This was our first time at the Tempe Improv. The venue is clean and the staff went out of their way to make you feel welcome. There is a 2 drink minimum for most shows, but the drink prices are not outrageous compared to other similar places we have visited around the country. We went ahead and ordered sliders for an appetizer and found them delicious. For dinner, I had the Korean rice with chicken. The rice and vegetable part of the meal was very good, albeit spicy, but the chicken was way overcooked and almost crunchy, it was so dry. My daughter ordered the burger and it was cooked well, but the bun literally fell apart while she was trying to eat it. Overall, the venue is worth it. If you are expecting fine dining, you are in the wrong place, but if you are looking for a good venue for Improv shows - this is it!! (Note: I am not going to review the individual show as they can change drastically by the day) read more

Tempe Improv - a stage with a large screen - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Stopped in at the Tempe Improv last week and saw Tony Rock. Great show, and a great time with long time friends. The wings were solid, I had the dry rub lemon pepper and my wife had the buffalo. I also ordered the Salmon dish with kale, mango, and broccoli. Service was good, the drinks were just ok. read more

Not my favorite comedy club, but not my least favorite either. The parking situation can get pretty dicey, especially if there are any ASU events going on, but Tempe improv is super easy to find on the second floor of the plaza. The entrance situation is easy enough, with them checking your tickets then someone showing you to your seats (you can reserve seats if you choose to eat dinner here). It's a pretty big space, but like with any comedy club, you're packed in like sardines. There's really good acoustics in here though and a good view of the stage regardless of where you're sitting--two things that are shockingly uncommon across clubs, I've found. The service is pretty much as I'd expect for a setup like this, and our server was nice but brisk. Not at all a complaint. My main issue was that we assumed it was a two-item minimum per person... standard across pretty much all comedy clubs. But nope, food items don't count towards that. Which is garbage. So we were forced to order four DRINKS total, not four items. Would've been good to know walking in. The wings were gigantic, but otherwise unremarkable. The bourbon bacon bbq sauce was good, but didn't at all taste like bourbon or bbq. Our drinks were fine but super sweet. They were decently heavy pours though, so at least there was that since we were paying $16 a pop. Probably not my first choice to return to, unless there's a really good act coming only to Tempe Improv and not hitting up any other venues in town. read more

Tempe Improv - Bourbon Bacon BBQ Wings - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I think they were understaffed because it took forever to get an order in. The fries were kinda gross for $16 and i usually love truffle fries. The pina colada was also kind gross and small for $18. The way seating is arranged makes it hard to see the stage. Also I'm just not a fan of the communal tables. Show was great, though! read more

The comedy has always been great and the service has always been really wonderful but the change in the prices for drinks and food is ridiculous. I'd rather pay more for my ticket then have to pay $16 for a glass of crappy wine. It was really undrinkable! I got a nonalcoholic cocktail that was so sour I had to add water to it and only got halfway through. $18 for margarita? seriously?! And you have to have two of something! I'd recommend you just get a shot of something straight if you're drinking alcohol and a regular soda or iced tea if you're not. There mixed drinks are not good! read more

Dear Improv...you've gone and completely ruined a great comedy club. Riddle me this dumbasses...how do you literally run out of half of your bottles of beer and all of your wines by the glass and then drop a brand new menu (with totally jacked-up prices)? Wear did you guys get your business degrees? Trump University? University of Phoenix. C'mon and get you shit together...you're running a comedy club here, not NASA. You get your only 2 stars for hiring our AWESOME server (Faithin)...dude was super nice, apologetic, empathetic and overall a great server and guy. But that's....get your act together? read more

Came to the Improve Comedy Club to watch Mike Epps with a friend. The biggest issue I found with this place is that it is extremely crammed. We were seated in an area where people continuously passed by me and disrupted me for my WHOLE entire visit. We ordered wings and pretzels as well as the special drink of the night, tailored to Mike Epps. We had to eat in the dark which was extremely uncomfortable. The service was pretty nonexistent, other than them making sure you got your two drink minimum. Mike was hilarious and the laughs made it all worth it but I probably wouldn't return. read more

Tempe Improv - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Outstanding service ! Our server Jill was honestly the best part. Perfect amount of attention to constantly help us without distracting from the show. Great comics and a good crowd. read more

Tempe Improv - 2nd floor view - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Great venue to see Standup comedy. It's intimate enough to where any seat is a good seat in the house. Our group sat on stage right and we were able to see the performance perfectly. The parking situation is that there is a parking lot in the back of the venue with plenty of parking spots available. I came just as the show was about to start and was still able to get a parking spot. The tickets were free but keep in mind that there's a two drink minimum. read more

