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    Waco Hippodrome Theatre

    3.2 (161 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Waco Hippodrome Theatre Photos

    WACO HIPPODROME THEATRE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Waco Hippodrome Theatre

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    Amber O.

    The Waco Hippodrome theater is a small historic theater with lots of charm. They offer a brunch on the weekends on the second floor. The brunch menu is small and adorned with cute movie titles, but the food is average at best. The service was okay, most of the servers lacked personality and enthusiasm, and my order came out wrong, but overall they were at least polite. I definitely enjoyed the experience of the theater, but overall I feel like they could step their brunch game up a little.

    Crumby seating.  Small screen.  Bright in here too.
    Bill M.

    Not impressed. It's a dinner and a movie type of theater in an old live performance theater, so it has character and potential. The reason I'm only giving it 2 stars is because they need to renovate the seating arrangements, which lack any dasness whatsoever. First of all, there are not very many good seats, so you'd better show up early to be happy. Also, the chairs are padded folding chairs, and the dining tables are essentially long folding tables. An investment in the seating area to improve chairs, and screen viewability is needed, but not sure it will ever be great because the seating is so steep and close to the screen. The food is decent, and fairly priced.

    Lisa S.

    Only stopped by for a drink and to ask about the live music. It was like pulling teeth.

    Janet B.

    Just saw The Lion King at the hippodrome and it was a fantastic experience. Best theater in the Waco area, and I know that's not saying much because the other theaters are filthy rat holes, but I was surprised to see the hippodrome had so many terrible reviews. Here's the secret, you eat before you come here or you buy tickets online, reserve your seat, show up 20 mins before your movie time, immediately order all the food when you arrive. If you order the food 20 mins before the movie starts, you're food/drinks will get to you before the movie starts. I hate ordering food right before the movie starts because they have to serve it while the movie is playing and it can be really distracting to me and people around me. Best to come early if you plan on ordering food/drinks. If you're ordering a bunch of cocktails it's best to sit near the aisle to get better access to service and to the bathroom! I've seen a few tipsy people struggling to make to the bathroom, disrupting everyone in the theater because they sat furthest from the aisle. Anyway we had a blast watching the movie Saturday night. The food was actually good. I had the american burger with fried okra and sweet tea. My aunt ordered fried pickles and they were a little heavy but good. Service was great, we ordered 20 mins early and the server didn't have to interrupt viewing as much. Note: I haven't tried everything on the menu, so I can't say it's all good. I know for a fact the pretzels with beer cheese is terrible, waay too salty. The flavored teas are not good either. Actually I hate almost all their drink choices, even the sweet tea was lacking. And dasani water is gross, it makes me thirsty and dries out my throat. I wish they served fresh lemonade (not bottled minute maid!!) to go with all that southern food! Also tip: Review the menu, and decide what you want before coming to the theater so you can order immediately when you arrive.

    Allison C.

    Went to the Hippodrome last night for a Baylor University Parents Weekend speaking engagement & dinner. I was impressed by the intimate feeling and the acoustics. Food was very good and staff was very friendly, as well as attentive. I would return for sure for future events!

    Burnt pancakes so dense you could be full off of 1.5 bites.
    Camryn A.

