JAMES

If you know me, im all about the cheeseburgers. If youre lucky enough to be traveling through Waco it's a must stop! Love the vintage, yester-year vibe and yeah they make a great cheeseburger. They also serve breakfast ill have try next time.

K K

My husband and I stopped by and decided to get burgers and fries, and I couldn’t resist getting cheese fries too. The food was absolutely amazing, and it’s no surprise the place was packed when we got there and still buzzing when we left. My burger was so juicy and flavorful, and the staff was incredibly friendly. The only thing I’d say is the space felt a little tight with so many people inside, but that’s just a sign of how popular it is. We really enjoyed our meal, and if we’re ever in the area again, we’ll definitely be back!

Wade's video library

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 excellent service.

+2

Reagan Blankinship

We found this place on google looking for a good burger in Waco and man we sure found it. They welcomed us in and made us feel like home. We had a stroller with us in this very small restaurant which is really not stroller accessible and they took time to make room for us to be seated comfortably. They Checked on us frequently and the food came out fast. Everything we had was delicious hot and fresh. The staff worked as a team to make sure everyone’s experience was enjoyable. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a small old school burger joint!

Rick B.

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 a heartbeat.

+2

Michael Harper

As kind of a burger connoisseur across the great state of Texas, this little joint really, really hit the spot. Cupp's has been around, serving great food since 1947. I'm a sucker for a quaint little spot that serves good food, and Cupp's hits the spot! Yeah, the food is great, but sitting there where you can see & hear it being prepared ... that's what really draws me in. It's a little spot that would call me multiple times a week if I lived in Waco. That's for sure!

Hayley Green

This place brought me to tears. I don’t live around my family and the taste of the fries and the batter on the steak fingers and the unsweetened tea, I just can’t even put into words what that did for my soul. Get their onion rings too, life changing! So blessed to have found this place. The people are amazing, the atmosphere feels like home, and the food just puts you at ease.

Jordan Kennedy

It's a delicious place to drop by when you're in the mood for a burger. I 100% recommend. They will load up the toppings on your food, and it's so good that every time I go, I devour everything.

davis beauvais

this place was awesome, you can order off menu customization. a bunch of locals were there. everything is fresh and my cheeseburger was great. they take card but prefer cash. go here before going to a chain.

Mark Kahny Jr

Was in Waco touring around, loved the Texas Ranger museum. Stopped by Magnolia, but wanted something less pretentious to eat. Found Cupp’s. What a diamond in the rough. Small place, no frills, with extremely nice, hard working folks serving up some top notch cheeseburgers! This place will be my go to in Waco for now on. Loved it. Old school burger tasted amazing. I’ll definitely try other menu items next time. If you’re nearby, this place is a must. I highly recommend it. Come out and support your local businesses and avoid chains.

+3

Keith Davis

Best burger I've had in quite a while! Very friendly staff and patrons. The onion rings and steak fingers are dredged in mustard giving them an additional depth of flavor.

+3

Laura Lopez

Burgers were good , a tad pricier for me. I had the cheeseburger basket it comes with fries and a drink. The burger was good overall except it can get soggy fast. They serve breakfast as well. Will be back to try that. They also have lunch specials. The place is very small inside, but they do have some seating outside.

+6

Andrew E

The folks working there were friendly, helpful, and just plain nice people. Unfortunately, this did not compensate for the food or environment. There is a fine line between vintage and old, and cupps is in desperate need of an update inside (or at least a good scrub down). The patties are bought premade, and no seasoning is added. Cupp's, whizzbangs, and dubl-r are all very similar, and I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there. Try Tom's Burgers, Burgertology, or even Health Camp.

+1