We visited recently for a special concert event. Overall we had a wonderful time. I will say that I wish I had splurged on VIP tickets instead of rush seating. I was nearly rubbing shoulders with my neighbor. If you're claustrophobic not all the seating may be great for you. But the staff were great and overall well absolutely return. read more

I'm absolutely baffled how a group at the very back in a booth quietly talking to themselves are told to "keep it down" . Unless someone is heckling the comedian or yelling at them there is no rule that one cannot talk quietly among themselves. Security needs to focus on the people who are actually affecting the show not keeping to themselves! read more

Best comedy venue in Calgary, best acts. I've been going about once a month for the past couple decades (since it was yuk yuks). They get a really solid lineup of talent, and rarely have anyone bomb, and even then you're still seeing a host, opener and a headliner so you're still going to have a great night full of big laughter!! The drinks could be cheaper, and the selection from the bar is what you would expect from a comedy club; basic. You're not going to find a cocktail here, only highballs... but your best bet is the mini-jugs, and choosing a flavored vodka. (However I will say that I order the same one every time and go btw 1-3 times per month, but still occasionally get a jug of undrinkable swill that's nothing like what I ordered, so I do wish I could get a real cocktail to start with). Good thing they put out a water station now so you don't have to ask 4 times for water (it used to be a 'why fill your free water the first 3 times you ask when they could make you down your drink faster instead' type situation). The DIY drink station is far better for the crowd (although I'm not sure how the comics feel). For food they sometimes have huge fried dill pickle slices which are amazing but sometimes just small ones. They've got a great selection of house made dips. Theres one server who will argue and argue if she accidentally brings you the wrong order though, it's really embarrassing for someone like me who rarely cares about mistakes like that enough to complain- basically if I can't just enjoy whatever they bring me, or if it's bad enough to write in a review then I'll speak up and see how it's handled. However if I can just enjoy my meal/ drink as it comes or if I wouldn't post about it here then I don't consider the issue bad enough to complain in person either. Would I completely gut the place and redesign with egress in mind? Sure- how about better flow in and out, fewer pillars, and a dedicated space for merch and photo ops? read more

So in an effort of being transparent, my brother works the door here so the bunch of times I've come to shows I've had my admission and a few drinks comped. So I won't talk about the staff or the prices. The first time I came I saw Dustin Diamond. The nacho platter I had was more enjoyable. Next! The second time was for Tom Green. Fantastic show! His comedy was great and not as crazy as his shows of the past were. He mostly talked about his life over the past few years. At the end of his bit he threw out a bunch of his movie lines because really, that's what the people want to hear. After he was done he hung around for a meet and greet and anyone that wanted to could get their picture taken with him. The best part of the night for me was going down to the Roadhouse after and drinking with Tom in the VIP section (see my profile pic). Really cool guy. The last time I just happened to catch the end of one of their regulars. Again, cool to sit and drink with everyone after the show was over. read more

The Laugh Shop is a comedy club in the Blackfoot Inn that offers up laughs and a lengthy café style menu of appetizers, sandwiches and desserts. And pretty expensive booze - domestic beers start at $5.25. As far as I'm concerned, having overpriced booze at a place where people are supposed to laugh at some random person's thoughts just doesn't make sense, but that's just my two cents. As well, they offer a dinner buffet with a show Thursday through Saturday evening. The Laugh Shop features an ever-changing cast of characters, so I recommend checking out their website prior to booking your tickets, which conveniently enough you can do online. If you're looking for live stand-up comedy, look no further than the Laugh Shop. read more

The Laugh Shop - the entrance to the store - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

The Laugh Shop is Calgary's best overall comedy venue. I have been a customer here for over 20 years (since it was Yuk Yuks). They have their ups and downs and their off nights like every business, but in over 100 shows there, I have experienced less than a five star experience only a handful of times. The food is good. The service is good. They don't water their drinks and their comedy is at a consistently high level. Anybody who rates them less than five stars either can't distinguish a good club from a bad club or is basing their review on a single, exceptional event. read more

Wow, fun place. Located in the blackfoot inn, this comedy club is a decent size, maybe holding 300 people? The reason for 5 stars, the Headliners! Last month I saw Rob Schneider. This month Norm MacDonald, after that Harland Williams, and Screech from Saved by the bell (ok, he is not really a headliner, but a 'celebrity'?) Drinks are reasonably priced, and I recomend the late show on the weekend (usually an 8pm, and 10:30 performance). Bit of a drunker crowd at the later shows. Get tickets early to the popular shows, as they tend to sell out. read more

