The Hideout Theatre Reviews

I visited Hideout for the first time this past Friday, and unfortunately, this visit will be my last. I walked up to the counter, where a barista was engaged in a conversation with another customer. I waited for that customer to leave, or at the very least, for the barista to acknowledge the fact that I was in line. The customer moved off to the side, and instead of acknowledging me, the barista continued her conversation with the customer. She glanced in my direction a couple of times, but never said anything to me. There was no greeting, welcome, or acknowledgment of the fact that she was keeping me waiting. She just continued to talk to the previous customer. I hate to reduce it to couples' therapy terms, but I felt disrespected, and that my Hideout wasn't interested in my patronage. Even though I am a loyal customer of Starbucks, I enjoy supporting local coffeehouses, and Hideout definitely had my interest. I was on my way to the Starbucks across the street when I noticed it. I doubled back to try it out, so again, her inability to deliver good service is particularly insulting. I left Hideout and made a beeline for Starbucks, where I am guaranteed good, friendly service nearly every time I visit. As far as I'm concerned, Starbucks may be a large, faceless corporation that charges a million dollars for a cup of coffee, but at least its baristas treat their customers well. Hideout failed at that spectacularly, and as this was my first visit, I'm not likely to return, nor recommend it to my friends, colleagues, blog visitors, or social media network.

Small Austin improv spot. It's affordable, fun, and great date night entertainment.

Cozy little theatre on top of a coffee shop. We saw Boy Howdy; an Improv troup doing a show based on 1960s TV Westerns. Pretty good team.

I took classes here and love this place. So many talented people are at this place and put on delightful shows that bring not just humor, but all kinds of emotion out. It's also an amazing community. I no longer live in Austin, but made lifelong friends because of The Hideout.

Nice small intimate theater. Seats aren't the most comfortable.

Great place! Saw a comedy show here and would very highly recommend it!

The Hideout never disappoints! They have the best variety of Improv, and there's always something cool happening there!

Fun little local theater and cafe. Fun place to hang out.

Most of the time, you can get a pretty decent latte here. However, even though it's close to my work, I don't normally come here because it's just okay. That said, I've been for one of their improv shows and it was a great time.

Never a dull moment here. Location is fantastic off Congress. They always have talent and good seats. What more can one ask for?

Very nice staff. Great use of space with the cafe up front and 2 theaters that you don't have to pay attention to if you're not there for a show. Probably the only "artsy" spot to get a good coffee in downtown proper.

Didn't see a show here, just stopped for coffee, but it's a really nice selection of coffee, and a friendly place. Did have a nice Nutella hey Street

Amazing coffee shop with nice local beer selection. Great theater. A little cramped but well worth it. Ushers allowed drinks in theater so you can take your beer or coffee with you to the show. Also has decent wine selection and small bites

Fab vibes, good jams and delish dirty chai with OAT magic

Four star for the hippie being mean to me because I was dressed in a suit. I get it, damn the man and all, but still I'm not a mean person just wanted a drink with no friction. I love the hideout because it has a great vibe, my sister used to play there and it's just a great piece of Austin. If the manager writes me back and tells me they addressed the mean hippie problem I'll bump it to 5 stars. No I'm not a hippie hater, I just like saying the word :) So of my closest friends are hippies - ;)

Just had iced nitro coffee, which was delish on a 92 degree day! Nice atmosphere for a coffee chat, and very friendly barista guy. I'm putting a star on my map!

They are one of the places I bring my guests over to Everytime someone wants and Austin Tour. Shows are great coffee even better. Flip the words and it'd still be true :)

Great atmosphere! Nice respite when you've been walking the streets of Austin for hours. The food is good, there are outlets for charging and wifi. The performance venue in the back is nice for concerts (photos from SXSW) but is primarily for improv comedy I believe

Great amateur theatre with local actors. They also have classes to teach you to do improv.

Fun staff and quirk menu items. Lost one star because the vegan faire is limited. Otherwise, cool hot spot for sipping and socializing.

Really an Austin treasure. And so intimate. You really do feel like you've found a secret hideout when you step in because all you get at first is coffee shop, but travel to the back and you get a taste of really great improv comedy. All the shows I've been to have been really interactive. Austin's comedy scene has been hit and miss for me but I know every time I go to the Hideout I'll have a good time. Plus, the coffee outside is good. Definite win-win.

Amazing Improvised Theater and they teach Improv classes too!

Been here a few times and have had great experiences everytime! Different improv or comedy groups come through and inexpensive entertainment! It's awesome!

The cafe has a very nice vibe, plenty of drink and food choices. The theatre has many, fun improv classes and shows to attend.

Fun concept of cafe and theater. The improv was hilarious and super affordable.

Very cool atmosphere. I saw the Free Fringe show on Thursday night. Both sets were performed by high caliber players. I will go back next time I'm in Austin.

Very good and very great. His theaters are also very great and different. Be sure to come here.
Very good and excellent theaters are both great and different. Let's get here

Hilarious cast. Great atmosphere. Accommodating staff. I'd definitely recommend seeing their Maestro show. The comedy is relatable to all people.

