I have wanted to visit the Hippodrome since moving to Waco 6 months ago. I was sadly very disappointed. They advertise reclining seat with table trays; however only two rows of the theater offer this option. The remaining seats are at a counter type table top with office chairs for seats. I did not see this mentioned anywhere on the website. We ordered 3 burgers, 3 drinks, a large popcorn and 1 box candy. It took us over an hour to receive our drinks. We showed up 1/2 prior to showtime as suggested but were still interrupted multiple times during the first 45 minutes of the movie to receive our orders, request missing items, and ask for our drinks from 3 different people. The servers use iPads which were constantly being shined in our faces as they took other orders, delivered items, and cashed out checks. Multiple times servers would stop right in front of us to complete a order - lights shining and heads in the way of the screen. We came from Denver where this type of theater is common without all the distractions. The Hippodrome has some work to do to up their game. read more

Let me start out by saying this is my first Yelp review and I really try to be supportive of local businesses. As people who frequent theaters with reclining seats/food, my husband and I were excited to try out the Hippodrome. PSA- Do not buy tickets for the top row/s of the new theaters. We could barely hear the previews (the sound of the leather chairs reclining was louder than the dialogue) so I politely asked a server if it could be turned up and she said "no one else has complained so no". There is barely any room between the edge of your seat and the bannister in front of you so if you recline your chair you have to move it back every single time someone in your row is delivered food or needs to get up. I had to put my chair up and down 4 times within the first 5 minutes of the movie. I've never walked out of a movie but I was only able to really watch about half of the first ten minutes and we could barely hear it so we decided to leave. We explained what happened and a manager offered to turn up the volume but at this point we had missed the beginning of the movie and I was pretty over having to move my chair and legs constantly. They wouldn't give us a refund ("We don't refund tickets after the movie has started") and wouldn't allow us to come back for a later showing of the same movie. The movie hadn't been on for more than 10 minutes and the title hadn't even been displayed on the screen! All that being said, the place has been redone and is very nice inside. I'm not sure if you have to move your chair for staff in all of the other rows, I would just avoid the top row. Also, the no refund policy really needs to be looked at. For over $10 a ticket it was a waste of a date night and very disappointing. read more

Well for the second weekend in a row, this has been disappointing. Today at brunch my wife ordered biscuits and gravy, and when it comes out it was cold. For a local this makes my wife want to choose somewhere else to have brunch. Our server Tyler had to be called by another table because we were being ignored. read more

There are very few settings that I would prefer watching a movie in than with a beer and some food. Well, I suppose the word "some" food isn't appropriate because the meals were huge! The setting is in this really cool old theater with giant tables in rows as the floor descends down to the screen. Now, this isn't a "Alamo Draft House" setting, so go ahead and put that out of your mind. It's more of a "movie viewing at youth camp" setting with much more alcohol, but trust me, it's worth it, and pretty great for Waco. The staff was quick and attentive. My only reason for the 4 stars instead of the 5 was the seating. The chairs weren't very comfortable and kind of make you really lose the feel of being in a theater. Nevertheless, I will be back soon! read more

Great for the Waco community and a highlight of the up and coming downtown Waco scene. The food is excellent and the draft beer is unique. I've never had an issue with the service. The restrooms are easy to get to and clean. The kids love it and so do my wife and I. read more

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 city's 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, 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 Valentine's 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 Torchy's Tacos because the Waco Hippodrome could not do it's job. Of course, at 7 PM on Valentine's 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, I'm sure it will be a great experience, but do not to go into it expecting things to run smoothly, because after our experience I can guarantee we'll never be back. read more

We had a wonderful event there. My guests were very pleased. Saturday afternoon with 27 guests. Kate our server was awesome! read more

Go to Dallas or Austin for you entertainment, this place has prices like that's where they are located. The service is always so unorganized and slow, we are disappointed every time we go. The fact that they don't have an option to leave a review or comments on their website or social media reflects their concern with customer satisfaction. read more

Just enjoyed brunch and then a movie at this classic 100+ year old facility that has had recent upgrades and remodel. Enjoyed the food. Seating in movie theatre is amazingly comfortable with recliner seats. Highly recommend. read more

