AROUND TOWN

Local Favorites

Curated for The Poppy House guests

WHERE TO EAT

  • Helberg Barbecue (15 min)
    A family-run favorite that's quickly become one of the most loved barbecue spots in Central Texas. The brisket smash burger is… chef's kiss.

  • Olaf's Restaurant (15 min)
    A true ranch-to-table experience. All of their beef is raised, grown, and fed on 3R Farms in Clifton, Texas. The rest is prepared in-house with fresh ingredients. Open Thursday–Sunday!

  • The Daily Dose (Coffee) (15 min)
    A charming little coffee shop in downtown Clifton. Perfect for a slow morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.

  • Corner Drug Cafe (15 min)
    Where the locals eat! Breakfast and lunch served in a beautifully preserved historic drugstore. Small-town charm and home-style cooking.

  • Produce Haus Pizza (15 min)
    Brick oven pizza, in-house made ranch & ice cream — need we say more? Right outside is a great green space for kids to run around and play.

  • Breaking Bread Bakery and Deli (15 min)
    A cute little sandwich shop with delicious pastries. The brownies are our favorite!

  • The Crawford Cone (15 min)
    A kid-friendly favorite for soft serve ice cream, sno-cones and burgers.

  • Red Herring at Hotel Herringbone (30 min)
    Upscale Coastal Mediterranean with excellent cocktails, wine & piano lounge.

  • Milo All Day (30 min)
    Farm-to-table, with Southern-inspired food, seasonal ingredients, creative small plates, in a really fun atmosphere.

  • Magnolia Table (30 min)
    Chip & Joanna Gaines' beloved diner. Biscuits, lemon lavender donuts, and a reservation are certainly recommended.

  • Terry Blacks (30 min)
    Because this is Texas, and you can't get enough BBQ while you're here.

  • The Brasserie at Hotel 1928 (30 min)
    Tucked inside Chip and Joanna's beautifully restored 1928 Hotel in downtown Waco.

  • Cafe Homestead (40 min)
    Worth. The. Drive. This one may be our favorite. Farm-to-table in the truest sense. Set on the working acreage of Homestead Heritage.

THINGS TO DO

  • Valley Mills Vineyards (5 min)
    A family-run winery. Wines from 100% Texas-grown grapes! If you're here on the weekends, check their events page for live music & fun events.

  • Red Caboose Winery Clifton (15 min)
    A fun little winery in nearby Clifton, offering wine tastings, locally made spirits, and a relaxed atmosphere. (Their vineyard is 35 min in Meridian.)

  • The Will of Waco (20 min)
    Open on the weekends. A great spot for live music and patio dining. Their Home Grown Vendor Market takes place every Sunday.

  • Lake Whitney State Park (25 min)
    23,500 acres of clear blue water with swim beaches, boat ramps and hiking trails. Walling Bend is a great access point from the property.

  • Meridian State Park (25 min)
    Over 500 acres to explore surrounding Lake Meridian. Easy hiking trails, a quiet spot to swim, and shady picnic tables.

  • Magnolia Silos (30 min)
    The place that put Waco on the map. A full block of shops, gardens, food trucks, a coffee shop and the original Silos. We particularly love the green space for the kids to run around while we shop & eat.

  • Fabled Bookshop & Cafe (30 min)
    Waco's beloved bookshop, complete with a cozy cafe and a hidden children's section. Walkable from Magnolia Silos and other shops.

  • Homestead Heritage (40 min)
    A 510-acre working farm and craft village including Cafe Homestead, Heritage Coffee, Waco Waffle & Brazos Valley Cheese. This spot is particularly worth the drive May–October when they hold their weekly Saturday farmers market.