First-time visitors and I was glad we had prepaid for our seats because it would have been horrible to sit behind the pole. All seatting is super tight, but that is shared at the jump. So be prepared to get neighborly. 2 item minimum wasn't an issue as many locations apply the same type of requirements. They did have several options, and it could be food or drink options. Parking, information on parking, or access for shows was not helpful and the reason for 4 stars. The website needs to be updated to reflect viable options for early or late shows. Finally, I found a space 33 min later that would be open after 10 pm. read more

Best comedy venue in town. We've been several times to see big and small name performers and all have been hilarious and made for an amazing night out. I prefer to pay the extra $20 or so for the front row when it's available just to make it a truly memorable event. But the whole place is small and intimate and perfect for what it is. An awesome, smaller basement venue with excellent, big name shows. read more

Great venue! I've been to DC improv for a few comedy shows and it's always a great time. The service is quick, the drinks are good and the food is tasty. read more

PROS: -Easy to book tickets online -They offer a ton of variety from comedians, open mic, hypnotists, psychics, etc. -Local up and coming comedians -Food is actually pretty good for a dive comedy club CONS: -Venue itself could use a facelift/upgrade -Seating is not only crowded but oftentimes you cannot see the stage depending on where you are seated -Limited number of bathrooms so you have to wait awhile and miss part of the show -2 item minimum per person which is sometimes enforced and sometimes not (i.e., there were 4 of us and only 2 out of 4 of us had that policy enforced so that was inconsistent and annoying because I wouldn't have ordered a 2nd item if I didn't feel forced to) -Overpriced food and drink items (i.e., $3.95 for Deer Park) Overall it's a dive comedy club but you'll laugh your ass off and have a good time. read more

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

Located about 2-3 blocks away from the Farragut North metro station (red line). Recommend you take the metro as parking here in the city will be tough especially during the weekdays. You will find the DC improv as they have flickering lights outside of their sign. We came here during a weekday showing and it was pretty crowded. Recommend you coming here at least 1 hr before the show starts so you can get seats closer to your preference. Note: there is a 2 item minimum purchase for EACH ticket guest. Meaning, each person will need to purchase 2 items which can count for drinks of any kind and food. We ordered their sliders with fries and cheese quesadilla which came with sour cream and tomato salsa. Both items were good. Their sliders are more towards the small side, but the fries were nice and crispy. Food comes out fairly quickly and the waitress here were very tentative and friendly. Please note it's better to come here with a group of at least 4 people. If you come here with one person then expect to have another 2 people sit next to you. The tables are small for a party of 4 so try not to order large items. They also serve bottles of wine which is pretty cool. I feel like most seats in this venue gives you a good view since the stage is on a higher ground and there are some tv screens next to the stage that gives you an unobstructed view of the stage. Once the shows over, you have to wait at the table till your server gives you your final check bill. Overall, food is decent here. Not a fan of the 2item minimum purchase, but it's good revenue for the venue. The sound quality from the speakers are adequate. Overall, good place to catch a comedy show. Wished the tables here were large and more intimate. read more

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I want to give DC Improv 5 star because its one of the only dedicated comedy spots in the area. Most other comedy places double as a hotel, concert hall or general event space. DC Improv is specifically for comics. All the heavy hitters and upcoming comics can be seen here. This is my go to date night spot. We've seen everyone from DeRay, Adele Givens, Will Sylvince, Tony Woods and much much more. You get to check out comics you may have never heard before. Tyrone Burston opened for Adele Givens last night. He was cool and relatable. I didn't belly laugh but he did have some funny bits. Aminah Imani is a regular and she's really funny. No shade but I'd rather see her than Tiffany Haddish. She's actually funny not just goofy af. The place is intimate and very dimly lit. They get you in and out in a timely fashion. You can pay for premium seating but we've never had bad seats in gen pop. Frankly, I don't want to sit up front and potentially get roasted. But to each his own. However, it doesn't get a full 5 stars because of the food menu. If you're forced to have a 2 item or a 2 drink minimum per person, have better food options. I understand this isn't a restaurant, but people can also get the full experience and not leave 5 lbs heavier with the fried food options available. I would love to see a pasta dish, better salad selection, maybe a bruschetta and better desserts. A partnership with &Pizza would be dope here. The prices are always affordable. But I assume they make up for this at the bar with the 2 drink minimum. read more

