Riot Act Comedy Theater

The show, Josh Blue, was great. The food was good, the staff was pleasant, and the venue was clean.

I was suprised that Riot Act has some of the most nomnom dishes in the area. Really was and here are some of my recommendations:
Chicken Nachos $ 9 (⁵⁄₅ NOMs).
Now these are super nachos. Just right kind of dump everything and anything nomnom on top fo it! There is a lot going on there and that is the way I like my nachos. So ordering this again next time I’m here. How do you like yours?
Cuban Panini $ 12 (⁵⁄₅ NOMs).
We came here for Monday Night Karaōke and was not expecting much, oh boy was I surprised. This cuban sandwich is one of the best I’ve tried. So much flavor from the ham, roast pork and swiss cheese. Great way to enjoy some fun karaōke.
Chicken Pesto Pizza $ 6 (⁵⁄₅ NOMs)
Holy chicken pizza this is super nomnom! I just love how strong mozzarella and seasonings is. Great dish!

As comedian Ali Wong said –to some effect and funnier– I feel like I’m part of a conference or something. By the way, see her! Don’t let the petite Asian frame fool you; she’s a raunchy little pikachu. So yeah the place isn’t like your typical basement, exposed brick setting, and is more fitting to showcase the next Apple i-​something, but, who cares, you’re there to laugh not look at the interior design. Tickets for the 8 pm show were $ 20, but I’m sure there is a range, depending on the performer, etc. Service at the end of the night was wa wa, probably because gratuity is included (totally could have just dashed… Just kidding!!)

I love the set up of the place, doesn’t look like a tradition «basement» comedy set up. We were there for amateur night with our livingsocial… there was only 1 comedian that didn’t do too hot but the rest were HILARIOUS! There is a great selection of beers (at the usual $ 6/​drinks prices) to choose from as well, we didn’t try the food but will love to go back. Loved the vibes!

I want to start off by saying I get really annoyed when people say I shouldn’t expect good food at a comedy club. I’ve won tickets to see shows at this place two weeks in a row, so if you’re making all your money off of food and drinks, I don’t think it’s too much to ask for a chocolate cake that’s not dried out. All the drinks in the world could not make me like that chocolate cake. Can’t you just serve me one of those instant cakes from Betty Crocker? At the prices you charge you’d still be making a profit.
In any case, I still love to come here to laugh, and to play Giant Jenga, and I’m working on finding the one food item I think is worth the price. It has to be around there somewhere.

I’ve been here a few times for a Unilocal,event, trivia, and comedy shows. I am so glad that there is a big spacious new place that I can go to LMFAO.
It does seem a little pricier than the Improv and they have some bugs to work out like giving all the details before you order when they have specials and making sure that their shows have a ticket limit so they don’t run out of seats but I still don’t hate the place. I love the seating and openness of the main room and the two bar areas where you can grab a sip.
I am definitely looking forward to coming back here when some of my favorites come to town.

I kinda effing love this place. It is my comedy club of choice.
We had deals here (Specialicious, Groupon, etc.), but found that regular prices weren’t very high. This could become a regular thing.
The drink selection here is pretty nice. The food. .. well, don’t bother. It’s not tasty and way over-​priced.
The venue is really nice and I enjoy being here. I have seen several hilarious comedians and would highly recommend Riot Act to anyone looking for a good comedy show.

