5 Stars for Arnez J! I got the tickets the day before, ended up with a decent table. No long line so that was cool. Got a 60 second rules of engagement for the etiquette of the show & the doors were open. Our server Alana was expedient & not intrusive in demanding the ordering requirements, she allowed us to go with the evening's flow of fulfilling the minimum purchases. The Improv's object to sell out tickets to cover the Talent is more than understood, yet the cramp layout of the tables needs some adjusting, especially for the in the corner tables. Once everyone seemed to be seated, the show started with the opening act, who was pretty funny and was able to hold the crowd. After a good 30-45 minute set, Arnez J. came out and crushed it like he always does. I've always like the late/finale show as the artist seems to give their best before resetting for the day/night's performance. It really was a hassle free effort from the tickets, entry and seating. I'll make an effort to come back more being back in the DMV. read more

DC Improv - Pre-seating...must master the ticket purchasing to get a good seat. - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I asked for Gray Goose (top shelf) and I think I got a well drink because it gave me a headache. The drinks were small. The headliner was bad. The warm up was funny. Headliner was bad. The MC was not good. The service was good...... although...Should I blame the waiter for serving me a well drink vs what I clearly asked for? My friends all agree with my opinions...they probably would be giving the night 2 stars. I will go back one day but I will keep away for their drinks. $14 for a tiny cranberry juice and vodka? Is that normal? The quesadillas were delicious, the breadsicks and fries were good. The crab dip and the chicken nuggets were bad. read more

Last Thursday, a friend and I came to see DL Hughley and had a blast! Ive been to DC Improv several times and I usually have a good time but the service and food have definitely improved. So much so that Im looking forward to coming back next time there's someone on the schedule I really want to see. I cant tell you how much I appreciate seeing popular comedians like DL here instead of at Constitution Hall where most the bigger names perform. Devices are not allowed once the show starts so I dont have many pics. We ordered the steak tacos and beef sliders and my friend and I were pleasantly surprised with how good both were. Tip 1: Get there early to get the best possible seats. I wasnt aware there were VIP tix but besides those its all first come first served. Tip 2: Close-out your bill sooner than later. read more

DC Improv - Great night. No devices allowed once the show starts, thankfully! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Being a DMV native, I'm surprised seeing Guy Torry (03/10/17) was the first time I've stepped foot inside the DC Improv. Crazy I know especially since this comedy club has been around for 25 years. I have absolutely been missing out, because who doesn't love big hearty laughs?? I know I do! DC Improv is pretty darn intimate meaning, the comedian can find you just about anywhere in the club. With that, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Well, Mr. Torry didn't have far to look in our case because the hostess sat us right up front and I do mean RIGHT UP FRONT (our table was touching the freakin stage.. Lol)!! I must say, Guy went somewhat easy on us but he crushed several of the other couples that were in striking distance.. This dude is freakin HILARIOUS!! I laughed so hard my stomach was hurting the next day! The food and drinks are extremely reasonably priced for a comedy club and surprisingly tasty. The wings and the crab dip were excellent to say the least!! Keep in mind, the late shows are assigned seating and the early shows are first come first serve, so get there early to find your preferred seat! Of course, I like the assigned seats because who likes standing in line 40 minutes before the show starts.. NOT ME!! This may have been my first time coming to DC Improv but I can assure you it won't be my last. What an enjoyable way to spend a warm winter's night in the Nation's Capitol.. A hit for sure!! *An update before I even posted this review.. Lol* I liked DC Improv so much that we decided to go see Adele Givens on 04/14/17. She still got it!! Funny as hell and I suggest you guys see her when she's in your town.. Beware, she still has a potty mouth.. Lol read more

I love it here! Just make sure you come early to get a seat. Good food. Strong drinks!

