Improv Comedy Club

Both times that I have been here I have been surprised by how efficiently the staff gets guests into the building and seated. I have also never had a bad view and I’m only 5’1. Servers are always nice but there is a two item minimum. I have only gone on nights with big headliners and it’s still not chaotic.

Terrible system they have to get patrons in. They made patrons wait in numerous lines. They tell you when your up to the front that you need to go somewhere else. There really isn’t a need to shuffle people around like this. Have a system, have signage, and have someone out here directing and helping people. Seriously, it’s not rocket science.

Same thing they took my souvenir glasses and never brought them back. I think they do this on purpose knowing their charging you for the souvenir glass but yet taking it back so you paid for it and didn’t get it. So they make money off you how many get charged for the souvenir glass but don’t receive it or actually leave with it

I don’t write Unilocal reviews too often…
My SO is 21 and I am a few months away. AFTER we purchase tickets and AFTER we sit down, we are informed of this strict policy that doesn’t allow alcoholic drinks at a table with persons under 21. I’ve never experienced this at another comedy club. Perhaps they have had some prior issues with ABC? However, IMPROV (OR ANY ESTABLISHMENT FOR THAT MATTER) NEEDS TO CLEARLY DISCLAIM A POLICY LIKE THIS BEFORE ONE PURCHASES TICKETS. Especially when there is a 2 item minimum per person.
My SO was given the option to leave me at the table to drink out of the theatre or to be babysat by the servers at our table while he drank his overpriced watered-​down $ 12 mojito. I found this to be incredibly disrespectful especially when we spent $ 90+ on the whole experience.
They also sat two others at our tiny table that could barely accommodate two. These persons had alcoholic drinks at our table (??) and also blocked our view of the comedian.
There are much better establishments out there.

I had a lot of fun with my husband here in new year’s. Pretty good line up but good lord the hecklers. I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to refrain from chiming in after every line the person on stage says. It’s rude and throws off their routine. There were a couple awkward moments with all three comedians telling the one lady in the front to calm down till she decided to leave (or was asked to, who knows). In any event, the venue was nice, it seems to have a lot of history. Bathrooms were very clean although located upstairs so go before the show. There’s a parking lot across the street-​$ 5 I think. Street parking nearby if you’re lucky. Food and drink items we went with: nachos, chicken wings, margarita, mojito. Nachos were tiny portion, chicken wings were very crispy and oily and sauce is way too spicy so order that on the side. Drinks tasted like sodas. I’ll stick to beers next time. I liked the host and comedians they had lined up, but there were certainly a couple instances of too many dick jokes. Come on, there’s more to life than dicks. Otherwise I enjoyed my time watching the comedians work the crowd with self deprecating humor. Staff were friendly in taking and placing orders and checking us in. There are bad seats in the house so come early at it seems you get seated based on order of arrival. We’ll be back, it’s a great place for date night. Try to get discount tickets on gold star or Groupon. The 2 item/​person set the two of us back $ 45. Tack on the full price admission and we wouldn’t be able to come very often.

On a whim, my boyfriend and I decided to give this place a go… we’re glad we did!
We went on the night that Grant Cotter headlined and he was hilarious! The building is obviously and older place (talking about the upstairs area) but I think that added to the charm. The dining area was very intimate, though were weren’t expecting to share our table with two other guests but that was alright.
Very nice service here. I can’t comment on the food but their Moscato? yummmm!!! I’m going to go look for the bottle so I can purchase it now!

Steve Byrne rocked the house!
It was Thanksgiving weekend and we weren’t planning on going out on Saturday night, but thanks to Jonathan W. who alerted us of a groupon deal, our Saturday night entertainment was basically FREE! I’m not sure how Steve made his money from the full house, but maybe groupon cut him a very good deal.
Even though we went half an hour early before curtain time, the ground floor was already full with diners. Whoa. You can eat here too! the all American menu looked simple (a bit overpriced) but I guess if you want to secure seats right in front of the stage then it’s worth it.
We sat upstairs and still had a good view of the comedians. The first two acts were alright, nothing a little G&T couldn’t fix ;-) speaking of which, for Tanqueray & Tonic, they charge you $ 10. And there’s a two drink minimum. No complaints on the service!
We had a fantastic time and laughed and laughed until we couldn’t anymore. Good times!

Feel like lol’ing? Rofl over to Downtown San Jose and grab a seat in this typical comedy club — upstairs, or, if you like to be harassed by the performers, downstairs. You can also book dinner before if you want to make it a date night.
Then, sit back and enjoy stand-​up comedians and some good laughs.
#nophonesallowed
#checkforgroupondeals
wink wink.

Not bad if you can get in the door for a reasonable price.
The entry fee could very based on who’s performing. There’s a two item minimum per person so be ready to have your thirst quenched. What I do not like is the seating arrangement. Some of the seats are placed where you are sitting away from your table and possibly trying to look over someone taller than you to get a glimpse of the performer on stage. I don’t think the staff who sit people take into account the tall people should be in the back and the short people should sit up front.
All in all, not bad. I guess it all depends on who’s performing to make me or anyone else want to go back.

