prepared well. burgers and shakes make up most of the menu. shakes come in a LARGE variety of flavors. i've gotten a cheeseburger, o-rings and a shake on each visit. burgers are big, juicy, well seasoned on a bun that is soft but doesn't fall apart. vanilla, chocolate & strawberry shakes (i know, im basic) have all been very very good - well worth the calories! service has always been fast & friendly!

I didn't have high expectations for this little burger shop in Waco but I was willing to give it a try. The service was excellent. The cashier was great in recommending Shake flavors. The menu is pretty short but if you excel at something, I admire someone that plays to their strengths! I must say, it was notably the BEST overall burger experience I've had in a while. They don't rely on any fancy sauces or packaging. It was just a really good burger. My favorite onion rings I've had in years, and yummy milkshakes to round out the meal. The O-rings were super crunchy without being overly battered or oily. We each had a different flavor milkshake but you definitely had to try the others quick because they were so good, they didn't last long-- PB banana, chocolate chip cheesecake & strawberry cheesecake! Health camp has definitely made it onto my list of "places to go" when I pass through the Waco area again. I can't promise I'll be in the area again soon but I'd definitely recommend to anyone who goes through Waco! The biggest negative is I definitely wouldn't go with a BIG (bus size) group as the seating is VERY limited but we didn't have any problems finding a table on a Saturday afternoon. Otherwise, 5-stars!

If you want an old school diner burger that is fresh and just the right amount of greasy this would be a good stop. The number two cheese burger combo comes with fries or tots (sub onion rings $1) and a drink (sub shake/malt $4) for $10.50. Not a bad price for a meal that will leave you feeling nostalgic. The service was good, they usually have a window for Togo customers but needs repairing, and the atmosphere is true to an old school burger joint. The wait was also not bad and food came out hot. I enjoyed to cook of the tots they were seasoned well with salt and pepper, the malt did not taste like raspberry or malt so it's the only knock but they do have a ton of other flavors to try and think this small place is worth a go.

Great ol' fashioned greasy burger. Tater tots and onion rings are an appreciated additional option to fries and the milkshakes are legit!

Staple in Waco! Old fashion burgers and fries, nothing healthy about it. Cheap and simple.

Delicious burgers & onion rings. Friendly service, fair prices... casual dinning. It's a win.

Holy moly!!!! If you have a hankering for an old-fashioned diner this is the place!! Almost didn't come here and I am so glad that we did! This place has been here forever and the pictures are amazing on the walls. Everything we ate was absolutely to die for burgers fries onion rings shakes you name it they have it and everything like homemade. Next time we're back in town we will definitely be making a stop here even if it's just for a malt and some fries. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it

Classic burger joint. Super lowkey feeling. Food was great, shakes were great, not doing too much. Cool.

You have to stop by atleast for a malt! They have a big list of flavors. I love the Cherry and husband loves the Banana. We get Medium size but always wish I had the large! Large is really big and of course $$. But definitely don't NEED the large. We usually eat a hamburger here when we are in town they are very good and the old fashion kind. Love the name!

Great food,.cool old time ambience. The burger was great,.kids had the regular health burger whereas I had the beyond burger. Shakes were fantastic also..mainly the French fries were a bit of a let down. I do wish they still served out of the windows as one of the downsides of keeping the location classic (which is great) is that you're ordering from right behind the door so expect people pushing past while you order. Overall though I recommend!

The Health Camp is always a fun place to go. I remember going there and getting malts or Sundaes as a kid. Then I went through a phase of getting two chili dogs, onion rings, and a root beer. You can always get the Health Burger, fries, and a drink. It doesn't mean it's healthy. There's always Baylor kids there. And grown-ups who remember going there as a kid. bring your kids here and give them a memory.

Good burgers just as i remember as a kid. The milkshakes are also great. prices are reasonable

Food is okay. The service is good. And the ambiance is actually quite interesting to look at. It tells you a lot about their history.

Super Burger 9/10. That's all you need to know. But I'll type more so my review will post.

The food is always amazing. Every flavor of shake we have is delicious. I little slice of hamburger history here in Texas. If you can survive the circle of death, you deserve a burger as a reward.

I had my first Health Camp burger in 1983. They are just as good today as they were 40yrs ago. Thanks for keeping it original!

The burgers are amazing and the shakes are the best! My stomach is growling just thinking about it.

Fun burger and shake shop. If you are ever in Waco, TX, check it out. The burger are perfectly juicy. The food was really good and is served hot, as it should be. I would go back without hesitation when passing through. Note: the is not the place to go if you are in a hurry. There were a couple small orders ahead of us and it seems like it took about 30 minutes to get the food. The family we came with (on a separate order) got their food at least 10 minutes ahead of us. Again, if you are not in a hurry, it is a great dive burger-shake joint.