I really want to love this place. Because I love Waco and support local business. Here's a review of two separate visits- The first, hubby and I visited the restaurant on a date night (rare occurrence with a newborn). It's a lovely building, however upstairs dining decor/ambiance is... Interesting. Tables could use some of those plain white table linens, decor and architecture wasn't cohesive, or...Something. I couldn't put my finger on it. Some tables overlook Austin Ave so that's a bonus. Food was awesome! That's what brought us back. Second visit - we wanted to see Tomorrowland really bad, so I planned another date night for hubby at the Hippodrome, a surprise for him. We were going to do dinner and a movie, a first for us. The website did not say anything about the kitchen being closed that day. It actually says that in theatre dining is available during all Saturday and Sunday showings. I paid $17 for 2 tickets (usually pay $5/ea at other theaters), yet we had to rush across the street to eat at another restaurant before the movie started because we were so hungry, and bummed that we weren't getting the dinner and movie experience, and weren't informed prior, and weren't offered a partial refund or anything. Then you sit in these upright restaurant chairs, at a table/counter meant for dining, not reclined comfortably next to your date... which would be great, IF we were eating. Throughout our movie we could hear another movie going on, too. :( Don't think we'll be back, sadly. read more

Waco Hippodrome Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Waco, Texas

No stars, one is way to generous. Worst restaurant in Waco. I keep vowing never to come back, but it's where my friend had her birthday get together only because she's friends with the dueling piano guys. The last time I visited was a year prior and nothing has changed. Service Awful! Food Awful! Word to the wise, if you absolutely have to come here, eat at a food truck and get your drinks at Muddle across the street. They don't care about your business and won't serve you. I only had one drink because they never came back. I ordered the steel magnolias which is their friend chicken finger plate with fries. After two hours, I got my food and it was cold as sh**. No silverware, no napkins, after asking multiple times. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE. I think they hire anyone off the street with no hospitality experience and throw them to the wolves and I t shows. I live downtown Waco and will Never Never give this place any more of my money. Just horrible!!! read more

Popcorn was nasty and sound was too low. We sat on the back row and could barely hear the dialogue. The air finally kicked on about an hour into the movie. We didn't order food from the menu, so I can't speak for anything cooked other than the disgusting popcorn. We won't be returning for a movie here, as much as I love the Hippodrome. read more

I really wanted to like this place. It's a great concept but they failed miserably in multiple ways. You clearly hear sound from other theaters and its wildly distracting. This is a combination of poor sound proofing and not playing the audio at a normal movie theater volume. It was simply too quiet. The chairs are just not comfortable at all after about ten minutes. The tables are cheap. The patrons are disrespectful and talk constantly. At one point a light came on inside the theater. It took two asks and 30 minutes to get a single glass of wine. Lots of frustrating and distracting events in general. They show about 47 commercials before the previews. I'm not talking about pre-roll before showtime. At the time the film is set to start they showed a series of terrible local commercials. If I wanted to watch commercials, I'd stay at home and watch TV. I'm writing this in hope these things will be improved by management. With just a few things, the experience could have easily been 5 stars. read more

We were visiting the Waco downtown area and heard about dueling pianos being at this location. Decided to check it out. Set up in their patio area - great atmosphere. Service was quick - beer was cold. We had their nachos and would recommend them. All the food being delivered looked and smelled good. Will visit again and hope to catch the piano performance again we really enjoyed it! Pricing well on target - beer $5 and under $8 for nachos. Inexpensive fun evening. read more

Waco Hippodrome Theatre - Dueling pianos! - Cinema Near Me - Waco, Texas

Won't come back here. My buddy ordered his food after waiting over 40 mins for someone to take his order.... his food finally got there with about 20-30 mins left in the movie. The excuse was the kitchen is 90 mins behind. And my 6$ root beer float was in a 20 oz foam cup... complete rip off. read more

