I went for the first time last night, being the hard-bitten cynic that I am, expecting to be bored and annoyed with the absence of talent, and.... Now I'm wondering if it would be weird for me to go every week. Like, is it wrong to be a comedy club stalker? Here's what I found: 1. The venue (the Washington Inn) is a charmingly weird place, the sort of which I love discovering. 2. There's a decent bar with a super friendly bar tender as soon as you walk in, so there's that. 3. A genuinely warm and friendly guy takes your tickets and chats you up a bit, makes you feel happy to be there. 4. The actual venue is just an old medium-large hotel ballroom but it works. 5. The nice guy who took your ticket is the host of the show. And he's REALLY FUNNY! Talented, confident, professional, and clearly a genuinely good and kind person!! I'm kind of amazed by him. Samson Koletkar. Look him up. 6. I just looked him up. Samson OWNS Comedy Oakland. He's a one-man band. He's a phenom! 7. The room was full. Sold-out, maybe, I don't know. But there's nothing more depressing than a comedy club with two members of the audience who are friends of the performers, forcing laughter. That is NOT the experience at Comedy Oakland. This place is the real deal. 8. The comedians were all good, at the very least. Some were REALLY good. 9. The line-up was diverse in nearly every way, including age. YESSS!!! And performing from the top of their intelligence. In other words, they were perfect for Oakland, but I can imagine any one of them being successful anywhere. 10. When the show was over the comedians scattered themselves around the room so the audience could interact with them, which had a party feel to it. It was a very fun way to end a really great evening. I can't comment on the food or drinks because my date and I ate and drank before we got there. But it looked adequate from where I sat, and the wait staff looked adequate as well. I'll sidle up to the bar and check it out the next time I go. Soon. read more

Our mother-in-law got us tickets. We did not know what to expect but we ended up having such a great time! Perfect for date night! read more

Comedy Oakland - Comedy Clubs Near Me

Comedy Oakland always delivers! As a performer, I'm always impressed by the other comics on the bill, and the great crowds they draw. Their new spot at Calabash is a winner, super fun crowd, and another great line-up. On brand. read more

First time to this venue and it was a blast. The lineup was amazing first off. However this is on the corner of Webster in Oakland so the parking is really hard to find, which you have to find a good spot close or you will have to walk. The restaurant/venue was decorated very homey and modern. The ambience was really nice, the lights we're dimmed. They had A cute little water fountain in the front of the restaurant where you can make a wish. The bar area set up was very rustic and modern everything looked very fresh and they had a wide selection of different alcohol beverages to choose from. After waiting downstairs we went upstairs to the venue where we checked in, and we sat in the front of the stage in a corner booth with chairs, it was a small venue but very intimate which gave it character. They had waiters walking around helping people who are already there for the event. So we all ordered our drinks at our table, and then some food however was very upsetting about the service is that it took over an hour for a beer and for other drinks to come. The food came out before drinks. Everyone was very kind and sweet though. The show ended up being amazing, they had at least five comedians on the lineup, and it was affordable. Great for a date night, family night, or any type of outing. I would definitely come here again but I would be on top of the orders. Also check your receipt because they overcharged us for Great for a date night, family night, or any type of outing. I would definitely come here again but I would be on top of the orders. Also check your receipt because they overcharged us for several drinks that we did not get. They did take the charges off though. So they do a good job at making things right. They did take the charges off though. So they do a good job at making things right. Definitely friendly, energetic, and the food was yummy. I do recommend comedy Oakland in the end and I will be coming back here in the future. Thanks comedy Oakland for a good time. read more

Comedy Oakland - Hot tottie drink - Comedy Clubs Near Me

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Good way to start the weekend. What a great evening! Always good comedians. Always loads of fun.

I have never been so un-entertained in my life after paying. This show calls for 18 + and have a 9 year old perform. Save your $$. Go spend it on district or the pizza place near by. read more