Went to the Union Grove location. Food was good! Had the cheeseburger on a gluten free bun and fries. Fries were mostly VERY well done, but burger was delicious. Glad they had the option for gluten free.

Atmosphere: The first thing that I noticed that is a bit weird and off-putting is that you have to order your food at the window on the outside and then travel inside to receive your order if you're dining in. Of course, this makes no sense to me and in my humble opinion a bad user experience. I ordered the combo cheeseburger and before placing my order I asked the young lady if the fries are hand-cut or frozen and when she said frozen I decided to get the tater tots instead. The best way I can describe this hamburger joint is nondescript. I understand the history behind the Health Camp and its longevity of being on The Circle but honestly, this place lacked any kind of real vibe. The Service: The service was about what I expected. People were doing their job but nothing really stood out. The order taker was courteous but not particularly engaging. The Food: I love hamburger joints where the meat is fresh and never frozen and I was definitely able to tell the difference. The old-fashioned cheeseburger was tasty with mustard, lettuce, pickles, and onions. As you can see from the photos the burger doesn't look very appetizing. It actually tasted much better than the photo reveals. The tater tots were awful. They were overcooked and not a great pairing with the burger. The chocolate shake was so thick I had to eat the entire thing with a spoon. I believe this was intentional and if so why do they call it a shake? I did enjoy the flavor and creaminess of the shake. I would return for the burger for sure and I'm eager to try some of their other food offerings.

Slow doesn't even cover this place. I used to come here in High School, I'm 50.... This is an example of holding on to damn long. Nostalgia isn't worth it......... it's just not and the fries are cold AF. I guess I will have to put this place with Leslie's chicken.

I gave this a 5 because it was very clean inside, customer service was great, the hamburger was cooked really good, crispy on the outside little pink on the inside. It took a little while to get, but it came out nice and fresh and hot. Definitely would come back.

The burgers are pretty good. No onion rings were available because of vendor issues. You have to order at the outside window and THEN go inside to pickup your order. It doesn't make sense to me.

Very good burger but on the smaller size on a 4 1/2 inch bun, if you have a robust appetite get a double. Fries are very good, I'll try onion rings next. Very busy but they get them out quickly.

One of the best burgers joints around. Plus there milkshakes are amazing. It's a small place so don't be in a hurry, perfection takes time.

Stopped in for a shake. Kind of slow, but worth the wait. So don't get in a hurry. The shake isn't really a milkshake. It's basically really rich ice cream with your choice of flavor. So, use a spoon.

First time to stop in braving "the circle" and I can see why this place is a classic. Classic burgers grilled on a flat top giving a nice crust, but with the volume they serve the evenness of the cooking could vary. Somehow the top bun was warm but the bottom was cold. Hot dogs are split and grilled along with the bun. Some picky eaters might not like the cook. Tater tots, fries and onion rings are spot on. A single serving in onion rings could have had a few more for my liking. Strawberry cheesecake shake was one of the best I've ever had.

Has AMAZING food and shakes! One of my favorite places to get a burger and chocolate shake for hot summer days. 100% would recommend for an old fashioned vibe

What a great old fashioned burger joint! Burgers are really good but the ice cream and milk shakes make this place worth the 1 hour drive to get there.

Old burger joint looking place but it's delicious. One of if not the best burger in Waco. There shakes are also really good had several different flavors this last time had Butterfinger it was really good.

Wonderful! We stopped here on a Friday night and it was delicious- I got the regular burger while my husband got the double patty burger- both were excellently cooked and the secret sauce was great! The burgers reminded me of Shake Shack and to top it off, we got ice cream sundaes and a milkshake- highly recommend! The service was fast and friendly!

Very good burgers that melt in your mouth with every bite. A nice authentic setting inside to eat and enjoy this amazing burger that has just the right amount of melted cheese on top of each patty and seasoned/cooked to perfection (if you order the #1 that is). Definitely will go again.

Remains one of the great old fashioned burger joints (and it is an original). Quality burgers, signature sauce has slight kick. Fries are good, and shakes are worth coming all by themselves.

Great stop in Waco. Enjoyed stopping by here on our way to Austin! I got a hot dog and it was delicious. The onion rings are really really well done. If you don't get a milkshake you're wrong.

The atmosphere was exactly what I wanted it to be and the food was all top tier. There was a little bit of a wait but definitely worth it. A very Texan experience

Not as impressed as I thought I'd be. For a to-go order it felt like it took forever, but they were kind and accommodating.

They mess up on your order they don't care if they mess up because you basically have to go back and wait another 30 minutes for them to make plain hamburgers that you asked for in the beginning