Open For More Than Half A Century, Dining At Health Camp In Texas Is Always A Timeless Experience
By Katie Lawrence|Published February 19, 2023
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned burger, fries, and milkshake from a timeless greasy spoon. Health Camp in Waco is one such place, and it’s been a local institution since 1948. One of the most historic restaurants in Texas, this unassuming joint dishes out some of the best homestyle eats you’ll ever try. Just wait until you see the milkshake menu – there are over 3 dozen flavors to choose from!
If you want more Texas restaurants, make sure to sign up for our weekly dining newsletter. Every Thursday, a new eatery to try in the Lone Star State will be delivered straight to your email. Yum!
Coming from humble beginnings as a mobile canteen serving burgers and ice cream to military personnel at the Connally Air Force Base, Health Camp has been a Waco institution ever since it first opened in 1948.
Just one year after its inception, the food cart was so popular that owner Jack Schaevitz was able to expand into a brick-and-mortar restaurant on the Waco Traffic Circle - and the rest, as they say, is history.
Inside, the ambiance is still very much 1950s diner-adjacent. You'll see black-and-white checkered floors, colorful booths, and plenty of vintage memorabilia on the walls - including old photographs of the restaurant.
Neither the vibe nor the menu have changed much over the decades. Simplicity is key here - the 100% Certified Angus Beef burgers are so good, absolutely no pomp and circumstance is necessary.
There are several different types of burgers to choose from. If you prefer sticking to the basics, the classic Health Burger comes with all the usual suspects - onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, and cheese if you want it.
You can also opt for a bacon cheeseburger, double meat and double cheese, or a few other scrumptious selections. Various sandwiches such as a BLT are also available, as are hot dogs and Frito pies.
Let's not forget about the sides and shakes! Tater tots, French fries, and onion rings perfectly compliment your meal, and over 3 dozen shake and malt flavors round things out with a touch of sweetness.
Have you ever eaten at Health Camp? Do you think it’s one of the best restaurants in Waco? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about a fascinating attraction in Waco where you can see the remains of ancient woolly mammoths.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.