This is my favorite comedy club in the Bay Area!
They also bring in great headliners and endless laughs. The seating is pretty tight and if you come as a couple, you may be seated with strangers, but if your adventurous it is always great to meet new people.
There is a two item minimum, any combination of food or drink will work. I used to like their food here, but lately it has gone down hill. I recently had their chicken appetizer and it was horrible, at least the fries were decent.
The club is a pretty good size so the more the people the slower the service.
Ticket prices are reasonable, there is a very expensive parking lot across the street, but if you go down one block, instead of $ 6 per hour, it is $ 6 flat rate and covered.

We have seen Chris D’Elia, Pete Davidson and Gilbert Gottfried so far and have not been disappointed with these shows at all! It is possible to have… not the greatest seats… because of the layout. But it’s all about the love of the shows and I’m so grateful I could have such great experiences here and see such intelligent and funny comedians :)

In summary, great acts, terrible service.
The shows never start on time, and they seat you by order of arrival. Both times I went the show stayed over an hour late without any word from management. They ask you to email them for VIP packages and they don’t respond for over 24 hours. The food is expensive and terrible. The venue is clean and nice. The acts are amazing. The servers have been slow and there isn’t enough of them. I would love to go now often but the management’s lack of any respect for the customer’s always leaves me with a bad feeling in my mouth.

A group of friends and I went to see Hannibal Buress on a Friday night. Loved the show, enjoyed the comedians. Did not like the service.
Our waitress did not come to take our orders until the first comedian started and after we tried flagging someone down multiple times. Meanwhile, the table next to us received their first round of drinks and put in their second round of orders before we were able to talk to anyone. When we finally ordered, we each ordered a drink + 3 ice waters. We only received 2 ice waters. I kindly asked if I could get a water as well and she said, «In a minute», walked away, and never came back to our table. A second waitress came by our table to let us know it was last call for orders, so we put in our second round of orders + my ice water (now asking for the third time). I ordered a Jameson and Ginger Ale, but the drink I got tasted like rubbing alcohol. So gross I couldn’t finish it. And to top it all off, I never got my ice water. Parched as hell throughout the entire show.

Made some last minute plans to see Anjelah Johnson last night as the Improv for the 9:30 pm showing. My friend and I arrived at 8:15 to ensure we got a decent seat since this was a special event at the Improv. Doors were supposed to open at 9:00 pm, but didn’t end up opening until 10:00 pm. The first show ran behind so we were almost waiting for 2 hours. Obviously not ideal, but we were happy when we finally got inside.
The Improv has a 2 item minimum while inside (food or drink) and I wouldn’t mind paying for it if the quality was better. The food was mediocre and the drinks (mixed drinks from my experience) suck. I ordered a classic mojito and it came out tasting like cherry sprite. The drinks are super watered down and the soda is flat.
I did enjoy the show and it’s a great place to come watch a comedy show, but there is definitely room for improvement at this venue.

Wonderful Experience!
Went to see Angelah Johnson last night (Thursday) and the Improv staff was On Point!!! They let everyone in early and everything was on time. Our Server Mo was Great! He took an order for 8 people and didn’t miss a beat!!!
The drinks were good and generously poured! The heavy appetizers were perfect and didn’t need a full dinner!!!
Thank you Improv staff for a great night and manager is doing a good job the place was very clean!!!

We came to the Improv to see Amir K. this weekend! We come here every time he is in town! He is super funny! It’s always a good date night: food, fun, and lots of laughter!
The venue is intimate. Any seat in the house is great, even the balcony! They bring on some great acts and talent. I’ve come here for other shows: Jo Koy, Rex Navarette, and Joey Guila. I always have a great time here. It’s one of the better venues here in the Bay Area. I’ve gone to Tommy T’s and I hated it. I prefer the Improv’s layout and food.
In addition to the entrance ticket fee, they require you to purchase 2 drinks minimum or food. We usually end up ordering food. They serve bar food: nachos, spinach and artichoke dip and chips, chicken wings, quesadillas, fries, etc… The sriracha chicken wings were super spicy! Perhaps they should put the sauce on the side because it was fire! I can handle the sauce but these wings were so hot! My husband couldn’t even eat them. The guy eats anything, too!
I met the manager, Houman, and he’s super cool and personable. Really nice guy! We look forward to coming to more shows! Thanks for letting us know that Angela Johnson is going to be in town next week! I’d like to go check her out. She’s hilarious, too!