We had an enjoyable private Christmas event here which included a couple comedians, dinner and drinks. Comedians obviously vary greatly, but I thought the venue was intimate and cozy. The staff was accommodating and the food was decent. I wouldn't hesitate to come back if a bigger name came in town. read more

Went to the Improv last night. It was packed. This was my second time there. I have now ordered two mixed drinks and they were both terrible. Last night I order a Moscow mule and it was served in a pint glass. I took one drink and couldn't drink anymore. I think all that was in the drink was vodka and sour. I understand having a two drink minimum but I would actually like to be able to drink what I ordered. read more

All of the times we've been here, the staff is always pleasant, drinks are always on point, and the food is always great as well! We love coming here. read more

Tempe Improv - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

So I know comedy places enjoy the 2 drink minimum, but I feel like this rule is super outdated. I went to the Improv to see a show so I absolutely read the details where it says every person has a 2 drink minimum. I don't drink alcohol so I asked the waiter if he would be ok with me ordering an ice tea and instead of getting a second drink I order a meal or food. Mind you the food prices are much higher then my ice teas would be. The waiter advised that management does not make exceptions and will not substitute food for the drink requirement. I feel like this rule is super outdated and should be updated. If it's a revenue thing, the improv selling more food would benefit them more. That being said I ordered my two ice teas to meet the requirement. The food and drinks are wildly over priced but you're there for a show. Not sure I'll be back any time soon unless there is an amazing comic I want to see. read more

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I am disappointed to say that it is worth the drive to go to Stand up Live in Phoenix vs Tempe Improve. This place unfortunately has poor customer service. We have been going for years, and order the chicken nachos every once in a while. There was a few of us that ordered them to share. It was dark so we couldn't see the food. We thought they changed the recipe and added blue cheese. I even asked our waiter and he said yes, it was new. Well we found out the next day with the carry out food that smelled horrible (our leftovers) that it was NOT blue cheese. It was rotting chicken. We had food poisoning for several days. It was awful. I finally spoke to someone and the outcome with the guy that I spoke to simply stated "Ew, that is so gross, I'm sorry. This is not OK. read more

Highly...HIGHLY recommend Steve Byrne! We saw him last night and my cheeks are still sore from laughing. Staff was great, especially our server. Steak street tacos are good. Encourage you to sign up for email list for special offers and free tickets. read more

I like this venue- I've been here a handful of times now. Cool and big comedy spot. It's always clean and easy to get to/from and in/out. However, I dropped two stars for the food quality and drink prices. I know it's a comedy spot, but expectations on the delivery of quality food should never be compromised. We ordered the chicken tenders which were over cooked and tasted super oily & the fries it came with were stale. Moreover, the other item we ordered were the nachos which were also over cooked (chips burnt), yet the contents under the chips were gooey and dissatisfying. AND $30 for two regular sized well tequila drinks... yikes. Money definitely not well spent; sad. read more

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I drove down from Las Vegas to see Lavell Crawford, I really enjoyed the experience the host gave us. Great service, quick service & very accommodating. I'm allergic to strawberries and the bartenders had no issue with assisting me with modifying the menu drinks. I'll definitely be back. You should definitely listen to their recommendation of coming an hour before show time because it was a packed house, thankfully I listened and got great seats! read more

Tempe Improv - The drink was initially made with strawberry features and the bartender substituted it for passion fruit per my allergy. - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Im going to leave my star review as is. But I want to make a correction. I was contacted by the club manager who let me know they DO NOT collect money from tickets they sell that goes to the comedian. I was incorrect on my information I had given. I would like to say though I was happy to get a response with education the manager was not kind and more of an argumentative point proving message. It Was impersonal in my opinion. If you ask me. I think. If you only make money on food or drinks that maybe you should step it up give me a reason to want to eat here or drink here. Customer Service goes a long way especially in these times. I will always go back for the acts here there are some of the finest comedians here. My 3 stars was not an attack it was an honest review. read more

Tempe Improv - I like to be transparent. This doesn't seem as if he wants to make the customer happy. He just wants to tell me. - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Me and my girlfriend absolutely love tempe improv. Every show we've been to has been smooth sailing. Never had any issues and the staff is really friendly. We always opt for VIP and try to get there between 30 min to 1 hour before the show. That way we can get seated and get settled in. They have plenty of food and drink options. Bathrooms are super clean. All in all, a really great comedy club. read more