Surprise comedy outing for my birthday at dc improv. I got there a little early hoping to get good seating. However, i forgot how small the chairs were and hard. The line moved quickly and once I got seated the bartenders were on the move. I don't like the two drink minimum being I don't drink, $3.95 for D.C.'s tap water. I was totally blown it was foggy and looked like a screen door, so I didn't drink it. Brandon T Jackson was the comic he did a good job engaging the crowd. I wouldn't say he was hilarious but he did his thing and is funnier than nick cannon lol. Pros- cool venue with lots of history Serves food and drinks Friendly staff Cons- Seats and chairs super small along with tiny tables Over priced drink menu especially non alcoholic drinks read more

I think it's worth noting that I'm basing my review on the service and quality of the venue, not the performances themselves, since the performer is going to be different every time. So you know, though, we went to the later show on a Saturday and there were three comedians: a warm-up guy, a featured presenter, and a headliner. As to the venue...eh. We had just had dinner at Tredici up the street at the St. Gregory, which was super posh, so maybe it was just the stark contrast between the two but suddenly finding ourselves crammed in somewhere dark with overhead lighting at a cheap bar table was a bit jarring. This is by no means a fancy night out, and it's actually somewhat surprising to find somewhere this affordable in the Farragut/Dupont Circle area. It definitely fills a need because it's hard to find reasonably priced stuff to do in DC at all, let alone in a central location like this. But you also get what you pay for. The venue is small and tight. They pack a lot of people in. The stage is small. We were seated directly behind a support pillar that blocked more than half of my view at a small table that should have been for 2 people but instead had 4 chairs crowded around it. Another couple had already been seated at the table and their backs were right up against the people behind them. There shouldn't have even been a table in that spot. I mentioned the pole, and said we should speak to someone about being re-seated. The other couple said they had already tried and were told that the venue was sold out and there was nothing they could do so I shouldn't bother, in a way that was almost dismissive. Ha. Hahaha. So anyway, after my date and I were reseated at our own table somewhere further back where we could actually see the stage, the show started. However, nobody came to take our orders until the show was already halfway over. The headliner was about to go on. When we had entered, I discovered a sign saying there was a two item minimum (I wasn't the one who booked the tickets so I don't know if this had been disclosed online). I find that obnoxious when people are already paying for a ticket. But it's doubly obnoxious to charge a minimum but then not go around and take people's orders until the show is already well underway. Then, when they finally did get to us and we decided to order some food since the portions at dinner were small, they told us the kitchen was closed. Hold on. You have a two item minimum. But then you close your kitchen before the show is over. What? So we both ordered beers and then for our second round I got a diet coke (which was flat) and he got a bottle of water which he took to go. That said, prices were fair, beers and soft drinks were sized decently, the place was very clean, the staff were nice. It's cheap. It's well located. It's something to do. So it's OK, I'd go back if I really had a hankering for some comedy, but it would be with the understanding that it's a casual, beer and pizza night. Definitely not somewhere you go to impress a first date or your parents or your boss or anything, and not where you go if you're feeling fancy. read more

This was my first time going to the DC Improv and I really liked it. It was to see Ali Siddiq. He was very funny and nice. Took pictures with everyone who wanted to in the lobby. The whole show was good including the two comedians that came on before him and the poet. The food was pretty good too. My only complaint is the seats are way to close. My leg was pretty much on the guys next to me because he was a big guy. My wife kept getting kicked in her ass my someone behind her. read more

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I was here last week for the first time with a friend who is a big fan. We split a bottle of wine and each had a slice of cake. The cake was very good (I had carrot cake and would 1000% recommend) and it's worth noting that the bottle of wine counts as 4 "items" to cover the 2 item/person order minimum. Cool venue with chill enough vibes that it works as a date spot but also a place to hang out with friends. Obviously every show will be different, but we adored Taylor Tomlinson, and there was a surprise guest appearance by Whitney Cummings, who was workshopping material for her Netflix special. The only downside here is that they ask you to share your table with other guests and tell you what side of the table to sit on in order to facilitate this. I totally get that they need to maximize seating for shows, but it ends up making things really cramped and gets a little awkward because the tables are small and you're in close quarters. It's a good incentive to show up with a big group of friends, and next time, we might just do that! read more

Staff and other customers totally ignore mask mandate. Totally unsafe. Shocked they don't require proof of vaccination at every show also.

