Waterloo Hotel & Bar Grand Reopening- Everything You Missed at the Ribbon Cutting

A Historic Reopening: The Waterloo Hotel & Bar

It was an honor to attend the grand reopening of the Waterloo Hotel & Bar after its recent renovations because I am a lifelong Austinite and a lover of the city’s nightlife, having spent the better part of seven years discovering the city’s bars and music scene. It has been a mainstay of Austin’s downtown 6th Street entertainment scene since its doors originally opened in 1939. Read below about “Waterloo Hotel & Bar Grand Reopening- Everything You Missed at the Ribbon Cutting”.

Marking the Renovated Space

On Friday night, the Waterloo held an exclusive VIP ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration to mark its spectacular reopening after being closed for renovations for several months. One of the limited invitations to this much-anticipated event was bestowed upon me for my role as an influencer and nightlife blogger in Austin. I was looking forward to seeing the revamped Waterloo vibe for myself, and I had a feeling the night would be unforgettable.

Upon reaching the Waterloo, my first impression was of the stunning art deco façade and neon signs that exquisitely merged the modern with the historic Austin. The newly restored interior was just as stunning, with a beautiful mahogany bar, plush velvet booths, and vintage chandeliers that harkened back to the Roaring Twenties and Roaring 40s. But with contemporary features like a state-of-the-art sound system and concert lighting, the revamped Waterloo can stay up with the dynamic nightlife trends in Austin.

A Celeb-Studded Extravaganza

As the VIP ribbon cutting attendees arrived, I had the opportunity to mingle with influential bloggers, music industry heavy hitters, and influencers from Austin. The eclectic mix of patrons at the Waterloo mirrored the facility’s dual role as a legendary 6th Street honky tonk and a top-tier live music venue that has played host to legendary artists like Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Guests during the Waterloo reopening included Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey, and Dennis Quaid, indicating that it was the town’s most talked-about attraction.

Taking the stage at precisely 7 o’clock in the evening, Waterloo owner Mark Pratz welcomed everyone to the reopening of his “home away from home.” Painstaking work to preserve and duplicate much of the original craftsmanship and details from the 1930s was part of the extraordinary restoration narrative that he presented. Mark then extended an invitation to Gary Clark Jr., a musician and close friend of Mark’s, to join him on stage for the formal ribbon cutting photo op.

“Way before anyone knew my name,” Gary chuckled, remembering the numerous nights over the previous fifteen years when he first began performing at the Waterloo. Following Mark’s signal, Gary and the other invited guests seized enormous shears to capture a photo-perfect moment during the ribbon cutting. They then raised their champagne glasses to celebrate the Waterloo’s upcoming chapter.

An Unforgettable Evening of Live Music

The actual celebration began immediately after the ribbon was cut! With country music blaring from the speakers, patrons donned their cowboy boots and got down to business at the Waterloo, known for its famed honky tonk atmosphere. For a better perspective of 6th Street, several headed to the second-floor balconies, while others stomped up to the bar to try some of the new specialty cocktail and whiskey offerings.

The Austin supergroup Black Pumas took the stage at around 10 o’clock in the evening, drawing the first live audience of the evening. The audience was going wild for more of frontman Eric Burton’s soulful vocals and the band’s groovy, throwback vibe. As soon as they started playing their popular song “Colors,” the crowd went wild, singing along word-for-word.

After thereafter, blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr. made a triumphant comeback to the stage to demonstrate his incredible guitar skills. During his energetic performance, he covered classic blues songs and performed songs from his most recent album, including the rocking hit “Pearl Cadillac.” As he reminisced about his time spent performing “for tips and beer” at the Waterloo, Gary expressed his hope that the reopening will bring about a fresh chapter filled with unforgettable music and experiences.

A Classy Fresh Ambience

I went upstairs to the W Bar balcony later that night to get some air and see a different view. The W Bar had an enormous whiskey collection and tufted leather seats that made it feel like a classic Hollywood cocktail lounge. Over customized cocktails, guests chatted and swapped pictures from the wild night.

Upstairs, I had a bird’s-eye view of the entire affair: people dancing to the music, groups of friends conversing and laughing over cocktails, and couples snuggled up in the cozy booths. The varied clientele mirrored the welcoming, easygoing atmosphere that is so distinctively Austin at the Waterloo.

Anticipating What Lies Ahead for the Waterloo

Mark Pratz had a clear goal for the Waterloo – to pay homage to its heritage while transforming it into a contemporary landmark in Austin. Indulging in the ambiance well into the night, I was certain he had achieved his goal. With an improved version, the Waterloo had returned!

Saying farewell to new friends, I grabbed a commemorative Waterloo koozie and strolled out into 6th Street, feeling the beauty of the night, as the musicians closed up for the night. Pedicabs and TNCs raced by, whisking revelers away to their next location, and I could still hear the ear-piercing roars and clapping from inside.

Conclusion

In my capacity as a nightlife blogger for Austin, I can say with confidence that you should make a point of visiting the brand new Waterloo Hotel & Bar on your next visit to 6th Street. Whether you’re a native Austinite or simply passing through, the Waterloo provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the rich tradition of live music in the city while dancing the night away. After all these years, this legendary honky tonk is better than ever, and it keeps on giving people in Austin moments they won’t soon forget. The opportunity to see the Waterloo embark on their next thrilling chapter was an incredible privilege, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to live up to their famous reputation in the years to come. Hope you understand the “Waterloo Hotel & Bar Grand Reopening- Everything You Missed at the Ribbon Cutting”.