    UPDATE: since renovating and adding so much to this location, including The Raleigh and The Hightop Bar, their service has just dwindled. I mean just flat out bad. We first visited since their renovation, to their new theater that includes very comfortable reclining seats. The seats are the best! The service was absolutely awful however. My son couldn't receive his drink after asking 2 different servers 4 times. He ordered a burger and fries with ketchup and mustard. Took 5 different times asking to receive the ketchup and mustard. By the time he received his drink and condiments, it was cold. Just all around lack of attention and very basic service. Second attempt was today at their brunch service at The Raleigh. Absolutely beautiful location. We were greeted by a very friendly hostess and proceeded to wait maybe 5 mins for our table. This is where things take a very poor turn. We waited 10+ mins to be greeted by a server and ask for a drink order. By the time we were greeted, the irritation has really set in. Let me also say, it was not busy! This is a very small location and to have tables that are dirty and trash on the floor all while servers are talking is beyond unprofessional. My son ordered French toast with bacon. THEY WERE OUT OF FRENCH TOAST! how do you run out of French toast for brunch?! Ridiculous. My husband orders eggs Benedict and I tried their chicken and waffles. The only redeeming food we were served was their fruit cup. Son received pancakes, burnt and so dense an eight year old wouldn't eat it. My waffles were so over done I needed a knife to cut them and the chicken was burnt. Husbands eggs Benedict were more like hard boiled eggs with burnt muffin. The lack of attention from servers is just baffling, but this is ultimately poor management. I hate to say we will likely not return. It is such a shame because there is so much to be offered, but they just don't even come close to delivering.

    Cool view from quaint table next to the a window.
    Lisa S.

    Cute place to grab a drink! This theater has a restaurant on the second floor. It's a cute little space with lots of character. We choose a high-top table near a window looking over Austin Ave. My boyfriend and I stopped for just one beer. I'm glad we did. It was the type of place we don't have in Madison. Go check it out!

    Kevin S.

    If you are looking for something different, this is it. Basically, this is kind of like the Alamo Draft house or Studio Movie Grill where you can enjoy a meal while watching a movie. The cons: the sound system is not the best so in times of the movie where there is quiet dialog sometimes gets lost. Also, I had ordered one of the burgers and it was good but not the best. (Lacked seasoning and would have loved a toasted bun) Also, the website address brought us a couple miles south of the theater. I also smashed my hand in the folding chair that was my seat. The pros: it is an antique building designed for entertainment for over 100 years. They also have a dining room that over looks the street below which would be perfect for a date night. Lots of charm. I would probably come back now that I know how to not smash my hand in the seat and maybe order something else on the menu.

    Allen T.

    After reading about this historic theatre we wanted to check it out before we left town and were greeted by some really nice people who allowed us to tour the theatre and check out the renovations! We did not stay for a meal but would definitely come back in the future because of the enthusiasm of the staff there! The dining area has been completely remodeled and I can imagine having a nice dinner here in the evening before watching a film or even dining in the theatre if you chose to! Conveniently located in a nice historic section of Waco this place has a lot of charm and history and some very nice people working there! I love these old style theaters...you can almost feel the history of the souls who might have sat here in the thirties and forties. Charming and elegant. A nice place to unwind if you're ever in Waco!

    The most recent theater and lunch menu.
    Rick R.

    This is a really fun place! We had lunch here on a Saturday and the experience was great. The menu was the same as the theater menu that day. This is a new place and they are still trying out different menu items but all four meals at our table were very tasty and nicely presented. The food is all named after movie titles. We started out with the chips and queso with extra chorizo and salsa, which had a unique flavor that had me wanting to take some home for later. For my meal I had the One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - a robust chicken sandwich served with lightly fried french fries. We ate in the restaurant on the second floor with a view of downtown through the floor to nearly ceiling windows. The service was quick, efficient and friendly. We did not see a movie but the couple we were with had done so on several occasions and had a pleasant experience each time. The owner has made some great improvements to the theater since the opening. They have upgraded the sound equipment and added a bunch of speakers so that every seat has perfect sound. I learned this during a private tour we had of the stage. (They will give a behind the scenes tour to anyone who asks - as long as there is no movie in progress!) Great food. Unique restaurant and theater. I highly recommend.

    Chicken Fried Steak Blue Plate Special
    Rickey B.

