Saw Jim Breuer here on saturday. Jim was brilliant and hilarious. Loved his show. The place itself is a fairly small basement. The acts are great, the staff are basically nice, the prices of beers aren't insulting honestly. A fun experience overall. That area of the city is a mixed bag so be a bit cautious on the side streets. Tip - the earlier you book your tickets for "Special Events" the closer seats you get. So look ahead and plan ahead. read more

I went to their standup show last night and was wrongfully charged $80 on my card. I will never go back to this shithole

This place ROCKS... Food - 5 of 10 stars Atmosphere - 9 of 10 stars Talent - 10 of 10 even the warm-up person is good. Great place for a date or if you just want to chill on a weekend evening. I always go to the 10:00 p.m. show, show is longer (depending on talent) and seating is better. Free shows on Sunday...check your local listing at dcimprov.com read more

Steps away from some of DC's most popular nightlife, DC Improv is by all intent and purposes a good experience. Good line up of comedians. Thanksgiving 2012 weekend, Donnell Rawlings gave a good performance. He ranks about 3rd or 4th of my seven DC Improv experiences. Comedy Show: B+ Service: A- Cocktails: B- Food: C Price (you get what you pay for): B+ Location: A Overall: B Will I go back? Yes great place to entertain out of town guests. Tip: The food is mediocre at best, so eat dinner before or after the show! 11-23-12 / Friday of Thanksgiving weekend read more

This.Was.So.Much.Fun.......enough said, but I guess I can elaborate! We came here to see Gary Owen, and I really had no expectations outside of having a fun time. We arrived relatively early and got a seat pretty close to the front. There are no assigned seats just VIP (closest to the stage) and regular seating so definitely get there early! The tables are fairly small and kinda cramped together so be prepared to get really friendly with the people around you. They had a two order minimum with basic appetizer type foods and drinks. Nothing fancy and prices are decent. I ordered nachos which were ok (nothing like my favorite monster nachos at the Cobb theatre). They are very serious about no cellphones out during the show and I almost witnessed someone get kicked out (yikes). The main event Gary Owen was absolutely hilarious-I laughed until I cried. The entire room obviously left completely satisfied. Ticket prices were well under what I expected to pay and. I will definitely be coming back in the near future! read more

I go reguarly and almost every comedian I have seen has been great. The comedy aspect of the place is great. The price is also very reasonable for DC $20-30 a show. The main draw back is the seating, the tables are extremely small and if you come a couple you sit with 2 others you dont even know. Then if you try to eat at the same time good luck the tables are way to small. . read more

I've been to two shows at DC Improv now and I can't wait to get back again soon. DC Improv books great comics and even though the theater is small and crowded when fully booked the check in process is very well organized. Some tables have a blind spot because of some columns and if you are only two people you have to share a tiny table with another couple but it's still a good place to see a show. The food is ok, the service is very fast and it's nice to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink during the show. I'm happy DC has a comedy club like this one. read more

This review is of the venue/service, not the comedy acts. DC Improv needs help. All the food looks and tastes like it was frozen then microwaved and the service is just so slow. I understand it must be hard to turn an entire full restaurant in about 2 hours, but maybe they should just offer fewer well-made dishes, and staff a few more servers during full shows. read more

The shows are great. The space is very small, so prepare to be packed in, especially if it's a popular show. The food options are good. I would definitely go back. read more

Went to see micheal blackson for my cousin bday. It was very nice appetizers were really good. Please arrive early or seat won't be so great. There is no parking! I use spot hero read more

Great placeto spend an evening full of laughs. Of course it depends on the comics, butusually have a good cast of characters. I have been there about 15 times and myonly complaint is the food sucks. They are not a food place, but they could geta little better quality. Otherwise 5 star place. I don't mindwalking downstair s to a cellar dwelling , where Im sure they need that lowerrent as comedy shows only survive Several days a week. Saw the hypontist comic,which had me in tears. He improvises the show as you do not know what is nextas selected crowd members become under tranced under hypnosis. They used tohave good frozen drinks , but seem they have not been on the menu for quitesome time. Always a good show and fun for a weekend evening out read more

We came with the expectation that it will be a standup comedy show. If it is a murder detective mystery then staying at home and watching tv is better. Last week we saw Rob and thought that he would do a stand up. We are disappointed. read more

Nicholas was awesome! He greeted us and asked how we were. A great representation of good customer service. We love coming and its nice to see real people interacting with their customers. read more