Went for the dinner and show last week with another couple. The buffet was yummy, and catered very well. Various fresh salads, and pork, fish, prime rib (wich was a bit tough and cold) and shrimp. Good desserts, although the selection was a bit sparse. Finished our dinner, and because we purchased dinner AND the show, we were escorted to our table without waiting in line for our tickets. Very nice! Our table gave us a great view of the stage, and the comedians. Now for the show............. The comedy show was the best I have ever attended! This was really well done, with plenty of material for us to have a fun evening. I recommend this for a date. Service for our drink orders was good, and we did not have to wait long for our tab.(don't you hate that?) I am going back for sure! read more

I've continued to be impressed with The Laugh Shop at the Blackfoot Inn. My boyfriend and I, as well as another couple, purchased tickets to a special comedy show featuring comedian we all enjoy. Unfortunately, she had to cancel the day before the show and I received a friendly call from The Laugh Shop, providing me with two options as well as a full refund. They asked if I would like to transfer my tickets to an upcoming show in August or receive complimentary tickets to the show we had planned to go to, now featuring a different comic. Since we had been planning the night out for a while, we opted to go to the show that night as planned. I received my full refund and off we went to see this replacement comedian. When we arrived, I figured a lot of people must have taken the tickets for the August show since the place was pretty dead. We were seated at our table and looked after by a really cute and friendly waitress. When the show started, we were really pleased with the acts as they were extremely funny and entertaining. Unfortunately, there were a couple of knuckleheads who were obviously drunk seated behind us who would not shut up and continued yelling out to the comedian and talking loudly amongst each other. I was about to turn around and ask them to be quiet, but was extremely impressed when they were cut off and asked to leave. The management took care of the problem immediately and discreetly, clearly seeing that these guys weren't interested in watching the show, but instead wanted to make a spectacle of themselves. We were SO happy once they left and enjoyed a wonderful, fun evening. I will continue to see shows at The Laugh Shop as the have proved themselves to be extremely accommodating and aren't afraid to handle the aggressive hecklers. Once again I'll note that I'm a huge fan of the mini jugs as well! Thanks for an awesome show guys. read more

This is a slightly mixed review. I have been here numerous times and my last time was probably the least funniest. That being said it was still good, I've just had the opportunity to experience better. My friend Stephanie S. and her boyfriend had won tickets, so there was a heard of us that went, which was tons of fun! The host was pretty blah, the first guy Eric Steal (I think) was super funny. Good jokes and ones I hadn't heard before. The main guy was Matt Billon, and he was terrific as well. I find the drinks a little pricey, for being your basic hi-balls, and I can't eat most of the food there, so I was not able to try anything. It's definitely a good night out, relatively cheap night and you get a good laugh in. I will continue to come here, just hope I get better comedians next time. read more

I've been to the The Laugh Shop a handful of times the past year with varying company (with my boyfriend and another couple, a big group and with just a girlfriend) and they've all been great experiences. If you head there a little earlier before the show, you can hang out at their sports bar and grab a few bevvies and some complimentary but VERY salty popcorn (I see what you're doing there sneaky sports bar!) There really isn't any reserved seating unless you've booked a party, so it can be first come first serve for the venue. If you wanna be heckled by the comedian - by all means be there early and get seated front and center. My favorite spot are the booths on the far right. You're angled just right so you're not craning your neck or turning around to see the stage, near the washrooms (which you will frequent because of all those mini jugs you consumed quencing your thirst from the popcorn) and I find the servers are more diligent. Although this place is a bit of a trek for me, I think it's worth it when you're looking to have a night of laughter and good times. read more

The Laugh Shop is a great place to kick back with friends and have a good time! The talent is hysterical, the staff is attentive, the drinks are great and the food is too (try the mini-pitchers and the poutine)! This is one of the few places you can go nowadays and not even think about what else is going on in the world - just leave your phone in your pocket and enjoy the moment! Can't wait for the next round of laughs! :D read more

