Jokes & Notes

No place should ever have a MANDATORY drink minimum in MY opinion. If you want/​need more money charge it in your price of admission. For that reason I took a star away.
The comics were decent, especially the host and one female comedian ‘That’s Nesh’.
The venue is tiny, that’s good because every seat was a good seat, it’s bad because everyone is right on top of each other and I hate that… But recall it was the same as the other comedy place I went to last week… So maybe that’s just how it’s supposed to be at comedy clubs.
I did have 3 drinks, at $ 8.50 each (Lemon Drop, in a PLASTIC martini glass). They were well made as far as not tasting like pure alcohol, but after two drinks I had such a small buzz– and I’m not a big drinker at all, I RARELY drink– that I felt the 3^rd drink would get me to where I was trying to go. (And it did).
EDIT: *I wouldn’t have ordered any drinks PERIOD if there was not a MANDATORY requirement to do so… I was not sure if the $ 4 bottles of water counted as a drink… I should have asked. But I didn’t want to go back and forth with the lady if it didn’t count– so I just droned on like all the other patrons and got some drinks*
They didn’t have any snacks– peanuts/​popcorn, or food options at all… Which I should deduct another star for, but I won’t, because I don’t feel like being PETTY tonight, but that would definitely improve the VALUE of the experience and also bolster more sales for these MANDATORY drinks they want you to buy…
I would come back to see new talent… but the mandatory drinks are still a massive turn off.
Ps. I was unaware of the automatic 18% gratuity (just read this in another review…) — had I noticed it I wouldn’t have paid a cash tip in addition. I had places that force you to tip a certain amount.
Here is a tip: if you provide more VALUE to your consumers you won’t have to have mandatory drink minimums or automatic gratuities.
If you have 2 people sitting at one table and they each get a separate check (which happened when I went and sat next to someone I didn’t know) the server will get a 36% gratuity– plus the cash tips, as most people prob don’t notice or read the automatic gratuity… WTF?!
This fact, if it’s still happening should have to be DISCLOSED up front.
Hmmmm…

Final Note for your dead AZZ Jokes! I wasn’t one of the comedians. I was there to patronize your venue. I stood in line outside in the cold which was very unnecessary. Again… Mary gave out a few numbers and hand picked the other contestants. RIGGED!!! And you are right I will NOT return to your venue. Put your energy into your venue instead of letting your future patrons know how unprofessional you really are. Good Luck.

Every time I go to jokes and notes, it’s always a memorable experience. It is a great venue for someone who is just starting their career. I also appreciate the fact that it’s black owned. The only issue I have with this location, is the two drink minimum. It already cost $ 20 for entrance, the two drink minimum is excessive. Their drink options are limited and somewhat expensive for the size/​quantity. Overall, the comedians are funny and the location attracts known comedians. It’s a great spot for a girls night out or date night.

If your looking for great laughs this is the place to be! It’s the easiest way to just chill with your friends or celebrate a birthday. This place covers it all. The jokes are funny, the staff is nice, the drinks are good and the prices are reasonable. You should check this place out.

For all the bad reviews, I really enjoyed this place. It is a nice, intimate venue. There is some parking on the street but it fills up quickly. The owner was very nice and kind to us. There is a two drink minimum, but that’s very common for comedy clubs. The comics were very good and I suggest checking it out.

Horrible!!! The owner is the biggest jerk ever! She sells fraudulent tickets on Goldstar & other site but refuses to honor them.

I try so hard to support… But…
I’ll be nice in this review and only give tips if you decide to come:
Two drink minimum is OVERLY enforced.
Don’t speak at your table about anything… Regardless if you offer your friend to pay her tab or you’re looking for your keys.
Ten dollar credit card minimum.
But yeah… Have fun.
PS Make sure you recognize the owner as the owner. Her title is super

I must say I enjoyed myself. I especially enjoy what this club stands for.
I went here for a fundraiser with my alumni association. It was Wednesday night – amateur night– and local comedians come to try to get on the list to showcase what they have. It’s great for comedians, and they even mentioned a few comedians from famous shows & competitions who got their breaks at the comedy club. That’s great!
Each comedian only received 3 minutes, a blessing & a curse so to speak. Some comedians were great and you wanted to hear more, others should have been cut off sooner, but that’s the fun in it all. Not everyone was good, but heckling is not allowed. I personally love that, and it was honestly fun laughing at the awkwardness. It started to feel like one big family in the lounge.
The owner was nice to me, but I can see how other Unilocalers could have had a hard time with her matter-​of-​fact personality. The two drink minimum I expected from reading other reviews. They DO make sure you order that second drink, but it wasn’t overly-​intrusive. The entire show was 2 hours for amateur night. Not every comedian who came that night was guaranteed a spot in the lineup. That’s how many comedians came! I think that says something!

Good neighborhood spot for gathering friends or first dates to break the ice. The comedians have been good every time I went here but I heard weekends are better.
There is a required 2 drink min which can b annoying for non-​drinkers. Never had food from them but the drinks are not watered down.