1st time at D.C. Improv last night. Had a great time! Rod-Man and opener were hilarious! We laughed from start to finish. The crowd was a mix of every type of person, all there to have some laughs. We ate before going so just had carrot cake for dessert and it was delicious. All the food smelled good and would definitely eat dinner there next time. The staff is very professional and has a great system going! Will be back for sure!!! read more

I've been coming to this comedy club for at least ten years, so this review is long overdue. The Improv comedy clubs across the nation are, as far as I understand, a chain, but each one is individually owned and operated. There's a good reason why this establishment has stood the test of time, and other clubs like Riot Act (never forget) unfortunately have not. The management and staff that work here are so solid and friendly. It's no wonder many working national headliners love to come here. Headliners like Bert Kreischer, Jim Gaffigan, Mike Birbiglia, Brian Regan, John Pinnette, etc. rant and rave about performing here and have paved their comedic paths thru the years dedicating time to stopping by this club in particular. One of the best working comedic hypnotists right now, Flip Orley (Anthony Cools can't hold his jockstrap), constantly states that he has to stop by the DC Improv several times a year when working the East Coast. There's a reason that local open mic'ers cut their teeth at the ComedySpot in Ballston or Old Glory BBQ open mics to get a chance to just be a host some day at the DC Improv. For all intents and purposes, this is our area's mecca of comedy. The good: - I honestly have not attended, but from everyone who has, I think that what they do with their trivia night is a huge success. - They are a pretty decent-sized room, and the perfect height too. A lot of people don't realize how important construction of the venue is, but it allows for just about perfect lighting and sound. - They are fans of comedy. They support local comics, giving them a chance to open and host for national, sometimes international, headliners. You haven't heard of Brandon Wardell, Tyler Richardson, Andy Kline, Rob Maher, Courtney Fearrington, etc.? Shame on you. Well, you will, because they're killers in their own right and have earned the honor of getting to perform on stage here. - The talent. Not to sound like a hipster douche, but I remember watching Jim Gaffigan and Brian Regan "when they were underground". Don't like the fact that they are selling out concert halls for $50 when you used to be able to get last-minute tickets to see them for $15? Tough titties, you must not like comedy or seeing your favorite comics succeed. It's called supply and demand, you dumbass. - The food. It's California Tortilla, which I happen to love. If you don't like it, that kinda sucks for you. The bad: - The pillars. Unfortunately, there's a handful of seats which aren't ideal to seeing the show. Thankfully, they have TV monitors as old as Abe Vigoda hanging on the walls so you can still watch the comedy. - Convenience fees. An unavoidable evil, like Mitt Romney's presidential ads or The Jersey Shore. But goddamn, do I hate paying $3 on a $15 ticket for the "convenience" of will-call. - Comedy classes. Now, this is not a knock on them, per se. I think that comedy classes in general are kinda a weird situation because it seems like something that isn't really taught, just kinda inherent. However, I do have friends who attended these classes so I'll leave it at that. Not hating, just my opinion. - Pepsi products. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. The misc.: - You'll occasionally see the comedy club cliches, no matter where you go. There'll be the guy or girl who can't handle their booze, the dumb bitch at the bachelorette party who thinks she's the headliner, and the dummy who un-ironically answers rhetorical questions taking the comic out of their train of thought. These are just things that'll happen anywhere you go, and quite honestly, they add to the fun. Overall, this club isn't the Comedy Store, it isn't The Punchline, it isn't the Comedy Cellar. It's our Improv, and a comedic institution which I felt passionate enough about that I wrote a goddamn yelp review far longer than many papers I had to do in college. Personally, if I saw it my way, any of my friends who claim to love comedy, support comedy, or other local open-mic'ers rated this place less than 4 stars on Yelp, they should be flogged to death with a bag of used tampons. read more

---3.5 stars--- I've been to the Improv twice, once for a show (Steve Byrne), and this past Wednesday for trivia night. I had a great time both times. For the show, we had a table pretty close up to the stage... so it got interesting when he started looking for audience involvement (I had to fall back on old tricks used in the classroom... *eep* if I don't look, he won't see me and can't call on me). All in all, great show and I'm looking forward to coming back to see more. During the show, my friend and I shared the nachos and the chicken tenders. Nachos were good, chicken decent, nothing earth-shattering and kind of pricey. But that and a drink helped us meet the 2 item minimum in the showroom. Trivia was a great time, very nicely run, even better since I was there with an awesome group of Yelpers! The host kept things entertaining. The questions were a mix ranging from glaringly obvious to can-I-get-a-lifeline hard... after racking our brains in the first round we were a little worried but things got easier after we got into it. Our team actually ended up doing pretty well, tied for 3rd in the first round (but lost in the tiebreaker) and tied for first in the second round (sadly again lost the tiebreaker, but major props to Ben M. for representing the team in the dance-off!) I only got drinks this time since I'd eaten before I got there. My one complaint for this night was the limited menu (apparently only the fry cook was there so only fried foods were available... that meant no quesadillas), and make matters worse, what limited kitchen there was closed before the first trivia game was over! But, I guess I'll forgive this since we did all have a great time. I know I'll be back (there's already a few shows I want to check out) and I definitely want to come back for the trivia again. read more

