Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant
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Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A legendary Waco spot since 1973, famous for authentic Tex-Mex, iconic fajitas, and festive vibes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant

Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A legendary Waco spot since 1973, famous for authentic Tex-Mex, iconic fajitas, and festive vibes.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant never disappoints, offering delicious food and top-notch service that makes for a fantastic dining experience."

TIP

Happy Hour Deals

Enjoy $5 house margaritas and $1 off beers during Happy Hour on their festive patio.

Ask for Julio!

Request server Julio for exceptional service and great recommendations.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Tex-Mex

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(254) 757-2050

Address

220 S 3rd St, Waco, TX 76701, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Fajitas & Homemade Tortillas

Legendary Fajitas & Homemade Tortillas

Savor iconic sizzling fajitas and enjoy the authentic taste of their renowned homemade tortillas, a true Tex-Mex delight.

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Festive Atmosphere & Patio Dining

Festive Atmosphere & Patio Dining

Enjoy a lively ambiance with festive decor, perfect for a casual meal or drinks, especially on their popular outdoor patio.

The Ultimate Guide to Happy Hours in WacoBest Places to Eat in Waco: A Culinary Tour of the Heart of TexasGoogle Review
Exceptional Service & Welcoming Staff

Exceptional Service & Welcoming Staff

Experience top-notch service from dedicated staff like Julio and Jman, known for their attentiveness and friendly demeanor.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Happy Hour Deals

Enjoy $5 house margaritas and $1 off beers during Happy Hour on their festive patio.

Ask for Julio!

Request server Julio for exceptional service and great recommendations.

Don't Miss the Sauces

Try their signature avocado and tomatillo green sauce; the red salsa can be spicy.

Reservations Recommended

Consider booking ahead for peak hours or weekends to ensure a table.

Tips

from all over the internet

Happy Hour Deals

Enjoy $5 house margaritas and $1 off beers during Happy Hour on their festive patio.

Ask for Julio!

Request server Julio for exceptional service and great recommendations.

Don't Miss the Sauces

Try their signature avocado and tomatillo green sauce; the red salsa can be spicy.

Reservations Recommended

Consider booking ahead for peak hours or weekends to ensure a table.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant is a beloved establishment with many praising its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, particularly the fajitas and homemade tortillas. The festive atmosphere and attentive service, with mentions of specific servers like Julio, often enhance the dining experience. However, some diners have encountered issues with service consistency and occasionally find the food to be average.

"Wow. Amazing. This is the kind of place that you can tell everything is made in house. The green salsa in particular was phenomenal, but both were good! The chips and queso were outstanding (they came with special chips). My husband got a burrito and it was great and clearly made with one of their homemade tortillas. I ordered the pisca and wow it was so incredible. The only thing is that the shrimp was slightly overdone. The steak was perfect. The charo beans were even good and I don't even usually care for those.
Would definitely come again! The menu had plenty of great looking options."

Arianna Taggart

"I don’t know if it was just the server. But this was our first time here and our 10th Anniversary. We had a horrible experience!
Two things I ordered were wrong, and I didn’t notice my dinner was wrong until I got home after eating half my dinner at the restaurant. I ordered the Spinach Enchiladas WITH chicken. Guess what? No chicken… Needless to say we were very disappointed. We felt neglected by our server. Unfortunately even though the food was absolutely delicious, we will not be returning."

Tiffany Ann Hitt

"We came at 7:45 and half the restaurant was empty. We asked for a table for 6 - 2 of the party was here while the remaining were in another car on their way. The hostesses rudely stated, “oh we can’t seat you until your entire party arrives.” There was no wait. We even stated that we would be ordering appetizers and drinks upon seating for 6.. 3 of the hostesses were quick to chime in. We were not arguing or being disrespectful. We were trying to understand and express our intent.

The sign states “we will not seat incomplete parties on a wait.” Again, there was no wait. If your policy is going to change based on who is working the host stand, then I would suggest having a clearer policy or making sure your entire staff understands the policy.

We have been decades long customers of Ninfa’s and have never been treated so disrespectfully and disregarded.

As I’m sitting here writing this.. there is a group of 6 wait staff just hanging out behind the host stand.
Great way to lose customers and money."