I recently attended Gary Owen's performance and had a great experience at DC Improv. Booking was simple and our seats were close (but not too close to the stage lol). We were there to celebrate our friend's birthday and the service was excellent. We were greeted by our server, Alana, who was super attentive and friendly. We had a party of 6, so we had a lot going on but she didn't miss a beat!! read more

I've come here on soo many occasions and i don't know why i haven't written a review until now. This place is soo dope for a lot of talented comedians to bless the stage with their presence. The last time i was here was to see haha Davis and Marcus banks and some more people of course. It was really funny and really dope. I always try to catch a show of great comedians when i can. read more

DC Improv is one of my favorite places in the District. Check out a show or take an improv class - their Comedy School course catalog is full of fun opportunities. This is a place where you walk in a stranger and leave feeling like a member of the family. I recommend the hummus plate and don't forget to tip your servers! read more

The big name acts that they manage to pull in here are awesome. But the seating is absolutely RIDICULOUS in every single way. They crowd you in like sardines in this tiny tiny space and they make you share a table for two with four people. with the money that they're bringing and there's no reason that they can't move to somewhere that has more room. It literally has to be a fire hazard with the way that they do this. The food is not very good either and there's a two-item minimum per person. I would suggest going for the chips and salsa and a soda. read more

I got here twice a year to see flip Orley the comic hypnotist, they should just raise the prices instead of making people buy a minimum of food or drink it's really kind of silly, I don't like to be downtown eating average bar food. read more

Came here to see Murr from impractical jokers and he killed it. The only thing that raised the bar from his show was Kia's service. WHAT A STAR!!!! Thank you Kia for taking care of us!!! read more

LOOOVEEEE!!!! I came here to see Ari Shaffir and my face hurt from laughing so much. We saw a 10:30 Friday night show. I bought the tickets on Wednesday. Since they said it's a "first come first served" on when you buy the tickets I wasn't thinking we would get a very good seat. Turns out we sat 2nd row center. My date and I had a great time laughing our asses off. And the other comedians there were really funny too. Will return :-) read more

I've been coming here for years. Once you know the game there's no need to complain or wonder. Know that if you're a party of two you will be seating with strangers at a table like y'all friends. I usually buy a third seat bcz I'm not interested in sharing my eating space with strangers that close to where if they coughed or sneezed by accident I would no longer eat bcz it will definitely spread to your food. The food choices are great. I personally love the chips and salsa but everything is great. One of my dates said the veggie burger and French fries are definitely made from frozen but IDC it wasn't overpriced and it satisfied me. It's a two item minimum so come hungry, thirsty or both. read more

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Dark, dirty, loud, intimate. DC Improv has been around for years. I've seen many a famous comic here and have always had a kick ass time. Nothing ever feels pretentious. I buy my tickets online for cheap prices. Seating is first come, first served. Drinking more than your share is perfectly okay, in fact I feel like it's encouraged. Aside from the fact that the whole place is kinda of small, it never feels that way. The sound is good and the comics always pick on the closest people to the stage. It's hard to embarrass me, so any chance I get to sit up there, I take it. If you drive in, parking is literally right next door, about 5 steps away. It's valet and it's convenient. We normally eat on site, because of it's location, I don't like trying to rush from another place and get there on time (because seating is first come, first served). The menu is a gastronomical cornucopia of bar food like nachos and wings and....wait for it....items from California Tortilla. I don't know why this is, but it is. So prepare your appetite for tacos and burritos if you decide to dine on site. I'm not really a fan of California Tortilla, but that's another review. If I'm hungry when I get there I wash it down with Corona and then whatever libations I randomly pick after I get started. The back drop of the stage still looks like it did when stand up comedy first got popular back in the 80's. Phony bricks and blackness. Occasional neon lights and mug shots of the famous past and present. Insert someone funny who makes me laugh so hard that I vomit from both ends and you've got a night to remember. What more do you need? read more

