Yaki's

Rick B.

Yaki Texas Teriyaki Filed under: Skittles in a Box You know when a meal just hits—not like a heavy punch, but like a rhythm section. Smooth. Pacing. Flavors that build a groove. That was the Combo Box at Yaki. Started with a chilled Topo Chico, frosted up and snapping crisp on the lips. That thing’s not a drink—it’s a reset button. Sparkled your tongue and cleared the stage. Then came the box. Little brown cube of mystery. Popped the top, and there it was: slaw like confetti, creamy and punchy—each crunch like a cymbal crash. You could feel the spicy mayo and chili oil doing their work—not loud, but layered. The mushrooms and slaw together? Man, it was like funk and jazz colliding—unexpected harmony. The smoked chicken didn’t just sit there either—it floated, swirled, dipped into the sauces like it knew the choreography. Grabbed a chunk of broccoli like it was a green flag waving “you’re almost there.” And then you hit that warm rice at the bottom—like the bassline dropped in after the buildup. Deep, grounding, perfectly timed. I ate outside, on a weathered bench. No fancy signage. Just a colorful shack, Texas breeze, and some mystery behind that plastic-curtain slit like a magician’s tent. What are they cooking back there? You don’t know. But you trust it. You trust them. And that—that—is the funny part. We’ll trust the box. Trust the hands behind the curtain. But not the Voice inside that says: “You are safe. You are held. You are whole. I am with you always.” Isn’t that wild? Final Verdict: Yaki’s Combo Box isn’t just food—it’s a lesson in trust, a melody of flavor, and a reminder that what’s hidden doesn’t have to be feared. Send it to the Michelin gods.

Zachary Gross

Really awesome place. We stopped here before our trip to Austin. Ended up coming back the next day for lunch because it was so good. Coming back from Austin tomorrow and would get again if they weren’t closed on Mondays. Would love to eat this in Dallas, hope they make a chain. Texted all of our Baylor friends, they raved about coming back to eat her when their back visiting in Waco. Owner is also awesome, big time fan.

Bridget Janosek

This was a really unique place to visit in Waco. I have a friend who is gluten free and everything on their menu is gluten free. I got the combo box that had smoked grilled chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, coleslaw, rice and Yaki soss I also got several sides of sweet chili sauce. My box was good but it was just a little too dry and I don’t think the rice mixed with everything else. I would definitely come back.

Awesome choice for some local nuggets and fries if you’re looking for an alternative to those big chains. Loved the service and the attention to detail! Gluten free and allergy friendly choice! I’ll be back:)

I recently had the pleasure of trying the salmon box, and it was absolutely delicious! 😋 The flavors were spot on, and the freshness of the salmon really stood out. The best part? Jake, the owner, is incredibly friendly and made the experience even more enjoyable. His hospitality made me feel right at home. Honestly, I’d drive all the way from Austin just to enjoy this meal again. Highly recommend it to anyone in the area!

love this place! such a blessing for the allergy community, especially those of us with celiac! i got the kids’ nug box with rice and waffle fries for less than $10 and was stuffed. guy at the counter was super nice!

Fantastic local food! Since I was diagnosed with MS, I have struggled to stay compliant with a very strict diet that heals my body. All of the food at yaki is naturally GF/DF, and delicious! The staff there is attentive without being creepy, and you always know what you're going to get.

This place was a surprise. It's decor from the road is ok but doesn't draw you in. We decided to try it out anyway and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was. Will absolutely go back again and try out some of the different bowls, but chicken and pulled pork and waffle fries were outstanding.

I come here every time I pass through Waco even though it’s a little bit out of the way and I’m happy every time. The meats are great and the slaw is so fresh. Everyone I have try it loves it too

I am celiac and this restaurant has 100% gluten free preparation. I've eaten here at least ten times with no problems. The food is amazing. Try the nuggets and waffle fries! And the fries are amazing. Crispy and honestly better than chic fil a.

Went there for my lunch hour and enjoyed a delicious nug box with spicy mayo! 😋 Enjoyed sitting outside in the breeze and listening to the music. Only complaint is I wish you guys still sold Pop’s Lemonade!

Love this drive-in. High quality food, such a unique and delicious concept. Consistent taste and exceptional service. Definitely a Waco special!

Lena Stefani

I come here every time I pass through Waco even though it’s a little bit out of the way and I’m happy every time. The meats are great and the slaw is so fresh. Everyone I have try it loves it too

Kiely D

love this place! such a blessing for the allergy community, especially those of us with celiac! i got the kids’ nug box with rice and waffle fries for less than $10 and was stuffed. guy at the counter was super nice!

