There is an older review by Tarah and it is on point!! So please read hers.. I should've read it before purchasing tickets to this show :/ I would like to begin by saying that I love comedy and I laugh at literally everything!! So it's not hard to please me when it comes to a comedy show.. but holy crap BATSU was horrible. My bf and I wanted to leave half way through the show but we didn't want to be rude. We were visiting from Austin, Tx and when we heard about this show we had to go!! So we purchased tickets online ($25-$50) We got there 40 mins early and went upstairs where BATSU is located in the restaurant. There was assigned seats which I thought was odd because most shows we attend are typically first come first serve. One of the workers walked us to our table.. it was beyond small and against the wall and basically no where near the stage. I felt like it was a little unfair since we arrived early and we sat at a crappy spot. You can order food and drinks before and during the show. They have a special menu for BATSU but you can order anything from the restaurant menu. I ordered salmon sashimi and it was so good! Also, our waiter was very polite :) Ok back to the BATSU... There were stereotypes throughout the show. I wasn't able to enjoy the show because I felt awkward. Other than the stereotypes, the jokes/improv were not funny at all.. I wanted to laugh but I couldn't. It was an all white audience and majority of the people in the show were white except for one Asian lady who played this weird role. The jokes were very below mediocre white jokes, y'all know what I mean. I can't tell if the audience thought it was genuinely funny or they were just drunk. Like whenever the word "douche-bag" or the phrase "f-you" came up people would laugh... I don't find that funny. Keep in mind I am not a prude, I know what is funny and what is not. Maybe I just prefer well thought out jokes, not middle school boy jokes. The punishments was 5/10, jokes/improv was a 2/10, and food & service 10/10 I've seen a lot of comedy shows and this is by far the worst I have ever seen. Again, read the other review below by Tarah because I agree with it 100%. Please do yourself a favor and do not watch this show. Unless you have no sense of humor or a couple drinks in. read more

I received tickets for a night out in Chicago with Batsu entertainment! Three of us went and really had a great time. I had no idea what to expect but it was an evening filled with laughter! And on top of that we just happened to sit next to the originators and owners of the show! It was their third year anniversary here in Chicago. Since I'm from New York I can't wait to check it out again when I'm back in New York City! Highly recommend for laughs and entertainment! read more

I was extremely uncomfortable the entire time. The most tense part was the nearly all-white cast performing a Japanese game show for a nearly all-white audience. The host was the only Asian performer, and was made to play into all sorts of problematic Asian female schoolgirl/dominatrix stereotypes. The contestants also played on many Asian stereotypes and dressed up like ninjas. The punishments centered sometimes around pain, but other times around men needing to wear skirts or pop a balloon between their bodies, bringing up more uncomfortable homophobic, transphobic implications that men shouldn't be wearing such things or making contact with one another. Lastly, I did not enjoy watching pain be inflicted upon the contestants, and being made to roar with the rest of the audience to support this infliction of pain - felt cult-y and creepily akin to how crowds of people can groupthink and normalize the infliction of harm upon others. I definitely should have read up more before going - I was certainly not the target audience. But couldn't not say something about how offensive and uncomfortable this show was. (Sushi was delicious though.) read more

This place should get a 5 star but I'm deducting 1 star since they didn't send us the complimentary tickets they said they would for participating in the show. Aside from that, this show is amazing! Lots of fun! Very entertaining! This cast really takes the time and effort to ensure that they put on a great show. We were constantly entertained and surprised. This place is above Kamehachi so you get to have dinner and drinks while you watch the show. We will be back with more friends! read more

I had a blast watching this show! It was on my to do list for some time and I regret waiting so long! The performers are amazing and extremely funny. While watching the show the restaurant served great food and drinks. I have never seen anything like it before and highly recommend Batsu Chicago read more

Hilarious, you just don't know what you are going to get which is the best part. My wife and I went just on a random whim and were not disappointed. Made for a great date night. read more

This was the greatest 2 hours I can remember spending recently. I have not laughed that hard maybe ever. I have recommended this show to everyone I know, and we have plans to make this at least a yearly trip to see a show. I can't recommend Batsu highly enough, you have to see it for yourself. Also, pay for VIP. It's worth it. read more

One of the best times to be had in Chicago! Everyone from the chefs, restaurant staff, to show staff are amazing. The place, the food, the atmosphere, the music (kudos to you, wonderful music selection), the bar (drinks are DE-LISH!) and of course THE SHOW - LOVE! Will be bringing anyone who comes visit from now on - and I'll for sure be back soon! read more

Had a blast here for my birthday and bachelor party. You have to check it out. Great for groups.