We were there last night for the DC Shorts Laughs — I’ll bracket my comments about the Shorts, and instead focus on Riot Act.
First, what a badly designed place! When you arrive, you stand in an impersonal lobby (the bar is at the far end) and eventually, a line forms at the top of a staircase. The ticket taker (who is very, very relaxed — he was basically playing with his iphone the entire time) than takes your ticket and you go down two flights of stairs to a line that wraps around a few columns to another ticket taker who again takes your tickets and then, finally, into the performance space (which feels a bit like a cafeteria, as Rachel M. mentioned). You can imagine that all of these lines become chaotic when there are large crowds, and they are made all the more chaotic by the fact that it’s all happening on stairs (call me insane, but my idea of fun isn’t standing in a stair well with a few hundred pushy people who are all frustrated by how long things are taking.) Riot Act just doesn’t seem prepared for the crowds– the show was supposed to start at 9:30 and because of bad organization and long lines, people weren’t seated until well after 10:15.
Second, the waitress we encountered was downright mean! The DC Shorts email hadn’t said anything about a cover (the tickets were $ 15/​person) so we didn’t know that the expectation was that every person would order *two* items from the menu (each item was about $ 10 — even a piece of cheese cake was $ 10! That means that our party of 6 was supposed to spend $ 120 on top of the $ 90 we had already spent on tickets) so the waitress came over to us in the middle of a film and shouted «I’m not going to continue to ask you if you want something. This is my J-​O-​B (she actually spelled it out) and this is how I make money.» Um, ok!!! We did end up ordering a few things, and I totally understand why venues require people to purchase a certain amount of food and drink. But this waitress was just unpleasant, and I thought it was unfortunate that Riot Act hadn’t better communicated with the DC Shorts who hadn’t better communicated with ticket buyers.
I know that the Shorts aren’t hosted by Riot Act, but the experience was so unpleasant that I wouldn’t go back.

Riot Act is a good place to go see some comedy; just make sure to eat and pre-​game before you come. I took my boyfriend a few weeks ago as a gift and we enjoyed the experience. The dinner theatre style is nice and the place has a very clean, simple appearance. It’s not stunning, and it almost looks a little cookie-​cutter as far as venues go, but we certainly didn’t have any problems with it.
Since it was only me and my boyfriend, we did have to sit with another couple, which I didn’t love, but at least they were nice and we had a good conversation with them before the show. If you don’t want strangers at your table, come in a group of four, because you almost certainly will get seated with someone else otherwise.
We had differing opinions on the emcee and the lead-​in act, but suffice to say that each of us enjoyed at least one of them. Of course the main act was very good, and I felt like it was a very good length for a show. The ticket prices were reasonably priced, but you have to get there very early to get the best seats.
Then we come to the food. The food was good, and I strongly suggest the Spinach and Artichoke Dip myself, but everything was really expensive and not worth the price. The drinks averaged about $ 10 (even a beer was about $ 8) and the food was a little pricey considering they didn’t even make fries but rather used what looked like Lays potato chips instead. The server was attentive and very nice, but I honestly did not expect our bill to be as high as it was. The food was yummy (they surprisingly do actually make their own veggie burgers… I was impressed that it was legit) and everything we had was tasty, so I can’t complain too much, but they do get you with the price of the food.
Good experience overall. We will probably come back but I definitely want to give a few other places a try first.

I think I’m going to have to go again and see another show from start to finish… The headliner bombed and was so drunk and high he couldn’t finish his set. However the other acts were great and the drinks weren’t as overpriced as prior reviews made it seem. I thought everything for DC was cheap or on par with the rest of the world for us working class muckity mucks out there.
Not to mention they have fat tire on draft so … Count me in for a return visit just for that!
Service was friendly NOT overbearing and pushy like other comedy clubs about buying food and drinks. So I don’t mind paying $ 15+ for a ticket if I’m going to be treated like I did…
The lay out and set up was really great it’s a huge space and it was designed very well for large headliners and can only imagine that when Eddie Griffin comes to town (that’s what the MC was touting for later in the year) it will be a packed house and worth it!
Definitely a place I want to go again!

I really like this place. I love the ambiance of comedy, food, and lounge. I love the set-​up of the bar upstairs and the comedy theater downstairs. The space is amazing. These guys got it right! Ever since this placed opened I have gone to at least two shows a month. Yes, every now and then you’ll get comics that are either a hit or miss, but you are going to find that in any comedy show across America. Overall though, they have really good talent, whether the comics are well-​known or not. I love the variety.
The comedy is good (and sometimes great). The food is good, and it looks like they’ve updated their menu for the better, AND the drinks are strong. The staff and the managers are absolutely amazing, and make me and my friends feel more than welcome every time I go. If you haven’t been yet, I suggest checking it out.

