I havent found many Hidden Gems in St. L yet, but I think we're changing that here.. Maybe? Okay, you think Comedy and St. Louis - you think Funny Bones, The Helium Club and maybe the Pageant and Fox Theatres I recommend you add one more to your list, the Improv Room. Warning: I had received some conflicting info so bear with: Now first and foremost, I have to explain that this is not your typical standup comic set. These are Improv students (Being taught at ... THE IMPROV ROOM) doing a nice take of "Drew Carey's Improv Ganza" Show (I would say "Who's Line Is it Anyway", but they usually only do one scene per show). Mind blown yet? Don't be. Cause you've got an amazing operation here with so MUCH you're not going to realize it, and it's incredible for the cost. Basically, this is operation is a series of classes, in which you can come in to learn how to do "improv" (ironically, I don't think it's limited to comedy, at least per the website, although that's their specialty). There are literally three stages in one quaint (Ironically, "out of the way" location, which seems to make it feel safer for parking than you can expect). It's time to take things out of order: Because of the special fact of the Improv Room. I will start with the drinks/food: The food is minimal fare honestly, but that's okay. Sandwiches/Wraps/and Quick Bites. (The good news is that if you're in a show, simply turn on the tea lamp on your table and someone will come to you. My problem was that I picked a lightless table. OOPS on the staff!). {sorry guys; have to take off 1 point since I didn't get to try the food for this error} The good news was they have bar and a 'Lounge" (of sorts) out front, and the nice young bartendress told me how the building and stages worked (and made a great Vodka Collins beforehand.) and a nice conversation with her about the entire building and company for a while. And just for warning purposes, the lighting was very dim in the "lounge".. dunno if it was for aesthetic purposes, but it did a very bad job of hiding the "STEPS" up to the stage rooms.. (Yes, i found out the hard way, but held it together) Anyway, so why do the food first? Because now it's time to talk about the shows. ** and there is some confusion on Yelp and the website (so this will be a "at your own risk" at the moment) The Shows: Now remember these are mostly improv students, so you're getting some amateurs with a little practice or maybe first timers, so be gentle. Mondays: You get to watch one of (up to 3) shows of the students doing a scene of some sort (sometimes with audience participation, sometimes without), all of which run about 60 minutes. and then a second "elevated' show with participants who have had more class time. But believe it or not, for you the audience, it's absolutely FREE! Come on, you can't argue that cost, can you? *NOTE; this is where Yelp and the website differ: The website calendar says they do Monday shows and even have a Monday specific menu, Yelp says it's closed, so if anyone can unconfuse me, please do * Note: My last attendance was on a Monday show, so I think yelp may be in the wrong here The keys are the show times; 7:30 and 9:00 PM. Usually you get your choice of one of two shows on each hour process (again, check the calendar for confirmation), and that goes for Thurdsay (fee for the early show, FREE for the late show), Friday (all ticketed/fee-prices) and Saturday (all ticket/fee-prices) So back to my visit: I managed to find the place in time to make the last bit of the early show (where teams were competing for audience applause) and the late show on a Monday where the featured act was a "LARP" of a Dungeons and Dragons game. (well as much as you can when you're pretending to be doing laundry [audience suggested by the way} as a major quest - final hint: we can say the laundry DIDN'T get done by the end of the scene) Again, I wasn't expecting professional standup comics, I got stage actors having fun doing unique scenes for laughs. And all at a reasonable price and accommodations. And looking back through all this. I feel bad that I haven't even mentioned the "Improv classes". Remember how I told you the shows are ticketed and free, and you have to keep asking yourself how do they do them for free? Think of it as a co-op. Sign up for (I believe) 8 weeks of courses you learn the art of improv (and ironically, I don't think it's all comedy, although I think that's where it's focused) and these free shows are your "tests" along the way. And just as a warning: I'd minimum age of 16 for attendance, due to potential subject matter, although i don't think they have any rules against kids, and try to keep it reasonably PG+ So go support your young aspiring St. Lou actresses and actors. Go now! Yes now! (but make sure it's a show day!) read more

Came on a Thursday night for the first time to see a friend in a show. It's a much bigger space than I imagined! They had a bar with alcoholic beverages available and food! I didn't get anything to drink, my friend got an old fashioned and didn't love it, but it looked fine to me! The improv was really good! I was very impressed. Every show is different, the show I saw had three groups. Would come back. Tickets seem very affordable. read more