Tempe Improv - Nachos - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

My sister and I came to our first comedy show & saw Marlon Wayans Jr. and it was great! Neither of us are 21 but the Arnold Palmer & fruit punch was delicious! Any seat in the house is a good one and the sound system is great. The impromptu meet and greet after the show was such a sweet surprise to us. Staff including security was so helpful and even took photos for us haha. The only cons were parking is a nightmare!! & finding the club was a little difficult for us as it's a bit hidden. read more

Tempe Improv - us on the super cute stairway - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I frequent Tempe improv not only because of their line ups but their exceptional service. Yesterday was no different, food and drinks were amazing and Troy Bond had the place dying of laughter. My only complaint however was the heckler in the crowd who actually caused the show to end early by causing confusion with the time marks. The entire audience was robbed of an additional half hour of Troy and that's pretty annoying to find out. My party of 4 VIPs found his response amusing but knowing that we were cheated is what sits wrong with us. Other than that, Tempe improv keep doing what you're doing! Your staff is incredible! read more

Overpriced drinks! The prices for specialty drinks aren't listed on the menu. Why??? So annoying!!! They were no where near worth $19. It is super dark once show starts so it's hard to see the menu without a flashlight. Seats are crammed. You are so close to your neighbor, that if they had lice, you do too now. The microphone had serious feedback that gave me a headache. I told someone and it did get better after like 10 minutes, but come on! You can't hear that!? I know the comedian was bothered by it too because she even mentioned it. Tickets were reasonable, $25 to see Atsuko Okatsuka! She was amazing but I don't ever want to sit that close to strangers and I don't want to spend almost $40 for two alcoholic drinks that are not that great. One of them was in a small-ish glass. SMH. Stop cramming people in there and stop being greedy! Plus side, parking was free. The waiter came to me and checked on me for my second drink. Entry was easy, too. I just had to show my ID. I came a little after 7, so there was no line. And I was alone so it made it easy for them to find me a seat. read more

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I enjoyed the show. However, the food and drinks were so damn expensive and you're required to order two drinks per person. A cup of soda, which isn't a full cans worth, was $8. That is ridiculous to me. I suggest eating at the restaurants around the area. I spent more on drinks than our dinner at Silverlake Ramen. Btw I recommend Silverlake Ramen as their food is fantastic. read more

I enjoy a good laugh as much as the next guy, well, maybe more than the next guy. Ok, the next guy probably doesn't hold a candle to how much I enjoy a well timed joke. You know what I enjoy even more than a well timed joke? A beverage on the table in front of me AND a well timed joke and this place ticks both of those boxes. If you're new to the world of a comedy club, here's the skinny, order ALL a of your food and beverages up front, because the server is taking care of a boatload of guests and getting their attention mid show is next to impossible, nor would you want to make enough commotion that you're interrupting the talent. This spot has a two drink minimum per person and the 375 ml bottles (for $65) fulfill that requirement for two people. Their mixed drinks run about $12, so you're pretty darn close to that same $65 price tag for the bottle. Note, if you're alcohol free, two sodas also do the trick here. Get on their email and call list, they send out promos once or twice per month for complementary tickets to a weekend show! read more

enjoyed this venue for Brad Williams. Zay was very personable and helpful. i do recommend ordering all your food at the same time as the kitchen gets busy. I prefer a true comedy club smaller venue to arenas. Way better connection to the artist. Best show i've been to in two years read more

Woooweeee they really pack ya in here. Tables look like the lunch rush hour in New York Cittttaaayyy (Laszlo voice). Jimi took his lady friend here for our 100th date and we were sandwiched between a couple on their first date and a couple on their 500th date. We were a like a meme LOLz. How you act on your first date vs your hundredth date vs your 500th date. Jimi opted for the bottomless pepsi served in a vase. V classy. Who knew you could get a giant piece of chocolate cake at a comedy show! 5 stars read more

Improv was so impressive. From lining up outside before the show , being seated to the exiting it was seamless. The entire staff was friendly and very helpful no one seemed overwhelmed with corralling the crowd. I would have taken more photos the phone policy is very strict so keep phone put away. The food was no like typical bar food. Not greasy or throw together. Pretzel appetizer with beer cheese small 3 sticks but definitely delicious and a good start. Burger and fries was an enormous portion. Very impressed fresh lettuce tomatoes soft bun, bacon perfect, at least 1/2 pound of quality beef. Fries thick batter and heaping over plate. Asian fried rice dish was also order again large portions rice was not sticky or overcooked, very flavorful. Full bar, large beer and wine selection and specialty drinks. Staff, cleanliness of venue and organized entry & exit for crowds 5 star. Also the entertainment was amazing Kyle Dunnigan hilarious comedian kept the crowd laughing non stop. Look forward to seeing another comedian here. read more