Great night out. Medium size venue and all seats are good. Haven't been disappointed yet. All attendees are escorted to their tables by a host/server. Guests have to order 2 items from the menu. Food is very average but you're not there to eat. You go for laughs! So just keep your expectations for the stage and you won't be disappointed. read more

Live comedy is all about atmosphere and humorous performers. The Improv definitely has both. If you're looking for profound, save your scrilla for Woolly Mammoth or Capitol Steps otherwise, the Improv is a great release valve. I love the dim hole in the wall underground vibe. I love the range of comedians. I love that it's now non-smoking. And I especially love the FREE admission on Sunday's and Tuesday's if you're wearing improv gear. A word to the wise, there's a 2 item minimum, skip the food and stick with drinks. read more

Terrible. It's like they are trying out skits to see if they are funny before they go to real comedy clubs... too elaborate to truly showcase the talent of their comedians. Overrated and sad. However, the customer service was amazing, which is always extremely valuable. Not funny but extremely wonderful service read more

The headliner was a drag, too much profanity and not enough comedy. And the warmup comedian was hysterically funny. The drinks were strong and the apple pie a la mode was hot. The crowd warmed up quickly. We'd go back in a heartbeat. read more

How DC Improv is as a comedy club, I do not know, my entire experience with DC Improv had to do with their monthly trivia night. First this place is slightly hard to find, it's in the middle of the block but also down in the dungeon, I don't recall any flashing signs or other ways to let you know this was the DC Improv other than a small stand up sign letting you know of future upcoming acts. After making my way down into the dark corridor that is their entrance, I was greeted by two pleasant hosts who instructed me to a private room to the left of the entrance. The host of the trivia night was I'm guessing some kind of local comic, I forget his name because I forget everybody's name but he was kind of funny, also apparently he comes up with all the trivia questions and is really serious about putting on a quality trivia night. I joined a Yelp team for the evening and proceeded to feel like an idiot for the majority of the night. These trivia questions were some of the hardest known to man, I felt like you had to be a rocket scientist to answer these questions and I was happy if I knew any of them. I figured at a comedy club most of the questions would be pop culture related, I didn't realize I would have to know so much about pre-revolutionary America. Even though there were only 5 teams there that night and the top 3 get prizes, the Yelp team went down in defeat coming in 4 out of 5. It was still funny to watch a pregnant woman compete in a dance off to decide the second place winner after the first tiebreaker of naming every American president in order was a draw. (Once again this is a comedy club and naming presidents in order was a tiebreaker, is this place too good for questions about the Glee or American Idol?) The food leaves a lot to be desired but then again it is a comedy club and not a 5 star restaurant. The quesadilla I had wasn't very good but it did the job of feeding a hungry man. I shall return for some comedy at some point or maybe another trivia night to redeem my ineptitude of answering questions. read more

There was nothing too funny about my experience. Last night was my first and only experience at this comedy club. My boyfriend and I bought tickets to the 10:30 show-- and listened to exactly what the website said-- to arrive 30 minutes prior to seating even though we had reserved seats. We arrived at exactly 10 o'clock... we somehow managed to work our way up to the ticket counter and get our tickets, but were stuck in this super tiny hallway crammed with everyone else for FIFTY minutes. No joke. I'm not sure if this was a regular thing for them, but the staff would not let anyone out of the hallway even though we were all standing on top of each other. By keeping us herded like cattle, when it was time to move everyone was rude and anxious to finally get some space-- and while the crowd was 21-30 year olds, everyone acted like they were 15 again by pushing and shoving. The two-drink minimum wasn't too bad, we ordered two cheap drinks and our bill was 5 dollars. However, there were two strangers fighting LOUDLY near our table, and the staff waited until the last 5 minutes of the night to remove the troublesome drunks. I feel their system of visitor control (waiting to be seated, not removing drunken idiots until the end) was screwed up. Maybe I just got the idiot Friday night crowd experience though. The entertainment was great, but he was even distracted by the immaturity of the drunks, and he apologized that the show was ruined for my side of the room. Definitely want to go back to see if I have a more organized experience. But my recommendation is to attend the early show to avoid the potential immature Friday night kids. (This is advice coming from a 22 year old, and if I can't stand my own peers, you know it was bad.) But good service, not horrendous prices if you try to order cheap, and potentially good entertainment. Bad Friday night crowd, really really uncomfortable entrance process, and incorrect advice given from their website. read more

Great food! The site was hilarious! Second time there, will definitely go back. Service didn't disrupt the show. Good date night.