What is life if there is no laughter? As a DMV native, it has taken me way too long to visit DC Improv. The right comedian drew me out for a recent visit, and let me tell you, this is going to become a regular stop for me. I first discovered comedian Sheng Wang during a late night YouTube rabbit hole: his avocados skit from 2 Dope Queens/HBO is an absolute must watch. Found out he was headlining his own tour and immediately purchased tickets. Front row baby! DC Improv did an excellent job communicating event expectations, which was really needed as a new patron. Here are some must knows: - Two item minimum purchase (food or drink) per person - Tickets are all at will call - Late shows might not start on time due to getting everyone seated - Tables are based on where you were in the queue at time of purchase Sheng absolutely killed it. I can't imagine a better Friday night anywhere else in the city. read more

The comedians I saw with my friend were great, as we got to see one of our favorite Internet personalities which we've been wanting to do for so long. However, we unfortunately will never return as the service was atrocious. I ordered a vodka + Diet Coke and lime. Our server brought a Diet Coke and gin and when he came back, I said kindly "I think this might be gin in here instead of vodka." Instead of doing anything helpful, our server laughed/scoffed in my face and said "uhm no that's definitely Tito's". I was like could you try it? He scoffed again and said "uh no I don't drink vodka". (HE SHOULDVE BEEN FINE TRYING IT BECAUSE IT WAS GIN). He then looked at me and asked if I was "good" in a way insinuating that I was drunk or something (?) and that's why I thought it was gin? But actually if I was drunk maybe I wouldn't have noticed. The rest of the night he was consistently rude. I was honestly so sad. Hire better people please. Hopefully the next comic that comes around chooses a different venue so my night won't be tainted by someone being rude and condescending for no reason. It costs a good amount of money to go see a show, get drinks, etc. and it is disappointing that someone you all employ can mess that up for someone. I'm just very rubbed the wrong way by this situation. I try to be kind and respectful to everyone I encounter so I guess having someone be so rude back to me really struck a nerve. He acted as if I was so bumbling idiot... i know what gin vs. vodka tastes like. It's a pretty stark difference and I just don't understand why I was gaslit like that. read more

This is a great comedy club! Tables are sorta small and it was definitely cramped the night we went, but great line-up, great food and drinks! We got tickets online for cheap! There is a 2 drink minimum for all guests. read more

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Always a good show! Sure, not every act is stellar but I have never left dissatisfied. They have the best atmosphere and the best talent.

We did a couples date night there last night. It was my husband's and I first time. We went to see Lil Duvall and the show was great. Our server's name was Austin he was super attentive and as crowded as it was we never had to look for him. He explained the drink minimum to us easily and the full bar they had. We ordered Rieslings and i believe jack and cokes. We got the spinach dip which was very good. It came with chips as well as a tomato salsa that we loved. We are looking forward to coming back maybe in January for another comedy show. I took off one star because it is so packed in there and the tables are all so close together. They really cram you in like sardines. Thank you for a great time Dc Improv see you next time. read more

We have been to shows here and had a great time, but this review is for DC Improv's standup class. If you've ever thought you might be interested to try standup or friends have ever told you that you should do standup, TRY THIS CLASS. Club management & the instructor really support you & prep you for success. Definitely nerve wracking to get up on stage and perform, but in the end very fun. And great to see how everyone in the class progresses over the weeks. If you're on the fence about trying standup, DO IT! read more

After two visits to DC Improv it's official that this comedy club is one of my favs! Always clean, staff super professional and well organized, it's a smooth operation. The comics are well chosen and the hosts always give a good opening and closing. Basic menu items are tasty and fresh, drinks are strong not watered down and iced up like other establishments you might find in the area. My tip is to arrive about 15-20 min early if you care where you sit, I've been both on time and late so I know the difference (less of a choice in where you are seated). Metered street parking and a parking garage is nearby. I've been twice this summer and can't wait to return. Enjoy the show! read more

So much fun! My mom dragged me out of the house because I was having a bad day, and DC Improv was just what the doctor ordered. I laughed so hard, and I cannot wait to bring my friends for future shows! P.S. Go for the laughs, not for the grub. Food and drinks were so-so. read more