Truly a great show! If you are looking for a dinner and show, look no further. The performance is live and crisp. There is an amazing amount of talent on the stage that knows how to bring the energy to the crowd. There is audience participation for those who would like to. The Food is really good as well. You'll be talking about this show for weeks! read more

Batsu is a blast. It's a show combining the ridiculous antics of a Japanese game show, improv comedy, and a sadistic audience fueled by copious amounts of alcohol. Do I need to say anything more? Go. read more

I've been twice. The show is a riot. Delighted both times, and the food was excellent as well.

So funny! The cast is so talented, I would never be able to come up with stuff as quick as they do. THey did a great job and I laughed the entire time. Will definitely be going back with a group of friends. So much more entertaining and funny than stand up! read more

To start, they told us to arrive 45 minutes early to order food. We did only to find out that we had to wait another 15 minutes until the doors opened. Once we got upstairs, we ordered food and it did not arrive until the show started(edamame).The food itself was some of the worst Japanese food I have ever had in my entire life. The sushi was hard to chew the rice was over vinegared and we got sick from it. The Spring roll was a glorified Ramen roll With a bunch of Ramen noodles inside. They told us that VIP tickets would include a headband in which you would get a sake ninja serving you sake the entire time but the sake was water down and everybody in the entire room was getting served by the sake ninja so do not buy the VIP pass. Entertainment was subpar driven by a bunch of amateurs who could barely string together a bunch of coherent improvisational statements. Only one or two of the performers could actually keep up with what the audience fed them The venue is also like someone set up a stage in their garage. I wouldn't be surprised if this doesn't last another year or two. read more

My husband and I came here for date night and it was a blast! I seriously can't think of anything more fun to do on a Saturday night than to go to this show. It has all of the necessities for a truly epic date night- sushi, saki, hilarity, non stop laugher (like truly funny stuff). I had an unexpectedly and unbelievably good time as did my husband! We will definitely be going back once this most recent visit has worn off. read more

We went in a group of 3 last night and sat in front of the stage - best seats in the house! I had heard from friends that Batsu New York was good so definitely worth seeing in Chicago. It was the funniest show I had ever seen, hands down. The best part is that the the audience participation - the more enthusiastic audience members are willing to participate, the better the show is. The actors are all incredible and deserve a standing ovation for taking the batsu (punishments) like champs! If you go don't be that drunk douchebag that tries to go on stage or yells or talks over the host and actors - just spoils it for the other viewers. Definitely will be coming back to see the show again...and hopefully will get selected to go up on stage next time! read more

What a great time! The show was hilarious. The crowd was roarin. I want to give a special shout out to the customer service though. Heather and team really hooked up my crew. Excellent customer service! They made sure our whole group of eleven could enjoy the show together even after one of our friends bought his ticket much later. HIGHLY RECOMMEND coming read more

Went with a big group and had a great time. Be sure to use the free sake check-in deal on yelp. It was really easy to communicate with the tickets coordinator for our group. The comedians are funny. I kind of wished I had not seen the Batsu rendition in NYC prior to seeing this show as the NYC one was a little funnier, but still had a great time. read more

Really fun Friday night!! Very different kind of experience from your normal Friday night dinner/drinks. Highly recommend! A mixture of ridiculous drama with improv comedy plus intense competition. They really try to involve the audience and it's a great time getting drunk on sake and heckling the performers (they encourage it!). Recommend going with a couple friends (would still be fun as a date, but probably more fun with a small group) but note this isn't something that's going on in the background that you can watch passively and chat over. You should pay attention and engage! The entire cast came out to meet/chat after which was such a nice touch! One of the performers Eric Robinson is actually one of the creators of the show from NYC--I think he said he's here through Feb/March or something so hurry and go! His improv is witty and sharp and he's also the nicest person to chat with. The MC Jin Kim is hilarious--pay attention to his quips throughout, he is a veteran comedian at Laugh Out Loud. Small "venue" (upstairs room of Kamehachi at Wells and North) but there wasn't a bad seat there. Buy your tickets in advance online (or pay $5 extra at the door) and try to get there 10-15 min early so you can settle in and order! I don't think I'd recommend the "VIP" tickets unless you like cheap warm sake (or really really want a $12 white headband). Go for the normal admission and then order a bottle of cold sake! $25 300ml bottle or $54 720ml bottle (which is like a wine bottle). The large bottle is perfect for 2-3 people. read more

Yes!!!! I hate bad improv & especially going to a shitty coworkers show. This was so much better. If a joke falls flat, they get punished! BATSUUUUUUUU read more