    I plan to eat here 5 days in a row (Mon - Fri) so this is day 3 of 5. Yesterday(12-15-15) I had Meatloaf Blueplate special and it was delicious. Today (Wed)(12-16-15) I had the Chicken Fried Steak Blueplate special. I like the fact that the served the gravy on the side but was not thrilled when it was served with white gravy. Also, the steak was slightly charred but certainly edible. On both days, the waiter and waitress brought me my lunch and I never heard from them again until I was ready to go. Tuesday, I had to physically get up and ask for my check. On Wednesday, after I was finished and asked for my check then the waitress asked if I wanted dessert. Service so far has been lukewarm at best. I still can give them more than 3 stars at this point. Two more days to go. Thursday(12-15-15 Today was Fried Catfish. I'm not a real big fan of fried foods especially Catfish but it was lightly battered and fried crispy. It was served with cole slaw and curly fries and 3 shrimp. The shrimp again was friend in the same batter as the Catfish. Perhaps there's nothing wrong with it but I'm not use to seeing the same batter on my shrimp that I see on my fish. I also wish they would alternate the sides a bit more for day of the week they have the Blueplate specials. The coleslaw and hushpuppies were consistent. Dessert today was a red velvet cake and although I'm not a big dessert person the cake was very good. The coffee was horrible again and I will not order it again. They got me twice so I guess coffee must not be there thing. I had a different waiter today and pretty much the same level of interaction (practically none). He dropped the food off and then did not come back to the table until he brought me the dessert. I had no idea dessert was included. Two day's I got to dessert and the other two day I didn't also. Also, this is another pet peeve of mine. I had to use my dinner fork to eat my dessert. I know you may be thinking this is so picky. It's really not that but who wants to suck the catfish grease off of their fork so they can then stick it in their cake? Not me but its my fault not his I simply should have insisted on a dessert fork. One more day to go.

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    Great venue! Band was awesome! Will definitely be returning! Band was Toast and they sound just like Bread!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Waco Hippodrome Theatre

    Review Highlights - Waco Hippodrome Theatre

    Just had the Some Like it Hot burger with jalapeños and jack cheese etc (check the menu), and it was fantastic.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Twisted Root Burger - The Hand-Punched Fries were SO.GOOD. 12/20/22

    Twisted Root Burger

    3.9(1k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    Came here with friends and had a great time. The place was packed but they still treated us with…read moregreat customer service and we were able to find a table with no issue. The vibe is very laid back and chill. The food was really good, we had a couple kids meals (cheeseburgers), a BYOB and I got the Gosh Jam It Burger and added Fried Onions, Bacon and Chipotle Sauce. The burger was yummy and the flavors blended well! We also enjoyed an order of fried pickles at the table along with samples of their free flavored pickles not pictured. All in all we enjoyed ourselves, the crowd was lively and the kids said this is their new favorite burger place so we will be back again!

    The place is really dark on the inside so I would have preferred more light. I thought the service…read morewas really good from the time of ordering until walking out. I ordered the fried pickles and I thought they would come out as an appetizer, but they were put next to the burger as a side so I was disappointed in that. The fried pickles were way too thick for my liking although they were breaded well. What's neat about this place is the variety of different flavored pickles that they have in the corner for you to eat. I really did like that!! There's a bar in the center of the floor and although I didn't get anything from the bar, I did like the setup. The burger itself was okay. Not spectacular, but not the worst. Would I eat here again? I think I would.

    Photos
    Twisted Root Burger - Inside

    Inside

    Twisted Root Burger - THE MILLIONAIRE Open-faced burger w/ wagyu, cheddar, truffle aioli, garlic mushrooms, bacon, dark beer sauce, crispy fried onion strings.

    THE MILLIONAIRE Open-faced burger w/ wagyu, cheddar, truffle aioli, garlic mushrooms, bacon, dark beer sauce, crispy fried onion strings.

    Twisted Root Burger - Bar 12/20:22

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    Bar 12/20:22

    Cajun Craft - Bread pudding. Yum!

