Hemingway’s Watering Hole

Tiny, laid-​back, no-​frills bar (maximum occupancy 25!) that generally has a crowd that could be best described as «eclectic». Totally different from anything downtown. The main bartender Nikki is very outgoing (treats you like a guest in her home), pours them strong, and constantly creates drinks on the fly. Definitely go with a regular the first time, and you’ll fit right in by about the third visit. This bar is in the middle of a quaint little shopping center and there are frequently several people sitting outside with a guitar. They always have Sirius 80s or 90s playing which is a bonus.
Word of advice… if you’re hungry, stop somewhere on Valley Mills and eat beforehand… unless you really like Cheez Balls and pretzels. It’s a shame the bowling alley next door closed… not only could you grab food there if you needed it, drunken Red Rover between the two was a fun, quirky way to spend a Saturday night.

This place is a conundrum. It’s out of the way, and very small. Bit of an older crowd, but there are also the occasional rowdy individuals (both the good and bad kinds of rowdy). There are definately a lot of regulars that can make you feel a bit out of placethough. However the partenders are always quite nice. Also, they have a heavy hand that is quite affordable. It’s a unique place worth checking out.

Not bad if your part of their «in» crowd. If not, you may feel a bit uncomfortable and almost out of place. I do like that they have outdoor seating; inside is tiny, outside you can spread out and sit wherever you like. Heads up, parking lot is tiny.

Hemingway’s is hands down the best bar to go to in Waco. The laid back atmosphere paired with the always eclectic crowd makes it a great choice for anyone. The bartenders are always friendly, and the regulars are, too! They often have live local and touring bands, and the talent is consistently good. The only reason I won’t give it a 5 is because the beer selection isn’t the best. However, if you request a beer or liquor, they will try to carry it!

This is the best place to get a drink in Waco, and I emphasize «drink.» The beer selection is ok, if you’re a beer drinker. But if you’re a whisky or gin drinker like me, there’s really nowhere else pleasant to go in Waco but here. The only downside is the weak pour I often get. C’est la vie. This is also the least pretentious, most chill, and friendliest place to go out in town.