A fun, energetic and witty cast make for an excellent evening of laughs and, at time, gasps. Access to the Kamehachi kitchen to eat sushi during the show makes the evening even closer to perfection. Though, it was not until the next morning that I began to regret the frequent visits of the Sake ninja to our table. read more

This was SO much fun! Really different than other improv shows I've been to - hilariously themed like a Japanese game show with comedy warriors who were totally great. There's lots of opportunities for audience participation that come with free booze and tickets to come back another time! I'd recommend not getting the VIP package, as its quite expensive and all the seats had a great view of what was happening on stage. I would definitely go back! read more

Super fun! Great event to go to with a group of friends--be sure to get the headbands! Sake and tasty sushi served during a hilarious, crowd interactive comedy show! read more

Whenever ANYONE comes in from out of town I take them to at least one BATSU show. It's a wonderful, memorable and hilarious experience that showcases the Chicago improve scene and the delicious cuisine that the city is known for. I highly recommend putting this on your itinerary of things to do when in Chicago!!! read more

SO much fun. Food and sake we're also really good. I've been recommending this to my friends. A must do.

This is a great time! Good solo, on a date, or in groups from work. Great actors. Great cocktails. Didn't try the food, but the menu looked great. I can't wait to plan this for my team from work and my alumni club! read more

I attended Bastu last night for the first time after hearing rave reviews from my friends. I'm so glad I did! It was so much fun!! I was laughing so hard throughout the night and the atmosphere is great, too! The improv actors were EXCELLENT and super personable. I definitely would recommend Batsu for a date night or with friends. You won't be disappointed! read more

Wonderful time. Had an absolute blast. Had no idea what we were getting into and so glad that we went !

This is a great evening out! Eat amazing sushi have cocktails and laugh. So funny well worth it for a fun night out. I laughed so hard I cried. Go you won't regret it. read more

BATSU! is the perfect combination of hilarious and WTF! Eat some sushi, drink some sake and enjoy an experience where the unexpected is just part of the show. We saw BATSU on a Friday night and the place was packed. There were several large parties and people on dates as well. We had a most excellent time and will be returning with some friends soon. If you enjoy comedy, drinking, and a touch of schadenfreude, then this show is for you. read more

I went on a Saturday and it was awesome. I didn't buy the vip sears but got there a little early and got 1st puck of sears in my section. They have audience participation, but they ask who is down beforehand so it isn't stressful at all. I would go again and definitely recommend it to my friends. Thanks guys! read more

One of the best improv shows I've seen in years! This is my second time here, with more friends, and I'm so excited I could scream. Also, the sushi is to die for, for reals. read more

BATSU! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went to this place on a whim with some friends that had heard about it downstairs. If you like second city but also like lots of sake and sushi this place is for you. You get the full menu from downstairs but also the comic relief of watching your friends participate in the improv show. Not to worry - if the thought of being on stage is not your kind of night - they only take willing volunteers. Tip - buy the headband for $12. You'll get free sake at various times throughout the night. read more

BATSU!! You won't leave without chanting it. This was our second time and it did not seize to please. The show is great and the atmosphere is wonderful. Great cast and all around great time. Good place to bring visitors read more

I went twice! I would recommend this comedy show to anyone who's looking for a fun night out. The show was amazing slap stick, quick whit humor that seamisly incorporates the audience ( don't worry, the warriors get the worse of the punishments so your safe) If your looking for a great night out that is original and different look no further. read more

I had no idea what to expect! Our group had a blast! The BATSU Chicago team was not only hilarious but completely accommodating, shifting seating for our group last minute. Audience participation was quite amusing, and the variety of games and challenges won't disappoint. Definitely check this out ASAP! read more

This was an amazing show! Highly recommend to anyone staying in Chicago on the weekend looking for something to do after dinner on a Saturday night! read more

Such a great and hilarious show. I love how they involve the audience at will, it's such a good thing to go see if you need to let loose a little. The sushi is amazing too! read more

I really wasn't in the mood to go here tonight (had been dealing with Comcast earlier in the day) and I laughed my a$$ off. Quirky, witty, artistic, hilarious. Host did a great job, as did all the characters (four contestants, Samantha, wrestler, body sushi guy, and eft-you chicken). Also enjoyed the audience involvement, music, costume changes. Moved quickly, never a dull moment. Very reasonably priced (including the food). This is my fifth Chicago improv event (two others were at Second City) and it was by far my favorite. I'll be back. read more

I was here a few months ago with bunch of friends and we had a blast. I would go back here again and would recommend it to anyone. Plus food and drinks were great read more