This is probably one of my favorite things about Oakland/Bay Area, and one of the things that Oakland has that San Francisco doesn't. Tourettes is really unique, and each show is different and thoroughly entertaining. Be ready for some rowdiness and crude humor, but that's why it's "underground" and late at night. Acts are always mesmerizing, and the competitions (haiku, rap battles) are hilarious and creative. read more

Used to go when D-Lor Performed. Not sure if he's still going strong but the experience itself was great. He was one of the top shelf performers and linguists then. You're coming for a different experience - burlesque performances, freestyle battles, holiday experiences, etc. Don't be offended. Be happy. Get a gin. read more

Rap battles and beat-boxing and you don't even have to take a time machine to get there. To be honest I didn't "get" most of this. I think rap battles are stupid and lost interest in beat-boxing when The Fat Boys broke up. Listening to the dirty haiku competition was awkward. The seating makes conversation difficult for groups bigger than three. I did enjoy the comedians but the best thing about this place is that it's very close to Beer Revolution if you need to get fortified on real beer. I'm glad i went but I don't feel the urge to ever go again. read more

I love going to Tourettes Without Regrets. The host Jamie DeWolf is a stand up guy, and funny as fuck. Yeah, I dropped an f-bomb on Yelp, sue me. The show is a little bit of everything. Usually starting off with dirty haikus, then running into spoken word and a bit of a poetry slam. Then they will have some live music, whether it be a band, a man and his guitar, or an mc, and mix it all in with a little burlesque. At the end of the night they have free-style rap battles, which are usually pretty entertaining. All in all, you get four or more hours of entertainment for $10. Not to mention you can hit up a bar with $3-5 drinks at the back, well drinks and bottled beers. I'll definitely continue going to Tourettes, see ya'll first thursday next month!!! read more

This is not for you if you find seriously offensive, dirty and limit pushing humor appalling. This show is an eclectic mix of all of the above and the vibe makes you feel like you have found some underground freak show. I loved every minute of it. From the transvestite interpretive dance of Taylor Swift's "trouble" ending with bowls of ketchup and mustard thrown all over her to stand-up to break dancing. This show will keep you guessing what is next. Get there and wait at 8 if you want one of the few seats or prepare to stand. $10 and full bar, how else would you want to spend the first Thursday of every month? read more

TOURETTES HAS...CHANGED...IN THE PAST 10 YEARS. I used to attend Tourettes when talented Bay Area beatbox artists such as Kid Beyond, Cornbread, Constant Change and Butterscotch were still performing at Ashkenaz. When I took my girlfriend to see Tourettes Without Regrets at its new location at The Oakland Metro, we got a raunchy mess of a variety show instead. In the words of Charlie M., "This is not for you if you find seriously offensive, dirty and limit pushing humor appalling." Trust me; I love me some raunch, and this show serves up a HUGE steaming pile of that. But I came here for the music. Tourettes doesn't seem to offer much of that anymore. read more

I've been going to Tourettes off and on for the last 4 years or so. It is kind of hit or miss when it comes to how entertaining it is, but even at it's worst, it is still well worth the $8 admission. You never really know what you will get at this hodgepodge of slam poetry, sketch comedy, MC battle, haiku contest, monthly. (The first Thursday of every month) Each month there is a different feature performer, and local artists are encouraged to sign up for the slam and "battle rap" contests. Additionally judges are selected from the audience before the show starts, so the winners are chosen by the crowd. People are encouraged to participate throughout the show in many ways. The Oakland Met has a bar, but the event is all ages. So you can get your drink on and bring you little brother or sister as a designated driver. That said, a lot of the content is very adult oriented. The show goes late though, so be prepared to stay as late as 1-2am. As the host always reminds everyone at intermission, if you leave before the end you're stupid, they already have your money. (Although some nights when things aren't as entertaining as others, I have no problem leaving early.) I really like that the theater is a non-profit venue designed to showcase local artists. And I like that the even is designed to get everyone to participate in some way, Over the years Tourettes has grown a lot in popularity, so when they say the doors open at 8, they mean be there before 8 to line up outside. And since it is right by Jack London Square, parking can be a bit of a challenge. All in all, if you want something more culturally enriching than a night of drinking and trying to get laid at your normal Thursday night bar/club, make the trip to the Oakland Metro and check it out. read more

Truly a variety show in the raw sense of variety shows. The show has it all: burlesque, strippers, singers, rappers, DJs, musicians, ballet dancers, fire-jugglers and breathers, slam poetry, pie-eating contests, circus acts, and comedians. The whole show pushes so many boundaries in such a wonderful, Oakland-esque way. Doors open at 8pm and the show begins at 8:30pm and lasts until around 12am. I always find that it's difficult to stay the entire length (I'm usually on a date and don't want to risk potential boredom on my partner's side), but the great thing about Tourettes is that the show is consistently entertaining...beginning to end. Full bar and drinks are pretty inexpensive. Overall a great bang for your buck and amazing show! read more

