Harold Waite's Pancake & Steakhouse — Restaurant in Waco

Harold Waite’s Pancake & Steakhouse - Waco, TX

Walking into Harold Waite’s Pancake & Steakhouse feels like stepping into Mel’s Diner from the classic sitcom Alice—a place where regulars gather, waitresses call you “hun,” and the coffee flows non-stop. The vibe is nostalgic, warm, and welcoming, with wood-paneled walls, vintage décor, and a no-nonsense approach to good food.

Right away, the hostess greeted me with a smile, seated me quickly, and made me feel right at home. My waitress, Becca, was fantastic—attentive, friendly, and the kind of server that makes a meal even better.

The Food

I went for a Southern-style breakfast, and here’s what I had: • Grits – Creamy, buttery, and cooked just right. • Bacon – Thick-cut, crispy, and full of flavor. • English muffin – Actually toasted! You’d be surprised how many places miss this small but crucial detail. Plus, they brought out a selection of jellies without me even asking—nice touch. • Hash browns – Golden brown on the outside, soft on the inside, and cooked perfectly.

Everything was hot, fresh, and well-prepared. If you’re craving a classic, hearty breakfast without the fuss, Harold Waite’s delivers.

The Atmosphere

The decor is straight out of a vintage diner, with wooden chairs, framed paintings, and even military memorabilia adorning the walls. The crowd is a mix of locals and first-timers, but the energy is the same—easygoing, friendly, and full of conversation. It’s the kind of spot where your coffee cup never runs dry, and the waitstaff actually remembers you.

Final Verdict

Harold Waite’s is a Waco staple, and for good reason. It’s no-frills, just solid food, friendly service, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer.

Hadn’t been here in a while, but I left impressed. I’ll be back. Five stars all the way.

If you’re ever in Waco, do yourself a favor and grab...

I visited this establishment last week for the first time. I did arrive at 11:15am and when my friend and I decided to eat here, we was unaware that it closed at 12. Upon arrival， observed interior to be very dated, leather booths seats torned, floors discolored. Interior in need of renovation. Server/waitress was very friendly and pleasant. My friend arrived later than me. Had a family emergency, but I ordered for her. She was the one that recommended this place. We both ordered the Ham and eggs, pancakes. Large chunks of ham noted, large portions. Food warm, not hot. Not very tasty.

As we were eating, it was getting close to noon, an elderly ,tall, thin male approached our booth. Stating they close at 12. We apologized for getting here late, but we were trying to eat. I barely could eat the food. It was not good to.me at all, but my friend was eating hers. The waitress did ask if I wanted a take out box, and I replied "No" I asked him was he the owner and he replied yes. He informed us that he had exterminators coming. He practically was telling us we had to leave. Usually at an establishment, they close up when the customer is finshed, not coming to their table to inform them. We should have never been offered food if they were going to ask us to leave, and not allow a person to finish his/her meal.

My friend and I got up and paid our ticket. My meal was $16.80 . I did leave a tip for waitress, because she was very nice.

I Do Not recommend anyone eating here. Believe me it was my first and...

So, I usually don’t post many reviews but feel the need to here. Hopefully to save someone else from making the same mistake I did.

Went here because of the good reviews and was looking for a local breakfast spot. I’ll be as factual as I can here...

-Decor and interior is drab and tired. I’m cool with rustic and old school...but this is not good. Just tired and old. lots of clutter and junk up by front counter and in some of the booths. cleanliness was bad. Layers of dust and cobwebs around front counter, on shelving and deer heads mounted on wall. Also large clumps of dust in ceiling panels. food was bad. Just bad. I got Huevos Rancheros. Literally just 2 eggs with some onions and peppers. No fresh salsa, no cilantro, no tortilla, not avacado or any of the other things that make Heuvos Rancheros great. Sausage patties were hard and dried. Barely edible. Tasted premade or frozen. My friend got biscuits and gravy and grits. Grits were mush...literally mush. How do you mess up grits? Biscuits were still cold/hard in the middle. Definitely prepackaged...not made in house. Gravy was...let’s just say unedible. Cold and tasteless. I know it was not made fresh...and here’s how. In the front counter there is a glass case (very dirty and dusty) and in that glass case was a box of gravy mix packets. The kind you mix with water and heat up. Yep, on display for all to see. if you’re looking for a good local southern diner/breakfast joint, I’d encourage you to...