Cupp's Drive Inn — Restaurant in Waco

Cupp’s Drive-In – A Waco Icon That’s Stood the Test of Time

If you find yourself in Waco, Texas, and you’re craving a true, old-school burger experience, there’s one place that locals and travelers alike will tell you to visit: Cupp’s Drive-In. This South Waco staple has been serving up fresh, no-frills, made-to-order burgers and hand-cut fries since 1947, and it remains one of the most beloved burger joints in the city.

The Atmosphere: A Step Back in Time

Walking into Cupp’s feels like stepping into a classic American diner from decades past. There’s no fancy digital menu or trendy decor—just a handwritten menu on the wall, stacks of classic plates, and a well-worn griddle that’s seen generations of burger lovers. It’s a small, cozy space with a laid-back, friendly vibe. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet Sherry, one of the co-owners, who makes you feel like family the moment you walk in. She and her brother (I believe they run the place together—don’t quote me on that!) keep the tradition alive with their warm hospitality and no-nonsense approach to good food.

You can dine inside, but part of the charm is eating in your car, just like the old days. If you prefer to sit outside, they’ve got tables under a canopy, making it a perfect pit stop whether you’re a local or just passing through on I-35.

The Food: Burgers Done Right

Cupp’s keeps it simple, and that’s exactly why it’s legendary. Their burgers are everything you want in a classic Texas burger—grilled to perfection, juicy, and stacked with fresh toppings. The bun? Soft, slightly toasted, and just the right amount of buttery. The cheese melts beautifully over the patty, and the crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes give it that fresh crunch that balances out the richness.

And let’s talk about the fries—because these aren’t your standard, out-of-the-bag, frozen fries. These are hand-cut, golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fries that you can tell were made with care. They come served up in a paper-lined basket, just the way they should be.

Why Cupp’s Is a Waco Institution

Located just minutes from Baylor University, Cupp’s has been a go-to for students, locals, and even travelers making their way between Dallas and Austin. It’s also a favorite among visitors who come to Waco for Magnolia Market, proving that even in a city known for HGTV-famous attractions, an old-school burger joint still reigns supreme.

This is the kind of place where time slows down, where food is made the way it should be, and where every bite takes you back to a time when burgers and fries weren’t just meals—they were experiences.

Final Verdict: 5 Stars, No Question

If you’re in Waco and you haven’t been to Cupp’s, you’re missing out. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a piece of Waco history. Whether you’re a burger purist, a fry fanatic, or just looking for a no-nonsense, perfectly cooked meal, Cupp’s Drive-In delivers. Friendly people, unbeatable flavors, and an atmosphere that feels like home.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Must-Order: Cheeseburger and hand-cut fries Best Seat: Your car or a table under the canopy Vibe: Classic diner, no frills, all flavor Would I Go Back? In...

Cups Drive Inn has made a lot of Waco history since 1929. This legendary diner is a Clean Plate Award recipient from KWTX-TV, the CBS television network affiliate for the Waco area. Many changes over the years have taken place, but still the owner and staff are committed to a truly great experience for customers. I like their hamburgers because the bun is toasted well, and the burger patty is seasoned and grilled until it is medium well to well done, but still is juicy and not dry. The quality of toppings like pickles and lettuce is also great. All food is made fresh and on an as ordered basis. Their French fries are made from fresh potatoes cut right in the restaurant, that are rinsed in water to wash them and remove starch. Then they are deep fried and prepared like Boardwalk style fries, which are not crispy fries, but have a fairly firm outer shell, and have a soft mashed potato like inside. They are then seasoned with their special French fry seasoning. This style of fries is my favorite. The portion of fries is a reasonable size as well, served in a paper lined basket. Please see the photos of the hamburger and French fries I have recently added. The fries taste great and look awesome. I did include, as of this posting, the most recent menu for you to see ahead of time. Definately will be glad to return to Cups when I go to Waco again. You can get a burger and fries at a similar price to a Wendy's burger and fries, but get a better value at Cups Drive inn. The owner, Eddie (hope I spelled his name correctly with all due respect to him) shared a story with me about when he once asked his mother why she prepared the hamburgers and fries in the way she did. His mother said, "Mr Cupp wanted the burgers and fries made this way, and we shall continue the tradition he started." These may not be the exact words, but his mother had a good point. Eddie still proudly honors Mr Cupp's hamburger preparation techniques today. Very few places are around like Cupp's Drive Inn that are truly committed to great food and...

Authentic food atlas! The food is made to order. You can see the food made right in front of you because the place is so small. The workers are kind but very busy. It was standing-room only at a non-lunch time we were there with more people showing up to eat. The small place reminds me of the inside of a Waffle House, but even smaller. You put in your order, they get it ready and then pay afterward. The chili was a bit thick but great on a burger. The double meat burgers, a bacon burger, and a kid's meal burger were all tried. The drinks come in a can with a cup of ice and the sweet tea was good too. This place is a bit greasy but some might just call it juicy. Either way, the burgers were good. No one in our group liked the fries or the chili cheese French fries. Everyone thought they were fine as in okay but not necessarily good or making you want to eat more. The service was restaurant-style table service if you were seated and had a table. I say if because it was so busy most people got their food delivered to their car or waited for a table. A local from Waco suggested us go to Cupp's so evidently it's been there a while and was definitely a popular place to be for meals. They close at 3pm so don't expect to come there for dinner. The meal prices with a burger, fries, and a drink are about $11 to $15 per person depending on how big of a burger you want and what...