DC is so lucky to have the DC Improv. I've seen many talented acts here: the NC 17 rated Pablo Francisco, R rated Charles Fleischer, Comic/hypnotist Flip Orley (three times!) and last night the very funny PG rated Brett Leake. These guys are talented! The MC/comic and warm-up comedians are great too! I've always sat front row except for tonight and my view was okay in the back. It was easy to hear too. The big draw last night (and now a monthly event) was the pre-show trivia hosted by Chris White. It was a blast! I'm not saying that just because my team won :D With regular paid admission to that night's show, trivia participation is free. It's just over an hour with three fast moving rounds. It's probably the best trivia event I've ever been to. The host, with his witty repertoire was what made it so fun! As a member of the winning team, I'll be back next month (free admission, yay!). The DC Improv is improv at its best! Definitely one of the best venues in the nation to see live comedy. read more

We came here to see Godfrey and he was freaking hilarious and super funny!!! We definitely, enjoyed ourselves and loved every minute. I ordered a side of fries and they were delicious. Will definitely, be back soon. read more

For my first comedy show experience it was fairly damn awesome. I went there for laughs and left out there happy about the jokes. The acts were creative and hella funny. Dee Ra was the headliner but the opener was equally hilarious. The servers kept drinks coming minus the time my waitress forgot about an order. However, I understood how that could have happened. The venue was jam packed and parties were sharing seating with strangers. I had no clue it would be like going to a Japanese steakhouse but now I know..and that's half the battle. I do suggest arriving early or risk being pushed in a corner tightly. Bar cuisine was on the menu. Overall, if your looking for some laughs while having a drink with friends or out with a date this hidden gem is perfect. Thanks, Vince read more

Finally got to jump on the DC Improv trivia night bandwagon! Props to the Yelp crew for keeping this tradition going, and for being damn good at trivia! I was also impressed with the quality of the questions. Even if you were going to be an a**hole and try to cheat, the questions are structured such that it'd be awfully hard to solve most of them even with use of an iPhone. It was evident that a LOT of time and effort gets put into the prep work, which I definitely appreciate given my background as a teacher who had to try to come up with fun lesson plans on the regular. I totally should've had this guy putting together my test-prep "Jeopardy" rounds! Now, the food and drinks are nothing special, but burgers and beer are burgers and beer, and, I mean, it's a comedy club, so it gets a bit of a pass on the culinary details. I made the mistake of ordering a bloody mary, but I'll admit that was my own ridiculously optimistic misjudgement. Next time, I'll stick with the burgers and beer. I've also been here for a comedy show but not for a whiiiile, so that part wouldn't really make for a legit Yelp review, so, I'm not factoring it in. But as a side note, I remember it being a lot of fun, the comic used me in some asian joke that I thought was hilarious, and I think I hooked up with the guy who brought me, so it must've been a good time! read more

I love this place! Been many times:) Great for a date, to bring a friend, or anyone visiting. Highly recommend the standup showcases. They're very reasonably priced and it's a great way to see a variety of comedies. The staff who serve food/drinks are great, but the staff standing at the doors directing you to which showroom to enter based on your ticket are pretty rude. read more

I love this place. It is one of my favorite spots in DC. It is a nice cozy comedy club in the basement, where you will always have a good time. Tickets are very reasonably priced, as are the drinks. The seating is first come first serve, so you gotta get there early for a prime spot, but the place is nice and small so all the seats are a great view. I have been to this club over 20 times and have never been disappointed in any of their acts. Even the openers are Hilarious. The food is supplied by California tortilla, from what I have heard, and it tastes decent. I wouldn't go here for the food, but if you are hungry then there is something to eat. You need to definitely do yourselves a favor and hit up this comedy club. I promise you will have a good time, and if you don't, track me down and I will pay for your tickets. read more

