DC Improv is a great place to see a comedy show in DC. When you arrive, you are seated at a table and given a food and drink menu for the night. Both times I have been there, DC Improv had a 2 drink minimum for all guests. The waiters check on you frequently throughout the show and make sure you are never waiting for a drink. The food is average bar food, but lets be honest, people don't come here for that, they come for the comedy. The only thing preventing me from giving DC Improv 5 stars is that it is hella expensive. Just getting your drinks and an appetizer will end up costing quite a bit of cash after they apply their 20% gratuity automatically and another service charge on top of that. read more

I just attended the Bruce Bruce show on Aug 18th. The show and the comedians are always hilarious. The issue I have with the club is the HORRIBLE service they give to the patrons as of recently. My husband and I were attending the show to celebrate his birthday and we got there early to get a good spot in line. Now its about 90 degrees outside and the club makes us stand in line OUTSIDE in the heat. I have gone to this club over the past 3-4 years SEVERAL times and the line always forms inside. So i go downstairs to ask if this was a new policy and the guy at the desk said they started this about a year ago? He stated they did that to keep the inside from being congested??? There was NO ONE in there. We were the 1st show. So i asked, well what if it starts raining? He said, oh well then we would let you inside. I said well what about in the winter? He says oh we don't have people standing outside in the cold. But it's OK to have people sweating their make up off and funking up their nice clothes before they come into the show? How is heat not a factor that is considered to let people inside? Do you think people want to plan for months and get babysitters to come to your club to have their entire hair and outfits sweated out before even getting inside??? I thought this procedure was insensitive and unnecessary. I WILL not be attending any other shows hosted there in the summer EVER. No one in line had ever experienced waiting OUTSIDE in the heat, so I'm not sure why or WHO chose to have the patrons wait outside for THIS particular show- makes you wonder if all the shows they have there make their patrons wait outside. I have to attend or rather ride by another comedian's show to see if that particular CROWD of patrons have to wait outside. Again management needs to do some rethinking of having people or "certain shows" patrons wait outside in the HEAT for NO apparent reason. If you don't want to be drenched in sweat before you attend a show in the summer time DO NOT go to this club. Or wait until 6:00 and risk not having a decent seat. read more

They have these really small round tables, that are uncomfortable for even 2 people to eat at. 45 minutes before the show, and with 8 empty tables still in the place, I was asked to move to the other side of table so they could seat 2 other people, we didn't even know, at our table. This while I was eating. It was not an acceptable business practice for me, and made me realize that any bit of comfort is not important to them, and the shear number of patrons is all they care about. I will not be back to this Imrpov again. read more

I'm sitting here right now with my girls and this is our first time.Unfortunately our waitress is nasty as hell. I hope the show is better. The food is good though. We never got her name but she is here with a nappy a$$ brownish red weave. Will update about the show later...but dang...if you dont like your job please get a new one. read more

This was a cool Friday night find! I love stand up comedy, and this place is PERFECT! I like the seating, and it seems like everyone has a good seat. I love the seating system of the place. I can't speak on the food, nor the cocktails. All I had was red wine. read more

Attended a murder mystery show to celebrate a friend's birthday. I don't want to include a review of the show in a review of the venue, so I will just stick to the facts of the experience. The staff were all super friendly and inviting. We arrived not long after seating began, but still had to sit near the back; I guess to earn good seats you must queue outside far in advance. Drink orders were taken quickly, however it took a while to order food (perhaps because it was a sold-out show). Appetizers start around $9, and mixed drinks run about $10, so it isn't all that cheap. A lot of the show took place off-stage, making it impossible to see behind the multitude of columns. I felt like I was listening to a radio show rather than watching a play; somewhat disappointing, and I wish they would have considered that while planning the performance. read more

Great date spot. Food is awful, eat elsewhere beforehand. Drinks are decent, and they have a 2 item minimum, so it's nearly impossible to have a bad time :) read more

this review is about the restaurant. I ordered Ahi Tuna Salad, it was the worse dish I ever had. I Just couldn't eat, even in the dark while the show was going on. The Tuna was completely raw and very cold. Does not deserve one star read more

You know how you sense you're going to end up at a certain table? Yep. Right behind that dang pillar. The one that help supports the entire building or so it seemed. I could see, but my boyfriend had to lean, poor ting. I kept telling him to scoot directly in front of me so he didn't have to lean. Anyway, the good part of this was the food. The authentic Mexican chicken tacos were surprisingly very good with homemade chips and salsa with a little kick. So about those two margaritas I had...well, they were a little too sweet with A LOT of liquor, but Gary Owen had me crying laughing. So I just took some Aleve and sipping coffee (the morning after). I'm going back soon, can't wait and it looks like I have a fave dish. BTW my boyfriend said his chicken fingers were very basic. Similar to the frozen, store bought ones. Sorry I don't have pics but they scare the life outta you about taking pics and being thrown out. I'm not taking chances! read more