Tempe Improv - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

This place is still the same since the 90's... but I got to say well maintained.'we visited a comedy act on a Saturday and everyone took great care of us during the show. The place is clean and great service throughout. Can't beat it and get a good laugh from the acts. read more

My boyfriend and his sister recently came here to see the hilarious Chris D'elia. They had to be in town for their monthly Air Force drill and since Chris never comes to Vegas this was our perfect opportunity to see him. We opted for doing VIP tickets since they included a meet & greet. Other than that there really wasn't much difference between VIP and general seating. The venue was super small and intimate which I really enjoyed. The parking was a bit chaotic since it's located in a busy strip mall, but we were able to park near the back next to Cane's. During the show the servers come around to take your drink/food orders and they had a variety of beers, wines and specialty drinks. There was a two drink minimum with our tickets which honestly wasn't bad considering we planned to have two drinks anyways. Prices weren't too bad either, about $7/8 for a glass of wine. If I'm ever in town again I'd swing by this place for a good laugh. read more

Tempe Improv - Chris D'Elia (: - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Food and service were great. Saw the D.L. Hughley show. He was hilarious as were the opening acts. The ambiance was fun and festive. Thanks Tempe Improv for making the night so delightful. read more

I had a really good time last night. The comedians were super funny. In fact, the additional acts were as good as the headline comic. I wish I knew their names but they don't really make a big deal of letting you know on the website, who you will see, other than the main comic. There was a guy in the audience who was completely stoned and took the brunt of many of the jokes. One woman in the audience got so angry they had to escort her out. Not sure why she took exception to the bit but she truly was ticked off. I took away one star because the martini was terrible, like drinking a bottle of olive juice. The food was ok, nothing great. Plenty of parking and good staff. Would definitely go again. read more

Tempe Improv - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

My husband and I saw Shawn Wayans last month at the Tempe Improv. We got good seats. The food is expensive so eat before you go. We had fun and will be back. read more

Intimate venue where you can see your favorite performers up close and personal. Their menu is very small, but their specialty drink menu is not (there is a 2 drink minimum). Not many beers to choose from, just the usual domestics. read more

We went to see a comedy showed ($60) and were told that we could not get seated until the rest of our party showed or we could sit by ourselves which is fine so we sat at the bar to wait where we bought two drinks eventually we decided to just sit by ourselves and so we went into the theater we sat down and were approached that we had to be seated by a person not just go sit I apologized and said I miss understood the directions and we walked two feet out to get walked two feet back in we were told where we could sit and I requested a booth and was then told those are reserved for larger parties ( mind you we were told earlier there were no spots reserved which is why we could not sit in a space for a large party without the rest of the party ) so I said that's okay we'll just wait outside then I'd prefer the booth she looked annoyed but said okay within 15 min a couple (2 people ) were put in the EXACT same seat I requested okay noted but I still didn't say anything eventually our party came and we sat down and ordered food there was a two drink minimum before the show is over fine but we had just finished our drinks from the and within 20 min our waiter asked us 4 times when we wanted another drink I didn't even get my food by the time he asked 3 times he then has security come and remove my brother and I from The room the show has barely started by this point and as we were leaving our server flipped his hair and made a face at the security for a job well done I suppose and so we paid and left I don't like to pull the race card but I will say there were several patrons in the place including the couple behind us who never ordered drinks and we were the only ones escorted out I'm not saying that's what it is I'm just saying that's what it looked like ... take that how you take it anyway we won't be back but I don't think I'll be missing much read more

I haven't written a Yelp review in a while but I came on here, changed my password and logged in JUST so I could leave a review of my most recent experience at Tempe Improv. But to preface, I am an AZ resident. Lived here my whole life and have gone to the Tempe Improv a handful of times. I know there's a two drink minimum. I know the drinks are expensive and the food is subpar at most. I have all this in mind when I go so I wasn't surprised, as most are, at how expensive things are and how the service is navigated. But I wanted to write a review about my most recent experience. I went to the 9pm show for Kyle Dunnigan on May 14. It was one of those "hey we are giving away free tickets to a show" kinda deals and so we went. Service was great, waitresses and hosts were really accommodating. Food, drinks, service -- all as expected. What I have a bone to pick with is the talent for the night. There were three comedians-- Jonathan Gregory, Luis Alvarez, and Kyle Dunnigan. Jonathan opened the show and he was horrendous. He never introduced himself, he held the mic at his belly, instead of his mouth, and yelled really loudly instead of just speaking into the mic. His jokes felt flat because their was no build up . There was a lot of just random one-liners not interconnected whatsoever. I feel like that kind of comedy works with established comedians, but he felt beyond amateur. If there weren't staff there patrolling the crowd, this man would have gotten boo'd by multiple audience members. Luis Alvarez had differing viewpoints than me, but I thought he was really funny and I really enjoyed his set. The headliner, Kyle Dunnigan, was not my taste. I'm not saying he's a bad comedian. I think he fits the taste for some people, just not me. I think his jokes are more for Baby Boomers and people who miss the 'good 'ol days'. But at least he had the basics down, he knew how to hold the mic, how to pause to let people laugh, to introduce himself, and to move and interact with the audience well. Unlike Jonathan. I wouldn't exactly put it on the business in choosing the talent, but I don't think Jonathan is an established comedian, I think he was chosen by Tempe Improv to perform and he didn't do well, and so I'm hoping this review can be passed along through the proper channels and give him some feed back. read more