I visit this comedy club often. I think whether or not you like this place depends on your expectations. I personally enjoy myself like crazy when I come here. The staff is nice, the comedians are funny and the good time is natural. I am here for the experience. There are no expectations of mind blowing food or comfortable seating. Having said that, there are a few things that could be turn offs for others: Seating The seating is a little cramped. Couples need to share tables with other couples. There are certain sections of the show room that have columns blocking the stage all together. Be careful where you sit! Early shows - get to choose seats based on your arrival. The doors open about an hour before the show. Late shows - seats are assigned based on when you purchased the tickets. The earlier you bought the tickets, the better seats you have. Food I say stick with chicken quesadillas. The most consistent choice throughout my visits. The hummus can be good but the bread and veggies did not come out fresh last time. Beverages Watch out for house versus top shelf liquor. Our waitress upgraded without asking. I don't mind but feel she should have mentioned it. Keep in mind, usually there is a 2 drink minimum so you will have to purchase something there. read more

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My wife and I visited DC Improv for a show, actually snagged tickets not too far out from the date of the show. We got there at the time the doors opened (5:45 pm for a 7 pm show). We sat close to the stage and were told that two other people would be sitting across from us. It wasn't a big deal since we had our vaccination cards checked at the door and we had ti wear masks when we weren't actively eating or drinking. The featured comedians were funny and I will be following up with them on social. Main comedian was hilarious and I enjoyed my first time at DC Improv. I will definitely be back! read more

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My first comedy show ever, I came to DC Improv on Valentines day to see a comedian I had never heard of. Tickets weren't too expensive and we were at the 9:45pm showing, which was a bit late. We got there about 40 minutes before our show and were promptly checked in and left waiting in the waiting area, really rubbing shoulders with the other fellow attendees. While the room may have been crammed, it was nice there were restrooms and we didn't have to wait outside in the cold. At the evening shows, your seat is determined in the order you bought your ticket. We bought our tickets about a week before and had a pretty decent table with a direct view on the acts. You are sitting with another couple if you come in a group of 2 so it's a bit intimate and also hard to order too much food since you are sharing a table. Immediately as you are sat, someone comes and takes your food and drink orders. You have a 2 item min. for each ticket which isn't hard to hit as you can even get a soda and that counts. We got wine (house Cab sav was pretty decent), beer, and fries. Their fries were surprisingly good and the food and drinks actually came out really quick! I wish service was this quick at all the places I went. The show itself was great and after the show the checks came out pretty dang quick. I loved this place and already want to come back as soon as possible! read more

SUCH a fun spot! Who doesn't love a good laugh with tasty food, great drinks, and wonderful company? Each of the comedians were absolutely incredible (although admittedly a bit vulgar for my taste), and they all did a phenomenal job holding the room and keeping the energy up. It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday evening. My date and I tried their cheese quesadilla, which was the perfect size to fuel both of us throughout the show. We also both loved their passion mojito, and the service was incredible. There were many waiters working the room, making the entire ordering, eating, and paying process incredibly efficient and smooth. Highly recommend giving DC Improv a try for amazing food and fun. read more

Undoubtably the Shows and the comedians they host are really good, the venue is very clean and they are applying all the Covid prevention restrictions including the mask enforcement and checking for vaccine records which as a concern citizen I am very appreciative of those precautions. The food options are pretty limited because it's more of a bar not an actual dining restaurant so I understand that, I ordered the french fries and they were amazing I really like them the drinks are also good and the prices are moderate. I will definitely go back and recommend this venue for anybody that is interested in stand-up comedy shows read more

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

I always have a good time at the improv. Went to see an improv class graduation in the smaller show room and will be back in August for a show in the main room. There is a minimum at the table but they have plenty of options that will help you hit the table minimum. read more

I've now been to the Improv twice, and both were very different experiences. The first time was with the boy for Russell Peters' show. What a riot! It was a hugely packed house with a rowdy crowd. I didn't realize that there's typically a two-drink minimum with any show. Had he not explained it to me, I would have never known. Whatever, I had a glass of unimpressive white wine before switching to a more enjoyable iced tea. I was too busy laughing or being embarrassed by getting called out by Russell to even finish off my second beverage. The second time I was here was with a horde of yelpers for a comped comedy show and trivia happy hour immediately preceding it. Chris White hosts trivia and obviously pours a lot of thought and energy into preparing the event. The questions and answers were well thought out, the video trivia was a hoot, and the scoring by Allyson was amazingly quick. Done in the smaller lounge space at the Improv, it holds about 50-60 people, and it looked absolutely packed the night we went. We actually ordered food this time, and I impressed by the queso and sturdy tortilla chips (supposedly provided by CalTort). The folks next to us had earlier ordered a serving of chicken fingers, and when they came out they looked and smelled so tantalizing that we ended up getting some for ourselves. Not only were the fingers light and juicy and tender, the ranch (?) dressing served with it was really mild and creamy - everyone that had a bite was pretty wowed by how solid they were. Huge props to our server, Chris, who somehow managed to work the entire lounge room during trivia, and I don't think he got a single one of our orders wrong. Even when we shuffled folks around to even out trivia teams. Amazing! When we migrated over to the main show room, Chris was able to keep track of where we were and correctly attributed tabs to the right parties. The headline comic for the evening, Brett Leake, was phenomenal at working the crowd. His routine was especially funny, touching, and inspiring because of his physical disability due to a muscular dystrophy disease. In spite of his own personal medical challenges, he manages to find hilarity in everyday things that seem unfair, that don't make sense, and turns the biggest challenges into opportunities for hilarity. Everyone can benefit from a night out at the DC Improv. As they say, laughter is good for the soul, and I have never encountered a shortage of laughs here! read more