Good comedians, reasonable ticket prices, but CRAPPY food. Being that this is the main comedy place of its size in the district, they should really invest some of their profits in redoing the menu. It's California tortilla stuff (one of the improv's owners founded CalTort), but it's not all of CalTort's menu, and then they have assorted other burgers and wings and stuff. It's been around forever, so it's clearly well managed. Just wish they'd care to upgrade the food - they did do the showrooms a few years go, so i know the money is there! - and make it a more complete night out. read more

DC improv home of and visited by some great comedy talent. Ok let's get down to it the place needs a makeover pronto the late 80's and the 90's are long gone. They over pack the venue and there is a 2 item minimum as well the ticket price, which is customary for most comedy clubs. The food is passable and the staff is generally attentive, but on the real you guys can afford some flat screens and some structural improvements. Overall I saw a great show and had lots of laughs. read more

Small but fun! Make sure you get here early to get a good seat. Make sure you go see John Witherspoon (you know him in Friday, Boomerang and house party). Watch "You Got To Coordinate" if you have netflix. He comes every year to the Improv and we go see him. He will be here in July 2011. Huggy Lowdown was great too! read more

Great nite. Roy WooD Jr rocks!!! Food good. Drinks good. Funny! What more could anyone want! Potato skins and good Choc cake! Yummy. read more

DC Improv - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I came here to see Bobby Lee a few months ago. I had a blast! It was tooo hilarious. Anyway, DC Improv has a very intimate setting meaning communal seating. I didnt mind at all. Tickets are inexpensive as well! Food wasnt too bad, service was prompt. Will be coming back again in a couple weeks! read more

Awesome venue. Great place if you're lookin to share a few laughs with your friends or family. I first got in about an hour before the show to see Judah Friedlander (hilarious guy by the way) and we got front row seats! About 30 minutes before the show it started to get packed so come early to get good seats otherwise you might have to stand. Service was excellent as well, our waiter consistently visited our table and asked how everything was going and if we needed anything. It is a 2 drink minimum for the duration while you're here, but that's not such a big deal. Everything was fair price in my opinion. Beers, both bottle and draft were $5.50 and food wasn't all that expensive as well, but it didn't taste all that great. I'm sure they got really inexpensive items at a cheap grocery store and made their own concoctions. My friends and I came on a Sunday so we luckily found street parking which was free!! Not sure how it is other nights but it probably sucks as far as parking goes... haha. One complaint I do have however, is the seating arrangements. It's 4 to a table and you're most likely going to sit next to randoms... which is kiiinda weird. Overall, I had a great time here. Had a few laughs, drank a few (well more than a few) pints and kicked back and enjoyed the show. Would HIGHLY recommend coming here!! read more

I've never had a bad time here. Even the lesser known comedians put on a great show. The wait staff is attentive and friendly. The food isn't the best, but that's not really why you come here. read more

Not sure why I never reviewed the Improv before. This is always a great time, and moderately priced. Most shows are $20, but there is a 2-item (food/drink) minimum as well. Always funny comedians,with an opening act (or 2) before the headliner. Lots of variety as far as comedy goes; I doubt anyone wishes for their money back. Every time I go I promise myself to come more often. This is one of the (very few) pluses of living near DC, as only a handful of cities have this caliber of a club. read more

Ticket ordering and pick up was easy, service was prompt and professional, food was good and better than expected, prices weren't outrageous, clean bathrooms and Tony Woods was hilarious! Great time and will visit again! read more

IT WAS GREAT EXCEPT THE FOOD! I didn't have a great problem with the food but the potatoe wedges were too big and hard. I guess I'm used to Fridays wedges. they had no chives as stated in the menu. Also there where some to none bacon on them either. the only two items I liked were the wings (which I asked for blue cheese) with ranch sauce. The queso cheese and chips. read more

Always have a good time here. Nice club, not too packed together, food and drinks are good.