I've seen many comedians here at the DC Improv and I really can't say anything negative about this venue, besides the seating arrangements, which on a sold out night, can get tightly packed but the laughter and entertainment does makes up for the tight seating. The service is also good with a 2 item minimum but sometimes the servers don't hold you to that, which can be an added plus. read more

I go here so much I forgot to review this. I like the fact that its a mixed crowd and there is no VIP section or any of that crap so everyone feels comfortable. You can go after happy hour or work or whatever and fit in rather you are in jeans and a button up or suit....just a cool atmosphere. Even the opening acts are funny. I think you actually have to be making a name for yourself to be an opening act so its not just Ray Rays cousin or someone on stage just acting a fool so its great from start to finish. Come early to get a good seat but people try to avoid the front because you can get roasted...I sit in the front regardless. I just try to dress well that day :) I gave it 4 stars because the food is not that good but you don't come there for that. My advice is to eat before you come and just get a drink or two, they are expensive but strong. Beats buying a healthy portion of not so good food. You CANT mess alcohol up :-) Hopefully this helps read more

Still love, but a word to the wise (and I'm clearly not wise): do your research in advance on the comedian. My hubs and I hate to watch too much YouTube or whatnot of the person because we don't want to spoil the show by watching the comedian's entire set before we even arrive. But in this case, seeing as I brought my parents, it would have been warranted. Bobby Slayton clued in the audience early when he joked about all the complaints he gets about his show being racist, etc., but there were times every person was squirming in their seats. Yes, he was funny, definitely, but sometimes you felt so uncomfortable that you forgot the humor. One person walked out (maybe he was joking too? he came back eventually). My mom claimed she would have if she hadn't been with us. Slayton berated several of the folks sitting up front, calling them fat, calling them out for masturbating (yes, someone admitted to doing so in front of his girlfriend at times and then looked totally abashed -- guess he was thinking when he opened his mouth?), joking about their appearances based on their ethnicity, etc. At any rate, that's nothing to do with the venue, which I maintain is fantastic. This time we went on a Saturday, bought tickets in advance and didn't show up until about 7:30. By the time we arrived the place was positively bumping - quite different from our Friday night show last time when we arrived at 7:15. Again, we ate dinner before arriving and spent our 2 items on alcohol. read more

What's going on at DC Improv? I thought it shut down years ago--maybe it should have. The employees at the box office are on power trips. We tried to get into a show that was "sold out" yet was not at capacity. Like - there were empty seats that stayed empty. "That's bullshit," said one of the two nice employees when they saw how we were treated. "There is definitely room in there for you." The good news is you can still hear the show from the hallway, so we still got to at least hear it. Amateur hour. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE ! My boyfriend took me out to dinner for an early birthday gift and then surprised me at the end of the night by taking me here to their late show. We saw John Caparulo, he was awesome. If you want to laugh so hard you start crying and your jaw hurts by the end of the night, come here! read more

I go see a lot of comedy and this is by far my favorite venue. I saw my first show here about three years ago and have been hooked ever since. There is something for everyone here. I've seen some pretty big names (D. L. Hughley, Michelle Wolf, Arsenio Hall, John Mulaney, etc.), up-and-comers, and everyone in between. The DC Improv books talent to suit every taste. The two-item minimum is no problem. My friends and I have tried almost everything on the menu and haven't had a bad dish yet. The hummus is great as are the nachos. The quesadillas, sliders, veggie burgers, pastas, salads, fries, chicken fingers...all very tasty. There is a full bar as well. You can also have coffee and dessert. The staff is so friendly and professional; I always feel welcome here. The seating line moves quickly and food/drink orders come out fast. The team has the whole routine, from start to finish, down to a science. And they work in the dark! I do like to arrive early to grab a good table and chat before the show. The later shows have assigned seating, which is nice, too. While the bigger acts are in the main showroom, I've seen some amazing shows in the smaller lounge. They have comic showcases, improv (Jive Turkey and Friends, ComedySportz), as well as on-the-cusp-of-something-big comics. There are also pun nights ($6!) and trivia nights (so much fun and free!). Yes, you often end up sharing a table, but if there are four or six seats and you only purchased two, then you have an opportunity to meet some like-minded comedy-lovers and share a laugh. That's why you're there. I love this place; I always leave the DC Improv in a great mood. read more

