
Red Herring Restaurant & Bar
A trendy Waco gem offering exquisite Coastal Mediterranean small plates, craft cocktails, and a sophisticated ambiance with live piano music.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Red Herring Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A trendy Waco gem offering exquisite Coastal Mediterranean small plates, craft cocktails, and a sophisticated ambiance with live piano music.
"Experience impeccable service and indulge in exquisite dishes in a unique ambiance with a stunning piano."
Choose Restaurant Side for Dining
Opt for the restaurant side for full-service dining, rather than the bar area.
Share Small Plates
Embrace the small plate style and order recommended dishes for well-timed delivery.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Coastal Mediterranean
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Ambiance with Live Piano
Dine in a stunning art-deco space with a grand piano and live music setting a sophisticated mood.

Exquisite Small Plates & Cocktails
Indulge in flavorful small plates like confit potatoes and craft cocktails in a boujee, trendy atmosphere.

Modern Coastal Mediterranean Flavors
Experience delicious seafood, including oysters and crudo, alongside flavorful lamb and pork skewers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose Restaurant Side for Dining
Opt for the restaurant side for full-service dining, rather than the bar area.
Share Small Plates
Embrace the small plate style and order recommended dishes for well-timed delivery.
Don't Skip Craft Cocktails
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails like Paperback Romance or Valentina at the bar.
Reservations Recommended
Securing a reservation is advised, though bar seating is available while waiting.
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose Restaurant Side for Dining
Opt for the restaurant side for full-service dining, rather than the bar area.
Share Small Plates
Embrace the small plate style and order recommended dishes for well-timed delivery.
Don't Skip Craft Cocktails
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails like Paperback Romance or Valentina at the bar.
Reservations Recommended
Securing a reservation is advised, though bar seating is available while waiting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Red Herring Restaurant & Bar is highly praised for its stunning ambiance, impeccable service, and unique Coastal Mediterranean small plates. Diners rave about the flavorful dishes, craft cocktails, and the sophisticated atmosphere enhanced by live piano music. While generally a hit, some guests note the small portion sizes and a desire for slightly cooler indoor temperatures.
"Amazing solo dine-in experience at Red Herring. The service and the foods are top notch. I had Keith as my server, and he was really friendly (and he also recommended really good food on the menu). Definitely come back for my next trip to Waco.
P/S: Really sorry for the confusion when I was ordering by the way. You guys are amazing💯"
Bui Hoang
"Stopped in for an evening cocktail on a Tuesday night. Boyfriend had the old fashioned and I had the Kiss Kiss - both were great. The restaurant decor and atmosphere is stunning - beautifully designed and a nice place for a low key drink. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very nice to us and the rest of the patrons. Happy we stopped in, this was a real treat and the rest of the hotel grounds a fun to walk around - check out Lucky Bucks rooftop bar upstairs for a more casual vibe and cheaper drinks too (A+ espresso martini frozen)"
Hannah Scherr
"My husband and I were visiting Waco, we wanted to go to a nice restaurant for dinner and I found Red Herring Restaurant & Bar online. The food , atmosphere, service were amazing. If you are into plants (like me) they have so many real plants all throughout the restaurant. The only downside was it wasn’t very cool inside so we were getting warm towards the end of our meal after a few drinks."
Katie Black
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Red Herring offers a Coastal Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on small plates designed for sharing.
Yes, Red Herring often features live piano music, creating a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere.
While not strictly required, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining.
The restaurant emphasizes small plates, so be prepared for modest portions that encourage ordering multiple dishes.
Yes, the menu includes a variety of vegetarian-friendly options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
The dress code is generally business casual, leaning towards upscale. While some diners wear more casual attire, dressing up a bit is recommended.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Heading to Magnolia Market? Stay at Waco’s Newest Chic Hotel — with Multiple Restaurants, a Rooftop Bar, and Incredible Art Deco Decor
Surveying Waco’s growing fine dining landscape
Red Herring — The newest player on the Waco fine dining scene, Red Herring hit the ground running, to almost universal applause. Brought to the area by the minds behind Milo and Waco’s new destination boutique hotel, Hotel Herringbone, Red Herring combines elegance with exceptional culinary execution, by way of the 1970s, the Mediterranean and the art-centric culture of places like Santa Fe and Marfa, Texas.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Waco
Another new(ish) restaurant in downtown Waco, Red Herring has instantly become a favorite among both local Waco residents and travelers visiting the Magnolia Silos. It’s an upscale restaurant on the ground floor of the stunning boutique Herringbone Hotel. This is an absolutely GORGEOUS art-deco space inside a 6,000 square foot warehouse with a grand piano and live music every week.
Love at First Bite: Waco’s Top Fine Dining Spots
For couples who appreciate exceptional seafood, Red Herring is a fantastic option for a fine dining experience. Situated in a one-of-a-kind setting inside a converted 6,000 sq. ft. brick warehouse, Red Herring boasts 50’s and 60’s art deco design with surprise touches throughout.
16 Best Things To Do In Waco, Texas
Red Herring, located at Hotel Herringbone, incorporates whimsy and sophistication in its mod 70s lounge. Enjoy a menu of Coastal Mediterranean flavors like lamb kofta skewers and perfectly grilled whole fish, in addition to a raw bar.
Piano Bars in Waco Texas: Your Guide to the Best Live Music Spots
Located within Hotel Herringbone, Red Herring offers an upscale piano bar experience. The ambiance is cozy, with soft lighting and tasteful décor. I appreciate their handcrafted cocktails and a menu that highlights local cuisine.
The Ultimate Waco, Texas Travel Guide
Red Herring: This Mediterranean restaurant serving shared plates was Waco’s first seafood bar, serving oysters and crudo, as well as its first chef’s table. It has live piano music most nights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit