I had a great time, enjoyed the comedian. Buying at least one drink is mandatory to see the show- better to plan for this ahead of time.

Three years later they still call and call. I blocked all the numbers they ever used, have two spam blockers on my phone and they still get through. They track me down more aggressively than the FBI ever could. Three years later I'm sorry I ever went there. read more

Just go to the downtown Phoenix branch, "Stand up live." If you wanted to hear every word the performer says. The crowd here was obnoxious. Everyone was talking and I couldn't even hear the performer. Despite that we sat at the table right in front of the stage. read more

If you have ever worked in the service industry, you must respect these servers! I felt bad listening to the table next to us lecturing the server about the two drink minimum. Before you even walk in it says pretty much everywhere about the 2 drinks so I'm very unsure how this guest wasn't aware of it, and to make the poor girl feel bad about it seems so unnecessary! We ordered pretzels and loved them. Fun atmosphere and great shows. read more

First time reviewing this place, even though have been there many times. Always a great time. Tasty app/entrees, servers are beasts (as in good!-saw one guy carry like 2 buckets of beers and a tray of drinks at once). Have seen random comedians there and it's always a fun show. I like the staff will put a lid on or kick out anyone ruining the show for everyone else. Usually can sit in back if there when doors open and enjoy drinks there (long table are kind of fun though). Enjoy read more

Here's my problem with this club; they seem to have an incompetent group of teenagers running this place. The girls at will call seem very confused. The staff inside is aloof. I went there with a group of friends to see Chris Delia. 4 tickets and only 3 of us were there as we were waiting on the 4th to arrive. The girl at the door told us we would have to wait for our 4th person to show up for our entire party to be seated. Then she proceeded to make jokes that were completely lost on us. She giggled and cackled the whole time, almost seeming as though she was directly making fun of our situation, which we didn't find funny since we arrived early for good seats. We waited for a couple minutes and were greeted by a server who showed us to our table, even though our 4th was still not there, she informed us it was fine and we could wait inside at our table for her. Which was cool. I don't understand why that's such a big deal anyway. The servers there deserve to be paid more. They hustle and are very friendly and efficient. This club needs to find a new staff to handle the tickets. One of my least favorite comedy clubs for this reason. Once the Laugh Factory opens in Scottsdale, I'll take my business there. Hopefully they'll employ people who actually know what they're doing. read more

Tempe Improv - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Our first time here and I was so impressed! Great customer service, great food, acoustics were perfectly acceptable and easy to hear the talent. We saw Drew Lynch who is one of my favorite comedians. Our server Trevor was outstanding as well! The only thing I wish I knew was you can make reservations for better seats. I even called a few hours before the show to ask how to get the best seats and I was told all about bottle service and some expensive options hat we didn't do but nothing was mentioned about reservations at all. Disappointing, but we will do this next time! read more

The tickets where hella cheap, so when something is too good to be true its usually for a reason. The comics where good, funny, they were awesome! So yes I was aware that there was a two drink minimum; however the price gouging was crazy. I had a coke for $5.75, and my husband was charged $11 for a watered down cranberry and vodka. The waitress was beat, mostly because she was in on what I was completely clueless about ... Gratuity at a rate of 15% is added automatically into the bill. So basically they give u bare min service and get tipped either way. I've been to comedy clubs in the past and I was fine with being charged more for drinks if they were worth it. But they where not... they were serving kool aid and calling it liquor and that's just not cool. I would've preferred they just charged more for the tickets and be upfront. This was just like a bait and switch, and as a consumer I would not spend my money with a patronage that doesn't respect intelligence or my dime. I left just feeling ripped off, I will probably never return here again. Fool me once shame on you... read more

What a fun place! We are checking out Dana Carvey tonight! They have good food and great priced drinks. Checked out the line up for the coming year and some big names are comjng. Definitely going to come back. The burgers were great and the fries were crispy (very important to my husband). We sat upstairs, which I think was better than than the ground floor. Quick service, but auto gratuity was added to our bill, on top of a 2 drink minimum per person... only downside. read more