DC Improv - The spot - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fun night with the comedians. Kumite was very fun and the best comedian won. I would return again. Only negative is the tables are super close together. A little spacing would be nice. Otherwise great service and fun atmosphere! read more

Think Blues Alley and Takoma Station Tavern, minus the musicians, with comedians. Shows sell out QUICK, so let that be your warning. Special Event tickets sell out even QUICKER. Regular show tickets are around $25-30, which isn't half bad. The food/beverage isn't any better or worse than most other venues. With the 2-item limit, you don't have much choice. Play it safe and go with the spinach dip, chicken tenders or loaded nachos. Parking tip: Use the parking garage at Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle (cross Connecticut Avenue to 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW). It's cheaper than the meter and the parking attendants are friendly. read more

This is a nice place to see a show, but the pics of Jerry Seinfeld, Louis C.K., and other legends on the wall will leave you envious. We saw Todd Glass a few months back. The show got off to a rocky start when he kicked a group out for texting. Things got awwwkwardd for awhile, and people were debating long into the night whether he was justified. I came down on the side of it's rude to text, I like seeing rude people get their comeuppance. Alas, I can't judge the venue for that, regardless of which side you come down on. They have a nice atmosphere for a show and great acoustics. The sax to warm things off was an especially nice touch. It's a two item per person minimum - each drink is ten dollars ($12-15 for premium cocktails). Service wasn't great, but it's got to be hard when the lights are down and a show is going on. I wish I had ordered all our drinks and paid before the show began. That leads me to a pro tip: show up early. Not.only to get your bill out of the way, but also because when they seat groups of two, you have to share a table. One side will be near an aisle, but the other is smushed in with the people behind or in front. You'll barely be able to move! We got here about five minutes before doors opened, and since we beat the other people at our table, we were allowed to take our pick of seats. read more

We came to DC Improv on 11/13/2015 to catch Marlon Wayan's first show. Overall, we had a great experience. Marlon and his opening acts, which included his niece Chaunté Wayans along with Mitch Marchand, were all hilarious and really knew how to work the crowd. We couldn't stop laughing! Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show begins. We arrived early and were able to choose at our leisure which table we wanted to sit at. The setup of DC Improv is very much similar to Blues Alley - the tables are tiny and are very close together while the chairs are a bit uncomfortable. Since it was a sold out show, we shared a table with another couple and things were a bit tight. The seating can be a bit awkward and once the room is filled your view will most likely be blocked by another person's head. Also, it's best to use the bathrooms before the show since the space is difficult to maneuver once it is packed. There is a two item minimum per person which did not seem strictly enforced. Since we had plans to go out for a nice dinner afterwards and the menu at DC Improv looked lackluster and overpriced, we shared the chips & salsa. After the show was over, we were quickly ushered out so that they could turn over the room for the next performance. Marlon and his team were all about business, selling memorabilia and only taking photos with people who purchased something. Those who did not make a purchase were not allowed to take photos at all and DC Improv staff made sure of that. read more

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Sunday Funday at the DC Improv was amazing! This was my first time at this theater and my aunt, cousin & I had a great time! We came for the DeRay Davis show. The opener for him was HILARIOUS and DeRay was even funnier. I ordered a margarita (which was VERY strong) and the grilled chicken sandwich (which was OK). The menu choices are pretty decent. Considering I plan to return a few more times this year I can try some of the other things. The space is very small and intimate which is fine until you're crammed at a table with other people. It it definitely recommended to arrive EARLY. You select where you want to sit therefore the earlier you arrive the better off you'll be. Also, arriving early will allow you to eat in the light instead of the dark when the performer is on stage. All in all, a great place! I can't wait for the coming shows I plan to attend! read more