We came here Friday 8/25 and 8/26 for their 7:30PM showings two nights in a row for my birthday. We got tickets online and saved a few bucks. This comedy club is actually on the top floor of a restaurant called Howden Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant looks pretty good and people seem to be enjoying the food here but we decided to try local vegan organic restaurants on both nights so we just had drinks. Friday night was industry pro night and it was definitely more crowded and funnier. You can really tell the difference when someone has been telling jokes for decades versus a few years or so. I laughed much more. There were overlapping jokes on Friday and Saturday nights by three comedians especially the two hosts including the owner (Samson) of the club so that wasn't so cool for me on Saturday hearing the same material twice. This place is good nature and the hosts are nice and friendly. The actual room where the comedy takes place is narrow and small and when crowded can feel a little uncomfortable and get really loud particularly on competition nights where you judge the popularity by how loud people clap and scream. I highly recommend the industry pro night because it was really good but don't recommend two nights in a row because the jokes overlapped. About half the comedians on pro night were excellent and the other half okay. This place opens at 5 for seating and dinner and I do recommend eating there just because you get a bigger table which is way more comfortable and it's convenient that they cook your food downstairs. Prices are average for the area, about 15 each entree. It's definitely a fun place to go when you feel like you need a laugh. Last night, we met a nice young man named Terence who even offered to take our picture for us which is posted here. He was on his first date. Very sweet. read more

Comedy Oakland - The front of the room where the comedians stand - Comedy Clubs Near Me

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Great show! I loved the comedy from the performers they were all so unique and kept me on my toes! They get comics from all over it seems to drop in to do a set. I think I'd seen a couple on Netflix or TV. read more

Pleasant surprise in the heart of Oakland Reasonable parking in the area Nice small venue The comedians were good, good variety of 12-15 minute sets by 4 guys Lots of places to eat close by The food at the venue itself was reasonable Very reasonable price tickets read more

Really great place to perform! Food is good, crowd is supportive, and the producers treat the comics very well

Always a well produced comedy show complimented by great. food and drink. Happy to have been part of it. Can't wait to return.

This is what a quality comedy club should be. Intimate venue, excellent bar service, good food, and quality comics that deliver the laughs. This place hits all 4 items. There is seating for maybe 50-60 people or so but it spacious enough that you don't feel crowded. The food is quite good and provided by the Spice Monkey restaurant downstairs. Absolutely loved the chicken wings and the chicken lettuce wraps. The food by itself is very good. The comedy was outstanding. No big names, but folks with tons of potential. Just a wonderful evening all the way around. Excellent staff as well. read more

Such an awesome show in a great location. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and the show was hilarious! Highly recommend going and enjoying a great night of laughs! read more

I love that I have this option so close to home so we can enjoy Thursday nights with some laughs! This Thursday in particular I was very excited because it was all women comedy night - woohoo!!! There were about 6-7 female comedian performing. Lots of laughs albeit a low attendance due to the Warriors game. Drinks are good, food is hit or miss. Come 10-15 min early to get a good spot ;) read more

I went to their show on Dec. 14 at the Calabash. For the most part the comedians seemed like amateurs trying hard to be funny. Some of them spoke heavily accented English which I found hard to follow, even though I sat in the front row. The mic was turned up too high and produced a reverb that garbled a lot of words. One performer made me feel uncomfortable in an odd way. The female comedian came out in a hi-tech wheel chair equipped with robotic hands for grasping the mic. I would have liked to applaud her efforts if she hadn't been so lacking in comedic skills and hard to follow. The audience was mostly silent. At the end she quizzed the female couple next to me about the details of their "pussies", which was not only lacking humor but was on the rude side. Only the headliner Ira was half-way funny and professional. A lot of people left before the show ended. A rather disappointing event, which was not comparable with what I recall from SF comedy clubs. read more

Looking for a good time and I found this lil gem in Oakland. Great performance. Great to meet people and socialize read more

Comedy Oakland - Quality drinks - Comedy Clubs Near Me

Second time in person. Last was pre-pandemic. Also did a couple of the zoom ones they did right as pandemic started. This time, generally pretty funny comics. One was kind low energy and very tonally different than the high energy guy before him. He wasn't as entertaining and he made comments about the audience not being into him. The closer was really funny. Note-if you buy the yelp deal, you can't use it to buy tickets ahead time on event bright or on drinks. It's only good for admission at the door. I wish I had know that before hand. read more