Last night I went to see the Branson on the Brazos Christmas Concert at the Waco Hippodrome. While I was a student at Baylor, I visited the Hippodrome on a fairly frequent basis... Monday night Choice was a choice destination my first few years in Waco. The Hippodrome used to be one of the most beautiful places in Waco to have special events. The place has definitely seen better days and the wear and tear is starting to show. Especially the paint flaking off of the ceiling on the back half of the lower level. I also noticed that the sound system had a few crackles in the air and could probably use some tweaking. Waco has been working for years to revive the downtown area, but I think they should start with a few cans of paint and bring the Hippodrome back to the beautiful arena it once was. read more

Good vibes and good lookin food! Looking forward to try out their non-brunch food sometime! read more

Waco Hippodrome Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Waco, Texas

Last month my wife and I saw Carlos Mencia perform at the Hippodrome Theatre and had a great time. It was our first visit inside the theater although we see the sign outside whenever passing by on Austin Ave. It is an old theatre and only seats around 900. This makes for a great venue to see a show because it is not so huge. The sound and acoustics inside were adequate the night we visited. Our seats were in the balcony and overlooked the stage and we could see the performance very well. I'm looking forward to seeing other performances here in the future. read more

Waco Hippodrome Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Waco, Texas

Saw the new terminator movie here and it was good I don't so much like how seating went because it was like you were sitting at a cafeteria table but the seats were comfy but they don't lean back or anything just a standard table seat so sort of stiff. I liked how the ac was on but it got to the point where it was so cold in there that me and my husband were getting goosebumps.... If we had a hoodie or a blanket it'd be perfect lol I enjoyed the place I liked the vibe and the enterior was beautiful and staff was nice as well. We paid $4 for a drink and you can get free refills and that's pretty good considering you pay about $6 at other theaters. We didn't eat the food since we went at 12:30. Will most likely go back for sure :) read more

Waco Hippodrome Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Waco, Texas

Fun place!! Went to a performance of retro music by the likes of Buddy Holly, Elvis, and other. Had a great time with friends. Would definitely attend other events or movies here, or enjoy a drink at their bar. read more

Waco Hippodrome Theatre - the sign - Cinema Near Me - Waco, Texas

Raleigh restaurant review: This place is a hit and miss.Beautiful set up. The first time I visited was for brunch and everything was perfect. Fluffy French toast, well cooked pancakes and eggs Benedict. Last night was not horrible but the food runner brought out my salad with cheese and tomatoes which I asked to remove when ordering. No big deal so I picked around it. The server did replace the salad with a corrected one. The food runner forgot the gravy to the chicken fried steak. We had to ask for ketchup which was asked for while ordering. The problem here seems to be the lack of effort and detail put into the experience. read more

Stopped in for dinner tonight. First, let me see that I can only speak for the restaurant - I did not go see a movie. I got the American (bacon cheeseburger) with mac and cheese as my side. Just shy of $10 with tax before tip (water to drink). I was really impressed with both the food and the service. The restaurant is upstairs and got directions from a very friendly girl, and then got great service from my waiter Randy. The cheeseburger was really good - like, surprisingly good. The patty was very thick, obviously hand-formed / not frozen, and cooked excellently (a bit rare, which I like). the bun was absolutely awesome - not sure if I just lucked out, but perhaps my favorite burger bun in Waco. Am I gushing? Perhaps. The mac and cheese was really good as well - definitely above average, but I'll gush over it when they add bacon or lobster to it :) The ambiance is great - windows overlooking the city, the building itself is a well renovated oldie, and there is just something nice about eating off the ground floor (it's funny how rare that happens..think about it! McLane stadium does not count). All in all, a very pleasant experience and I would definitely recommend the restaurant for its food and atmosphere. I will note that a few of my friends have gone to see movies and commented the sound was not up to par - unfortunate, but if they pay as much attention to details on the theater as they do to most everything else, I imagine (hope!) that they will get a bomb speaker system in there ASAP. A Waco gem for sure! read more

Came in for finner as a suggestion of someone else. Food was good. I had a burger and Queso and Cheese, my husband had chili dogs with fritos and cheese on it wiyh fries. We both really liked it. What stsnds out more yhan the food is the atmosphere and the decor. Just to know the history of the building is amazing. We didnt see a movie...maybe next time. read more

