The Best Brunch Spots in Waco for Baylor Students

Whether you just survived a Friday night on Austin Avenue or you're celebrating the end of midterms, Waco's brunch scene has more going on than you'd expect from a Central Texas college town. From farm-to-table plates to $15 mimosa towers, there's a weekend morning spot for every budget and vibe. Here's your guide to the best brunch in Waco TX — ranked and organized so you can skip the scrolling and start eating.

The Student Favorites: Best Budget Brunch Under $15

You don't need to blow your grocery budget on a Saturday morning. These spots keep plates affordable without skimping on quality.

Café Cappuccino

There's a reason Café Cappuccino was voted Waco's Best Brunch from 2006 to 2019 — and it hasn't slowed down since. The pancakes are nearly as big as the plates they come on, the omelets are built with three eggs, and you can swap your toast for a biscuit, croissant, or bagel at no extra charge. Most plates land well under $15.

Two locations make it easy to hit: the downtown spot at 100 N 6th Street and the Richland Drive location at 1101 Richland Dr. Both open at 6 AM on weekdays and weekends, so it works for early risers and post-church crowds alike.

The Toasted Yolk Café

If you want reliable, no-surprises brunch that's walking distance from campus, The Toasted Yolk is your move. Chef-inspired dishes made with locally sourced eggs and bacon, plus creative specials that rotate weekly. It's a chain, but the quality is consistent and the portions are generous — exactly what you want after a late night.

Cricket's Draft House & Grill

Tucked inside Spice Village at 221 Mary Avenue, Cricket's serves Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 AM to 2 PM with one standout detail: a $15 mimosa tower. That's not a typo. The food holds up too — hearty brunch plates in a laid-back draft house setting. Bring your roommates and split a tower.

The Trendy Picks: Instagram-Worthy Waco Brunch Spots

These are the places where the food looks as good as it tastes. Expect a wait on weekends, but it's worth it.

Milo All Day

Milo is arguably Waco's most popular brunch destination, and the hype is earned. This bright, plant-filled space on 1020 Franklin Avenue partners with local farmers for a rotating, Southern-inspired menu that changes with the seasons. The outdoor patio is one of the best in town — perfect for a warm Saturday morning.

Brunch hours start at 9:30 AM on Saturdays. Weekday hours run 11 AM to 9 PM (closed Tuesdays). Get there early on weekends unless you enjoy standing around looking at your phone for 45 minutes.

The Olive Branch Bakery & Café

Located at 215 S 2nd Street in downtown Waco, The Olive Branch serves brunch Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 3 PM. They source directly from local growers and offer vegetarian and gluten-free options — a rarity in a town that runs on brisket and biscuits. The Chef's Specials rotate every weekend, so there's always something new. Try the Eggs Sardou (spinach, artichoke, and Hollandaise) if it's on the board.

Maria Mezcaleria

For something completely different, Maria Mezcaleria at 724 Austin Avenue brings Oaxacan flavors to Waco's brunch scene. The tres leches French toast is the signature move — traditional Mexican sweetness meets a brunch classic. They also serve chicharrones and other Oaxacan staples with a modern twist. Brunch runs until 3 PM, so it works for late sleepers too.

The Classic Comfort: Weekend Brunch Done Right

Sometimes you want eggs, bacon, and a plate that doesn't need a filter. These spots deliver.

Barnett's Public House

This Franklin Avenue pub has been a Waco staple since 2010, and the weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 2 PM) is one of the best-kept secrets downtown. Eggs Benedict and Andouille & Grits are the go-to orders. The full bar means proper brunch cocktails — not just bottomless orange juice.

Address: 420 Franklin Avenue.

Oakley's Texas Bar & Grill

If your idea of brunch involves Texas-sized portions and zero pretension, Oakley's at 816 N Valley Mills is your spot. Saturday and Sunday brunch runs 11 AM to 3 PM with Eggs Benedict, Texas Omelettes, Breakfast Bowls, and Biscuits & Gravy. It's the kind of place where you leave uncomfortably full and completely satisfied.

Cafe Homestead

A Waco local favorite since 1994, Cafe Homestead is all about fresh, natural ingredients — beef grown on pasture, bread baked in-house, and locally sourced cheese. It's the opposite of a chain restaurant. The portions are honest, the prices are fair, and there's never a gimmick on the menu.

The Tourist Must-Do: Magnolia Table

No Waco brunch guide is complete without mentioning Magnolia Table, Chip and Joanna Gaines' restaurant at 2132 S Valley Mills Drive. The French toast with caramel corn flake crust is the signature dish, and the avocado toast and eggs Benedict are both solid.

Here's what Baylor students actually need to know:

• Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 3 PM. Closed Sundays.
• The line is real. Weekend waits can stretch past an hour. Go on a weekday morning or arrive before 8 AM on Saturday to beat the crowds.
• Reservations are accepted up to 30 days in advance on OpenTable — use them.
• It's not near campus. Magnolia Table is about a 10-minute drive south on Valley Mills. Plan accordingly.

Is the food worth the hype? It's genuinely good — but if you're a Baylor student looking for a regular Saturday spot, the places listed above will serve you better week to week. Save Magnolia Table for when your parents visit.

Best Brunch Spots by the Occasion

Not sure where to go? Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Parents visiting: Milo All Day or Magnolia Table
• Post-game morning: Café Cappuccino (opens at 6 AM)
• Date brunch: Olive Branch or Maria Mezcaleria
• Group brunch with roommates: Cricket's Draft House ($15 mimosa tower)
• Hangover recovery: Oakley's Texas Bar & Grill
• Quick bite before class: The Toasted Yolk

Why Living Near Downtown Waco Makes Weekend Brunch Easy

Most of the best waco brunch spots are clustered along Franklin Avenue and downtown — which means your Saturday morning plans depend a lot on where you live. If you're stuck in an apartment complex on the outskirts of town, brunch becomes a 20-minute drive each way.

Centre Apartments sits within walking distance of Baylor's campus and a short drive from downtown Waco's restaurant row. With parking included in every lease and no extra fees for internet or in-unit laundry, the money you save on hidden costs can go straight to Saturday brunch instead. Check out our floor plans to see what's available, or schedule a tour to see the location for yourself.

Start Your Weekend Right

Waco's brunch scene keeps getting better, and as a Baylor student, you've got a front-row seat. Whether you're splitting a mimosa tower at Cricket's or waiting in line at Magnolia Table with your parents, there's a spot on this list for every Saturday and Sunday morning.

For more local food recommendations, check out our guide to the best restaurants near Baylor and the top coffee shops and study spots around campus.