See all

Years ago, I used to go to Tempe Imrov all the time, but the last three or four times, I did not have a good time at all. The comedians weren't funny, the venue was outdated, and the two drink minimum sucked because you end up spending around $50 per person (ticket, drink minimum and tip). Anyway... It's 2016 and I find out that Jo Koy was coming to town at the Tempe Improv. First of all, I rolled my eyes because of the venue but I LOVE Jo Koy! He is so hilarious especially since I'm Filipino and I can relate to most of his jokes. It was a great time to see him too because I really needed a good laugh. We paid online and with all the fees they tack on to the $25/ticket, we ended up paying $60 for two tickets. I suggest heading to the venue at least half an hour early because the parking lot was already packed when I got there half an hour before the show. We were seated right away and of course, the two drink minimum still stands. I decide to order the red sangria, but when I finally receive it, it was horrible! It tasted like orange and cranberry juice and no red wine so I took it back and ordered a red cab instead - obviously they can't mess that up, right? My hubby decided to get three bottles of beer to fulfill our 4 drink minimum for the both of us because I did not want to drink anymore. We finally received our bill, but my hubby paid and didn't really look at the receipt. After paying, I finally asked him if he tipped the girl and he said "yes". I told him that they automatically charge gratuity of 15%, which obviously he didn't realize. On the receipt, it says "15% gratuity added to all checks for convenience." I laughed at it. It really should say, "15% gratuity added to all checks to trick your ass so that you pay at least 15% regardless of the service and if you don't notice we added gratuity, then I trick your ass again because you paid an additional tip." Total of our time here: close to $97 for two people (so no change here from prior years) As for the comedian, Jo Koy did not disappoint and I was laughing so hard my stomach hurt! When you exit the venue, they guide you to Copper Blues so that you can stick around to drink more and watch the band - it's a pretty slick move to get you to spend more. read more

I just returned home from my 5th or 6th visit to Tempe Improv... Tonight we saw Owen Benjamin and there was a guest appearance from Jimmy Fallon - they were fantastic! The show was a little shorter than expected, (it was just over an hour), but we had a lot of laughs. Brandy, our server, took good care of us - we had a group of 8 and we all arrived at different times, so we were probably not the easiest table to wait on. Food is pretty good and they have a full bar as well. I had the Four Seasons Salad with shrimp and stole a bunch of fries from my friend's plate... the waffle kind - yum! In the past, I've seen Todd Glass, Flip Orley, and Craig Shoemaker "The Love Master" perform... It always fun and something different to do. Expect to pay around $20 for the ticket and another $20+ depending on what you order during the show. I think it's worth it for all the laughs! read more

Overpriced small plates. Ordered the chicken strips which is listed as coming with ranch, BBQ or honey mustard. Asked for honey mustard & BBQ, received ranch. When I asked for the right sides was told they've never had honey mustard. Maybe take it off the menu? Mom Ordered a virgin strawberry margarita. It was thin and watered down tasting. Pick it up improv! Comics were alright. Apparently it was Arabic night or something, I'd say about 85% of audience was of middle eastern descent as we're the comics. Most of the jokes were geared towards their background & political areas. Previously the improv allowed 18-20yr olds only in the upper balcony. The show we attended was actually 15+, there was a small amount of cursing, heard the F bomb just twice. Check their schedule as some shows are 21+, some 18+, and some now even 15+. read more

Tempe Improv - This is the $10 popcorn shrimp. We had eaten 3 at this point. Not impressed. - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Got an email saying I could buy "VIP" tickets at a discount for the Michael McDonald show. Sweet! I bought 3 tickets. I show up and wait in a looong line, then get seated in the very back. What I find annoying and misleading is how they said VIP tickets. There was nothing VIP about that night. Just call them "cheap general admission tickets", that way we are all on the same page, and you aren't just BS'ing to get people in, and nobody feels mislead. UPDATE: Joseph, The manager at Tempe Improv messaged me directly and apologized for the misunderstanding, and offered to rectify the situation. I appreciate that greatly! Keep up the good work! I'm gonna bump this up to 4 stars. read more

Tempe Improv - So when you buy "VIP" you get to sit in the very back. Nice misleading marketing. Not cool at all. - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

went here on 8/14 early show. Hillarious. the Kobra Kai guy was as good as they get and had me laughing out loud. Nacho's food looked really good. Staff was friendly and it was a good time. 2 drink minimum on top of entrance fee read more

This was our first visit to Tempe Improv and we had an absolute blast. All of the comedians were really funny. We got there early and ended up with great front row seats although I doubt there is a bad seat in the house. The staff was super friendly and funny but the drinks were horrible and extremely expensive!!! If I were rating on drinks alone I would give 1 star-zero if I could. $17 for a double Cuervo margarita? Oh and did I mention They did not even taste like they contained alcohol? No thanks. I will never order another drink like that there. Maybe I would check into the bottle service they have next time or order beer or wine. That being said, I would go back because of how much fun we had I would just be smart enough not to fall for the waiters- It will be a "good" drink line again. read more

Tempe Improv - Awesome seats! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

It looks like Stand Up Live bought the Tempe Improv, and they are opening it back up in April!