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

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The experience was 50/50. Most of the comedians seemed more high and depressed than funny. We still had a good but will not be going back.

Saw couples therapy tonight and it was an amazingly funny. Rahmein is incredible. I want him to narrate my life please. Thanks for a great night! read more

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

I was pleasantly surprised by this place! I went for the first time when Ian Lara came to perform. Customer service was 10/10 the entire time. The people at the front desk where friendly and welcoming. I was able to choose my seat and my waitress was cool and nice. She was attentive to us the whole night and gave honest reviews of the menu items. The food was 10/10 as well. I was not expecting that from a comedy club! The food was good enough that if this were just a restaurant, I'd come back just for the food. There is a 2 item minimum, but that wasn't a problem at all. The venue was clean and just welcoming overall. There were 2 things I didn't like. One was how close the seats are to each other. I could literally feel the person behind me breathing on my neck. I get that they likely want to fit as many people as possible into the space, but it was a little too close for comfort. The other thing was that the opening acts were depressing! Many of them were either drunk or high and I guess using comedy as a way to cope with life. Yes, I got some laughs in during their sets but more than anything I felt sad for them and hope they get the help they need. The main act was 10/10. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and would come back again. read more

DC Improv is pretty much my go-to spot for comedy shows. While I've never attended their other events outside of comedy, i appreciate that they offer various kinds of entertainment that appeal to many. LOCATION/PARKING: Probably much easier to park in the nearby garages than on the street. INTERIOR: DC Improv has been open for 20+ years but the inside seems so much older. It's pretty cramped in the showroom and great seats are limited. Unless you're attending the later shows which offer assigned seating based on when tickets are purchased, it's best to get there early to get a good seat. SERVICE: Considering it's a comedy show, there isn't much conversation to be had. Wait staff is coming and going and at times you'll have to flag someone down. No real complaints. FOOD: When attending a show you must purchase a minimum of two items. The food is a little overpriced and nothing to rave about really. All in all, I've never had a bad time at the Improv and i'm sure one will have an amazing time BUT they are in need of some renovations. read more

Great service and there isn't a bad seat in the house. Drinks are strong (get the spicy margarita).

We came to a Friday show to see Derek Gaines and others. They sat us at the front. Just wonderful! We ordered a couple drinks, which were kind of bland but drinkable. The first act was the best. Too bad we forget his name. The other acts made us laugh, too. But were so-so. There was an old couple at the front near us who caused a bunch of trouble. The lady left early. It was a sight to see. We do not intend to come back. Let that speak for itself. I read more

Great space but obviously a management issue. The two item minimum is so ridiculous when you already paid for tickets and their "bottom shelf" liquors are patron and Titos to drive up the price. To meet this many people were just buying $4 water bottles to reach the minimum which just is unnecessary. Also kicked the comic offstage by turning the lights on which was so inconsiderate considering how much money he made them between tickets and this ridiculous two item rule. Not even letting the comic finish was just my last straw, but a shame because the place is so cool read more

Venue is small so depending on how popular the comedian is you have to come pretty early for the show to get a good seat close to stage but also an unobstructed view. What's worse is that if you don't show up early, you'll end up sharing a table and you won't get to pick which side to sit on. And if you're really late they'll put you by the bathroom doors, those are the last seats they fill. Food is diner-tier junk food and there is a two-item minimum. Save it for drinks and eat elsewhere. Service is consistently good in my experience, they navigate the tiny spaces between tables in the dark and come by multiple times during the show to serve you food & drinks. Last call is about an hour into the whole thing after the warmup act. read more

