This Waco-based beer can be found on tap all over town, but head to its taproom and beer garden for a taste straight out of the brewery. This community-minded spot is dog- and kid-friendly and in addition to serving craft brews (including to-go options), it hosts events like a market for thrifting and art, yoga Tuesdays, and trivia Thursdays.

Owner Kyler Griffith opened this spot after years of saying that he would “one day” like to open a bar. The menu has classic cocktails, beers, and wines but also a lot of modern day alchemic alcohol magic — its full of clever concoctions. Especially noteworthy are the Faerie Fire (strawberry-infused rum, lemon basil grapefruit syrup, cayenne saline, and ginger beer) and the Pit Viper (reposado tequila, green chili liquor, Cointreau, and pineapple simple syrup).

The coffee shop by day and bar by night spot is popular around Waco and this is one of the most notable of the pack. It refers to the menu as both accessible and crafted with respect for classic cocktails, which is true — it leans heavily on well-known options including a margarita, old fashioned, and espresso martini. And there are modern twists that cleverly reference pop culture, from the Daddy Issues (a gin and smoke cocktail with a “trust us” endorsement) to the You’ll Be Popular (a floral tequila drink).

This spot grew from a home brewing project into a full on brewery that opened in Waco in 2018. It’s focus is on making the best versions of the basics — those beloved craft beers served in peak form. Order its signature IPA, wheat ale brew, or the honey lager. It also serves pizzas, wings, and salads.

Find Waco’s other rooftop bar located upstairs at this shipping container hotel. During the day its a chill, family-friendly environment with frozen drinks, beers, straight-forward cocktails, and bar bites with one of the best views of the Silos in town. When night falls, it’s a favorite haunt of college students and those who like their nightlife loud and crowded.

To try some signature Waco ales, this is the spot. With brews like the 7th Day IPA (guava notes with a dragon fruit body and piney finish), New Waco Haze (pineapple and citrus), and the Waco Kid (biscuits with a honey crisp apple finish), the flavors are unique and all about embracing the local vibes.

This Czech-inspired brewery leans into the brewing legacy of Central Texas. It serves a variety of lagers along with pub food with Czech flair — think a variety of schnitzels, sourdough pretzels, and Czech fried cheese. It also offers one of the largest beer gardens in the area, on which one can also enjoy Czech beer and wine flights.

Hit the Blacones room in Waco for a fine Texas whiskey tasting. Balcones originated in Waco, so there’s no finer place to enjoy sipping on it. Interested parties can also do a distillery tour.

The dream of the ‘80s is alive at Sloane’s — but the cool ‘80s, not the stockbroker Reaganomics ‘80s. This bar is the first in Waco to jump on the tiny cocktail trend and has a cute menu of notable, clever signature drinks and oddball local favorites, alongside classic cocktails and custom shots.

Waco has been drinking at George’s since 1930 — that’s reason enough to drop in. The must-have drink here is the Big O, which is a big old goblet of beer. It became so popular that the bar developed a whole menu of Big O-inspired cocktails and a whole lot of beers served Big O style.

Breweries may be a big trend in Waco now, but this is the one that started it — it is the longest-running brewery in town. Bare Arms introduces new brews regularly, so what’s on tap varies, but there are always IPAs, lagers, Pilsners, and ales with cool, unexpected flavor profiles.