I had a fabulous time this past Sunday night! DL hughley did not disappoint and his opening acts were great! Thank you Improv for having good talents and creating a comfortable and relaxing environment! Not to mention, the food was excellent! I will be back

I’ve been to the Improv twice and have mixed feelings about the experience. My first time we came late and sat at the top about 5 years ago. I remember I had a great time and was not forced to buy anything. I came back this month to watch Pete Davidson. The line up was awesome and we had a lot of laughs. BUT we actually came a little early and were seated just below the VIP area. Its basically 2 tables or 4 rows and an aisle. The first row by the railing, second is the back side of the table, then an aisle, then two seats facing forward, and another table and booth. We were seated at the booth which meant 3 layers of people were at the same level as us. Pete is a tall guy but I had to break my neck to watch him. Every time a waiter walked through the aisle the guy in front of me pushed his chair back which pushed the table toward me. I was half watching the show and half suffocating.
The waiter came by a lot too! So you miss some of the show or jokes trying to fill their quota of two items purchased for each person. I love a $ 12 soda as much as the next guy but please! Highway robbery!
If there is a comedian that you just have to see than come on through, but otherwise avoid! Or come kind of late and get a seat up top. At least there is some space there. Also, for a 9:45 show means the show will probably start around ¹⁰³⁰⁄₁₁.

I came to the Improv for the first time with a group of 4 friends to see Pete Davidson. We got tickets on Goldstar and paid only the service fee of $ 6.50 each for the late show at 9:15pm. We showed up at around 8:30pm. There were maybe 30 people already in line before us, and the line quickly filled up to the end of the block. We waited in that line until about 10:15pm before we were let in. No apology for starting the show over an hour late.
The venue itself is bigger than I expected, with a large floor and a large balcony as well. The seating is like other comedy clubs I’ve been to, which is different from regular theaters. You are seated at a table, so if you come with a group of less than 4, you will share a table with others. The waiters come and take your order, reminding you of the 2 item minimum, but we realized they don’t have any way of really enforcing it.
PROS:
— Venue is pretty nice, lots of seats
— Well known comics come perform here
CONS:
— 2 Drink Minimum policy — common for comedy clubs but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.
— The cheapest thing on the menu is soda for $ 4.50. Water is more expensive at $ 5.50 for a small bottle of Fiji.
— The late shows can start 1+ hour late
— No reserved seating unless you buy bottle service
TIPS:
— Show up early and wait in line for a good seat. Prepare to wait a long time (bring a chair)
— Come as a group of 3 or 4 to get a table to yourselves (and often a better table)
— Enter their «Best seat in the house» contest online to potentially win a table near the front center
— Bottle service is $ 100 and will get you a reserved table near the front as well as a tiny bottle of liquor. I saw one table had a bottle of Grey Goose about the size of a beer bottle.
— A soda is the cheapest item on the menu at $ 4.50. Water or Budweiser is $ 5.50. Other beers are $ 6 – 7. Cocktails are $ 12. Food is $ 10 – 15.
— The kitchen and bar closed around 11pm after which we couldn’t order our 2^nd item even if we wanted to (we didn’t).
— Check Goldstar for heavily discounted tickets. It’ll make the 2 item minimum hurt less.

I’d give this place zero stars. Came here last night with a large group of friends. Had pretty low expectations since this was a Thursday night and I’ve ever heard of the headliner.
The 2 drinking minimum is annoying enough. My friend ordered the bigger size of blue moon available and at the end of the night was stuck with a huge bill and told that he had asked for a «souvenir glass.» They felt bad and gave him a set of glasses but in my mind, this was not cool. That was not what he ordered.
Being seated in the last row, we could barely hear ½ of the jokes. Normally I would be upset but in this situation I think I was spared. The comedy was so terrible. The jokes were either incredibly lewd, racist, or just not funny. I am not a prude. I am young and I have a sense of humor. However, I also have a good education and this place just did not deliver any laughs which weren’t laugh of shock at the ridiculousness of this gig. The majority of my group also did not enjoy and the ones that left no comment did so out of politeness.

My second time here. Chuy Gomez was here tonight!
2 item minimum (food or beverage) food is good here, comparable to a Denny’s… I was scared to try the food because other reviewers said such bad things but I promise it is good, But I can only judge what we had which was nachos, mozzarella sticks, loaded fries and a few drinks! Sex on the stage drink was tasty, was my favorite drink! Waiters work hard and make sure they get your food and drinks swiftly! Most comedians are not known but they are pretty good! I mean some are just okay but most are pretty good! My favorite tonight was Pete Munoz, he was hilarious! He doesn’t try to hard, his jokes come naturally and are so funny!
To sum it up, if you want to go out and have a good time, have some drinks and laughs with good friends, the improv is a good choice! You won’t leave here disappointed!

Request to sit by the railing if you are not seated closer to the front because where our party sat, most of us couldn’t see the show due to rows of big tall heads in front of us. I wasn’t happy to be organizing a big group to attend a show we couldn’t see.
It was Margaret Cho on New Year’s Day. Not the best comedian, she’s a backdoor bragger, but I grew up watching her make comedy of her struggles and her show fell on a weekend when everyone was available to go.
Then the parking… The closest is the lot across the improv. Pay before you get back in your car to drive out. They really charge you an arm and a leg and your head during the holidays. Freaking downtown!!! Nothing like no choice to make you feel at home!!!