My boyfriend and I went to see Dave Attell's late show. I did know in advance that we would be seated with another couple, but only because I read the FAQ on their website. Luckily we arrived before the other couple assigned to sit with us because we were able to choose the two seats facing the stage as opposed to the two other seats at the table that were facing towards us. The other couple ended up having to rotate their chairs a bit so they could see the stage but then they had to keep turning back to the table for their drinks. I would definitely recommend getting there early so you can pick the better seats if that's something that would bother you. The couple we sat with was very nice and personable which made the obligatory small talk less awkward but if we go again I would definitely prefer to have a full group of 4 to avoid that. Our drink order was taken reasonably soon after we were seated but it seemed to take a very long time to actually get our drinks. It was a sold out show so naturally there were a ton of people ordering but maybe they should hire some more wait staff. The comedians were very funny. There was an emcee who did a short set as well as an opening act so it felt like we were getting 3 shows in one. Both Dave and the opener were hilarious! The main reason I'm detracting two stars is because I paid for a $29 bill with $40 in cash and was not given change. I didn't have any small bills for tip but I assumed I would receive change so I could tip well. The couple we sat with received their change so I'm not sure why she didn't bring the whole table's change all at once like she did with the drinks. Also the check payment/collection chaos was all happening while Dave was still on stage so I was trying to focus on him, not flag down our waitress. There was plenty of time after cards/change started being returned before the show ended so it's not that we didn't wait long enough and we didn't stick around after the show to fight it. I'm sure the waitress needs the extra $5 more than I do but I don't appreciate being stolen from. If we go back I'll have to make sure to pay with credit. read more

I love the Improv! Just saw Jeff Ross tonight....freaking hilarious.

The comedy was wonderful. Club has a two-item minimum and adds a service charge to your bill automatically, without alerting customers--then hands out bills in the dark so they can turn over tables for next show. I discovered after-the-fact that I had double-tipped. Slimey. read more

The seating is suuuper crammed in, and they seat to fill; so only come if you're social. They always have side-splitting talent and tasty drinks that are decently priced and not watered down. They have a two item minimum that's easy to meet if you want dinner and a drink--or any combination of food and/or beverage, which again, are reasonably priced. I had the black bean veggie burger and fries this time and that meal hit the spot (tasty and nicely portioned). Our waitress was friendly and just attentive enough to keep us satisfied, but without interfering with our enjoying the show. There is limited street parking and there are garages around too. But I'd advise going a little early to to get good parking, general admission seating, and an opportunity to read the menu before they blackout the dining room. Tonight they had Godfrey--one of my favorite comedians, and I laughed PAST the point of side-splitting pain. This was my first time seeing Keshaun Wilson and he was super funny too. This was about my third or fourth time at DC Improv, and I'll definitely be back again. read more

They really cram you into the place but that's not too much of a problem since you won't be moving around too much. Food selection is pretty mundane but you're not really there to eat. The alcohol they have there is fairly standard but it's probably what you'd want to have on hand while you're here. I cannot comment on the comedians there since they get whoever they can but if you don't recognize the name, youtube the person and decide for yourself if it's worth the money. The guy I saw was entertaining and I enjoyed my time there. The first time I went though was amateur night which didn't turn out as well but hey, amateur night, that's pretty much a gamble. read more

A friend suggested we go here one night to enjoy open mic night. What a great way to spend a friday night. The performers were quite funny and it was great to be able to participate in the hilarity. Drinks and food are decently priced and good. read more

Saw a great show in their back room recently. The venue is decent but be prepared to spend some money for a show. They have the ticket + fees + food/drink minimums. Yes the food and drinks are expensive, and no they are not good. But if the talent is good, it could be worth it. read more

The ticket prices are pretty reasonable ($20), but it stops there. The food: There's a two-item minimum...but NOTHING is edible! I didn't expect restaurant quality food. We tried to play it safe with a southwest chicken salad...I mean, nothing needs to be cooked. How bad could it be, right? Uh...BAAAD, really bad! The chicken was so white and bland...not a drop of seasoning, no color, no salt, no nothing! There's more...the salad greens was actually shredded cabbage instead of lettuce. I like cabbage, but not with my bland chicken and canned corn. LOL You get the point. No one at our table enjoyed their food - spinach dip, quesadillas, nachos...none of it was eaten. Total for a coke, bottled water, spinach dip, and "salad" = $30 plus tip. What's worse, the tables are so small and packed so tightly into the place that it's light sitting on an airplane. I had no leg room, people kept accidentally bumping/kicking each other. It was very uncomfortable. The poor server couldn't get through to take orders or bring out food. She literally had to have people pass the food. One guy had to get up several times throughout the show to let her by. Fortunately the headliner was actually pretty funny, (but only the headliner). Otherwise, the night would have been a total bust. If you go, get there when they open to choose a semi-decent seat and secure some leg room! read more

Ian Bagg. Saw his show last night. Horrible. Can't come up with any decent joke. Shocked he made it as far as he did on last comic standing. Nothing original about this comic. Save your money and go see a movie or eat somewhere nice. read more