Dealing with Alex S via email to resolve ticket questions and issues is a breeze! He is always so friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. read more

Skip the bottle service! I've been meaning to write this review for a few months now. My wife and I drove up from Tucson to see one of her favorite comedians, Chris D'elia. We were staying the night at a local place and making a weekend of it. While standing in line they offered us a VIP package with bottle service for ~$65 which we gladly accepted and cut the line. We were seated close to the front, which was an ok view, but like most comedy clubs its hard for everyone to have a good view and its quite cramped. On to the service... Absolutely HORRIBLE!!! After 10-15 min of getting in our VIP seats I had to get up and go find a waiter to bring our bottle of Kettle One. After another 10 min or so, someone finally shows up with a bottle of vodka, and two pint glasses full of mixer and a bucket of ice. Apparently they sold too many VIP tix and were out of serving trays and staff to serve us with. I was very disappointed and went to tell the manager, which took quite a while to find and then showed up and said he'd buy us dessert, which we passed on. Our waiter barely came by to check on us for refills and all in all, I was very disappointed! The show was great and I would go back again, but I would NEVER pay extra for bottle service, cause all we got was a bottle and no service! read more

Tempe Improv - "Bottle Service". LOL! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I like it here:) So far been here 2x; once to see Ralphie May, and the second time when the Improv gave me 4 free tickets to see Andrew Shulz. Both times I've taken different family and friends, and they all said they too wanted to come back! The venue prices are fair (based on my research and experience), the place is clean and with a friendly professional staff. I also enjoyed the space; if you are familiar with NYC comedy clubs then this place is perfect! Nothing like NYC, not as crowded and tiny, but small and cozy. Oh, and is conveniently located to the Tempe nightlife (Mills Ave). Overall, def recommends! Plus, the drinks are fair priced and the food tastes awesome :-) read more

Tempe Improv - Drinks!!!! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Saw David Spade and Brian Regan in the 2000s. I only see comedians with 5 letters in their first name and last name. Can't wait to see Lewis Black and Larry David! read more

A trip to the Tempe Improv to see a good comedian is always a good time. I love how they have remodeled the entire place. It was due for one. We saw Tony Rock perform there along with an opening act from Ramon Garcia. Both were hilarious comedians. A night full of laughter with the company of good friends. My only advice to attending would be to get there at least an hour before the show. The seating is first come first serve and if you're late you will most likely sit in the back and the angles of some of the seating back there can make it a little awkward to see the stage. read more

Tempe Improv - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

We have been coming here for years and Chad, the manager went above and beyond for us last night! We had to leave early from a show two weeks prior and he was concerned about our experience and gave me his cell number. Told me to text him next time we wanted to come back. Yesterday there was a sold out show and I texted him to see if there was any way he could fit us in. Not only was he able to accommodate us he was very quick at responding to my texts and even reserved us two seats in are favorite location. The shows are always great and never disappoint, I highly recommend this venue! Only one thing could make it better, if they served our favorite drink. Clase Azul Reposado. (Hint - Hint) :) read more

You gets no stars that's how poor the customer service is! Why would you sale out a show then not be able to accommodate the people who bought tickets 3 months ago.... I told myself the last time I came and they charged me a 100 dollars for two drinks and som chicken tenders as if I was at Fleming's Steak house! I am so disappointed in with this establishment and I highly doubt if I would be coming back here especially with the servers breath smelling like hot cheese and dog fart! I'm so over this shit like for real. Me and my friends are squished together can't even move like we are in a can of sardines! The key is to make people want to come back, not feel as if they could just stay home and watch the shit on tv! Thanks for making my birthday present some complete and utter bullshit! Then you want some one to spend $25 dollars on one drink fuck this shit gone! Oh and they made me put a star to even post because I didn't even want to put one! read more

After my initial review, I was contacted by a manager who offered me free tickets to come back and give The Improv another shot. This gesture speaks volumes to me about how much owners and managers care about the customer experience. We used our complimentary tickets this past weekend. Unbeknownst to me, we had "reserved" seating right up front (Thanks Joe!). Our server was much more attentive this time around. I will note that we did not eat nor partake of any mixed drinks. My husband ordered beer and I had wine. All in all, it was a MUCH better experience. My only complaint... the parking. It was game night at ASU and the parking situation was ridiculous. We were stopped at the entrance to the parking lot by a gentleman who gave us an Improv parking pass. This did little good and we drove around for 50 MINUTES looking for a spot. The only way to get a spot was to literally stalk someone to their car. We were about 5 minutes away from giving up and going home. At the ticket window, I encountered a gentleman who was trying (unsuccessfully, as far as I saw) to get a refund on his show tickets because he couldn't find a parking spot. I will absolutely come back to The Improv but you better believe that I will check to see if it's a game night first. Many thanks to Joe and The Improv for giving us an opportunity to come back. read more