This is a place where friends are made. If you have ever been interested in signing up for a class don't hesitate. Doing improv has improved my life exponentially and I KNOW I'm a better person for it. You learn how to genuinely connect and listen to other people and I feel that is an art that has been lost since the pandemic. Go also to just see a show. You won't regret it. read more

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The Improv Shop feels like a hidden gem in an unassuming part of town. We visited again this weekend & found the entire experience to be positive and memorable. First up: parking is plentiful and feels safe and secure. We arrived about 25 minutes before showtime and had a drink at the bar. They have a solid cocktail menu and full bar with plenty of local craft beer on tap. The kitchen closed when we visited. The bartender said it's undergoing a transition and will reopen in a week or two. Staff is friendly and welcoming. In the theatre are cabaret-style small tables and high-tops in back. Table service is discreet and unobtrusive; just tap the little light on the table and a server will come right over. I won't review the content of the show (though it was great !) because performers and troupes change regularly. This is long-form improv and the audience is invited to give suggestions a couple times a night, but no one is put on the spot or spoken to (or about) directly. The show we attended was PG-13ish in content; i'd advise checking notes on a particular performance before bringing children. read more

The Improv Shop - Pre-show - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Another great night at the Improv shop. I have to say that over the past couple of years I have visited, this place is really starting to shine. Packed house on a Thursday with gobs of up and coming talent having a royal blast on stage. Tacos looked fire, but didn't get a chance to try the food this time. Loved the spirited vibe. Especially enjoyed seeing the students stretch their legs and get a great reception from the audience. Who knows how this place will evolve over the next several years, but I suspect some gems will emerge in the comedy scene. read more

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What a great night. First time here. When you walk in there is a good size bar. We got our ticket to the show and headed into the showroom. When we got our table there was a menu. We did mot realize that they had food offerings that you can also buy. We will definitely check that out next time. The improv show was very entertaining, lots of good laughs. The restrooms were interesting. Both were multi-stall and unisex. This made me not want to drink as much. read more

I saw a Flyover Comedy Special show here and was so impressed. Good sound system and super up close and personal setup. The side stage was a perfect venue -super intimate. Great lighting. I loved that all the noise outside the room in the lobby and bar area was completely separated from everything inside the room. Parking was annoying but considering the festival, there was still spots available when we arrived. read more

Such a fun show!! Amazing talent, friendly service, great bar. It really is an incredible venue at a reasonable price -Perfect night out!

LOVED! So we went here randomly after I found it online. They were just really getting open again since Covid. They did not disappoint I enjoyed the performance and laughed the entire time. I can wait to come back perfect date night or group outing, SO FUN! Keep up the good work! read more

The Improv Shop - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Awesome place to go hang out. Drinks and food are well priced and delicious. The various shows and acts always get a laugh.

Great little venue. I have driven by this 100 times and didn't realize it was there. I took my boys (16 and 18) which I was worried since most places are 21+ but this place allows a younger crowd. They picked improv over stand up but was pleasantly surprised. Boys had a great time and was talking about it all the way home. Can't wait to go back. read more

The Improv Shop - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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In my book, this place wins "best date night" and "best place to bring friends from out of town" and "best place to support local comedy." My husband and I have been to the Improv Shop for several "Stupid Brain" shows hosted by Steve Raines and Bobby Jaycox. They are fantastic hosts, super random, and definitely hilarious! For only $5/person, seeing a show here on a random weekday night is perfect. The Stupid Brain shows have consisted of several stand ups and then 2 different improv groups. I feel we definitely get our money's worth every time. Specials at the bar when we have been here have been $5 tall PBR cans (during the show) and then $3 wells and $2 regular PBR cans after the show. There is also a water cooler on the side of the bar (help yourself). read more

When I say "Improv changed my life!" I am not exaggerating. I was stuck in a creative rut for a long time and I couldn't find a good way to express myself all while having an amazing time with amazing people. Then I took improv classes and I found a piece to my puzzle that I didn't even know was missing. Improv is an amazing way to let loose and learn about yourself in a safe and healthy environment. All are welcome and anyone can do improv. Start by checking out some amazing shows on the weekends then you'll be signing up for classes in no time! read more

