A Handful of Fingers

I can't really say that I have tried every single brand of chicken fingers in our area. I can however say that my favorite is a warm and delicious Cane's finger.  They have been my #1 since opening here in Waco.  

I wish that I could find everything that I love in a great chicken finger meal - all in one place.  Unfortunately, this is not the case.  I would need to visit at least three places to get all the elements of a complete "Best Of Chicken Fingers Meal." I also love the toast at Cane's! Two big points for those items!

The new Slim Chickens restaurant on Valley Mills has entered the Waco market with some very tasty chicken fingers.  While their fingers rank behind Cane's, they are very good. 

I was more impressed by their array of sauces - some of which are blazing hot.  Their fried potatoes also get a high mark when they are served and eaten fresh.  They were still tasty after a short drive home but they did lose some crispness.   Two points for those items.

Bush's has OK Tenders (fingers) and very good rolls but they score more points for their other side dishes Slaw and Fried Okra. One point for super sides!

It would be great if there was just one place that had fantastic fingers, fabulous fries, stellar sauces, great bread and outstanding sides. Unfortunately to get it all you will have to make several stops.   

Rankings

1. Cane's

2. Slim Chickens

3. Bush's

 

 Milo Does Not Disappoint

Two recent trips to Milo All Day have convinced me that this establishment is for real.  The food and service is equal to almost any of the finer restaurants in Waco.  The menu (which changes regularly) has enough variety to please any frequent visitor.  The mains are augmented by some excellent side dishes and a reasonable number of interesting wine selections.  

On a recent visit, the Brussel Sprouts and the Elotes Corn Ribs proved to be unusual and excellent choices.  The Texas Cavier was a step up from that served in Amarillo. 

I really enjoyed the 10 oz Steak Frites.  Nicely grilled on the outside and very pink on the inside and served on a generous bed of crispy potatoes.

I usually pass on the chicken dishes but the Chicken Breast served with braised mushrooms, fennel and a tasty aji amarillo pan sauce was a hit with me!

The only negative is the lack of any acoustic panels.  When the restaurant is full, the lack of sound baffling makes conversation a bit difficult.  

You can view the menu and prices on-line.  Milo's is a first class experience,

 

 

As further proof that restaurants in Waco and Central Texas are growing in quality and stature, three Waco establishments and two others located nearby have earned awards from Wine Spectator Magazine. The magazine recently announced 2,917 restaurants that were recognized for their wine service.

135 Prime, Diamondback’s and Di Campli’s were recognized with the magazine's AWARD OF EXCELLENCE.  To qualify for this recognition, the establishment must offer at least 90 selections from quality producers that match the restaurant’s theme and menu in price and style.

Pignetti’s located in Temple and The Barton House in Salado were given BEST AWARD OF EXCELLENCE recognition.  This award requires at least 350 selections and a demonstrated commitment to wine both in the cellar and in service.

These awards for our area restaurants are strong indicators of quality restaurant growth in this area. 

 

The Waco restaurant scene is changing for the better.  Following the Covid-19 issues during the past two years, restaurants that survived are stronger and busy.  Several new establishments are leading the way along with many battle tested veterans.  As always, this list features primarily locally owned restaurants. 

THE NEW TOP TEN

Alpha Omega

Milo All Day

Guess Family Barbecue

Ranchito #5

Bangkok Royal

Jake's Texas Tea House

One Thirty Five Prime

1424 Bistro

Hecho En Waco

 Di Campli's Italian Ristorante

Tony DeMaria's Bar-B-Que 

Information about each of these restaurants (reviews, hours, prices, and location) can be found on the web.  Some accept reservations.