The Phoenix Ballroom

Leslie Henry, owner, has the prettiest venue for weddings and parties in the greater Waco area! I always love when I am able to attend an event at the Phoenix Ballroom! Several years ago, when I worked at a local bridal shop, Georgio’s, all of my brides loved the beauty of the Phoenix and the service that Leslie had to offer. Thank you, Leslie, for making Waco more beautiful!

Like a Phoenix, this event space has risen from the ashes of downtown Waco (the current Unilocal address is incorrect) and from the literal ashes of this once substantially burned industrial building, which at one time served as a manufacturing facility for the tents and tarps used in the World Wars. Layers of paint and ash were painstakingly removed, revealing the original brick and hard wood floors, but just enough char remains to give the space character and a story. This post-​industrial space is fittingly Texas but just bohemian enough to be cool. The interior includes a large fireplace (irony?), exposed deep red brick, darkly stained floors and columns, and wrought iron light fixtures. The columns, while adding character, don’t allow for an uninterrupted line of sight or dance floor, though the hardwood floors throughout make this less of an issue. The exposed high ceilings have a counterbalancing effect, opening the space up, and of course they contribute to the ambiance.

Ballroom seats up to 450 banquet style and 630 auditorium style.
I attended a wedding reception here last weekend that was exquisite! From the perfectly finished hardwood floors, columns, and ceilings, to the gigantic fireplace with gas logs, to the spacious parking, this is hands-​down one of the best venues I have seen.