Came here last month on a Groupon deal
$ 25 for two plus drinks, what a steal
The emcee was lame
The star had some fame
Call me crazy, but I miss the Improv’s more cozy feel

Riot Act was the best comedy club I have ever been to.
Ok well truth be told, I have never been to another one.
BUT all others beware! I now have extremely high standards!
Not only must your talent be off the hook funny, and your venue sleek and modern looking… but your servers must also be amazingly attentive and your libations strong and generous.
My friend was asking for water, and she got no less than 6 refills during 3 comedian acts. The place was packed, but the server was on point!
Parking was also easy at the public garage around the corner.
Overall, a great time!

It’s sooooo biiiiiig!!! That’s what she said… when she walked into this place. You see where I went with that? That’s why I’m NOT doing improv. This new establishment and jem to DC did it for me, it’s got A LOT of space, upstairs, downstairs, sideways, all around. I was here for a special private event, so it wasn’t the norm, but I was impressed.
Really great friendly/​helpful staff, awesome bartenders, good food, it doesn’t make you feel like your in someones creepy basement as most other comedy clubs do. Nicely done… nicely done indeed Riot Act.

Gallery place /​China block is even cooler now that they have a live comedy venue just around the corner. I’ve been here twice now and I have to say that yes I’m a fan.
For one thing, it’s very convenient to all the great places to eat and hang out at. If you don’t feel like eating dinner there, dine at any one of the Unilocal approved restaurants in the vicinity.
This joint is fairly new, so it’s updated, kind of swanky and clean inside. Before any performance you can lounge around the bar they have on the first level right past the check in counter. They have the typical libations including some house cocktails. The theater is located downstairs as is another bar and the restrooms. The restrooms are nice and clean and don’t smell funky.
Seating is first come first served. So even though you bought your tickets, you have to go downstairs and get in line. So if you want to be in the front row, you gotta get in line early. If ther are only two of you in your party, be prepared to be sat at a table with strangers. They fill every seat. The exception is, not everyone wants to sit in the front row right in target view of the stage, because comcs tend to pick on you and make you a part of the show. So, if you find yourself at one of these tables, you might get lucky and be by yourself, because no one wants to get picked on. Unless you’re like me. Because I don’t give a damn.
There’s always an MC that get’s things started. This person is most likely trying to get their start in stand up comedy and may or may not have a good «delivery» of jokes that you’d have to endure for 5 – 10 minutes at a time. But if’ you’ve had enough liquor in you by the time the show starts, then you might find them hilarious. Next up will be a comic from the B list. Funnier than the MC but not as much as the main event.
The wait staff from my first visit needed a little more training. But the second time around, it was all good. The food is probably typical of what you would find in a bar setting. The desserts are pretty good. Cheese cake and chocolate cake.
Here’s a note. Try not to get sat in the back near the kitchen area. It’s LOUD. You’ll hear the wait staff fumbling over eachother, carts being moved, dishes making those chinkling sounds. It’s horrible. Avoid this by getting in line early.
My first outing there was for Paul Mooney (older cat and inventer of «In living color’s» Homey D Clown). Before the show, they had him sitting in front of the theater entrance signing autographs and taking pictures. When he got on stage, he stayed there, delivering rants, raves, narratives, diatribes, the works. He didn’t get off until I think around 2am.
The second trip was to see Chris Thomas. We got to sit in the front row. He was funny and was picking on peole from the audience. Not really picking on, but asking questions and putting you on the spot. Like «are you two married», «are you Chinese?» and then that lead to some funny dialogue. Some jackass sitting at the table next to me got all sensitive with him. It was kind or a downer to everyone’s experience.
If your vagina is easily bruised stay away from the front row. No need for tough guys here. Everyone just wants to have a good time. So leave the bad boy swagger at home.
Other than that, the prices are great. The location is great. The food and drink are good. You should check it out.