If you're going for a comedy show, then go for the show don't eat or drink. I'm not exactly sure what type of business practices they strive to meet, but it's definitely not one's other well established places do. First of all: the food is not edible and makes you sick. I think they used bad cheese because I've been sick all morning. Second of all: their manager is rude and disrespectful to guests when their servers are wrong. Our server lied to us and uncharged us for a bottle of wine (we ordered the $27 bottle and he charged us for the $35 bottle) because it's dark they don't think that anyone will notice so they do whatever they please. When we got the bill we spoke with the manager about it and he said "but you drank the $35 bottle of wine so I'm charging you. We explained we ordered the $27 bottle and he said "that's great but you drank the $35 so we have to charge you that." WHY? we said we specifically asked for the other bottle and when served that's what we thought it was. Finally after debating him for 10 minutes he finally realized he was in the wrong & needed to fix it. So he made us stand in the service station while he fixed the charges & ran the cards (how classy). When he was ringing us up more random charges "suddenly appeared" on our bills. Surprise, surprise. Bottom line: if you don't want to be sick, don't eat the food. If you want any food make sure you have cash so they don't over charge you, & make sure you leave enough time at the end to talk to the manager since their servers are sketchy and charge you whatever they want. read more

This is a pretty cool place to go especially if you like comedy, the opener may not be funny but the two headliners more than likely will kill it on stage our comic was funny as shit and I'm glad I didn't sit in the front row cause they will try and roast you lol but it's all good. The only down side is the food it's terrible so eat before you get there. read more

DC's Improv has some pretty great shows from time to time. Although I missed it my friend recently caught a show with Dave Chapelle which he said was fantastic. Improv tickets aren't too pricey and the small venue has the typical comedy club look and feel. It's a great spot. read more

I've been there so many times. I love this place and I think the shows are great. Although I like the Improv school shows more than the regular shows. The food is good. read more

Absolutely love it here. I gone to about 4 shows and have had a blast every time. The tickets are pretty affordable. The wait staff have been great for every visit. There is a two item minimum per person which is easy to reach with a couple of drinks and a snack order. I highly recommend that you and a friend go check it out. That have a large variety of comedians that stop by. read more

Enjoyed my first comedy show at the Improv with Bruce Bruce last night! My friends and I were cracking up! The pulled pork BBQ sliders and the all beef sliders were delicious! You should definitely park in the valet parking garage that's right next to the Improv. The seating is a bit tight but that didn't stop us from having a good time! read more

Saw a great show here tonight! I love seeing podcast hosts perform live and good was a great venue! My gin and tonics were refreshing and well balanced. The service was fast and friendly. Our spinach artichoke dip was good , typical bar food. Considering this is a comedy improv club and not a fancy restaurant I was happy with the food. They had a two item minimum so it made sense to eat there and get great seats, which we did! Easy process to get tickets and check in. My southwest salad had all the good fixings like guacamole plus a generous serving of well cooked chicken. The check out process was easy too so all in all a great night. They serve chips and dips, wings, sliders, full bar, wine, beer, salads, pastas and more. The couple at our table enjoyed their pasta and quesadillas. Everyone was having a great time. Looked like they had a good lineup of comedians coming up too. I would happily return if one of my favorites is in town! read more

Great place. This was my first visit and the act was incredible. I could not stop laughing it hurt. I would recommend eating before hand because the menu isn't the greatest. Mostly things like nachos and burgers. We ordered a few bottles of wine which were slightly overpriced but worth it. All in all great place and a great time. read more

The staff was friendly, helpful, and ironically funny. Ticket price for the show I caught was VERY reasonable. The price for the drinks and food were surprisingly inexpensive for DC. I expected higher, especially given the ritziness of the area! The food was good; nothing to write home about but good. I had 1 of my friend's BBQ sliders. I'm picky about my BBQ but thought it was pretty darn good. The 2 item rule is not unreasonable given the price of the items on the menu. I came down from Baltimore to catch the show I went to and it was worth the drive. read more

DC Improv was pretty awesome. I got there with my friend an hour before showtime, and we got good seats (center, middle). Others arrived 30-40 minutes before showtime and were seated near us, so I would suggest getting in around that time. I was expecting a long line or crowds, but it wasn't like that at all (at least, for an 8 PM Friday show). Service, ambiance, show were all great. My only beef with the place is the 2 item minimum for an overpriced, low quality selection of food. My friend ordered a ginger ale and pulled pork sandwich; I got spinach and artichoke dip, and chicken strips. They were all sub-par, similar in quality to say.. a college dining hall. I think they try to make up for it by giving huge portions, but repeated bites of the food just reminds you of how crappy it is. Even the ginger ale was watered down. The total came out to $33-- ridiculously overpriced. I was also annoyed because the waiters all tried to settle the bills near the end of the show, being a huge distraction while the best part of the show was going on. I know food isn't the point of a comedy club, but if you're going to MAKE people order things... please... at least TRY. I'll probably order two drinks next time, or get something fail-safe like a salad. But like I said.. outside the food, DC Improv is pretty sweet. read more

Saw Pablo Francisco here a few weeks ago. The show and venue were great. I like the fact that each group gets its own little table and waiter service. They also had a great set of opening acts. read more