Great venue — owner is especially personable. Comedians were hilarious and the host kept it moving and funny! Be prepared to drop some money for the 2 drink minimum and get there on time or you might not get a seat :-) I’ll be back!

3.5!!! This was a good comedy club, that tailored to the sophisticated urban crowd. The comedy was really funny. My only two problems is that the seating arrangements are weird, which had me adjusting myself to see pass the big guy in front of me. Also, the two drink Minimum. They hound you ALL night about it, which gets annoying .
Having to scarf down two drinks, made me want to use the bathroom, but I didn’t want to go, because I would miss the comedy. So I was stuck laughing and holding my bladder for about the last 30 mins.
Going here can easily run you about 40 dollars, but in the end, the comedy & atmosphere is worth it.

I’m a hard critic when it comes to comedy, but I must admit, the show delivered and left me laughing aloud! I’ll definitely return!

this is a cool comedy club, early show is a good way to start a night out on the town. But your tickets early and go get dinner, and start the night off laughing.

I had a great time. Definitely lots of laughs. Not sure if it was because the comedians were just that funny or because I was tipsy from the 2 drink minimum. I came here after a dinner date, which I had already had wine with my dinner. I would have given it 5 stars but I didn’t like the 2 drink minimum requirement. I think there should be options for those that don’t drink and those that choose not to drink.

THE STAFF AND OWNER ARE RUDE!!!
I discovered the owner was a women and super excited to go back hoping to run into her. My excitement to meet the owner turned soar. We were the first few to get seated and she yelled at me for seating in the wrong seat. I couldn’t believe her attitude saying to myself geez this is a comedy club. Our waitress was also rude when she serviced our drinks. I understand when your dealing with idiots or obnoxious customers but we were floored at the treatment we were getting.
the comedians were off the chain and worth the wait. Honestly I don’t know if I’ll return again. The service should be better. I’m paying money to have a good time and this is a place of comedy. I shouldn’t have to be yelled at like i’m a child or given an attitude about my drink order.

All I can say is LMAO! I haven’t laughed this hard in a while. I went with a friend on open mic night and most of the acts were hilarious. The MC was funny as well. I only wish that all of the good acts had 3 more minutes on stage. It was $ 5 to get on Wednesday. Not bad but my only issue with Jokes & Notes is the automatic 18% gratuity that is attached to the 2 drink minimum. 18%?! What if my server was a complete b#tch? Or messed up my drink order?
Besides that, I have no problem coming back to Jokes & Notes as I love to laugh and have a good time. Oh, and I thought they were kidding but they have this little table set up in the lobby that they call their snack bar. I honestly believe that someone broke into a vending machine and brought their spoils back. Lol.

The only reason I’m giving Jokes & Notes a 3-​star review is because of the prices. Other than that it was an enjoyable experience. In fact, my expectations were exceeded because I honestly wasn’t expecting much.
I’d heard of Jokes and Notes but had never been primarily because of the location. Recently, I was on a date though and the guy suggested we go. He said he’d been there several times and that it was one of the best places to see comedy in the city. Coming from a guy who lives in Rogers Park and works in Oak Lawn I knew he had to be onto something to travel way out of his way just to see someone tell jokes.
We get there and it’s not crowded at all. (on a Saturday night) After I hear that it costs $ 20 to get in, I understand why. $ 20??? Yikes! Anyway, we pay and go in. The club is nice on the inside, very clean and modestly upscale. You can tell that the business takes pride in his/​her business despite the surrounding area.
The waitress was friendly and attentive and we receive our 2 drink (each) minimum with no issues. The comedy was pretty good too and we both had a fabulous time.
I would consider returning to Jokes and Notes but the $ 20 entry fee would definitely make me think twice about it. For that kind of money I can order something on demand and order out. But if you’ve ever been and like a good comedy show give it a shot.

As the cool air turned crispy, a companion and I waited in line for the doors to open. As the line proceded to move forward, I noticed that they were a little disorganzied. It was confusion with the usher for standard tickets and VIP. However, we made our way into main floor and I was disappointed in the seating arrangement and how small the space was.
As the night went on, I was wearing a smile than a frown. The comedian and host that night really eased my disappointment and I had a wonderful time. TK was the special presentation that evening; I never laughed so hard lol.
Overall, I rated my experience 4stars bc I gotten what I paid for and the customer service was good.
Side note: There is a 2 drink min for each person and it is 4 people to a table in most areas of the room.

I have only been here once and every since I came I have wanted to go back! The place was great!
I mean they had some real raw and new talent that had the entire table laughing!
If you want to go out get some laughs, kick the BO Bo’s then this place is the place for you!
I’m sure you will want to come back again and again after you leave!

This is really a cool spot for good laughs in a quaint setting. I went here last night with friends. There are two sets on s Saturday. We caught the first set. The cover was $ 15 with a two drink minimum. They also add 18% gratuity to the prices. A estimate of costs is $ 30 per person which is nice for an evening out.
All the comedians sell their DVDs afterward. BO and BO.