Saw preacher Lawson tonight not good to say the least was very disappointed he definitely needs to work on his material thought his brother was better but not by much read more

Last night was my first back at the Improv since my previous review. I'd wanted to watch an open mic night and so a friend and I checked out the show last night. I got our tickets from the box office and hung out in the lobby waiting for my friend. It was cool watching the comics come in with the audience members and just kinda hang out before the show. Once my friend arrived, we were seated immediately near the front. I immediately noticed that they did a lot of (well deserved) upgrading to the place which looked really nice. I still hate how the tables are arranged (my seat was turned away from the stage so I had to swing around in my seat to watch), but it is what it is I guess. Our server was nice, if I had to guess I would say she was new but nice still. The wrong food was brought out to our table twice (meant for another table), but it was quickly resolved. They have a similar menu to Stand Up Live, and I took a risk getting a mixed drink for my minimum since the ones at SUL have been weak in my experience. My drinks were great last night, though pricey ($8 for a rum and coke). My friend liked her mixed drink also and we shared an app that was good. The show started about 30 min late which was slightly irritating, but my friend and I were catching up so it was tolerable. The show was to be expected, some of the comics were great, some not to so great, but I had a good time. It lasted about 2hrs and there weren't any issues with my check when I went to pay. I appreciated that our server asked if we wanted our bill together or separate. My only other complaint is that they got rid of the 2 item minimum for a 2 drink minimum. I would much rather prefer to have a drink and an app/entree than pay $8-11 for two drinks. read more

Very good atmosphere and experience. Wasn't expecting it to be that nice inside since the outside of the building is kind of plain but it was! It had decorations and a clear view of the stage. The servers were very attentive. Almost to the point of distracting us from the show but there's nothing that can be done about that. Bryan Callen was very funny. I haven't laughed so hard in months. I ordered a Mad TV Long Island and it was pretty strong. And then we also had a popcorn shrimp dish which was equally delicious. After the show, met up with Bryan Callen and took a picture with him. So that was cool as well. If you don't know Bryan Callen, he's the guy in all of those comedy movies with Adam Sandler, Vince Vaughn, etc. THAT ONE GUY. haha. So if you want some good laughs, come here! Note: Just be aware of the prices. The tickets were $20 each with fees that add up to almost another $4. Two tickets for $48. And there's a two drink minimum once you get inside. The signature drink I ordered was $15. Beers are probably cheaper and coffee is $3. read more

Tempe Improv - Mad TV Magazine Long Island Iced Tea - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

See all

Saw Melissa Villasenor here this past weekend. Melissa was great. Our server was awful. She reminded us of the drink minimum right away and interrupted the show every 5 minutes to ask if we were ready for the next drink. I asked for a glass of water and she said something along the lines of "Why? To help get the wine down?" I can't recall the last time I have had such terrible and weird service. read more

I think the remodel is great. The comedian we saw was hilarious. The layout of the place was good. The drinks were grossly overpriced and you had to buy two of them for each person. Our minimum drink tab was more expensive than the ticket. I paid $14 (13.95) for 1 Moscow Mule. The prices are not listed on their menu so your tab is a surprise at the end of the night. read more

With the minimum 2 drink policy at all shows, there's some serious price gouging. My boyfriend and I shared one carafe of Diet Coke, and our bill came to THIRTY DOLLARS!! THIRTY DOLLARS FOR DIET COKE!!!! And there are no prices listed on the drink menu. If there was more transparency regarding this policy and their pricing I wouldn't be so upset--but walked out of there feeling like we'd been robbed. Definitely put a damper on the night. Prices should be listed on the online and physical drink menus like they are with the food menus. It's deceitful to charge that much and only reveal it when the bill comes. Went to see Ryan Hamilton and he was awesome. Can absolutely recommend him. Can't say the same about the venue. Will not be returning. read more

Cons: Overpriced price drinks and very slow service. Pros: nice venue and plenty of parking. Convenient location off highway 202 in Tempe My wife and i came here for a Saturday night show. I have been to several different comedy venues and expect the two item minimum and overpriced alcohol. My problem is they offer non-alcohol drinks and charge $12 per drink!!!! So two club sodas with syrup is $24 plus tip. It was cheaper to buy beer as it was $8 each. But made it worse was the slow service. We waited 20 minutes for our drinks. If you are going to spend $115 on tickets and drinks, you expect good and timely service. Overall, i don't recommend this comedy club. I think downtown Old Town or downtown Phoenix has better comedy clubs. read more

