The Brasserie

Our experience started off bad. Waited at the bar upstairs (outside). The bartender said he would be right with us. The 4-6 other people walked up to the bar and he decided to serve them instead. Even though we were there 1st and just got acknowledged. We decided to leave, as we were walking to leave the hotel we saw the bar was open downstairs. I convinced my wife to give it a shot. Immediately Laura greeted us and took our order(with a big smile). We told her about our experience and she said she would take care of us. Kaz the other bartenders was just as good as Laura was. We had a great time and chatted while we had our drinks and food. Jonny came over and heard about our issue and took care of our food . We didn’t ask or expect that. These 3 employees were great and saved a bad experience and turned it into a great one. Keep it up

This Smashburger was what started my recent Smashburger craze! Since I can’t get down to Waco very often, I’ve been on the hunt locally for a Smashburger as good as this one. We had stopped by Hotel 1928 to take a look at the gorgeous hotel but were tempted by the smells of the food. We ordered the pimento cheese appetizer with the warm crackers that was a special treat. It was my first time ordering it, and I loved it. That Smashburger is insane though. I swapped out the fries for the crispy sweet potatoes. I didn’t get a picture, but we did love the cast-iron mac & cheese. I’m normally not big on Mac but this one was very good. Def would go back when I’m in the area.

We chose this restaurant as the final stop of my wife’s birthday weekend, with high expectations driven by the hotel, the hype, and what we’d seen on TV. We drove in from out of town and made reservations specifically to make this a memorable experience. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the expectations or the price. My wife’s steak had to be sent back three times to get it right (The first time it was ice cold when brought to the table) and still lacked flavor. She never adds salt to her steak, but this one needed it. That was disappointing, especially for a signature entrée. On a positive note, the biscuits served as an appetizer were phenomenal — easily the highlight of the meal. Our waitress was somewhat engaged, but midway through our visit she was given a large party, which noticeably reduced her availability. The manager did step in and made the situation right, which we appreciated. The overall atmosphere was exactly as it appears on TV, but the energy from the staff felt off. Only a couple of employees were smiling, and most didn’t seem particularly happy to be there, which affected the overall experience. Parking was another major challenge. On a 30-degree evening, the lack of options beyond valet made it frustrating. More parking choices would go a long way toward improving the guest experience. While the setting and presentation matched the hype, the food was subpar for the price and the experience fell short of what we hoped would be a special birthday memory. I would recommend going here for the coffee, breakfast pastries (in the hotel), restaurant buttermilk biscuits and then eating dinner at MagnoliaTable. Based on this visit, it’s hard to recommend this restaurant.

Believe all the bad reviews about bad service lol we come in are seated, my server goes would you like to drink something other than water? I go I would like a latte, but I don't see it on your menu, could I get a cafe menu with the options. She proceeds to go we don't have that, okay that's fine can you tell me what lattes you have. Barely can list the milks available or syrups available. Alrite that's fine. Order my daughter a kids meal, did not bring me the toast or ask me what toast I want I have to ask for it and she then proceeds to not even know if it comes with it and has to go ask. Then moves at an alarmingly slow speed, which by the way barely checks on us. The final straw was that u ordered a cinnamon roll and noticed on my bill it was 7 dollars when the menu is 5. If I didn't notice I would have been charged two dollars extra which like okay two bucks but it's flipping annoying especially after everything else. Anyway, food was good, place was nice, service sucked and I never tip bad but I was upset.

First of all, the place is beautiful and spacious. Very well appointed- slightly Parisian appearance.... Menu also slightly aligned with a French Brasserie - with a Texas twist. Jhoana - our waitress - was attentive and knowledgeable and helped us navigate the menu. Food came out quickly - and did not disappoint. When in Waco - or even when passing Waco - this is a welcome diversion worth the visit.