Chelsey Holloway

We love Yaki! It’s one of the only, if not the only, dedicated gluten free spots in the area. The food is amazing and unique. Yaki is truly one of a kind! I highly recommend.

Glenda Magby

This place was a surprise. It's decor from the road is ok but doesn't draw you in. We decided to try it out anyway and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was. Will absolutely go back again and try out some of the different bowls, but chicken and pulled pork and waffle fries were outstanding.

Chris King

Fantastic local food! Since I was diagnosed with MS, I have struggled to stay compliant with a very strict diet that heals my body. All of the food at yaki is naturally GF/DF, and delicious! The staff there is attentive without being creepy, and you always know what you're going to get.

Michelle Gaidusek

Went there for my lunch hour and enjoyed a delicious nug box with spicy mayo! 😋 Enjoyed sitting outside in the breeze and listening to the music. Only complaint is I wish you guys still sold Pop’s Lemonade!

Jen R

I recently had the pleasure of trying the salmon box, and it was absolutely delicious! 😋 The flavors were spot on, and the freshness of the salmon really stood out. The best part? Jake, the owner, is incredibly friendly and made the experience even more enjoyable. His hospitality made me feel right at home. Honestly, I’d drive all the way from Austin just to enjoy this meal again. Highly recommend it to anyone in the area!

Jennifer Hadley

I am celiac and this restaurant has 100% gluten free preparation. I've eaten here at least ten times with no problems. The food is amazing. Try the nuggets and waffle fries! And the fries are amazing. Crispy and honestly better than chic fil a.

Danielle Todd

We love Yaki! The flavors are great. The slaw and the rice are a fun combo with delicious, tender chicken. And dare I say it... they have the BEST waffle fries ever!!!

She took extra care to let us know that a colleague ran to the market to get ingredients for our order. The food was great! Fresh, healthy and full of flavor. Our favorite eatery in, Will definitely return again before we leave! for the 1st time and really liked it!

Linda Habieh

She took extra care to let us know that a colleague ran to the market to get ingredients for our order. The food was great! Fresh, healthy and full of flavor. Our favorite eatery in, Will definitely return again before we leave! for the 1st time and really liked it!

Ashlie Diego

The food is decent. The chicken nugs are good but overall it's pretty bland. The coleslaw is slightly sweet, I would have like some tang. I added the spicy mayo and that gave it a time bit of flavor. The cashier brought my food out for me, he was very nice. The location is super cute and has a lots of parking. I didn't actually see any prices anywhere, but it was around $14 for a Chinese takeout box meal

I tried the combo box which sounded really good at first...it doesn't have fish in it but it was so fishy! It's like they used the same utensils or cooked everything where the fish cook. It was gross! The nugs and the waffle fries were the only thing I enjoyed. I still can't get the fishy taste out of my mouth 🤢 their spicy mayo, and sweet chili sauce is pretty decent. Watch out for the green sauce! It's got some heat 🔥💯🥵 Nugs and waffle fries are edible.

Vicky

I tried the combo box which sounded really good at first...it doesn't have fish in it but it was so fishy! It's like they used the same utensils or cooked everything where the fish cook. It was gross! The nugs and the waffle fries were the only thing I enjoyed. I still can't get the fishy taste out of my mouth 🤢 their spicy mayo, and sweet chili sauce is pretty decent. Watch out for the green sauce! It's got some heat 🔥💯🥵 Nugs and waffle fries are edible.

I see what others are talking about with the fish taste or smell. I got the chicken one and I smelled the fish smell immediately. The food was bland. I put the sweet chili on it to give it some flavor and got past the fish smell. I didnt want to waste my $16 lol

Maria E

I see what others are talking about with the fish taste or smell. I got the chicken one and I smelled the fish smell immediately. The food was bland. I put the sweet chili on it to give it some flavor and got past the fish smell. I didnt want to waste my $16 lol

Fishiest salmon. It was gross. They gave you like a few scoops of rice and salmon for $15? Crazy. It’s also a repurposed sonic, so it just looks sad. I had high hopes but it just was a disappointment. It is rightly called YAKI because it didn’t taste yummy—it tasted yaki 😅

Lauren Milam

Fishiest salmon. It was gross. They gave you like a few scoops of rice and salmon for $15? Crazy. It’s also a repurposed sonic, so it just looks sad. I had high hopes but it just was a disappointment. It is rightly called YAKI because it didn’t taste yummy—it tasted yaki 😅