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 wasnt exactly impressed with was the staff member who seemed rather uninviting. I dont 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 Ive had. Its 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 Id probably say this place is a solid 4-star. I realize I may have just had an unlucky experience.

I came here for my moms improv play, And of course was skeptical. I had an amazing time and was very impressed by all of the actors. These are definitely professionals!

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.

Didnt see a show here, just stopped for coffee, but its a really nice selection of coffee, and a friendly place. Did have a nice Nutella hey Street

Great artsy coffee bar with a good espresso. Offers breakfast and quick bites.

Being an international Grad student, American improv shows are quite an entertainment for me. Ive grown up watching classics like Whose Line Is It Anyway, and have always wanted to experience this at least once. The hosts were amazing, and the team made my day. Highly recommended if youre looking for some fun!

Great atmosphere! Nice respite when youve 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

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.

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. Its also an amazing community. I no longer live in Austin, but made lifelong friends because of The Hideout.

Amazing venue, really fun and entertaining. The coffee area is nice with great staff. A really fun night!

The Hideout Theatre is truly an amazing space.I started my improv journey here, as an awkward introvert, in an effort to improve my own confidence and to make myself more interesting and outgoing.After a year and a half, I think I accomplished my goal. What I did not expect, however, was the number of astounding people I met and got close to along the way. I have never felt so much part of such a large community of equals. Even though we all came from different places and have different skills, there was never a question we all had each others back 100% in class and on stage. Even though I have not been through here in years at this point, I still think back to my wonderful time learning and growing with this group of people. Thank you to the wonderful organizers behind this space. You make it all possible.Best regards,Alex

A fun venue full of laughs, great coffee and eats.

Fun time New Years Eve -- Great Place! And the coffee bar is equally good!

Comfy place for local coffee. Didn’t have the food but it looked good

So I went to their double date tribute, Ill take the physical challenge and I cant tell you how much fun it was. Everybody did a great job and I would recommend at least one show. Personally next chance to go back I will. Coffee shop there has a great selection and those working the shop are very nice and helpful. You owe it to your self to experience a show there. Their hard work shows in their performance

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 itd still be true :)

We were spending the weekend in Austin and looking for something to do with our two teen boys (who happen to have advanced senses of humor). I was happy to find this place, because it didn’t have a minimum age (although the nighttime shows are supposed to be PG-13 and you should use your discretion...my kids can definitely handle it). Anyway, we saw Maestro, the competitive improv show. It was so much fun and hilarious! The theatre is super small, which made for an amazing night and lots of audience involvement. Highly, highly recommend!!!!

The Hideout is a fabulous theater/ coffee house complex. Both theaters are cozy and the quality of the work is excellent. The coffee is great and the ambience in the coffee house is relaxed and casual. Would definitely visit again on my next trip to Austin.

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

Love this coffee shop. I used to go here all the time. Great place to drop in grab a coffee and open up a book. . . The theatre is good too. Ive seen a show or two there.

Great coffee. Great service. Great improv. Lots of history here. Used to love going for the poetry nights. Something thats really important for coffee lovers: they dont have over-roasted coffee beans or burned coffee, which Starbucks struggles with as well as some other Austin coffee ships.

Absolutely loved the valentines 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.

I came here just before the holidays with friends. I hadnt laughed as hard since. The nitro coffee was also INCREDIBLE. This place is a serious contender. Check it out for sure.

Never before have I ever been treated so appallingly rude by service staff in my entire life; it is days later and I am still in shock about it. I am usually a positive, forgiving person, but I cant let this experience go without at least saying something so it saves other innocent patrons from the same wrath! The young male behind the food/drink counter was not only short/rude/aggressive/cranky/angry toward me during my two drink orders, he was also that way with others in my party who arrived before/after me and ordered at the counter entirely separately (so it wasnt just me who seemed to rouse the inner demon in this guy). I have been to this theatre for improv a few times before and while the service staff hasnt been the greatest, this particular Saturday night has left a lasting impression on me to the point where I may never ever go back. Truly awful experience and it set a negative tone for that whole theatre experience, basically ruining half my night.

