With more than 12,000 square feet of space, Wild West Waco offers ample space to master the two-step. Bolster your courage with a drink from one of four full bars; drink specials change by day, but you’ll get deep discounts on well drinks and domestic beers. The space also hosts country music concerts. Cover charges depend on your age and sex; women always pay less. The club is open Thursday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Wild West Waco
115 Mary St.
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 759-1081
wildwestwaco.com
Open since 1930, this Waco classic is where you’ll go for a drink called the “Big O,” 18 ounces of beer for $2.25 (2010). George’s is a local legend, lauded by sources as diverse as Southern Living Magazine and the White House Travel Department (the restaurant has catered to former President George W. Bush’s Crawford ranch). The décor is down-home, with neon signs and local sports memorabilia on the walls. Order a plate filled with classic Texas fare, such as black-eyed peas, fried okra, catfish, chicken and dumplings, and barbecued brisket. The live music gets started out on the deck around 8:30 p.m. every Saturday night. The club is open Monday through Saturday until midnight.
George’s
1925 Speight Ave.
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 753-1421
georgesrestaurant.com
This Texas saloon includes a restaurant, bar, stage, dance floor and general store. Outside, there’s an entire acre for another stage, bar and dance area, open seasonally. It’s called an icehouse because that’s what the building was originally used for—storing ice and snow collecting during the winter. Now, it’s the place to go for happy-hour specials and live music after hours. Work up an appetite on the dance floor, then try the hog wings—chicken stuffed with jalapenos and pepper jack cheese, wrapped in bacon. The club is open Tuesday through Sunday till midnight (1 a.m. on Saturdays). It was awarded “Best Live Music with Your Meal” in 2009 by Wacoan Magazine.
Hog Creek Icehouse
170 Branson Trail
Waco, TX 76712
(254) 848-5335
hogcreekicehouse.com