    Cajun Craft

    4.6(789 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Da-yuumm! On the way to Oklahoma, on I-35 we stopped at this unassuming southern eatery and were…read morenot expecting our minds to be blown away by the fabulous quality of Cajun food. We liked the food so much that we stopped here on the way back from OK We got the fried shrimp basket and shrimp poboy the first time and got the Boom boom Shrimp starter, Atchafalaya Etoufee and, Gumbo and rounded it off with Beignets the second time on Mother's day. Food is absolutely delish. Not visiting this place should be a felony

    RATING - 3.65 Cajun…read moreCraft is found just off of one of the main roads that's runs along Waco. Off its first appearance, the restaurant appears as your classic no-frills, get-what-you-asked for establishment. There is lots of outdoor seating, very fair pricing, and a surprisingly extensive menu; I doubt you'll fail to find something you enjoy here. Overall it seemed like a location that would be bumping in conjunction with Baylor college nights, post church service, or otherwise Waco-oriented affairs. My only complaint was really the smell. We came near close when some workers were cleaning, however there was an apparent chemical stench within the patio, between the inside seating and outdoor seating. My partner ordered the sausage po boy, while I ordered the fried chicken plate, wish mashed potatoes & gravy + green beans. The wait was rather long, which can be attributed towards the chicken's cook time - which might be front scratch. After we got our plates, I certainly couldn't complain. The chicken was decently sized and decadent with flavor. Consistent, strong Cajun spicing littered the tray and chicken, while its interior was extremely juicy and filled with flavor; additionally, it still maintained structure and provided a nice crunch on the surface. The mashed potatoes were equally as enjoyable. The gravy complemented the potatoes well, and established an equilibrium through texture. The green beans however, were not my favorite. They initially appeared fine on the surface, but became watered down and lacking in flavor the farther down the bowl you went. I would not be surprised if these beans were canned. I would certainly find myself eating here again. Its biggest appeals are the prices, genuine quality of food, and disposition. It is not perfect, but it is more than satisfactory. If you cannot get over the minor inconveniences that you may run into here, then you probably shouldn't be eating Cajun anyways.

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    Cajun Craft - Seating Area

    Seating Area

    Cajun Craft - Seafood platter with red beans and rice

    Seafood platter with red beans and rice

    Cajun Craft - Outdoor seating area

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    Outdoor seating area

    Revival Eastside Eatery - Elijah burger

    Revival Eastside Eatery

    4.7(402 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    It was decent. Food was okay and the drinks weren't anything special. Hamburger comes out well done…read moreand not sure you really get a choice of how you want it cooked by the looks of others. Great friendly service. 4.7 stars is a very very friendly score for this place.

    Found this gem on Yelp and decided to give it a try after reading the menu and reviews. SO glad we…read moredid! It's off the beaten path which is nice because we were able to find parking. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and directed to choose a table of our preference. The waitress quickly came over and grabbed our drink order while we looked at the menu. We placed our order and the waitress was very knowledgeable and able to answer our questions. She also informed us they work as a team so we can stop anyone when/if we need something. We started with the "Burning Bush" appetizer (crispy Brussel sprouts w/ lemon garlic aioli). YUM! They had just the right bite to them, and the glaze on them paired with the aioli was delicious! For our entrees we had the Golden Calf Burger w/ sweet potato fries and sriracha aioli and The Weight of Glory Sandwich w/ broccoli slaw. They were both incredibly flavorful and fresh! You can tell they locally source their ingredients and prepare them onsite. The portions are also plentiful, and we left with a takeout box. To round off lunch we tried the special mousse on the specials board (coffee flavored cheesecake mousse). It was so delightful we dug in before I could snap a pic. Just enough coffee flavor paired with chocolate sauce (not hersheys ). The big windows allow for a lot of natural light and lends to a welcoming and warm environment. We will for sure be back and bring others!

    Photos
    Revival Eastside Eatery
    Revival Eastside Eatery - Good portion with right amount of dressing. All ingredients were fresh and tasty!

    Good portion with right amount of dressing. All ingredients were fresh and tasty!

    Revival Eastside Eatery - Elijah Burger and Sweet Potato fries and garlic alioli!

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    Elijah Burger and Sweet Potato fries and garlic alioli!

    Waco Hippodrome Theatre - movietheaters - Updated July 2026

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