Going to these improv shows has become a date night ritual.The Big Bash is hilarious and very high energy.The coffee shop is quaint and is a niche oasis from the constant festivals and happenings of downtown.Also, it must be noted that the Pumpkin Pie Latte come fall is the best thing on the planet.

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

Do you like laughing? I do too! A great place for live entertainment that is something different from the norm. It is made up on the spot. Keep up the good work Hideout!

I went into the The Hideout Theatre with a broken gear-shifting cable and a popped tire tube. It was 6PM on a Thursday evening, one hour before they were about to close. Immediately, they went to work on the bike and had it fixed within 20 minutes for less than $30. Very high quality bike service offered by friendly, informative and helpful staff. Would definitely recommend this place!

Small theatre with great performance troops! Highly recommend for a nice night out.

Every show I have seen there has been amazing, 5/5! Staff is super friendly, performers are outstanding, and the vibe is chill (unless the story on stage calls for it)

One of my favorite spots downtown. It has great drinks and snacks and a wonderful atmosphere that I enjoy for working or relaxing. Definitely worth stopping in!

Dropped in upon a last minute suggestion from a friend. I was fearful this would be cringe-worthy but all the participants in the improv were hilarious and one woman even did an 8 character skit solo! Suggestions from the audience keep things spontaneous and the hosts did an excellent job of keeping things moving. Step out during intermission for great bites and drinks! Heard the 20th anniversary is coming up! I can see how this gem has been successful for so long :)

Great drinks and coffee, the improv shows that they host are so much fun. Theyre interactive with the audience and very dynamic. I come here every time im in Austin (3-5 time a year) and its always a great time. 11/10 recommend!

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 Im in Austin.

Really an Austin treasure. And so intimate. You really do feel like youve 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 Ive been to have been really interactive. Austins comedy scene has been hit and miss for me but I know every time I go to the Hideout Ill have a good time. Plus, the coffee outside is good. Definite win-win.

Place is awesome! Everyone is nice and the shows are hilarious. Grab some food and coffee before your show.

Fun spot for improv comedy. Its on Congress, so its near great restaurants, hotels and 6th Street. Comedians were hilarious.

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

We went here tonight, my man and I to check out their improv competition, and it was hilarious! Im taking improv classes, so I wanted to check out the real thing in person, and it was so fun!

Nice coffee shop. Part of my order was forgotten and I had to remind someone to get it, but otherwise the staff was pretty cool. I love the idea of the theater upstairs and will likely come back for some improv.

This is a nice small theater for intimate shows and a good place to experiment if youre looking to put on a show. the lobby is actually a really nice coffee shop which is just added bonus to the ambience and the coffee (or tea) is pretty good. would definitely recommend it for both the coffee and the shows.

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

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!

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

Always entertaining! They make the audience feel like a part of the troupe. The comedy flows effortlessly. There’s always a something happening here.

I went to the comedy show, and it was great. I got a raspberry latte and my husband got a beer. The latte was amazing and the improv show was really fun. I will be back!

Great shows and tasty chai and bread! Never disappoints

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 Im 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 its just a great piece of Austin. If the manager writes me back and tells me they addressed the mean hippie problem Ill bump it to 5 stars. No Im not a hippie hater, I just like saying the word :) So of my closest friends are hippies - ;)

I came here to see a friends show this last weekend. Unique setting with a bar/restaurant on the first floor and theater upstairs. The show was good - small room so make sure to buy tickets on line ahead of time or else theres a good chance itll sell out! We parked on the street about 4 - 5 blocks away and walked over. We didnt try the food, but it looked good and the little coffee shop looked like a place Id love to come do some work, chat with a friend, etc.

Its an amazing experience you need to see it for yourself.

Nice downtown coffee shop with two stages for comedy and improvisation shows so a real community asset.Upstairs theatre feels like a fire trap however.

We went to see a kids improv show. My kids loved it and want to go back again soon.

We went to see the Improv show on a Sunday night. Easily the best $5 we spent while in Austin. Hilarious performers, just wish I lived here so I could get involved with the group!

