History
The Hippodrome Theater is located in Historic Jackson Ward; which became known as the “Harlem of the South,” a reference to its Black heritage, culture and it’s musical tradition. In its heyday the likes of Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington performed at the Hippodrome.
Jackson Ward, is a recognized National Historical Landmark in the City of Richmond was home to many Black owned businesses, banks, insurance companies and was referred to as the “Black Wall Street”. The Hippodrome Theater and the Taylor Mansion are the centerpiece of the latest project to return this area to its legendary prominence. This historic neighborhood was the center of African American commerce and entertainment from the late 1800’s to the late 1960’s.
Second Street, known as “The Deuce”, was a bustling hot spot of performance venues where the Hippodrome Theater still stands today. Originally built in 1913 as a vaudeville stage and movie theater, The Hippodrome became a celebrated musical locale attracting such legendary greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, B.B. King, and Cab Calloway – just to name a few. Film being quite flammable, the 1913 building burnt down in the 1930’s and the current building was constructed on the same site in the late 1930’s to early 1940’s.
Jackson Ward was home to many influential people, including Maggie Walker, the first woman to charter and serve as president of a bank.
The first bank chartered by African Americans was located in Jackson Ward at 105 W. Jackson Street. The True Reformers Bank was chartered in 1888 by the Rev. William Washington Brown and the Rev. William Lee Taylor, who was president of The United Order of True Reformers.
Taylor’s private home, adjacent to the Hippodrome, built in 1907 by renowned Black architect John Lankford, has now been beautifully revitalized into the The “Speakeasy Grill” restaurant, specializing in Southeastern Cuisine, and the “Speakeasy Venue” hosting events up to 200.
The Speakeasy name is in reference to the mansions being used as a “nip joint” or speakeasy during the Prohibition era in America from the 1920’s to the 1930’s when alcohol consumption was illegal.
The Hippodrome Theater has been beautifully restored with meticulous attention to detail. This is now truly a one-of-a-kind event venue and entertainment mecca for all types of events.
FAQs
• Where are you located?
We are located at 526-528 North 2nd Street, between Clay and Leigh Streets.
• What are the hours of operation?
The Speakeasy Grill is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we are open for Lunch from 11:30am-2:00pm and Dinner from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Saturday we are open for Dinner from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Sundays we are open for Brunch from 11:00am-3:00pm.
• How do I find out about events being held at The Speakeasy Lounge or The Hippodrome Theater?
Events being held in The Speakeasy Lounge and The Hippodrome Theater may be viewed by looking at our events calendar here.
What is the dress code?
Business Casual. No hats, bandanas, work boots, or ripped jeans please.
• Where do I park?
Street parking is available (two hour limit until 4:00pm), in addition to Public Parking Lots, which account for over 5,000 spaces within a 2 block radius.
• Can you accommodate for large parties at The Speakeasy Grill?
Yes. For parties of 10 or more, we request a credit card number upon making the reservation. If a change or cancellation is made within 24 hours in advance, no charge will be applied to the card on file. However, if no prior notice is given, a $20 charge will be placed on the credit card at the end of the night for every person in your party that does not show up.
• Is handicap access available?
The Hippodrome Theater is handicap accessible. In order to access the The Speakeasy Grill or The Speakeasy Lounge, please notify the hostess or manager on duty upon arrival or by calling (804) 308-2913. Those patrons who may be handicapped will enter through the first floor of the Hippodrome Theater where the handicapped lift is located.
• How do I book a private event?
Private events may be booked by contacting our event coordinator at (804) 308-2913 or by filling out our Private Event Inquiry Form.
If you have any further inquiries please do not hesitate to give us a call!
(804) 308-2913
Parking Options
The following is a map and list of nearby parking lots near the Hippodrome Theater and The Speakeasy Grill. The Hippodrome and The Greater Richmond Convention Center are surrounded by 5,400 parking spaces within a six-block radius. When selecting a parking lot, we encourage you to be familiar with all parking lot rules and responsibilities before making the commitment to park.
1. The Greater Richmond Convention Center Parking Deck – 800 spaces- $6.00 per day
Pay attendant upon entry. Payments accepted; cash, Master Card, Visa, American Express.
3rd Street and East Marshall Street. (Enter from 3rd Street.)
2. Richmond Parking Surface Lot – 135 spaces (honor box) – $3.00
East Marshal Street and 2nd Street.
3. Richmond Parking Surface Lot – 100 spaces (attendant/honor box) – $5.00
East Marshall Street and 3rd Street.
4. Richmond Parking Surface Lot – 130 spaces (honor box) – $3.00
East Marshall Street between 1st and 2nd Street.
5. Standard Parking Deck (attendant) – $5.00
500 East Marshall Street