This was my first and last time at the Laugh shop, mostly because of the staff. First off my friend forgot his ID, and they made him go home to get it. Fair enough, it's a bar, you need ID. So a couple of us went in to save seats since the whole party already had tickets. Here's the kicker: you have to sit where the bouncer tells you. We were sat in crazy uncomfortable chairs, behind a pole, at the back of a very awkwardly designed room not at all suited for a comedy club. When we told the bouncers that someone in our party was in a sling and we'd need a chair with a back on it, he said that all the other tables were booked. So I got up and took another table only to notice that we didn't get the worst of it. There were about four tables BEHIND THE STAGE. Who would pay $20 cover for a 1 1/2 hour show they couldn't even see? And who were they saving these tables for? After all that, my friend returns with his ID to have the bouncers tell him that "oh don't worry about it, we're not checking tonight". Seriously? Our waitress was fine, but clearly had too many tables as we only saw her maybe two times in two hours. The bowling alley drink list didn't impress either. The act was great, but only had one headliner. Overall I'd suggest skipping this place unless you're into nightclub drama (and hotel basements). read more

Of the private comedy clubs in Calgary, the Laugh Shop at Hotel Blackfoot is where the quality talent is found! Norm Macdonald, Debra DiGiovanni, Jim Belushi, Shawn and Marlon Wayans, Drew Carey, Dave Foley, Paul Reiser & Tracy Morgan* are just a few that graced their stage during the past year... and in the coming months Harland Williams, Pete Zedlacher, Glenn Wool, Lachlan Patterson** & DAMON WAYANS are scheduled to perform! There are also some amazingly talented local comedians who consider the Laugh Shop their home stage & showcase their ever evolving comic genius with regular guest spots... If you're looking for a night out on the town, where you are the star & your every whim is catered to.... this ain't it! However, if you have the ability to STFU during the show, seek cold beer, high-balls served in pitchers & some of the best live comedy -- then this is the best bang for your buck! Now, having read some of the other reviews -- best way to ensure that you don't have to sit behind a pole, pre-pay for your tickets via credit card & most requests can be accommodated... however, try to remember -- its not about where your ass sits, but whether you laughed it off... ;) cheers! * gave me a bear hug ** funny & yummy! read more

I've always found the staff very friendly, from the first point of contact until the last. It's also a great venue. They attract talent from both local markets as well as the global stage. Offering up a superb menu with both eats and drinks, you'll be hard-pressed not to have a great time. Highly recommended. read more

I don't want to brag, but I know comedy better than most average people. I've been doing comedy myself for the past 3 years, before which I spent two working in the business as a doorman, sound guy, and volunteer organizer for independant shows, so take it from somebody who knows what they're talking about; The Laugh Shop is (almost) the best bang for your buck in Calgary. The room is hands down the nicest club in the city, with the best layout, most comfortable seating, and one of the best sound systems. All in all, with the right people behind it this COULD be the best comedy club in the country, if it weren't for a couple small factors. Firstly, in the last year or so, this club has become more concerned with regonizable names than with putting on the best shows. If what you want is to see the somewhat humorous ramblings of an early 90s sitcom star about how his career since then has largely fizzled out, then this is the right club for you. It's probably the easiest place in the city to get an autograph or a picture with a moderately well known celebrity, and they're supporting acts (MCs, middle acts, local up & comers) are great, but it appears the real top quality professional COMEDIANS, who have spent years perfecting their craft, have taken a back seat to these less satisfying but better known acts. Secondly, the location is less than ideal. When competing with a club less than a block from a C-Train station, located right on 17th Ave, the Blackfoot Inn (while nice) is kind of out of the way. But if you're in the area and not as jaded and picky about comedy as I am, then you really can't go wrong here. Most audiences will still have a great night out, and probably get to snap a pic with a familiar face to post on facebook. read more

I've been going to the Laugh Shop for years (formerly Yuk Yuks) and have never left without laughing until I cry at least once. Some nights are better than others, but in general, they book quality stand-up comics and I do prefer this location for their comedy over any other club in town. The room is large and it's a great night when it's full, but it feels kind of dark and old. I'd like to see an upgrade. Service and food is average. read more