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I enjoyed Urban Cowboy Tacos and window seating upstairs at the Waco Hippodrome at lunch today. I felt like I was on vacation! Brisket, Pickled Red Onion, Mustard Slaw and Cotija Cheese. Served with salsa and fresh made chips from Jesse's Tortilla Factory just minutes away! I dined by myself and became completely immersed in watching pedestrians and activity on the street below. The food was great and service, excellent today! read more

Waco Hippodrome Theatre - Great view of Austin Avenue below in downtown Waco. - Cinema Near Me - Waco, Texas

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Went for dinner and drinks around Christmas after hearing they had hired a new chef from Nashville. There was a group of 8 of us and we were all super impressed by the food and service. Our waitress was kind, attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu and food in general. The food was incredible. Very creative menu, everything seemed fresh, especially the fries, which were incredible. Definitely not taken out of a freezer and fried. The "hot chicken" tacos (a Nashville original) which included a house-made slaw and house-made pickles were incredible. The mac & cheese was delicious. The wings were big, juicy, and cooked perfectly. The only negative I could point out is the beer selection. They do have Stone IPA on tap, but other than that, standard light beers, not a ton of variety. Would like to see them add one or two local beers to the rotation. Great addition to the Waco food scene. Looking forward to going to a movie soon. Hopefully the audio issue people have mentioned has been figured out. read more

My family went to Hippodrome for dinner and a movie on my husband's birthday. I had the King Kong burger. It had a juicy flavorful patty with bacon, caramelized onions, tomato jam and a fried egg. So yummy and a great mingling of flavors and textures. What really set this burger apart though is the bun. It tasted homemade, sweet and a little chewy. It was the best burger bun I have had! The fries that came with it were battered, crisp on the outside and tender inside. My son had the pulled pork nachos and my husband had the Urban Cowboy street tacos. They both loved their food as well. We saw an indie film that wouldn't play at any other theatre in Waco. We loved the atmosphere, the movie, the food and the service. My son (14) said he wants to see all movies at the Hippodrome from now on! It was a great night out and very relaxing and fun. Highly recommend it for a family night or a date night. read more

Love love the venue! Unfortunately the night we were there they ran out of white wine and red wine and Michelob ultra. Not cool.

BRUNCH!!! Waco needs more places like this for brunch. I loved the menu and the atmosphere is so cute here. The restaurant is upstairs in the historic theatre that looks out on Austin Avenue Downtown. read more

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Great history - the architecture is stunning. The roof top bar has great appetizers and ice cold drinks. Great downtown view of many historic Waco buildings. Highly recommend a movie and roof top drinks. read more

Waco Hippodrome Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Waco, Texas

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My husband and I just had our first and LAST experience at #wacohippodrome. Seeing a film at the theater is all about the experience. Otherwise, you can just wait a couple months and watch the movie at home, right? We have been looking forward to seeing Avengers End Game and worked hard to avoid spoilers. We are new to town and were very excited to learn the film was playing at this luxury downtown theater. We prefer frequenting local businesses rather than large national chains, so having a locally run luxury theater seemed like win. The idea of having food and drinks served while you enjoy a film in a comfortable recliner sounded great in theory, but the Hippodrome failed miserably in execution. Five minutes into the film, a couple and their small child (maybe 2-3 years old) arrived and promptly engaged their call button for food service. The server arrived and took the couple's order on a brightly lit device. I don't care how low you whisper - talking and using a brightly lit device during a film is distracting. This is why customers are asked to put their phones away before a film. Unfortunately, the Hippodrome does not adhere to the same rules of courtesy, and I was unable to hear much of the movie dialogue while the server took the order. The child soon began squirming and fussing no more than 20 minutes later. I don't know any small child who can sit quietly through a 90 minute Disney film, much less through a 3 hour, loud PG-13 film with loud fight scenes and violence. We tolerated it for as long as we could, but when the child started squealing and walking around, the film was ruined for us. Who brings a small child to a PG-13 film with a 3 hour running time? And what's more, what theater would allow it and risk a poor theater experience for the rest of the customers? The sign of a good business is how they recover when things go wrong and I am always willing to give a business a chance if they make an earnest attempt to make things right. So on the way out, we stopped to request a refund. Surely, the management would want us to return for a better experience, right? WRONG? The Hippodrome failed again when they denied our request for a refund because that's their "policy". Pay close attention to that. It is their policy to take your money even if the experience you paid for is ruined. The only thing they offered was to speak to the young family but we had already missed a good portion of the film waiting for, and speaking with, the manager. The solution the manager offered not only was inadequate, but it was insulting to customers who entered the business in good faith. Their policy, unfortunately, not only lost them two customers. They lost of business of two customers who know how to use social media to share their experiences - both good and terrible. We will see eventually see the film - probably at home once it's released on DVD or streaming or at professionally run establishment. Oh, and did I mention we never got the popcorn we ordered? Never. Again. #3strikesandyoureout read more