Service and atmosphere is great, do you ever feel like people just like certain places because it's "local"? The coffee is ok; needs some revamping.

Good shows and people. Excellent way to spend an evening.

I ve been coming here for about a year now and this is THE place to be for anything improv related. They have shows, which are ALL improvised. (no line memorizing or stuff like that)They even have classes for kids with autism (like me). It s great to work with people who are actually nice, and have something in common with me, and I have many good friends here. Service is good, and food is great. Overall, I recommend this place to anybody who is interested in improv or anything theatre related!

Small and intimate atmosphere and the show was so interesting and funny!

Very intimate and personal theatre. Great place to have lots of laughs with friends!

Love this place! A little small so be sure to buy tickets in advance. Everyone is wonderful, coffee and drinks are great!

I really love this place. I have been here 5 times now within the past 3 weeks since I've been here in Austin. You have to visit this place. The food is great ! The lady at the front is very nice ! She's got great customer service !

First improv comedy show I ve ever been to and it did not disappoint. $15 for our ticket and we bought it the day of for the Maestro show at 10pm. Started a bit late so we didn t get out til 11:50pm.

So funny and love how the audience votes for sketches.

Tacos are dope. Plus Jimmy Cliff rocking, cant beat that.

Great venue and coffee shop, bathrooms could use some love.

The Maestro show is great! I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy live improv but it's a really fun, unique experience. I go all the time now!

Super cute coffee shop in the center of downtown near the capital. Great ambience and nice friendly staff. Coffee is okay, delicious pastries! Would totally go back to get some work done.

Saw three improv groups. Pretty entertaining in a cozy little venue.

Great coffee in an awesome space with good ambience and service

What you need to know is that this place is a well-oiled machine...Everyone works their rear-ends off to ensure the performers, staff, and service are top notch. Do yourself a favor and come see as many shows as possible...Also make sure to leave a generous tip for the Baristas!

Absolutely loved the valentine's day show. First time going, great drinks (intermission gives you discounts off draft beers). Very talented and friendly performers. Most likely going again, definitely signing up for their improve class.

The Hideout is a great cafe which is fronts for great live theatre (of the comical nature). Both recommended!

I went w/a date to the Big Bash 8pm Friday night improv show and we both enjoyed ourselves.

However, while each little skit was mostly funny and when the cast incorporated the lines the audience wrote into the final skits, it was funnier often than not; both my date and I were kind of surprised and baffled at how off the cuff and almost disorganized the show was, especially for the $15 price tag.

Having been involved in the improv scene in Indpls and seen a few shows around Austin at much cheaper ticket prices, I was kind of sitting there expecting a bit more giggle for my buck. The improvisers were good, but they often broke character, cracked up at their own jokes and I just felt like I was more watching a graduating improv class than a $15 improv comedy troupe.

I will say, that the keyboardist (his name escapes me at the moment), was the BEST part of the show! Seriously, this guy's musical prowess was just amazing! His musical improv skills were just incredible and he definitely made the show! Anyone who can play a bossanova rendition of "Silent Night" on the fly deserves made crazy props!

The improv theatres in the back are an awesome experience, varied and funny, always something fresh & talented... Excellent food, mostly quality snacks, not expensive, and beer or wine to take back into theater with you...

Small and intimate venue tucked into a coffee shop.

Always fun going to the theatre. We saw The improv version of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol..... with a twist. It was entertaining. Wish we could have seen other nights to compare the stories they came up with

Top quality entertainment you won't be disappointed

Went to see the Star Trek Improv "Make It So" and it was FANTASTIC. The theater and actor group are amazing and the food and beverage selection is wonderful. 10/10

Great improv shows almost every day of the week. They also do improv classes and corporate improv team building events, so the Hideout is really an all around improv hub.

The attached coffee shop is decent, but not great. You're here for the improv, not the coffee.

Truly an Austin institution. Check their website for a list of shows and catch one while you're in town. If you like to laugh, you'll have a great time!

Fantastic time watching the improv classes perform, now I want to take a class!!!!

This niche little coffee shop was a unique experience. It was not my ideal coffee house, but others may enjoy the ambience. The place was incredibly quiet, despite having a few people inside. Honestly reminded me of a library. I assume great if you want to read a book or work in peace.

What I wasn't exactly impressed with was the staff member who seemed rather uninviting. I don't expect everyone to be jovial, but I expect them to look at you and respond politely to questions. I felt as though I was being a burden by ordering a coffee, which made my experience uncomfortable.

My coffee was better than average, but not the best coffee I've had. It's definitely an acceptable cup of coffee for a quick stop in.

If the staff member was more polite and courteous to my ignorance of the options I'd probably say this place is a solid 4-star. I realize I may have just had an unlucky experience.

I also went into the The Hideout Theatre with a broken gear-shifting cable and a popped tire tube. But my experience was far sexier.