I go to the laugh shop several times a year or so and because of the nature of the business it's a completely different situation each time based on the entertainment. Usually the comedians are quite good but I have been to some so terrible I feel bad for myself and bad for the talent. I like that most talent is now on youtube so I can check them out in advance and I recommend this. Additionally, the concert series can be amazing - they have had some HUGE names and those are great shows. Beyond the talent I'll continue on to the food and drinks. The food here is lack luster - it makes me feel quite ill actually. That being said I ALWAYS eat being coming. Drinks menu is fairly limited and kind of pricey. I'd recommend getting a mini jug if you're drinking cocktails (this is about 1/2 L and 3 ozs) or a bucket of beers (4 bottles) both run about $18 at the time of writing. You're better off with mini jugs and buckets of beer because service during the show is almost non-exisitant and you might find yourself deciding between sucking the last bit of sweet sweet alcohol off your icecubes or missing part of the show to run up to the bar (which they can not put on your tab - bring money). I recommend cash for the bar because it can be a painful experience to sit around waiting for the machine to come around at the end of the night - 30-45 minutes some nights. Ugh! If for some reason you're not drinking you might feel very awkward here - i've seen people get horrible scowls from servers when you're not running up an expensive tab at their tables. This is not always a fun night when you're out with a bunch of light drinkers who also hate the food - because the staff are rude (even though you still may have paid a ton for you tickets that night if it's a concert series and it might even be a Thursday and you work the next day...) I don't think they understand . Other than that, this usually promises a good night. you can often find discounted tickets from charity coupon books or deal sites and those make it an even better value for a night out. read more

My wife and I have attended three times in the last year....one night, a troupe of wannabe tough guys show up - the main heckler was a "birthday boy"....well, this asshole just couldn't shut up - between the host and first act, managed to evict said douchebag after a half hour of BS from him....the asshole threatens first act because of his hilarious retorts to said douchebag - anyways, that was a stand up handling of morons....I just wish they'd advertise a bit more - missed a few big ones by a day...well my fault - gotta get on the notification list! Expensive beer, adequate finger food....albeit overpriced. read more

I booked tickets over the phone for Chris Tucker as I am a huge fan. I purchased 4 tickets and they could not tell me where I was sitting until I picked up the tickets the day of the event. So you had no idea if you were going to be at the very back. They also don't send tickets in the mail stating - no cell on person (must leave in car) or ID required. My 30 year old friend forgot her ID at home - yes now I know it's a bar but had never been to the venue before so we didn't think to make sure we had on hand. I talked to the Owner - Matthew and explained that no one had told me over the phone that this a bar and was not made aware of the 18+ rule. His only words were " I am happy to give you a refund" Stunned by with lack of customer relation skills " I walked away. 2 of us decided to go on to see the show as I was so excited to see him. Colin- the stamping guy , who claimed his name was John when I asked for his name, was incredibly condescending. He laughed at the idea that my friend didn't have her ID. When I confronted him and told him there was no need to be so condescending, he laughed and said "blah blah blah" as he did the hand gesture. Infuriated, I asked to speak with Matt and get a full refund. There was no way I was going to support the venue even though it killed me to not see Chris Tucker. Explaining my frustration of how disrespectful Colin was, Matt cut me off, looking passed me and said " Can you just give me a call tomorrow" as he set a business card now. I will never go back. The comfort that Colin showed tells me that this type of client disrespect is an ongoing thing. read more

I've always have a good time here. Tonight was a packed house but the waitresses were fast in getting our drink and food orders. Try the Buffalo sliders! They are amazing! read more

This place is awesome and they guarantee good service. I had a really bad experience with one of the ladies that work in the ticket booth there months ago. The manager was nice enough to cover a visit there. Other than the one bad experience I had, every time I've been there has been great. My boyfriend and I love to go there for date night. They are also reasonably priced! Make sure to check out the website to read about the comedians before you go see one. read more

Okay, I went to see Norm Macdonald for a good laugh, fun night right? Nope, not only did I spend $45 PER ticket to sit behind a pole with my chair backwards, but I got to be served by a bitchy waitress who told me to "MOVE", when I would turn around to watch the show. Every time I would sit sideways to watch the show, a waitress, or drunk that had to pee, kept walking past me in the tiny aisle in front of me. So I couldn't focus on the whole god damn show because the waiters were serving food and drinks non stop and bumping into me. What a shame, I have been wanting to see Norm Macdonald for a long time, and didn't really get to hear what the hell he was saying. Instead of packing in 300 people to a show, maybe provide more of a 'quality visit' by treating 200 people better. read more