The Improv shop has come a long way. Initially these folks started in bars and basements and now they occupy and run this fine establishment. Obviously parking and for some people, finding it at all can be annoying. It's tucked behind the White Castle and can be difficult to turn into. The bar has Busch, as well as, many other domestic and local craft beer options. They also have a full bar and offer wine as well. I came to see Kenny Deforest, who is so lit. I really really enjoyed the show. I had a Busch in hand, of course. I wish the door to get in the comedy side of the venue weren't so flipping heavy! I came late so it had already been shut. I had recently had surgery and couldn't lift more than 5 pounds so it was a struggle to get in without help. Loved my time here! The space is rad, the folks who work here are kind. I love that the Saint Louis local comedy scene is growing. Cheers, Improv Shop! read more

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So, I'm biased because I am a student at improv shop, but love this place! From the perspective of an audience member, the shows are diverse, engaging, and always funny. The performers are genuine, talented, and relatable. I am always surprised how delicious the food is, ranging from fried foods to salads, and they have a full bar. The server that oversees the floor during a show is also extremely attentive, which is nice. From a student perspective, I have had three teachers so far for four classes (level 0-3) all of which have had different styles, but all been very engaged, know what they are doing, and are really great at translating their knowledge in language easily understood by students new to improv. As someone who was completely new to improv, I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Am officially an IS fan girl. read more

I took the Level 0 class with Melanie on a whim even though I'd never done improv or seen a show here and I'm so glad I did. I made great friends and adore seeing the shows, especially Cage Match on Friday nights. read more

My brother and I were interested in some Saturday night entertainment, and we found The Improv Shop pretty quickly on Google. When you first enter The Improv, there is a clean, well-stocked bar to your right and plenty of seating. There was a clear pathway to get to the ticket booth, and we were in the theatre in about 2 minutes. The establishment has an added benefit of private parking, so it's easy to buzz in with your own car or an Uber right before a show. The 8:15 show was a comedy showcase, and it did not disappoint. The host was great at starting things off and keeping the momentum going. The comics slowly got better and better over the hour, and the headliner had excellent material and riffed off a table in the front. All in all, we had an excellent time, and I'll definitely be coming again. read more

F John Langen best bartender in St. Louis. Never makes you wait and always remembers your drink order. Friendly and personable. read more

This was our first experience at the Improve shop and we couldn't have had a more enjoyable time! Everyone was so friendly, from the moment we walked in until we left! The bartender made us some mean margaritas, and Jodie who's is a ray of sunshine made the most amazing pretzels with beer cheese and those French fries and let's not forget the improv! Bravo! So much talent in such a small place. keep in mind every table was full on Friday night so get there early! Can't wait to go back! Cheers read more

The Improv Shop - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Had a great time here funny shows, kind of expensive bar but all around a good time. The shows are cheap and usually pretty funny but with amateur comedians you never know! That's what makes it so exciting. Haha! Enjoy your time open your mind and have a good time. read more

Fully stocked bar with delicious cocktails and some quality entertainment. Visited the improv shop to see a friend perform, I immediately felt the community vibe of this place. Order a drink at the bar, watch and show, and get another drink or snack from the cocktail waitress during the show. It was so much more than I was expecting and I look forward to returning soon. read more

I came with a group of friends for one of their Monday night improv shows to support a friend, and we had the best time! It was so entertaining. Especially considering that these people are still in improv classes/just starting out, we were so impressed. I would not hesitate to come back for another show! Grab some friends, grab a drink at their fully stocked bar & get ready to laugh your booties off! read more

So I just let me clarify here, I am reviewing the place and bar/food, not the show (which will definitely help the star and review :) So I sat at the bar and ordered fried pickles white waiting for my first improvised show (which anyway revealed to me that I prefer the show with performers being prepared) The atmosphere and bar was good, my fried pickles were nice and I can not say I dod not like it (although it is not the quality of a place specialized in food and fried pickles), but the most prominent and I think the best thing was how nice and friendly and awesome the people working here and specifically the person at the bar were. Super nice and friendly. So in short, I do not recommend to just drive to Improv Shop to eat fried pickles, but I definitely recommend to get there sooner than your show, sit at the bar with friends order a drink or two and small food and enjoy the nice environment, and get more and more excited for your show as you overhear the laughs of other shows, because there is a chance that you do not be impressed by your actual show as it happened for me. read more