Nice concept: libations and coffee in front; theatre in back

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

Fantastic place - they offer coffee, shows and classes, and its run by a great group of local performers, AND its right downtown to boot. Absolutely give it try - they have classes starting every month and show Thurs - Sunday at all hours. Great date night idea and a fun gift. Love it!

The Hideout Theatre, like its name insinuates, is hidden above the Hideout Coffeehouse on Congress. Before they open the doors to the theater (which is very small and intimate, no more then four rows deep) guests can gather downstairs and enjoy a cup of jo or danish. The Hideout is well know for their themed nights. I went for a Woody Allen inspired evening, which was hilarious! Post show the actors join the crowd downstairs, which makes the experience much more personal.

I LOVE their cold-brew. Very good, theyve got breakfast tacos (from Torchies I think!) every weekday morning. Really good pastries, excellent coffee, good people, and an excellent place to sit and enjoy.

The Hideout Theatre provides an excellent education in improvised theatre for anyone interested in taking classes. I cant recommend taking one of their free classes highly enough, and then I bet youll be hooked and want to sign up for all the classes, like I did. :)For anyone looking to attend performances, they also put on 11+ improvised plays/shows per week, and the shows are wildly different from one another but are all top notch. The theatre and coffee house are all one place, so you can get a hot slice of pizza or a gluten-free cookie, and a mocha or a glass of Merlot, and you can bring it all into the theatre with you to eat and drink while enjoying a night of live local theatre.They even do corporate training and teambuilding. They came to my workplace, and everyone who got to work with them loved it and wouldnt stop telling me how much they enjoyed it and how much it helped them more effectively connect to their teammates and clients.10/10 would recommend!

Went for the Game of Thrones improv night and had a blast. Ive never seen the show but it made me want to go start watching. Great place to get a few beers.

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

What a wonderful coffee house. Love the atmosphere and loved the improv even more. Have been to several shows here and have enjoyed all of them. Of course some shows are better than others, but that’s the nature of improv. All in all, would definitely recommend

This was my first time ever to go to a comedy show and I loved it! I liked the fact I could get a coffee and snack and take it to the theatre upstairs. The only recommendation is to get there a little early to have good seats. My friends and I were split because we were right on time.

Incredible place for live comedy and theater. Its absolutely worth a visit if youre new in town or just visiting (and especially if you live here!)

The theatre is a good place to watch upcoming improv artists. Its an old rustic theatre which can hold up to 50 people and its fun to spend a early Saturday evening.

Great cast, great show. Seats fill fast though, so purchase tickets ahead of time. Well worth the price of admission.

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

I absolutely enjoyed the kindness of strangers. It was really unique and well done given the nature of improvised acting. I will definitely visit again when in Austin.

Most of the time, you can get a pretty decent latte here. However, even though its close to my work, I dont normally come here because its just okay. That said, Ive been for one of their improv shows and it was a great time.

This is our #1 favorite spot for entertainment (and coffee!) in all of Austin. They have 11 completely different improv shows every week, and their lengthier shows are professional top-notch productions that rival the very best scripted stage shows that you have ever seen... yet The Hideout’s shows are entirely made up on the spot!! They also offer comprehensive improv classes, so you can get up onstage and perform this amazing art form yourself!!

The Maestro show is great! I wasnt sure if Id enjoy live improv but its a really fun, unique experience. I go all the time now!

Went for improv upstairs. I cant wait to go back for some coffee. It reminds me of the coffee shops I used to go to 10 years ago. In a GREAT way.

We had so much fun!!! Support the local arts and go see this show!! We left the house at the crack of dawn and drove in from Houston to see this show and it was totally worth it!! I took my kids to see the Mission Kids Possible improv show on Sunday morning and we all loved it! I called ahead because one of my children is visually impaired, and Jessica let us arrive early so he could feel the layout of the stage. Of course, none of my kids participated, but they were glued to the action on stage. It was hilarious and clever allowing the kids to join in on the fun. I cant thank the crew enough for accommodating my family and putting on a great show! Go see the improv at Hideout Theater!!

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. 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! 😀

I was at the show upstairs. It was truly one of the worse shows that I have ever been too. I hope the one downstairs was good.