DC Improv - DeRay Davis - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The first thing that I liked about the Improv was that the location had a NY bar typ of feel. Being as though it was located below ground. On the particular night that I went Tony Rock was performing. My date said that he chose seats for us prior but when we arrived we found out that it was first come first seated at this show. Lesson learned, arrive early so that you don't have to peek in between the crowd to catch a view of the performer. Also because theplace is sooo tiny you want to make sure that you dress light so that you're not burning up. What more can I say, the drinks were decent. For the price of tickets I'll definitely be going back!!! read more

Ah, I saw a great show tonight here. Went with a few friends to see Pablo Francisco's standup comedy. The show itself was great, from the MC to the opening acts to the headliner. A lot of good laughs. This joint has had a lot of big comedy stars come through here, so chances are if you come here on any weekend night you're gonna have a good time. The club itself is pretty simple. There are two rooms, one larger than the other. Either way they aren't huge, which is nice because you feel like the comic's actually telling you some funny stuff instead of feeling like simply some audience member. They have food here, and actually have you get two items. So come hungry, or just get something simple like the chicken tenders and a soda. Alternatively, get some grub beforehand because the food here isn't that great, and then wash it down with a couple beers. Waiters are friendly and not intrusive. The place is clean, the talent is great, my only complaint is that two-item requirement. Ah well. Get here early so you can get good seating. read more

DC Improv - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Good time! The menu is also good and reasonably priced. Plan on going back and recommend.

A friend who knows told me: "The DC Imrpov is an awkward room but has great energy!" He was absolutely right. The show we went to had a 2 drink minimum. I'd suggest ordering the 2nd before last class and/or having a root beer float! read more

I went here tonight to see Mike Birbiglia. He was fantastic! And the space was pretty great too. We were sat against the wall on one of the sides, but it was still a good view. It was the late show so we just ordered the minimum 2 drinks. I got a frozen mudslide (see picture) and then a regular mudslide. They were good, and strong, but jeez I thought the $17 bill was a bit steep... But aside from that I had a great time, and will definitely come here again to see more comedians. I'd go see Dave Attell next weekend, but he's sold out! The trivia night also sounds pretty fun so I might have to do that too. read more

DC Improv - frozen mudslide - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came in to DC from Delaware to see Trae Crowder and his pals. The show was great, the food was surprisingly good. Staff was attentive and prices were fair even for rural Delaware read more

Overall, I like this venue. I've attended a few shows, most recently the WellRED Comedy tour. Great show! If you get the chance to go, I recommend it. The food is wholly mediocre and the drink options aren't any better. But, you don't go for the fries, do you? Although I know where the entrance is having gone there already, but it would be good if it were better marked. read more

This place is always such a fun time, I've been twice now and every act that has come on stage has been absolutely hilarious. On top of that the servers are very nice and the drinks are great (and strong). The first time I went everything was right on time which was great, this second time we did have to wait about 45 minutes which was a bummer, but I know busy nights are tough. I'd absolutely recommend going here with friends or for a date night out! read more

I've gone here a dozen times. The staff is professional and courteous, while the venue is big enough for groups, but feels intimate. The food was average bar food from what I remember. I intend to go soon to refresh my recollection. Some "clubs" don't have that comedy club feel, but this one does. I like that they'll sometimes have contests and that it's easy to chat with the talent before or after. Got to meet Patrice O'Neal (RIP) that way... he was casually leaning against a car outside and our small group hung out with him. The location is pretty centralized. If I remember it's near the Mayflower Hotel. I may love this place so much because I've had some of the best laughs of my life here--what's not to love about that?! read more

The Trivia Night Happy Hour is a lot of fun here. From what I understand it's only done once a month though. Chris White the host of the night was a barrel of laughs. Food (chicken wings and fries) and drinks (beers) here is just okay. Service seemed to be a-okay. I'm definitely coming back for more. read more