The Hippodrome Theater

So it’s been a super long time coming, but I just realized I never reviewed this place from long back when, AND there’s only a few reviews, so they could use it.
I still remember having so much fun here. It’s a classy way to enjoy appetizers, dinner, or drinks and do a little dancing minus the yucky bumping and grinding that takes place in a club scene. It’s definitely for those in the 30+ club.
It would make a lovely date night and I understand they rent the space for events as well. Beautiful interior. Enjoy!

I went to the Hipp for the inaugural RAW artists event and had a pretty good time. Fine art, dance, singing, music, fashion… and of course cocktails! The bartenders at the Hipp are nice and will happily fix your drink if they don’t make it to your liking (made my martini extra dirty when I wanted it extra dry). Fun drink list with martinis named after performing artists (Lena Horne, James Brown, Duke Ellington…).
Spacious, beautiful venue right on 2^nd Street in the heart of Jackson Ward.

I’ve been to two events at The Hippodrome. It’s such a unique space that is great for events and weddings. They have a stage and bar and lots of dinner seating. Navia G. described it best as an «elegant throwback to the Jazz age.»
The last time that I went we were ushered next door to the speakeasy venue for a reception prior to our event. This space was smaller than the theater with a piano and bar and lots of older décor that had been renovated. Both events that I’ve attended have had valet parking and coat check which has always been very convenient.

Perfect Experience!
My boyfriend made the mistake of telling me that one of the movies he always regretted not seeing in theater was Terminator two. He told me this when we were 28 and I spent the next two years looking for an affordable venue in richmond to make that happen. I called the bow tie, the byrd, and every other generic theater in town and they all took forever to get back to me and then said I would have to pay 1000 $, 800 $ 1500 $, 600 $, and at my current salary that is simply too much.
Then I attended the Kitchen confidential 2 talk at the hippodrome and instantly fell in love with the venue. I emailed them and within 24 hours they got back to me. I met with them a short time later and told them what I was looking to do and they shared my excitement about the event. We planned the date and time and they took care of the details.
It was amazing. I told my boyfriend that we were going to brunch. (that was an idea the event coordinator had) When we got there she told us that brunch in the main dining area had been booked for a party but that they would be happy to seat us next door. (all a part of the plot) When we went next door they had changed the marquee to say «The Hippodrome Welcomes Amanda and David for Terminator 2» when we got inside there was a cozy couch and two tables, popcorn, whatever we wanted to drink and they had the kitchen make us whatever we wanted on the menu! They also made us two custom tickets for the occasion. They also showed us the whole theater on a tour and showed us the old projection rooms and film reels. I don’t think I will ever forget that day. If I ever have an event in the future I will most assuredly use them again. It was great.

***Wedding Venue Review***
This place is beautiful. I knew I wanted to get married here as soon as I walked in. I was looking for a unique place to get married and have a reception and this multi-​room theater was it. It has a very Richmond-​feel to it, and it should with the historical roots that this building has. The recent renovation has made this theater an elegant throwback to the Jazz age.
Now that the planning is done and the big day has taken place, there’s a few things to consider.
My husband and I had a blast on our wedding day. Our guests had a blast on our wedding day. I probably would not have changed much about it. The food was amazing. The staff was pretty good at handling the demands of my wedding guests during the evening.
The problem is that working with my designated «coordinator» was a nightmare. It was one of the most stressful relationships I have ever had to maintain and I work in the hotel industry, so that’s saying something. In the execution of my vision for the big day A LOT of major details were ignored or not followed through. I’m not going to list all of them, but there were a lot and they were MAJOR details (*ahem* mid-​shelf vs top-​shelf liquor for the open bar). Everything related to customer service was completely lacking. I honestly was not sure if the person had developed a disdain for me personally or if they just had no idea how to be a coordinator.
Let me reiterate that I had a great time at my wedding (even though I had to go to the bar to get my glass of champagne for the champagne toast!), and so did my guests, but based on their failure to adhere to and implement basic details that were orally and contractually agreed upon I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this venue to anyone (they booked the groom’s waiting room for a dinner party even though they told us it was available to us?! When the groom and his men arrived they then tried to stick him in a small, stuffy room behind the stage!)

This is perhaps the best place to host an event. A fairly large dance floor/​seating area, balcony seating, bar, and a blinged-​out stage complete with high-​tech lights. Not sure what the cost is for renting such a stage, but I’ve got to hand it to the light and sound techs – they were professional and amazing. The servers were just as great as they zipped their way through swarms of people in order to replenish the buffet of food. Quite good – pasta, delicious meatballs, roasted veggies, and more. The place was clean and well-​kept as far as I could tell. Parking is valet or street (had no problem finding street parking).
All in all, I’d say try this place for your next theatric event.