Waco is officially a tourist destination, thanks in large part to the Silo District, a 2.5-acre development owned by Fixer Upper super-couple Chip and Joanna Gaines. But it’s also home to Baylor University, the birthplace of iconic Texas soda Dr. Pepper, and an important pit-stop along Interstate 35.

Folks who only visit Waco to shop at Magnolia Market or grab a snack on the way down to Austin are missing out on a dining scene that keeps improving and becoming more sophisticated. This handy guide to eating and drinking in the city will help you land the hottest reservation in town, get the best cocktail, and appreciate the culture of Waco — inside and outside the Magnolia compound.