Jessica Pryor

What People Like

Authentic Tex-Mex flavors
Homemade tortillas
Festive atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Occasional average food quality
Spicy salsa

Frequently Asked Questions

Many recommend the iconic fajitas, crawfish enchiladas, and dishes featuring their delicious homemade tortillas.

Where to eat if you’re visiting Baylor/Waco (and what to order) — updated for 2024Google Review

Yes, Ninfa's offers a variety of vegan-friendly options that can be customized from their classic Mexican dishes.

Best Vegan Restaurants in Waco: Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Yes, Ninfa's offers happy hour specials with $5 house margaritas and $1 off all beers.

The Ultimate Guide to Happy Hours in Waco

The restaurant has a lively, festive atmosphere, with an inviting interior and a popular outdoor patio.

Best Places to Eat in Waco: A Culinary Tour of the Heart of Texas

Information about specific parking availability is not detailed, but it is located in downtown Waco.

It is recommended to make reservations, especially if planning to visit during peak hours or weekends.

Margaritas are popular, with happy hour specials and a wide variety on the menu.

The Best Restaurants, Wineries, & Breweries In WacoGoogle Review

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Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant is true family-run business through and through by continuing to follow the standards set by its original founder and owner, Ninfa Rodriguez Laurenzo, who opened the doors in 1973, The restaurant has carried on her legacy of cooking up authentic Mexican tacos and enchiladas. Ninfa’s is also widely known for being one of the first locations to serve fajitas which have since sparked in popularity. Hewitt customers can also order tasty Tex-Mex staples like quesadillas and burritos which they can enjoy with Ninfa’s signature avocado and tomatillo green sauce.

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Ninfa’s is a beloved establishment in the heart of Waco that carries on the rich legacy of founder Ninfa Rodriguez Laurenzo, affectionately known as “Mama.” Since 1973, Ninfa’s has been dedicated to serving families with the same warmth and quality that Mama instilled. With a focus on authentic Mexican cuisine, guests can indulge in delicious dishes made from cherished family recipes, along with famous, refreshing margaritas. Ninfa’s invites you to be part of their enduring tradition of hospitality and flavor.

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Ninfa’s — How we left this Waco food landmark off our list (twice!) was the cause of much criticism. Truth be told, we take it for granted that this stalwart destination of impressive fajitas and unmatched chips and salsa (red or green, it doesn’t really matter) has been a staple in Waco for so long. After any time away — whether it’s four years or four months — the magnetic pull of this Tex-Mex icon is as undeniable as their fajita quesadillas or crawfish enchiladas, which have no equal.

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Why we love them: Ninfa’s, a Waco staple since 1973, is renowned for their mouthwatering Mexican fare and festive atmosphere. During Ninfa’s Happy Hour, you can enjoy $5 house margaritas and $1 off all beers. With friendly staff, delicious food, and a beautiful patio, Ninfa’s is a top choice for those looking to savor the flavors of Mexico while enjoying great drink specials.

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If you’re looking for a place to enjoy delicious Mexican food, Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant is a great option. While they are not exclusively vegan, they offer a variety of vegan-friendly options that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Their menu features a range of classic Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas, all of which can be customized to be vegan.

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Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant was opened in Waco by descendants of Mama Ninfa, who first established the tradition in Houston in 1973. Get your true Mexican food fix and induldge in chips and queso, handmade tortillas, burritos, fajitas, and a variety of quesadilla and nacho options. While you're there, try one of the many flavors on their margarita menu!

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Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant is a Waco favorite for Tex-Mex cuisine. Known for its sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and strong margaritas, Ninfa’s offers a lively atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends or family. The outdoor patio is especially popular during the warmer months, providing a great spot to enjoy a meal al fresco.

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Decorated with sparkling chandeliers, neon lights, and hand-painted murals depicting scenes from around Waco, colorful Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant is a family favorite. Kids will find plenty of tasty options, including burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. Grown-ups will love their signature carnitas or crawfish enchiladas.

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Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant is a great place to celebrate a birthday or any lively occasion. It’s known for the great food, a legacy of Mama Ninfa the original owner. Conveniently, located at River Square Center it’s a great place for Mexican food- carnitas, fajitas, nachos, and quesadillas.

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- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (269 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 220 S 3rd St, Waco, TX 76701-2221- Read more on Tripadvisor

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