We went there to see Jay Pharoah last night! His opening act was hilarious. We got there 6p for the 7p show and had choice of seating since we got there a bit on the early side, which we liked. I like the high tables. We took an Uber otherwise would have gotten there even earlier to find street parking which is free on Sundays in DC. We were a party of 3 so able to get a small high table with a great view of the stage. The drinks were good. Service is good. The venue is of course great. They are very organized which I love. Our server, Q was just lovely! Great friendly service. Awesome vibes. It's an intimate venue so almost every seat is a great seat. I've been 3 times now, once for the smaller room and twice for the main room. I came with a group of 16 once. We all bought our tickets separately, but the venue called to ask us what folks we were sitting with, which is so nice of them. Or you can call morning of and tell them who is part of your party and they will try to get you all to sit together. It's always a great experience at DC Improv! Drinks are good. I got a mezcal margarita and my sister got a Manhattan. Both were good. The dips are good and the chicken tenders always crispy and tasty. Highly recommend DC Improv!!! read more

Attended an Open Mic Comedy event. The space was vintage in set up and decor. All great things! Table service was on point. Our waiter, Mike, was friendly and kept us hydrated. The food was typical bar offerings. The Chicken Tenders were a little too crispy for my palate, it the wings and nachos were good. It's happened to be Margarita Day, and I was happy with the available choices. All in all, great night out. If you're looking for something different yet fun, check out this spot. read more

Who doesn't like to laugh??!? The improv is located in a basement of a commercial space. Plenty of street parking was available on a Saturday evening. They did not check covid vaccinations upon entry. I really wish they did since it's a packed place where we had to eat. Note: there is a 2 item minimum per person. (Soda counts as an item). The first joke the host made was about vaccinations and turns out that the 2 people up front did not get vaccinated, which was kinda awkward. Servers were nice and got us our food early before the show started and the lights were dimmed. Nachos came in a LARGE portion and the chips were deliciously fresh and warm. I also had ginger beer and my friend got chicken tenders and hot tea. The 3 comics were hilarious, and their material was timely (mostly about pandemic). If you are attending the 7:00 show, arrive early so you can get the best seats. This is a great place for date nights! read more

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Very nice place and wonderful staff! I will definitely go and check out some entertainment at this establishment when the west warms up!!!

While we really like this location. I think they need to analyze how they treat their customers. We literally just left a show tonight. It was a group of 10. They embarrassed one of our friends and cut her off from drinking before the show started, please know we are not hecklers or people who do anything but sit and enjoy the show. After that, we stayed to watch the show even though our first offender friend left. NO FUCKING BULLSHIT our friend of 10 was told to stop laughing so loud. The whole night was ruined. They need to train their people. This sucked. Beyond disappointing. read more

DC Improve has an unfair nonrefund policy. No matter how far away you cancel your ticket, and no matter the personal reasons why you cannot attend the show anymore. My wife and I lost about $200 because we could not attend the show anymore. They kept our money and offered no coupons or anything to compensate. Who pays $200 just to make fun of a business? Too bad! read more

Great venue and service! I've frequented the Improv over the years and it never disappoints. Jay Pharoah performed and lit the stage. Our server, Addy, was amazing and attentative throughout the show. read more

March 6th David Nihill show - talent extraordinarily funny, table service by Addyson (Addy) D was spot on. Addy was attentive and fun. Great venue, great show and great server - Addy! Addy! Addy! read more

Great venue to see comedy. We ate before the show and enjoyed the spinach dip, chicken tenders and a couple stiff drinks. Reasonably priced fun evening. read more

Went last night (Sunday) for the Red Grant Show. Luenell was originally scheduled to be there but cancelled at the last minute. We got there just as soon as he was about to hit the stage (30 minutes after showtime). We were able to find parking about a block away in a parking garage for 9 bucks. The kitchen was already closed when we arrived at 7:30 which was kind of disappointing but It was so packed I don't see how we would have been able to eat comfortably. The only seats that were left were really close to the stage so me and my BF had to squeeze in which was kind of awkward. I've never been in such an intimate setting for a comedy show and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I laughed so damn hard. I even got a chance to get a picture with the comedian. It was a great show. The only negatives were that its super tight in there. The definitely make sure they fill every seat. The waiter kept having to get by where my hubby was sitting so he had to keep getting up and was annoyed but he still enjoyed the show. We plan on coming back for our anniversary in September! read more

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