My husband and I went here last night to see Broken Lizard perform & had a great time. We bought "dinner & show tickets" so we had a 3 course dinner at Greens Restaurant where the food was decent. Restaurant is best described as a dinner trying to be classy - the wait staff were a little too attentive given the environment. Deducted a star because of a miscommunication with dinner - my nut allergy note (made when booking tickets) want passed along to restaurant so had to send my salad back. After we ate, they walked us to our reserved table in the Laugh Shop where we found out we were literally right in front of the stage - no joke, I had my feet resting on the stage during the show. Was great for the comics we were seeing but with other comedians who involve (read: hassle) audience members, such close seating could be an issue. The emcee was good - he was funny & personable without detracting from the main act. Waitress was friendly and polite but not constantly hovering. She was great at watching drink levels and checking in when there was a break in the material flow of the show. Drinks weren't half bad, my husband had their house scotch and I did mini-jugs of rum and coke. Prices are definitely not cheap - on par with a nightclub. Which is a little disappointing given the fact you pay cover, but I guess nightclubs charge that too. Dinner & show tickets ran us $50/each, drinks with dinner was another $40 and then drinks during the show was $65 or so (3 scotches & 2 mini-jugs). Not terrible pricing all in. Tickets were also super easy to purchase: you can buy online, or for dinner and show, you call in with a visa and the tickets are waiting for picking on the day of the show. Last but not least, the Women's washroom was tiny (3 stalls). I only mention this because after the show finished, there was a 20 person line for it. Luckily I spotted a washroom in the lobby on our way in so I headed there. All in all, we had a great time. Will definitely be going back! read more

My husband and i were at the laugh shop on Jan 21st to see Steve-o. The service was fast and friendly, we ordered a bucket of beer, too bad they ran out of buckets so our second drinks weren't very cold. The show was hilarious! Our seating was a little akward ..they put us at a table for 2 with 2 other people. They were friendly enough, just not what I was expecting. I think if the stage was raised a bit more it would help for the people that are sitting towards the back. We missed the 'stunts'that were performed due to too many heads in the way....Kind of the main reason for going to a Steve-o show We would be back and have been there before when it was Yuk Yuks read more

des bishop is the best, so happy they booked him, one thing that would never happen during a performance is they come around during performance with the bill. and you make the noise of the visa machine. if I was the comedian I would object. this doesn't happen n irish Venues.. bad distraction, but des bishop is the best..... read more

I have to start off by saying that the comedians were great. That is the only good thing we can say about this night. Its hard to say if Blackfoot Inn or the Laugh Shop is to blame here. My corporate administrative team and I setup our Christmas party this year and decided to go to the Laugh Shop at Blackfoot Inn for dinner and a show. For being charged $55 per ticket and then purchasing drink tickets for those attending, we thought it would be a nice and easy way to do things. We were very sorely mistaken. As a work Christmas party, we were roughly 65 people and we wanted to do a points-based silent auction as a fun way to send everyone home with prizes. While spending 2 months planning with one specific staff member at Blackfoot Inn, we were assured there would be tables set up for us to use for our auction and we would have 2 hours to do it while eating our buffet dinner. Not only was there no area for us to set up our silent auction, but we were told we would have to move the tables ourselves and the staff refused to help us. We were forced to spend 20 minutes moving chairs and tables in our dresses and heels. We were rushed through our auction, told we only had an hour and then WE had to clean up before other people started arriving. When we finished and finally got to the buffet it was cold and inedible. When we mentioned this to the buffet attendant, she merely said "Sorry" and nothing was done about it, nor did it appear that she shared this information with anyone. We also purchased $600 worth of drink tickets which apparently were only able to be used on pop, select highballs, 3 types of beer, and house wine. Half of our drink tickets were not used because the rules regarding them were confusing and the waitresses were not interested in helping or explaining. The staff was barely paying attention to us during our buffet, and as soon as other patrons came in we were almost entirely ignored. For spending $4000 for one night, the 15% mandatory gratuity is laughable considering we got sub-par service and served ourselves cold food. Our company Christmas party was a colossal disappointment. We were rushed through the silent auction, ignored throughout the night, and our dinner was cold and inedible. We do NOT recommend large functions here, even if you are assured a private space. This place will make promises they can't keep and won't respond when you confront them directly. read more

EXTREMELY disappointed. Came here to see one of my favorite comedians. Sardines in a can have more room than we did. They crammed everyone in there so close that the stranger beside me was practically sharing my chair. I paid to come here and have a good time, not sit on someone else's lap. read more