Coffee Shops in Waco for Working and Sipping
When I first moved to Austin, I considered Waco a sort of halfway point between my home base and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I had to drive between Austin and DFW for work or the occasional football or basketball game. On those trips, Waco was a nice place to stop for a bathroom break or to grab some food and keep on movin’. I soon realized that Waco has plenty to offer and is quite the charming city! There are also several delightful coffee shops in Waco. Whether you’re posting up and working from ’em for hours or simply want to escape and sip on some good java, you’re in the right place.
For Keeps Coffee and Bakery
Sometimes, you pop into a coffee shop to grab your favorite drink—for me, it’s usually a latte, but perhaps you’re more of an Americano or macchiato person—and move on with your day. At For Keeps, you will absolutely want to order a pastry, or perhaps 16 if you’re feeling incredibly indulgent. The in-house bakery ensures everything is fresh and at maximum taste level, and the shop does a good job at mixing classics with some rotating options.
This is probably my favorite of the coffee shops in Waco. I think their scones and muffins are the best things, though savory options like the pesto danish and breakfast sammy are quite wonderful, too. Also, please enjoy the cute lil’ carafe your coffee arrives in. I am tickled!
3619 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76707
Bitty & Beau’s
Bitty & Beau’s is technically a chain, with shops in about a dozen states across the U.S. But I’m including it as one of the worthy coffee shops in Waco anyway. For one, they make really good coffee, and two, they’re founded on a fantastic cause. Bitty & Beau’s employs over 400 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them in the workplace while raising awareness among customers.
Coffee-wise, you’ve got all your staples, plus a few eats should hunger pangs attack. I’m not particularly a frappe fan, but if that’s up your alley, then you’ll find a ton of flavors here, like frozen hot chocolate and cotton candy.
110 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Pinewood Coffee and Beer
I am a sucker for a good bit of greenery in a coffee shop. And if those plants are hanging on the ceilings or spilling over the counters? Chef’s kiss! Walking into Pinewood is a bit like entering a greenhouse. There’s plenty of foliage to admire while you wait to place your order, and you may also find yourself in conversation with others as the Pinewood crew makes your coffee.
On my last visit, an Australian family came to ask me about my No Dunks shirt, and I explained that it was a basketball podcast I had followed since the early days of the Internet. Did my answer seem to confuse her, since she merely asked because she liked the color scheme of cursive black lettering on a red shirt? You bet. Did I get my latte and scamper off into another room to work from there? One hundred percent. Luckily, Pinewood has significant amounts of both indoor and outdoor seating, so you’ll rarely be hurting for a table.
2223 Austin Ave B, Waco, TX 76701
Lighthouse Coffee and Wine
I wonder if ship lovers have come to Lighthouse and been disappointed that they didn’t see any vessels in the night. Personally, I think it’s a good thing that you don’t have to worry about a yacht or barge…ahem, barging through the glass. Instead, you can sip on a coffee or a glass of wine to your heart’s content.
Lighthouse is a smaller spot, so the seating can be a bit sparse at peak hours. I’d recommend swinging by for an afternoon cup of joe—or vino, if you’re planning to walk around the area after—to experience less hustle and bustle. The pastries also go on sale in the afternoons, so you can get a treat at a bit of a discount. Finally, the music game is very on point. Last time I was there, I heard Spanish versions of classic pop songs, and it was just a delight.
624 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Magnolia Press Coffee Co.
Magnolia Press Coffee Co. is located inside the Magnolia Market and its very visible silos, the complex owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines. So, the spot is a great place to caffeinate yourself if you’re planning to tour the grounds (ayeeee, coffee jokes).
The brown sugar latte is my favorite thing here, but you’ll be able to order just about anything you’re craving. I’d recommend a pair of headphones if you’re planning to work from here, since sometimes the music can be a bit loud. But the space is sleek inside and the coffee is delectable, so certainly worth a stop either way.
418 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706
There you go—some of my favorite coffee shops in Waco! Of course, as new ones pop up and I get to explore other spots, I’ll add to this list. For now, I hope you enjoy your next sip of coffee, wherever it may be.