OK, why didn’t I know about this place BEFORE I saw a Groupon for it?! Well, I was excited because I saw that Paul Mooney was in town this past weekend. Of course, since it was a special event, I couldn’t use the deals, but I still decided to go. I’m SO happy I did.
I’ve been to the Improv tons of times, so it was nice to be at a different venue for some comedy.
THE GOOD:
1. The greeters and ticket staff are awesome
2. A bar on each floor means crowds that are manageable
3. Decent amount of seating at the bars
4. Nice décor with high ceilings
5. Ample space in the main ‘performance’ room
6. Decent food and drinks in the main room
THE BAD:
1. Our server
— She spilled some of my martini on me
— She wasn’t particularly pleasant
— She just really, really needs more training
2. My martini was supposed to have gummy bears in it (I know, I
know), but they were missing. Thankfully, it was tasty.
THE UGLY:
1. The sound.
— At times, I heard the kitchen staff more than I heard Mr. Mooney
— At times, I heard some random dude better than I heard Mooney
Despite the sound and server issues, I’m all for Riot Act. I’ll keep coming as long as there are comics there that I wanna see. Do yourself a favor and take a little break from the Improv to try this place.

I would go 4 stars, but this place is a bit pricey.
Tickets are in the $ 20 range, but they stick you up on food and drinks.
Personal Sized Pizzas $ 14
BBQ Sliders (3) $ 12
A glass of wine starts at $ 8 (not the best selections)
Paying to park in a garage downtown that’s another $ 10.
In my opinion, not as much food and cocktail variety. I just think the Improv has character; in a real basement club in the city kinda way. It’s a little akward sitting at small tables with strangers, the lights are up bright until show time, and there’s no music going. One word– Cafeteria
Don’t get me wrong Riot Act is spacious and new. I like how they have a walk way behind the main dining area to prevent you from bobbing and weaving through tables to get to and from your seat. It’s small so the seating from anywhere works out nicely.
The staff was on it! They were focused and really good about getting people taken care of before the show started.
I would go back, but I may opt to start my night around the corner at another restaurant with drink specials and go there just for the show.

Where can you go for date night that you usually can’t take a baby? Well dinner and a movie is an obvious choice, but I want live entertainment! When I found Riot Act was a new theater in DC I was excited to get tickets online. Unfortunately at the time, the website wasn’t working properly so I had to call in and order them over the phone. They overcharged me by $ 6 but the matter was resolved in no time by Shaun, their web developer. The manager (?), Mike, asked me how I heard about them and offered me two complimentary tickets to the current show. Since new parents can’t afford to be so spontaneous, I offered them to a friend and showed up for the Todd Rexx act the following weekend. All of the acts were funny and I actually cried laughing so hard!
I was happy to learn that I also won 10 free tickets through the drawing at the front door, which I gave to a friend for her birthday and then Mike rewarded me with even more tickets! I’m starting to feel like an unofficial promoter for them, who gets paid in laughs. What better way to spread the word about their generosity and good vibes than with Unilocal

I checked out Riot Act for a Wednesday night show and was not disappointed. Unlike other comedy clubs, this place is a theater. They have bars and seating on two floors, with TVs showing the activities on stage. The place is brand spanking new and was super clean. The beer list was decent and the food, while the selection was limited, the quality was great.
What impressed me most was the staff… the management of this place really has their game face on. Every person I came across was super friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Big props to Ashley at check-​in and Renee, our server.
I’ll be back for sure.

Riot Act was located at 8 St and E St. A fantastic venue for stand up comedies, loved the new state of the art hall that seat more people that DC Improv. I was invited to check out a showcase of comedians from 5 –11 PM featuring Tony Woods. It was full house at the club. The wait service was prompt and friendly. I really enjoyed it and received VIP passes for the next visit.
The man behind Riot Act is a veteran who is from DC Improv — so you know you are getting high standards in comedies.