I'm only funny sometimes (on my best days) so I needed to outsource for some laughs particularly on a Saturday night in Oakland. My sister and I contemplated between bar hopping and binge eating. This came about when I decided to search for local entertainment and came across Comedy Oakland. Stand up comedy means I can laugh, drink, and eat all at the same time... yes great idea. I've been to the SF punchline and San Jose improv, and in comparison Comedy Oakland is hosted in a must smaller, more-intimate atmosphere. There were about a little over 30 people in the crowd and 5 comedians. Great comedians, some were better than others but definitely entertaining and funny overall. Tickets are cheap and what's unique about Comedy Oakland is that there's no drink/item purchase minimum. Every other stand-up Comedy venue I've been to has had a 2 item minimum requirement-- with water ridiculously price at $6. *Not here at Comedy Oakland!* I usually eat and drink anyway but for those who don't care to be stuffing your face with drinks and food, this is a huge plus for those that are really genuinely just there for the laughs. My advice is to not get too tipsy. I always encourage getting tipsy but I'm saying not toooo tipsy.. it's located upstairs coming in from Spice Monkey and going down those stairs is pretty much a DUI checkpoint but you know-- in walking/stairs form. Take a friend that you can count on to assist you down the stairs if you do happen to have one drink too many, but don't risk it on a first date. Would have been 5 stars if service had been a bit smoother. It was just ok, getting food and drinks could've been facilitated. *TIP ABOUT COMEDY SHOWS* I've had to learn the hard way. If you don't want to risk getting picked on/teased/center of a joke from a comedian, don't sit at the very front. Ever since my first comedy show, I no longer opt for the front rows. Those suckers are victimized real quick. Middle and back are the safe zone lol read more

Comedy Oakland - The comedians! - Comedy Clubs Near Me

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Was really great. Saw a bunch of wonderful and talented female comics July 24. Cool, intimate setting. Will def do again

I was skeptical walking into this venue, but the comedians were great, the bartender is hilarious as well - a very fun option to get yourself out of the house on a Friday night! read more

Performed as a comedian in Seawolf Pub last night. The room is intimate - awesome vibe. The food was delicious - I had the Brussels sprouts and the salad. The wait and bar staff is super fun. Vouch big time! read more

Had a great time, fun variety of comics, bar service with a smile, the venue is a great atmosphere for live comedy, will definitely be back.

What a fun place to spend a Friday/Sat evening! Came here with the boyfriend for the earlier Friday showing. I though the host was funny and most of the comedians were good! I could tell some of the people next to me weren't enjoying it and we're finding some jokes offensive, but I feel like you kinda have to be open-minded when you go to a comedy show. Someone's phone kept going off and disrupting the comedians...please turn off your phones y'all! Food was kinda pricey but drinks seemed reasonable. Come early for the best seating. The place is small and intimate, fills up quickly! read more

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Super fun show! All the comedians were hilarious and the venue was really nice. The whole thing is really organized, drinks are strong, and there's a food menu. Win! read more

I've been hearing about Comedy Oakland for months now, and I finally did my first show with them March 1st! They really put on an excellent production-- beautiful venue, amazing food, and an excellent lineup. Comedy Oakland clearly has built a massive reputation for themselves because the audience was huge, and they were truly comedy fans. If you love comedy I highly recommend any of CO's shows, you're guaranteed to laugh as they always book all the major up-and-coming comics in the bay area. I look forward to doing more shows with them this year! read more

Enjoyed my evening here for the late night comedy show at 9:30pm. I preferred paying $16 for this place (via Eventbrite) rather than the $25+ that Punchline charges in SF, AND there's no drink minimum at this place (unlike Punchline). We had about 8 comedians, and all but one or two were pretty funny. It's definitely a small intimate setting, but they use their space well. We didn't get food, but what people around us got looked and smelled good. Our lemonades were tasty, not too sweet thankfully! I didn't give a fifth star because our waitress was kinda sassy and dismissive, I wasn't feeling her lil attitude, and we had to remind her halfway through the show that the drinks we ordered before the show never came. In fact, she never took our order to begin with, someone else had to come do it since she said she'd be right back and never came back for us. She also messed up the bill. I was a bit irritated that they automatically charge 20% gratuity to checks, because I wasn't about to give her that if it were up to me, but whatever. Nonetheless, I'd still return because the overall experience was great! read more

Amazing food and great comics. I'd recommend this show to people who live in the area and from out of town. It's a very sweet date night with all you could want. read more

As a comedian, I love performing at Comedy Oakland. The room is great, the audience is popping, and the other comics on the bill are always top-notch (no clunkers!). I tell my non-comic friends to check it out for a great time in downtown Oakland! read more

Fun spot. Tasty drinks. There's always a fun variety of hilarious comedians and a lively crowd.

Really enjoyed my night at the comedy club! Fun comedians, no drink/food minimum, and convenient to the 19th Street bart station. The early show was great timing for me but there's a late show as well. The food didn't look great so I ate before going. But if you're hungry and don't care about what you're eating, go for it. The burger looked like the best thing, honestly. The service is pretty slow as well, prepare to wait 10 minutes or more for your beer/drink. The servers seem to be doing their best but everyone arrives at once and they have to go downstairs to pick up orders. read more

One of the best nights out in Oakland I've had. Comedians are funny and the price is right.