Wow! What a great night that was! Fantastic show! Poetry slam, rap contest, dirty haikus, guess what's in the emcees pants and a flesh hook show. I wished the flesh hooks were bloodier but I'm a gory person :) The emcee was hilarious. Definitely going back every month! Oh, the drinks were affordable too. I think it was $5 for a pint of Lagunitas IPA. Not too bad! Bartender was really friendly too. read more

The first time I performed at Tourettes it was at the Stork Club. The battle rap portion was still just a glimmer in suburban white kids eyes. What we got back then was a lot of shitty punk bands and self destructive poets. The creepy kids. And what I mean by "we", was all 20 of us that packed the house. Everyone was always fucked up on, at the very least, a two layer cake of intoxicants. There was a lot of vomit and bathroom blow jobs then. It's still the same show, really. Just bigger. At my first show 7 years ago, the entire time on stage, a porno played on a large bed sheet behind the performers. It was midget porn. Midget porn that starred a midget with the largest cock I have ever seen on a bi-pedal mammal. Period. 5 stars! read more

Tourettes is the outlet for all the craziness you're not supposed to express the rest of the time. It's wacky, it's raunchy, it's slightly psychotic. But more than anything, it's fun! The shows can be hit or miss sometimes... you might get one show that's amazing, and another that's kinda lame, but lately the average has been really good. Great stuff! read more

This is like any other variety/comedy/improv show you've been to. The closest way I could describe it is if the cast of South Park became real people and were about 20 years older and decided to host an improv comedy show, this is what it would be. But really, just go. It's $10, and a great way to spend a Thursday night. Like South Park, no one is spared being made fun of - very equal opportunity. Naturally, do not go to this if you are easily offended. read more

Love these shows!! Every one is a new and mind-blowing surprise! If you are sensitive to vulgarities or not open to jaw-dropping topics, themes or outrageousness, then this might not be for you If you are open to taking on some controversial issues and hearing some far-out slams and perspectives then you might just have a ball here!! I would say that this is a great show for an open-minded demographic that is not easily offended and finds blasphemy of all types entertaining read more

Authentic Stand up underground Comedians, Rappers and Burlesque. Simply the Best in The Bay Area! A MUST. read more

I drove over an hour to get there (from Santa Cruz) and it was well worth it! Slam, beat-boxing, rap battles, burlesque, and some funny **s **it! It was cool, and the people were cool. The performers were pretty great. The only element I feel was missing (and they're still awesome without it) is dance. I love to dance and to watch amazing dancers (breakdance or finger tutting...any kinda battle). Four stars because: you should go, I should go back, it is great Minus one because they had everything but movement.. read more

Entertaining acts (whip and belly dance duo notable). A couple lyrical geniuses at show-capping rap battle. read more

a good friends kept telling me about this crazy show. He'd describe it to me, but it made even less sense that way. Finally after about a year of this, I went. That was early 2006 and I think I've only missed a handful of shows since then. everything everyone said on here is true, both good and bad. The venue is what it is. Ive seen far worse and its not like this show is going to impress many venue owners/promoters, but THATS a part of what makes the Oakland Metro Operahouse special and awesome. Major props and respect should go to the Metro management for having to deal with this show and its audience for so many years. The few friends who have been brave enough to experience a Tourettes show have fallen in love with it and have brought additional new friends to other shows. I like to go out to a lot of shows and concerts but I can say that Ive NEVER seen or been to anything else in the bay area quite like Tourettes without Regrets. read more

Tourettes Without Regrets is one of the most unique experiences of the bay area. Super creative with a variety of art styles (haiku slams, stand up comedy, rap battles, freestyles, dance, etc) and it was something I'll never forget. Probably not the best first date spot but it could be considered an out of the ordinary dating event. This show is definitely on the extreme/super odd side of the entertainment spectrum (I would consider it too crazy for some people). If you want to see something completely strange that encompasses all the weirdness of the bay area then check it out and support some local artists! read more

I had a mixed time. Some of the poets who stood up were phenomenal. Like Jonathan Lethem, word taffy. The full frontal male nudity in the wake of watching said male appear to sexually assault his female partner leading to uproarious applause, however? Personally, I felt a little sick. Know that if you go, you can expect a lot of potentially controversial activity. Profanity is a given. Race jokes are not uncommon. And no one, no one is free of criticism. Don't sit near the front if you don't intend to end up interacting with the host(s). I give this a three because I could see it going either way for a newcomer. It's a love it or hate it scene, and your response may be different depending on the night you go. Or, like me, you may love some parts and hate others. Worth a shot. read more

This is a low key, casual but utterly fun event. Came here on a Thursday night and had to stand the entire night. That didn't bother use the least though as the huge variety of artists (ranging from comedians to mosh pits to circus acrobats) captivated our attention. Also, the $4 pizza slices were downright greasy and amazing. read more

STELLAR!!!! Compliment battle, pornographic haikus, aerialists, SWORD SWALLOWING??!?! My 30th birthday happened to fall on the first Thursday in October & I happened to be spending my birthday in the bay area... there was absolutely no way I was going to miss this. Hands down, unequivocally, best part of my birthday trip. read more

