A Comfortable Table at Sagrado Cocina and Bar: Finding Gluten-Free Mexican Food in Waco, Texas
Today I’m continuing my series of restaurant reviews as I search for wonderful gluten-free food in our new home of Waco, Texas. Though many of these restaurants are local and not chains, hopefully you can use what I share to find similar gluten-free food at Mexican restaurants local to you!
I had never really moved out of state before. College took me to another state, but I hardly think that counts. My home was still with my parents in the suburbs of Chicago. Moving our entire household to the Waco area was something altogether different.
There are some things about home I’ll always hold sacred: my church, friends and family; the beauty of the first winter snow; trees dressed in brilliant colors before losing their leaves in autumn; gathering fresh vegetables and fruit at the farm; apple picking in the orchard; and, of course, our favorite go-to Mexican restaurant, Tacos el Norte, where we would often run into friends while we were there.
Searching for a New Favorite Mexican Restaurant in Waco
When we first moved to Waco, we found ourselves searching for replacements for all those familiar places you don't realize are such a big part of your life until they're gone. We needed new go-to restaurants and coffee shops, a hairstylist, dentist, doctor, church—you know, all the places that eventually make a new town begin to feel like home. If you've ever moved, you know what I mean.
Finding great Mexican food was near the top of our list!
We thought that part would be easy. We moved to Texas, after all. But it turns out there are almost too many choices. And for a restaurant to become one of our regular spots, the food isn't enough. It needs good food, of course, but also a comfortable atmosphere and the kind of place where you actually want to linger.
Sagrado Cocina and Bar is definitely one of the finalists.
Our Current Favorite for Gluten-Free Mexican Food
About every six weeks or so, Jeff and I have fallen into a little routine. I visit 202 Beauty Lounge in downtown Waco for a cut and style. Jeff drops me off and heads to one of our favorite coffee shops just down the way, Bitty & Beau's Coffee, an awesome coffee shop with a heartwarming mission that we visit often. When my hair is finished, I walk down to the coffee shop and work for a while until it's time for dinner at Sagrado.
Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!
Mexican food can offer plenty of naturally gluten-free choices, which makes it one of the cuisines I often look to when we're eating out. I still ask questions about ingredients and preparation, of course, because naturally gluten-free doesn't automatically mean safely prepared gluten-free.
And then there are enchiladas.
The Enchilada Rule
Enchiladas are my favorite, and I have a rule: if a Mexican restaurant can't make an excellent enchilada, I'm probably not coming back. Can I get an amen?
It's a little like my cappuccino test for coffee shops. Whenever I try a new café, I order a cappuccino. If you can make a great cappuccino, we can probably be friends.
I'm really not that hard to please!
And Sagrado Cocina and Bar exceeded my expectations. The enchiladas passed the test, of course, but they also offer Tex-Mex favorites like street corn and charro beans. And the margaritas? Those passed the test, too.
The atmosphere is date-night worthy, although honestly, I'd happily go anytime I don't feel like cooking. On our visit, the staff was helpful even though the restaurant was very busy. The bar and outdoor seating were packed, as was the dining room, and several birthday celebrations gave the whole place a lively, celebratory feel.
Of course, we came back.
Familiar Food in a New Home
On another visit, Jeff and I shared a dinner, just as we used to do at Tacos el Norte back north. Somewhere between the enchiladas, the conversation, and passing food back and forth, something felt familiar.
Maybe that's how a new place slowly becomes home. You don't replace the people, places, or traditions you left behind. You carry those with you. Then, little by little, you find new places to gather, new routines you look forward to, and new tables where you feel like you belong.
For us, Sagrado Cocina and Bar just might be one of those tables.
Comments