Waco’s food scene has exploded thanks in part to the Magnolia effect—but the burger culture here long predates the tourists. From old drive‑ins on the traffic circle to downtown joints with craft beer, these are the five places locals swear by.
1. Health Camp
Right off the famous Waco traffic circle, Health Camp looks like it time‑traveled straight from the 1940s—and the burgers taste exactly like you want a classic roadside burger to taste.
Thin, griddled patties, toasted buns, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a smear of mustard or mayo—that’s the formula. You can stack them up double or triple if you want more meat.
Shakes, malts, and onion rings are just as important as the burgers here. For many Waco locals, a cheeseburger, tater tots, and a chocolate malt from Health Camp is pure nostalgia in a paper basket.
2. Whizzbang’s Hamburgers
Tucked inside the bustling Waco Downtown Farmers Market/Market district area, Whizzbang’s is one of those “if you know, you know” burger spots.
They specialize in old‑school, no‑nonsense burgers: hand‑formed patties cooked on a flat top, a simple spread of toppings, and buns that are soft but never soggy. The bacon cheeseburger is a favorite, and the Whizz‑Bang sauce adds a little something extra without overpowering that beefy flavor.
It’s casual, quick, and often full of regulars who will tell you they’ve tried everywhere else and still come back here first.
3. Dubl‑R Old Fashioned Hamburgers
Dubl‑R feels exactly like what the name promises: a little old‑fashioned burger joint where the focus is completely on the grill.
The burgers are straightforward and excellent—juicy patties with crispy edges, American cheese, and classic toppings. Many locals swear by ordering it “all the way” and adding jalapeños or bacon. The fries and onion rings are hand‑cut and fried to that just‑right golden crunch.
If you’re the type who thinks a burger should taste like it did in the ’70s or ’80s, Dubl‑R is your place.
4. Twisted Root Burger Co. (Waco)
Twisted Root is a Texas mini‑chain, but Waco has embraced it hard. The downtown location is popular with both Baylor students and locals who like their burgers on the creative side.
Beef patties are thick and juicy, and you can also opt for bison or other specialty meats from time to time. Toppings get fun—blue cheese and bacon, barbecue sauce and onion strings, spicy jalapeños and pepper jack. The house pickles and multiple sauce options at the condiment bar are part of the experience.
It’s also a great burger‑and‑beer hangout, with a casual, slightly quirky vibe that fits downtown Waco’s new energy.
5. Local Sports Bars & Grill Trucks
In Waco, plenty of sports bars and food trucks treat their burgers like a signature dish.
You’ll find smashburgers seared on flattops, thick pub‑style patties with cheddar and bacon, and burgers topped with everything from queso to brisket. Pair them with loaded fries and a cold beer, and you’ve got a “watch the game” setup that locals swear by.
Ask around and you’ll get wildly different answers for “best burger,” but Health Camp, Whizzbang’s, and Dubl‑R almost always show up in the conversation first.
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