Good vibes only! I love this comedy club. This is the perfect spot if you want a show you actually feel a part of. The space is small and cozy and you essentially have a good view from anywhere. It can get a little tight if it's a full house, but you still have breathing room, so you'll make it out okay as long as you're not huge. We came on a battle night, so we got to see comedians go head to head until there was one left. I really like this concept because I've been stuck at other shows where there's only one performer I don't find funny and would have to sit there for an hour listening to jokes I couldn't relate to. Tickets are reasonably priced, food looked good (didn't get to eat here), and drinks are awesome. The host (who is also a comedian) is super nice. The servers seemed a little overwhelmed the night I came here and we struggled to get our drinks, but they did come eventually. Another perk is that there's a bar directly downstairs, so it's great to hang out at after the show. This was my favorite of three comedy clubs we visited while in Cali. read more

Went there on a whim for a Saturday night date. Super funny! It's upstairs above a bar, intimate setting with capacity for only a couple dozen. Four of the five comedians that performed were hilarious. Highly recommended. read more

first time attending and we fucking loved it! Thank you guys a show and Marcus Williams was our favvv!

Had a great time! The host and all the acts were super friendly and funny. I was shocked to know the staff were also the comedians. Bless them for doing TWO jobs! I'll go all the time. read more

Horrible! So many things wrong with this venue I'm not sure where to begin! Upon entry the smell hit me in the face. It was a combination of must and smoke and mold that permeated the entire lobby and was not just sequestered to the entry couch area where it looked like some unhoused folks had escaped from the cold evening. It was so bad, we considered leaving immediately. But since we had made it out the house we weren't eager to give up so easily. The owner approached us with a very uninviting and stressed out look to ask if we were here for comedy. We said yes but we're considering joining the later show since we arrived late. They encouraged us to have a drink at the bar while we waited, but since I don't drink I asked if they had hot tea. They said they didn't know, ask the bartender. She immediately pointed to a hot water dispenser across the room telling me to help myself. Good thing I don't leave home without a tea bag! We sat and drank our hot tea, fully grossed out by the smell and watched the antics of the employees that kept returning to their self proclaimed gossip time. Finally we decided we were so miserable we either needed to leave or go in and catch the last few comedians of the early show. We did that and entered the freezing comedy room. The first comedian we caught was horrible and made us uncomfortable. The interim comedian and owner was horrible and made offensive sexist jokes that left the room silent in disbelief. The second comedian was ok and the final comedian of the night was great thankfully! I never took off my jacket and my nose was freezing. It was so uncomfortable. To exit we had to walk through the putrid smelling lobby again. We made it to our car and were happy to get back home after that horrible experience! Never again!!!! read more

All the comedians were very funny. We laughed a lot and loved how we could meet the comedians afterwards.

We went here celebrating a bachelor party and the night we were there was the Comedy Machine Night where 8 comedians compete to win the audience's approval for best comedian of the night. The comedians were mostly very funny (1 or 2 comedians weren't exactly tickling my funny bone) and we all had a great time laughing. The venue is upstairs from a bar and it is crowded and close quartered but not uncomfortable. After a few jokes and drinks, everyone is a friend. The drinks were good, standard cocktails and beer and wine. We did not have food to eat though it smelled and looked delicious. The service was great as well considering how crowded it was and that the servers had to go up and down a stairs for the whole night. I'd recommend this event and place for a group but make sure you arrive early otherwise the hosts may give your seats away and spread the group out. It's also a hilarious date night if you're looking for something other than intimate and romantic. Hopefully we'll be going back soon! read more

Comedy Oakland - Comedy Clubs Near Me

All the stand up comedians had me laughing. I like that it was a competition between the comedians and that we got to vote for our favorite comedian by the end of the show. Come 15 minutes early to get good seats and find street parking. I would come back for the comedy, but not the service. The servers were really absent minded and because of that they came off as rude and inconsiderate. For example, one server brought us the delicious 12 spices potatoes but no napkins or forks. There were two groups of 3 at my table, my group and another group. The 2nd server was constantly conversing with the other group at my table and took care of their needs, but would not look over at my group for even a second (this really upset me, we're at the same table, we have needs too). Also this server had enough waters to give to everyone but only gave it to the other group and then walked across the room. read more

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The great area of Oakland feels safe and has a nice venue and over-the-top comedy. In these times of repetitive humor; here is a venue, close, personal, and really original and funny humor. Recommended read more