The comedians were so so so funny. Hate that they want you to sit across from the person you came with in these long rows of tables. It makes enjoying your company difficult and you have no personal space from the strangers on either side. Good iced tea. However with the two drink minimum you are going to pay $5.75 plus $5.75 for two solo cup sized iced teas. Did not eat but the people next to us had nachos and they were so yummy looking and smelling and huge. Trying to pay at the end took FOREVER. Had to wait and then stand around and then never did get to see my bill or sign for it. read more

Great comedy club! Their food is good and the comedy they offer is awesome. The club is also encouraging and supportive to new comics. I performed here and the experience I had with the staff and crowd was fantastic! My friends, family and I always enjoy this club. read more

Tempe Improv - Jim Perry- The COP COMIC - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Excellent comedy show from the first act (comedian from New York) before Lavell Crawford, throughout the entire show, including Mr. Crawford. read more

Soooooo... In town from CA. Excited to see Marlon Wayans, got dolled up, smelling good bc it's my birthday. Purchased VIP tickets.l, to only be sat in the back of the building. When asked if we were seated in "RESERVED SEARING" the host said "No, we aren't setup for 3-toos tonight. I can get the manager though." Did the manager come back? No! Instead the offered to purchase our first round of drinks. Ummmmm, NO!!! As one of us is with child, that daoesnt seem to be beneficial. Nor does it show good business practice. The only saving grace was the service... This could have all been fixed had the manager had the decency to address his consumers. Very doubtful that we will come back. This is definitely not how it's done in Cali. #bothered UPDATE... I would be remiss if I didn't update this review. Chad, the manager, finally made it over to our table unexpectedly. He began to apologise for the error with tonight's seating. He actually went above and beyond to make amends for the evening. The food was as amazing as the service (it was good before the apology, but everything's better when your happy). It feels good to know as a consumer that your dollars spent are valued, no matter how cheap or expensive. When we are in the area again, I'm sure we will stop in and check out the lineup. Can't give 5 bc there is always room for growth. #closure #satisfiedcustomer #hospitalityiseverything read more

I've been to a lot of comedy clubs over the years and this one was by far the worst. They are completely unorganized and don't seem to know what the heck they are doing. Parking is full 30 minutes before the show so be prepared to drive around. There are young ladies who are supposed to take your tickets and seat people but they just gather around like lost souls with no idea how to handle the crowds. Seating isn't great as others have complained about and it's awkward for people to see the show with the way the seats are arranged and the tables are extremely small, especially the tables for two which is really for one. They blare thumping music before the show which deadens the eardrums and makes a conversation impossible. Sound issues for sure at this club before and during the show. Food: It is inedible. Don't order any of it. I honestly didn't think it was possible to have such poor quality but no one ate their food around us not did I because it was disgusting. It shouldn't be that difficult to make something simple like fries, pretzels, chips, queso. Definitely gross. Drinks: They're just as bad as the food except they make you buy two. I have no issue with the two drink minimum if they drinks are decent but these were not. The strawberry daiquiri had zero flavor and was like a bland slushie. The sprite was more like club soda, zero flavor but flat. They can't justify charging $9 for a non alcoholic drink period, let alone a one that I couldn't drink. The two stars are for the servers. They work hard in a dark crowded room and get everything right. It's a shame for the comedians because this place stinks. Management needs to step up. Sales people are incompetent as well. If you have a choice, go elsewhere. read more

What a piece of shit place this is. Rude service, and to say that this place tries to nickle and dime you to death is an understatement. Im shocked they dont charge you for each laugh as well. 14.00 for tea, i had to work in the morning and didnt want to start what i couldnt finish so i ordered tea. A 14.00 tea. I am not going back. read more

Fun times seeing Flip Orley tonight and good laughs however the drinks are seriously overpriced. I realize they have to make their money somehow however $ 5.75 for a diet coke and $ 5.75 for a small bottle of Fiji Water is really pushing it. The show itself was great and very entertaining, but I really am in disagreement over the drink prices hence my three star rating and not more. read more

Great shows but seating isn't ideal. Long rows and you sit sideways. Hard to see and you are right on top of the person next to you. Wish the seating was more like other Improves. Lady in front of me threw up all over the floor and I was stuck there with no escape. But it was OK otherwise and I will definitely be back. read more

Great comedy club! Saw Brian Regan tonight... fantastic comedian. My #1 complaint with comedy clubs is the passing out of checks towards the end of the headliners set. But at this show, no checks were distributed until AFTER Brian's show. GOOD MOVE Improv! Hope it's permanent for all future comedy shows! read more