The Improv Shop wins "Best Cheap Date" for St. Louis! I had never seen improv before coming here, and it's absolutely hilar. lolz, for real. Somewhat upscale with a nice stocked bar and cozy seats and side tables all over the place, definitely arranged for mingling in-between sets. The teams were so entertaining and All for a measly $5 cover! Highly recommend as a date-night shakeup! read more

How did i never know this place existed!?!?! An our of town coworker, myself and Christina F headed there after a few drinks at Mission Taco. I was pretty reluctant to take a NYC person there, after all, she has seen an improv show or two in her day but she wanted to check it out so i agreed. The show was 5 bucks. Which is practicably nothing. There is a full bar, with drink specials although i can't recall what they were that night. We grabbed our drinks and claimed our seats. It was a pretty full house - so that was a good sign! THE. SHOW. WAS. AWESOME. There were three separate shows throughout the night and we ended up staying for all three. UNTIL MIDNIGHT, unheard of for me on a school night ! :) I still can't get over how funny and awesome the crew here is. My comrades were equally impressed. We went outside during intermission and found out that many of the people at the show were students taking improv classes. A very friendly bunch of folks that did not hesitate to start up a conversation with us. If you are looking for something to do with friends, or want to impress a first date I beg you to check this place out. They do shows on Thursday, Friday and I think Monday too. I cannot wait to go back. I'm just kicking myself that I didn't try it out sooner! read more

I have Yelp to thanks for finding this place. I went here last night with two friends and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Monday nights at 8PM is lab night at the Improv Shop. There were 3 skeches about 20 minutes long each with 2 10-15 minute intermissions. It is located on Euclid near Washington in the CWE and is right next to Evangeline's. The Improv Shop has about 100-150 chairs for the audience, a fully-stocked bar, and a stage. I never noticed this place before Yelp introducing me. Each of the skits was so funny. I know I will be back. Entrance to the shows is only $5. There is a show on most Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Check the website to doublecheck. They also offer multiple levels of improv classes. I highly recommend this place for a good laugh. It's very reasonable and well worth it. read more

I've had experiences with Improv Shop both as a student and a show attendee, and it's been a universally glorious time, every time. Their shows are funny and absorbing and offer one of the most unique nights out anywhere. If you're the first person in your social group or dating partnership to suggest an outing to Improv Shop, you'll be the hero. It's easy to get to, easy to get good seats, and easy to drink at. Plus, it's next level comedic art! If you've ever watched an improv show and wondered what it would be like to try, or smugly thought "I would have said $hilariousthing," or realized with existential terror that you're at a point in your life where nothing makes you feel alive and you're sorely needing some fun personal growth, I cannot urge you strongly enough to take a class at the Improv Shop. They're really inexpensive for two months of classes, and their teachers are incredibly kind, patient, and talented. YOU CAN DO THIS. At the end of our first eight week class we had all found remarkable friends in each other, and there was not one person who didn't have moments of dazzling genius. It's a life-changing experience and you will gain a new fearlessness and a fantastic new community. read more

How is this place not more popular?! I'm surprised to see how few reviews they have, because if I lived in St. Louis I would be here every weekend! We stopped in on a Saturday night on a weekend trip from Indy to St. Louis. I was happy to learn that tickets were only $5/show on the night we visited, as the improv place here (Indy) is almost $20/show. We went to a 10 o'clock show called the Longform Showcase (10:02 versus the Bodysnatchers) which was two teams back-to-back. You could tell that it was true improv, as they asked the crowd for a suggestion at the onset of their skit and did a great job of working it into their show. They had a fully stocked bar with reasonably priced drinks, especially considering how cheap it was to get in. They had a decent beer selection with everything from PBR to craft brews. They also offered cocktails, wine, and liquor. I would definitely return for another show the next time we find ourselves on a trip to St. Louis! read more

Such a gem hidden under a weird bridge. I drove by this countless times before ever knowing what it was. The improv shop, I assumed, was just where classes were taught, but that's actually just the surface. They have a full service bar and kitchen and a really cool vibe to match. There's also countless shows from improv to comedy, so if you're like me who isn't so interested in taking classes but love a chuckle or two, this place has it! You don't even have to decide before you get there because theres usually 2 shows going on at once so you can just show up and decide from there. Easily a great date option! And HOT TIP: the prices to watch the shows are pretty cheap too! read more

