Waco Hippodrome Theatre

Address:	724 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701, USA
Phone:	+1 254-296-9000
Site:	wacohippodrometheatre.com
Rating:	4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Chris Griesemer

Let me start off by saying that I wanted to like this place so much. I was so excited when I heard this concept was coming to Waco, as it gave a certain legitimacy to our citys growth to be able to have a place like this. However, while I was able to overlook the typical complaints about poor sound quality, which is a legitimate beef by the way, I would like to point to the outrageously bad service and restaurant management failures that accompany your moviegoing experience. My wife and I attended a special Valentines Day showing that was supposed to come with a prefixed nice plated dinner. Obviously much more expensive than the typical menu fare. After arriving at 45 minutes early, and making sure our orders were received, it took over TWO HOURS for us to eventually get any food. I had to get up and fetch a manager on three separate occasions to find out why everyone around us had gotten food but not us. Each time I was answered with the same "it will be just a second, coming right out", and it was always an extra 10 minutes until I went back to hear the same song and dance, and still no food. This went on for quite a while, and eventually we were served half of one entrée, with no appetizers like we have paid for. We had not even been given water during this entire ordeal. So we eventually reached a breaking point, and got up and walked out in the middle of the movie, as we had never received our dinner, and spent our Valentines at Torchys Tacos because the Waco Hippodrome could not do its job. Of course, at 7 PM on Valentines Day, every place worth visiting for a table for two was completely booked. So thanks. In summation, it is a fabulous idea, and whenever they get things ironed out, Im sure it will be a great experience, but do not to go into it expecting things to run smoothly, because after our experience, unless there are major improvements made, I can guarantee we will never be back.

Staci Hamlin

I have now gone twice to the Hippodrome to see a movie, and I did enjoy it very much. Theyre trying to do movies like Alamo Drafthouse, and for the most part, they succeed. The food is decent (I had a burger and fries), the service is good, and the place itself is very very cool -- the building is beautiful and love the downtown location. Only two small complaints -- the first time we went to see a movie, the sound bleed between theaters was terrible. It was at times hard to hear what was being said in our movie because of the loudness of the audio from whatever other movie was playing in the other theater. The second time we did not experience this, so I am not sure what the issue was. But both times, the theater (we were downstairs) was really cold. I dont mean it was just a little chilly; it was uncomfortable frigid. I couldnt concentrate on the movie and finally had to get up and walk outside to stand for a few minutes and thaw out. The managers comment when I mentioned it as I came back inside was that they have to keep it that cold or else the upstairs gets too hot. It had to be down in the 60s at least in that downstairs theater -- next time I will bring a warm coat, and wear shoes and socks (no sandals!).

Robert Plemmons

First the good stuff. Really cool, old theater, nicely restored. Great looking bar upstairs with restaurant (didnt try food). Saw Hot Club of Cowtown and Robert Earl Keen last night and it was a great show. So glad this venue is available in Waco. Now for the problems. The Hippodrome web site is not well set up. Their calendar of events is almost empty and doesnt even show the upcoming Horton Heat/Dale Watson concert. The show is advertised in a different area, but its mixed in with the movies that are shown there several times per week. If you just browse their calendar (my usual approach with a venue), you wouldnt even be aware of multiple upcoming live performances. A major problem at the show last night was confusion over where people were seated. I saw ushers work for about a half hour trying to figure out what to do with about eight people who had tickets for seats that were apparently nonexistent. They ended up bringing in folding chairs, but not before the concert-goers had been standing around griping loudly during the performance. This venue has lots of potential, but they appear to have some issues that could sink the whole deal if they dont get their act together.

Sam Alexander

We attended the Frozen sing along last night at the Hippodrome with our two kids, and we LOVED the theater and atmosphere. The food was amazing, service wonderful, and I love how theyve brought this theater back to life. I also spoke with the owner for a moment at the concessions area, and he was super nice. I even saw him out helping to deliver food and wait on people which was nice to see. We had burgers and fries, and both were amazing!!! The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars was because of the audio of the movie. Weve seen Frozen enough times that I know most of the words, but I dont know that I could see a movie I hadnt seen and really enjoy it. We sat in a middle row on the far right side near the wall, and it was vary hard to understand much of the dialog. The picture quality was great, but Id suggest they spend some more time working out the audio issues. We will most definitely go back... I saw lots of classic/retro movies Id love to see on the big screen. Ill also make this a must-go place for when we have company from out of town. Another jewel in Wacos crown!

Ashley Hutchinson

Re: the restaurant: I moved here from the DC area, where brunch is a serious art form, and this is literally the only spot in town that meets my expectations. You cant beat $8 carafes of mimosas and their reasonably priced, super yummy entrées. I usually get the Austin Ave Eggs Benedict and its PERFECT. unlike many other places in town, you never wait for a seat here. Service is sometimes a little slower, but brunch is a newer offering so I give them a pass on that. Weve had dinner and drinks here too, and the food weve tried has also been great, but I really feel like brunch is where they shine. Re: Movies: Its super fun to have table service in a historic venue at a much cheaper price than your standard movie/bar combo places (think Movie Tavern, Alamo Cinema and Drafthouse, etc). I am sad that first-run offerings have been reduced, but I understand why. TL/DR: This is a gem of an establishment. Try their brunch. A venue like this would be worshipped in places like DC, and I wish it had more traction with local Wacoans.

Christe Hancock

I am so happy the Hippodrome is BACK! and I hope it is here to stay! We went to our movie an hour early just to see how things worked. We decided to go to the bar for a drink. Everyone we encountered was friendly and happy to help. The bar is very chic (love the big gold hippo above the bar! and the gold tufted leather bench against the wall) They even had Guinness beer! The food was REALLY GOOD!!!! Highly recommend the grilled chicken salad. YUM! the restaurant is beautiful with huge windows so you can watch the action on Austin Ave. In the downstairs theater we got great seats towards the middle. It was fun to watch The Big Lebowski with a group of appreciative people. I told my hubs that i felt like i was in Austin. Loved being able to order a beverage while I watched the movie, and since I was so good and ate a salad, I ordered the Santa Clause for dessert (WOW!) TWO hot chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk. Talk about comfort food! I hope people will rally to keep this treasure in Waco! Tell all your friends!