Great venue for good comedy in DC. The room is small with a shot of pink neon lights scattered around the ceiling. The tables are packed like sardines, so be prepared to get a little friendly with the stranger next to you. Some of the seats aren't that great because you could find yourself staring at a support column instead of the comedian. Thankfully there are a few TVs around the room so you could watch that if you happen to be caught in front of a support column or all the way in the back of the room. read more

Nic Taliafero.... spoke to him to schedule a guys night, was shocked to see the level of professionalism and attentiveness to my plan. Exemplary service... this is what draws people's to venues like this to be able to know great service and looking forward to a fun event. This is what I love about DC is when you experience service like this.. can't go wrong. DV Improv has perfected their brand with great comedians and top shelf service... read more

I always have a pleasant experience coming to Improv. Recently I purchased tickets online to see Sebastian Maniscalco, and accidentally got tickets for the wrong time! After panicking, I gathered the courage to call and make the changes. Honestly, I was nervous that something would go wrong. I called, but of course Improv was not open. So I decided to send an e-mail directly to DC Improv with my fingers crossed. Not too long after, Allyson sent me a confirmation e-mail letting me know that the changes were made. Amazing customer service! The 10:30 show tickets are the best. You get your seat in order in which the tickets were purchased. If you purchase the 8pm show, it's first come first serve seating. I always seem to purchase the tickets months and months in advance, so we get front row! I can't review the food, I've never tried it. (10:30pm show...) We normally get drinks and grab an empanada on the way home. Honestly, the seating in Improv is kind of crazy. I don't know how the servers manage to keep track of all of us, get us our drinks / checks in a timely manner, without any error. Hats off to them, seriously. You can't really beat the price for good entertainment and service-- I love the casual environment at Improv, and will be a forever returning customer! read more

They have these really small round tables, that are uncomfortable for even 2 people to eat at. 45 minutes before the show, and with 8 empty tables still in the place, I was asked to move to the other side of table so they could seat 2 other people, we didn't even know, at our table. This while I was eating. It was not an acceptable business practice for me, and made me realize that any bit of comfort is not important to them, and the shear number of patrons is all they care about. I will not be back to this Imrpov again. read more

I'm sitting here right now with my girls and this is our first time.Unfortunately our waitress is nasty as hell. I hope the show is better. The food is good though. We never got her name but she is here with a nappy a$$ brownish red weave. Will update about the show later...but dang...if you dont like your job please get a new one. read more

This was a cool Friday night find! I love stand up comedy, and this place is PERFECT! I like the seating, and it seems like everyone has a good seat. I love the seating system of the place. I can't speak on the food, nor the cocktails. All I had was red wine. read more

Attended a murder mystery show to celebrate a friend's birthday. I don't want to include a review of the show in a review of the venue, so I will just stick to the facts of the experience. The staff were all super friendly and inviting. We arrived not long after seating began, but still had to sit near the back; I guess to earn good seats you must queue outside far in advance. Drink orders were taken quickly, however it took a while to order food (perhaps because it was a sold-out show). Appetizers start around $9, and mixed drinks run about $10, so it isn't all that cheap. A lot of the show took place off-stage, making it impossible to see behind the multitude of columns. I felt like I was listening to a radio show rather than watching a play; somewhat disappointing, and I wish they would have considered that while planning the performance. read more

Really funny, not trying too hard standup comedians. We even were excited to see a congressman performing standup comedy for the first time! Great way to experience the city. read more

Good times at the Improv. Sami was great and friendly. Great atmosphere and a strong Cadillac Margarita!!!

Big Jay Oakerson and Justin Silver were amazing! Im definitely watching their podcasts after tonight's show. It was spectacular! The jokes and stories were so funny, I cried laughing! My waitress, Sarah, was on top of all the orders we gave her throughout the night. The waitress was very friendly and came by often to ask if you need a refill or if you want to order anything else. ***There is a 2 minimum item purchase per person so BEWARE!!*** The food isnt quite overpriced but the drinks are.. and it adds up, so be careful as time goes on. I ordered the chocolate cake and it was PACKED OF SUGAR! It was way too sweet for my liking. Half the cake was chocolate cake, and the other half was fudge. I give it a 5/10 read more

Great date spot. Food is awful, eat elsewhere beforehand. Drinks are decent, and they have a 2 item minimum, so it's nearly impossible to have a bad time :) read more