Ive been here for a few improv shows, and it is in a great location.To top it off, they also have a coffee bar on the way in.The coffee bar has a wide selection of espresso drinks and snacks (breads, croissants, and anything with +butter and +cream).Good for a first or second date.No pressure, right? Its just coffee :)

The Hideout has changed my life. If it were not for the Hideout community and staff, I dont think Id have a single friend in Austin, TX! I began taking classes at the Hideout Theatre in 2015 and loved every single minute of it. The Hideout has a variety of shows throughout the week for all ages and various tastes. The coffee is great, free wifi, and the employees are precious! Great place to do work or study or try something new like an improv class!

One of the best improv theaters in Austin! Wish they had one like this in every big city. Pretty much always get a good laugh every time I go.

Went to this place after the Beto Rally. The food was ok, the Mexican coffee was super spicy which made the drink undrinkable. The place is cozy.

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

The Hideout is Austins largest improv comedy theater and its oldest coffee shop. Its friendly, unassuming, and full of internationally talented improvisers. Would recommend to anyone!

Enjoyed a great show by PGraph at the Hideout Theatre. The price for the improv show was super reasonable and I had a great laugh. Will definitely return next time Im in Austin.

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

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

I went into The Hideout Theatre hoping to get deeper insight and instruction on the proper use of the Queens English. Or, wait, is that propre? As you can see, I came away empty-handed in that regard. NEVERTHELESS! The coffee recommended to me by the svelte barista was excellent.It was so good that my gear-shifting cable broke and my tire tube popped upon consumption. And though my physical therapist says I have months of grueling sessions, I have no regrets. The oat milk mocha will sustain me.

Fantastic improv theater in Austin. Also has a great coffee shop attached to it.

Such a cool venue, fun improv events, Ill be back soon.

Great coffee in an awesome space with good ambience and service

This is my go to spot to chill and relax, the coffee is phenomenal but they also have a good selection of beer and wine. Great atmosphere!

It was ok. Made my guest laugh but it was ok for me. The atmosphere is definitely Austin. Keep it weird.

I had an awesome time at the Big Bash show. Very funny throughout. I cant wait to come back.

Best coffee shop food downtown. Friendly staff, warm atmosphere, great lattes. Fun theatre i.prov for kids!

Love, love, love this place! I really enjoy improv comedy and have not been disappointed with the Hideout. Its fairly inexpensive and always hilarious. The coffee at the cafe is also great. Its on the smaller side and the comedians are able to truly connect with the audience. I highly recommend coming if you like improv at all. So worth it!

So creative and fun. Great food too.

Great first date spot. Have a small bite to eat, coffee, dessert or grab a drink before a show. The Thursday threefer is a great deal!

This place has some of the funniest improv Ive ever seen, and they have such a wide variety of shows and styles for every possible audience member. I would 100% recommend checking out any of their shows.

The coffee here is amazing and there is usually some sort of live something or other happening. The art work on the walls is usually pretty entertaining also.

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

I give performers credit since improv is incredibly hard. I just didnt think it was very funny, also main course skit kinda dragged on and on. Would pay more and come often if I enjoyed it more.

If you want feminists and social justice warriors to ruin comedy for you, you will feel right at home at The Hideout. In fact, the entire time you are here, you will feel like you are in a BuzzFeed video.At The Hideout, accents arent allowed because they are racist. Hillary Clinton jokes arent allowed (but Trump jokes are) because they are sexist. And apparently, any scene in which a woman plays a feminine role is also sexist.At The Hideout, everything is offensive; and upper management (Andy Crouch, the director of the education program) has made it a top priority to make their instructors abruptly intervene in your scenes to tell you that something is offensive. You might not learn much of improvisation here, but youll definitely get a lesson in Social Justice 101 from woke SJWs.Many other students and interns I knew during my time here had brought up these things in our conversations which is why I thought this review was long overdue. As embarrassing as this school is, I really feel sorry for the people who run this place. I often wonder how they handle life outside in the real world.Note to potential students: keep in mind that these other reviews are for their shows, not their classes. Do not let the high ratings fool you about the quality of the classes. There are plenty of other options in Austin. Save your $250.