I have now been to the Improv Shop several times and I have to say that it is a lot better than the first time I went. Although I don't think this place will ever be up to par with San Francisco, Chicago, or New York improv, I really think it is a great experience here in St. Louis, especially when you consider the price. For $5 you get two improv shows if you go on Friday or Saturday. The doors open at 7 PM. The first improv show starts at 8 and the second starts at 10. It is definitely worth checking out their calendar because they have different types of improv depending on the day (e.g., Long Form, Cage Match, etc.). In addition to double shows on Fridays and Saturdays, they also have improv on Thursdays as well. The shows can be variable in terms of how funny they are. I've seen ones that are absolutely hilarious and some that are only OK. With that said, I think I've only seen a bad show once, which is great. In addition to improv shows, they also offer classes. I have not taken advantage of them, but my friend has and she LOVES them. They've been extremely encouraging and a lot of fun. Finally, you get to come to improv shows for free if you're taking a class with them. In sum, a nice addition to St. Louis and definitely worth checking out. read more

Had a great time with friends at the improv shop! We saw the Comedy Showcase which is in the smaller stage room. It was very intimate and the comedians were great, especially the headliner Bobby Cox. Food and drinks are reasonably priced. Just be sure to check out the schedule online because shows change each week. read more

Fun, funny, awesome! Great spot for a night out with friends, a date, or just a little raucous entertainment.

I eat here often. They have really great food that goes beyond your typical bar food. The staff is attentive all the while keeping a very casual and comfortable environment. They have a full range of drink selections, and the specials on the weekends are creative choices by the Bar/Kitchen Manager. I usually opt for the special, or the Honey Sriracha Chicken Wrap. They come with fries and a homemade fry sauce that is really addicting. Everything is well above the quality you would expect, and is of a generous portion. It's the best kept secret of the Grove that more people should know about. If the comedy shows aren't your thing, and you're just looking to grab a bite and some drinks, don't sleep on this place. The food absolutely stands on its own. read more

I enjoyed The Improv Shop partially because I could appreciate how difficult it must be to get up on a stage and entertain people extemporaneously. Other people in my group were like "Yea, it was okay but I doubt I would do it again.". Yes, some of the skits were a little flat and some jokes sailed clean over most of the audience's heads but I guess a lot of how good it is depends on who happens to be there that night. read more

When a place has the word "Improv" in the name, you would certainly think you were going to an improv show. Not the case. 5 subpar comedians doing stand up with a crappy sound system with so much reverb that you heard all of the crappy jokes twice. Also, very annoying with the other comedians sitting in the back being very demonstrative with their laughs trying to help out the failing comedians on stage. If I had wanted to listen to stand up, I would have went to a real comedy club. read more

This was so much fun! It seems like there's two stages in the building, I believe we were at the larger main stage. The setup is fairly standard, seating is chairs around a table and there's someone who will take your drink/food orders. We tried the french fries which were really good, so good that we finished the whole basket even though we'd just come from dinner. And the show itself was amazing! The actors were funny and had great chemistry, and I certainly felt like I was basically laughing the entire time. Another plus, tickets are inexpensive and I definitely feel like I got my money's worth. I highly recommend checking out! read more

I took classes here for about a year and graduated from level six. Kevin and his crew have created a wonderful culture that is fun and supportive. read more

First time to visit this Improv shop and it was ok. A lot of screaming the same words for minutes at a time didn't seem necessary to get the point of the story across. It was something different, however the girl at the box office was very nice and informative. read more

I love live comedy shows so I don't know how I haven't found this place sooner but I'm so glad I finally did! The tickets are reasonable, the bar offers a great selection, the theatre is set up to leave plenty of room per table and the shows are hilarious. The venue is very nice and clean with clean restrooms (somehow this has become a luxury in Saint Louis nightlife establishments). I will definitely be back and will be bringing friends. read more

An awesome venue with great, affordable comedy. The improvisers are welcoming, the shows high quality, and the community lighthearted. I've only visited St. Louis once, but the Improv Shop is definitely top on my list of places to visit on any trip to MO. I would definitely recommend The Improv Shop for anyone looking for a fun night of laughter or a starting point to learn comedy yourself. read more