The ONLY reason I give it a 4 is because of the smoking. The show itself was great!!! I would suggest arriving an hour early. My first time going was the 5th of May 2016 and we got there at 7:15 and the line was already long. We went inside and the atmosphere was incredible. Everyone was dancing, having fun and just enjoying life. If you've never been and you don't mind getting your hands dirty, getting embarrassed, and hearing and seeing some really raunchy stuff, this is the place for you. From the Sword Juggling, to the Dirty Haiku and acrobatics, everything was amazing. I'm already planning on going to the next one and it's only $10 at the door. read more

tina p. did a great job of giving you important "if you go" details, so I'll just stick to gushing so you have another person's vote to try something new and get your body there. I first went to Tourettes back when it was at a dance studio in Vallejo and I was 16. In the last 8 years the venue has gotten way cooler, the crowd has grown, but the show has stayed impressively the same. Sure, there are some new contests, different performers, and a never ending stream of freaky fun things to watch and participate in. However, I always know that I will get well more than my money's worth in fantastic (in every sense of the word, look it up!), thought provoking, hilarious (depending on how kinky you can let your sense of humor be), pure entertainment. At Tourettes I've witnessed puppet porn, fire dancing, a very impressive glass ball juggler (think David Bowie in Labyrinth but cooler), some of the most moving spoken word I've heard, some of the dirtiest haiku I've heard, and some things that just shouldn't be mentioned in a public forum. As a contestant I once received a copy of George W's autobiography as a prize. Seriously. You don't get more irreverent than that. There is simply not a better variety show out there. You get a sense of whether or not you'd like to check out more of the styles of performance there, AND you get a whole lot of mayhem that you can't find anywhere else. Go! If you don't have tons of fun at least you'll have conversation ammo for a very, very long time. Disclaimer: It's probably been over a year since the last time I went, but from what I hear through the grapevine it's still the same. You know, different stuff... same attitude. read more

Most insane craziness I have seen w/o nudity. Great food for the mind especially if you have a dirty one ;)

This show renders me almost speechless. Such amazing, unique, creative artists and a down-to-earth crowd. I had a blast and I can't shut up about it! The dirty haiku contest will keep me coming....back for more. ;) read more

One of the best open mikes I've ever seen. So loving and sassy at the same time; with overflowing irreverence and distasteful innuendo. A good time. Get trashed beforehand and keep the drinks coming once inside for an awesome night. Great first date spot. Keep the kids at home. read more

Just what a variety show should be...and pretty darn San Francisco. This was my first time and it struck me as a safe place to push the envelope on all sorts of topics as well as an equal opportunity experience. The 500+ people in the crowd were as diverse as the performers. Perfectly set in an old warehouse, the high energy show started with a "strike the police officer piñata" contest. The host asked "Have you ever had a guy pulled on you by a cop (in light of the Eric Garner tragedy). If so come on up and be a contestant to have an opportunity to swing at the piñata. Then onto an opportunity for 5 or 6 audience members (who signed up pre-show) to perform an act of their choosing for 3 mins and the audience and assigned judges decided who would win the $100 prize. A number of amazing poetry slam acts ensued - impressive performances from a Caucasian woman proclaiming to be in the sexual-service profession, to a 4th year Asian male medical student ranting about our institutions of higher education in the US, to a brilliant piece by an African-American woman describing the white "snow" that's moved in Oakland and threatening to upset the neighborhood. Next up the featured acts of the night --from an amazing unusual violin duo to a flaming burlesque act to a comedian to an acrobatic Jesus on the cross act - it was entertaining to the say the least....thought provoking, inspired, uncomfortable, ridiculous...excellent! Can't wait to go again...unfortunately the next show is not until February. It happens the first Thursday of every month, but it's not happening in January. read more

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Original variety/vaudeville entertainment in Oakland! Beatboxing, burlesque, comedy, improv, you name it Tourettes has it. Check out their YouTube videos! I found this show about a year ago and have been a loyal attendee each month. read more

Every morning on Earth we are gifted a wondrous natural splendor as a nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma over 4 billion years old crests the planet's horizon, bringing not only the very source of life, but a unparalleled four dimensional spectacle of awesome beauty; but you probably just slept through it because you paid ten dollars to post yourself in a dusty warehouse watching someone stick their hands down Jamie DeWolf's pants until 2AM. read more

This would be 5 stars, but unfortunately the crowd is making it difficult to enjoy the performances. If only the host would ask (or tell) the crowd to shut up more, I would give it another star. Other than that, GO! Some of the most talented people, some of the most fun, and some of the blurriest nights have happened here. With everything from comedy, to heart felt spoken word, to fire performers, there's something (if not everything) here that you'll love. read more

Really excellent show. It's like Oakland's take on a weird, weird variety show. High quality performances, very well done, pushes boundaries in a good way. I definitely recommend the experience. read more