We came here for the hypnosis show on Friday night at 9:45 and we had to wait outside until after 9:45 before they opened the doors. I was informed that I would be able to get my tickets from will call an hour before the show started, not the case. After standing in line outside for an hour we were finally let in. I went to the bar and ordered a drink for our group since we were waiting for so long outside, these drinks didn't count towards the 2 drink minimum per person that was required. The prices were a little high but the drinks were good and I didn't feel like I was cheated on liquor nor did the people I was with. The show was just ok and it's one that I wouldn't go see again! read more

PLEASE NOTE, I don't write reviews often and am not a finicky or hard to please person, so to write this review means for me to hopefully give honest feedback to the business, and to provide a clear idea for those first time potential guests. The things I'm bringing up, are pretty essential in my mind, yet simple things that end up having an impact when done or not done well. Now for my review.. I really wanted to have a new favorite place outside NYC for comedy, and initially this place had all the appeal and atmospheric vibes I was hoping for in a comedy club, especially upon walking in for the first time.. I had felt like I was walking into the SNL studio with the neat framed photos lining the chic walls, and neat stage lighting and seats surrounding the stage room, not to mention the classy decor and style of the venue & bar upon entering the outside - I felt this place could potentially be my new favorite place, or at least offer a decent experience for the night if nothing else... Laying it all out there, starting with the negative: Expensive online service fee Expensive hidden prices on drinks (15 bucks!???) Overly packed tables = too crowded seating to eat and enjoy the show and food without bumping elbows with strangers or having loud chatter in my ears in the reserved seating area Chaotic system of handling guest, seating, and overall environment. Complicated reservation system and seating... I thought i reserved a good spot, only to be placed at a spot further than expected.. if it was known that a reservation also meant getting there BEFORE your reservation time to get a good spot, than why isn't that made aware to guests? Why is there even reservations system for that in the first place in that case?? So, we have to order a minimum of two drinks AND an appetizer... Oh ok, no problem. It wasn't EXTREMELY expensive, but if your portions are tiny, than that 11, 15 bucks suddenly becomes expensive, and isn't worth being elbow to elbow with strangers LITERALLY elbow to elbow. And especially not when your handed the check during the show abruptly for the REAL show of what are surprises in seeing that the mini drink picture cover your two drinks is 13 ish bucks (two ish glass of soda equals 6.50 each?) and that that cocktail that didn't have a price included on the menu is actually 15 bucks.. SURPRISE!! $$$$$$ By the end of the night I spent more than I gained in return for a great night, because overall it was too unpleasant for all these reasons and made me feel I was being taken advantage of. read more

Tempe Improv - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Food and drinks were ok. We didn't like how the tables are set up. We bought vip and were seated close to the stage which was nice. Unfortunately because of how tables are set up I was sitting with back towards the stage so at the end of the show my neck was hurting from turning to be able to see the show! Sucked! read more

This is a great comedy club my girlfriend and I have been too a few times. We have never had a bad seat and have sat in multiple different locations. The only complaint we have is the food. There are not many options and the menu is small. Also one night we attended they had to close the kitchen due to the cook being injured. We found it very odd only one cook was on staff for a large event so all we could get were chips and salsa. We planned on eating dinner there but that wasn't the case due to their staffing. I recommend eating before or after at one of the local establishments and only having some finger food if you need it while at the club. Their bar is full service and we've always enjoyed our drinks. read more

So I guess the two drink minimum is standard for comedy clubs. This being said, if you don't drink, just know that the bottled waters are each $6 and you will walk out of here throwing away at least $12.97 ( maybe sodas are cheaper than water?) Without the two drink minimum, I would come back and see another show, but with it, I certainly won't be coming back. Unfortunately, I can't afford to donate to comedy clubs at the moment. read more