You’ve seen the photos on Instagram. Tall ceilings, industrial beams, and a crowd of people huddled over communal tables with everything from spicy ramen to Texas-style smashburgers. It’s Union Hall in Waco. Specifically, people keep talking about the market at union hall, a food-focused powerhouse that has basically redefined how locals and tourists eat in this part of Central Texas.
Waco used to be a town where you grabbed a chain burger or maybe some decent BBQ and called it a day. Things changed. When this place opened at 720 Franklin Avenue, it wasn't just another building. It was a statement. It took a massive, historic space and turned it into a "European-style" market that honestly feels more like a culinary playground than a cafeteria. If you’re heading there in 2026, you need to know that it’s still the heartbeat of the downtown food scene, but it has definitely evolved.
What’s Actually Happening Inside The Market at Union Hall?
Basically, it's a massive open floor plan filled with independent stalls. You don't just go for one thing. You go because your friend wants sushi, your partner wants a po'boy, and you’re craving a customized bowl of mac and cheese that would make a nutritionist weep.
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The variety is wild. You’ve got places like Jack Noodles serving up authentic Vietnamese pho and banh mi that actually hits the spot. Then there’s Whizzbang’s Hamburgers, a Waco legend that’s been around since 1977 but found a second home here. Their meat is never frozen, hand-pressed every morning. You can taste the difference. It's not just "fast food." It's real food, fast.
The Heavy Hitters You Can't Miss
- Domo Ramen & Sushi: Their tonkotsu broth is rich enough to be a personality trait.
- Roni’s Mac Bar: This is where diet plans go to die. You can build your own mac and cheese with everything from buffalo chicken to veggies.
- The Blasian Asian: Cambodian street food that brings a totally different flavor profile to the hall. Think yellow chicken curry and crispy egg rolls.
- Wacool Tacos & Tamales: Because you can't be in Texas and not have access to a solid street taco.
The Vibe and Why It Works
Honestly, the best part isn't even the food—it's the community. The tables are long and shared. You’ll be sitting next to a college student from Baylor on one side and a local family on the other. It gets loud. It gets busy. But it’s got this energy that makes you feel like you’re actually somewhere.
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It’s located right in the middle of the downtown revitalization. You’re close to the Silos, sure, but this feels a bit more "local" than the Magnolia-heavy areas. It’s where the actual residents of Waco hang out on a Tuesday night.
It’s Not Just a Food Court
People often mistake it for a mall food court. Don't do that. A food court has a Sbarro and a Panda Express. The market at union hall is an incubator. Many of these vendors started as food trucks or home businesses. Giving them a permanent stall with a roof over their head changed the game for the local economy.
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There’s also Sam’s Bar, which anchors the space. You can grab a craft cocktail or a local beer to pair with whatever you’re eating. It turns a quick lunch into a long, lazy afternoon.
A Few Tips for the Uninitiated
- Parking is… a thing. Downtown Waco is getting crowded. If you can’t find a spot right out front on Franklin, look a block or two over. It’s walkable.
- Timing matters. If you show up at 12:15 PM on a Saturday, be prepared to hunt for a seat like a hawk. Weeknights are much more chill.
- Order from multiple stalls. That’s the whole point. Get the wings from King’s Chicken Wings and then a side of fries from elsewhere. Live a little.
Is It Still Growing?
Yeah, definitely. In 2026, we’re seeing even more rotation in the stalls. Some vendors move on to open their own standalone restaurants, making room for the next "big thing" in the Waco food scene. It keeps the place from getting stale.
The market at union hall remains a must-visit because it’s a snapshot of what Waco is becoming: diverse, entrepreneurial, and hungry for something better than a drive-thru. It’s a place where legacy brands like Whizzbang’s sit right next to newcomers serving Cambodian curry, and somehow, it all makes perfect sense.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the current hours: Most stalls open around 11:00 AM, but closing times vary between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM depending on the day.
- Bring a group: This is the ultimate "I don't know what I want for dinner" solution because everyone can pick their own cuisine.
- Look for events: They often host live music or community gatherings in the evenings, so check their social media before you head out.
- Explore the neighborhood: After you eat, walk down Franklin Avenue. There are plenty of local shops and bars within a three-block radius that are worth your time.