Really neat place with a nice cozy feel. People there are friendly and the food is good. I would go back the next time I'm in Waco.

Just had the Some Like it Hot burger with jalapeños and jack cheese etc (check the menu), and it was fantastic. Great service at the bar as well. read more

If anyone has been to a studio movie grille or anything of that nature, you will be right at home here. Except he best part is the pricing is phenomenally cost competitive. In fact, it is less expensive for the similar fantastic service received. The staff and management care, I spoke to an upper management figure, Michael, and he is very fun and energetic and is all about a good experience. The screen is large, the sound could be louder but who likes a busted eardrum? I highly recommend a try of this theater over the AMC. It's great quality for a cheaper ticket price! What else could one want! The recliners are a must. They have a reward system as well. I will be a consistent patron. read more

The Raleigh was right next to our Airbnb and ate here twice during our 3 1/2 day stay in Waco. I recommend the Rocky and add queso and jalapeños. read more

My husband, two other friends of ours attended the Hippodrome last night for dinner and a movie. We watched American Snipper. Fantastic movie, amazing dinner. Beyond beautiful atmosphere, how the old movie reels were preserved and displayed. Highly impressed. A must see for yourself. With date night in mind and VDay just around the corner. The Hippodrome is absolutely a perfect way to spend that time with the one you love. Oh not to mention the menu with old movie titles as your description, I Had the God Father, which was a personal pizza. Amazing! :-) we will be back. Thank you Rebecca and Tonya for the tour and explaining the specials and the new events to come, can't wait to see the out door movies too. read more

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I have been to the restaurant on the second floor, the atmosphere was awesome. The food was awesome. But the new restaurant is nothing but a glorified diner. We had to wait quite awhile to be seated. It was loud not near enough seating. They tried to seat us outside at 5:00 in Texas in the summer, way to hot. The service was horrible three different people stopped and said I'll be right with you, 20 minutes before we our drink order was taken. Then the servers got into a dispute over who was our server. I don't think the customers should ever know that is going on. Despite the fact that there were 3 managers on duty, the service left a lot to be desired. Not the same dinning experience I have had before. Ditch that buffet and go back to serving people upstairs where they can have a really wonderful dinning experience before a concert. However, the food is wonderful and the servers who brought the food were great. I would give the food 5 stars but the service and atmosphere downstairs is very disappointing. Belinda read more

Perfect place for a Sunday chill! Visiting Waco for Baylor Homecoming and found this gem next door to my flat. Fantastic! They had exactly what this parched soul, in need of a libation craved - the perfect spirit! read more

Terrible service! I came in for brunch with my daughters. We were seated at a table and waited 15 minutes for anyone to come take our order. My food was brought out and 25 minutes later the food for my daughters arrived, by this time my food was cold and soggy. I used to Think this was the best place in Waco for brunch but now I would avoid it! read more

I enjoyed the service. I got the three amigos and it was ok but my friend got the Breakfast Club and she LOVEDD IT

Food, drinks, entertainment, company... So fun, so much history and you meet so many enthusiast! The great drinks and food is a cherry on top! read more