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Laughing Skull Lounge

3.7 (142 reviews)
ModerateComedy Clubs
Closed 7:30 pm - 10:00 PM

Laughing Skull Lounge Photos

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Stage!
Katie G.

Had a great time at a recent "best of Atlanta" comedy show at the Laughing Skull. There were 8 comedians and each had 10 min to do their best and they were each pretty good. I really enjoyed myself and laughed many times. I paid for "vip" tickets toward the front which are 2 seats and a table, and recommend this unless you are cool with sitting in the back w/ stadium seating.

Entrance by bathrooms Inside the vortex
Christian E.

Very small place so any seat is a good seat; however, most are just rows of chairs with no tables so you have to hold your drink. There is no server so you go to the bar to get your drink. The 2 drink minimum isn't really unforced since there is no server and most don't want to get up in the middle of the show or hold 2 drinks. The entrance is inside the vortex. The comedians were good. It was a little warm in there for my liking and someone was video taping the entire time from the door which was distracting since we were in the row where he was doing it so we felt like there was a constant camera on us. Fast response time via social media with code. Intimate small environment is definitely go again.

Toni G.

Ventured into midtown before the sundown. Walked past the big ass burly security into the Vortex and was met with a huge phallic statue! It's going to be a great night! Guys at the ticket table were so cool and helpful. Found our table, grabbed our drinks, and waited for the show. It did not disappoint. We saw about 10 comics in an hour and a half. Each one funnier than the last. Great venue, we will definitely be back.

Open Mic night.
Daniel B.

The Laughing Skull Lounge is a tiny comedy club located inside the Vortex Midtown. To get inside the lounge, you have to enter the Vortex, walk through the dining area and back into the restroom hallway. At the end of that narrow hallway is where the entrance to the lounge is. Strange, but that's how it works. I went to the Laughing Skull Lounge twice to watch a friend perform some of his first ever stand-up comedy routines. Tuesday and Wednesday nights are "Open Mic" nights at the lounge. Doors open at 7:45pm and shows start at 8pm or shortly thereafter. Tickets are $10 each and the show lasts 2 to 2.5 hours. Open Mic nights are nights when a bunch of comedians sign up and perform roughly 5-minute acts on stage. Most of the comics are amateurs and are getting into stand-up for their first time. If you attend an Open Mic night, more than likely you will see several comics' performing for their first time on stage. Because of this, you may witness some poor souls bomb. The nights I went, there were 13 to 15 comics plus the host. The host was pretty good and interjected humor between each act. Our crowds were lucky as almost all of the acts were funny, though there were definitely a few bombs and WTF acts. Be prepared because anything goes. There were plenty of vulgar and highly offensive jokes to go around. As mentioned previously, the lounge is tiny. The room seats only 74 and everyone is nestled closely together. The front row, which I think may be reserved for "VIPs" only, has a few small tables to set your drinks on. The other rows consist of small, neatly arranged wooden chairs. The back of the room is where the bar is, as well as a few staggered benches. There is a two drink minimum (loosely enforced) and the drinks are strong. No food is served, so if you plan to eat, plan to grab your meal before or after the show. The Vortex next door being the most obvious choice for pre or post-gaming. Street parking and various pay lots and parking decks are located close to the club. Laughing Skull recommends parking in the AmeriPark lot across the street, which costs $5. It's the most convenient lot.

Cash bar list at the Laughing Skull Lounge
Pam D.

Great location in the heart of Midtown! They bring in some good comedians, but they also have their lot of stinkers too. I wouldn't just go for a random show on a Friday night- I would definitely do my research beforehand! I think the best seats in the house are in the back, where there are booths that make it easy to cuddle with your significant other. They also have small ledges where you can place your drink. We try to get in line early to secure these booths! There's a two drink minimum inside, which isn't too bad as long as you know before you go in. Prices are a little higher than average but not terrible. I usually enjoy myself when I am here, and it makes for a fun and different night out. Plus, when the show's over, you've got a lot of great options for your after-party!

Cool lighting and atmosphere
Jeff T.

Updated review. The best place in town to go for stand up comedy. Celebrities drop by all the time unannounced too. I saw Dave Chappelle and Jeff Foxworthy here recently. The stage and seating arrangement were updated a while back making the place more comfortable.

The funniest part of our show.
W T.

This was my first visit to any comedy club and I was not impressed with The Laughing Skull. I originally purchased tickets to see Gary Gulman. However, I received an email the Monday before the show that weekend that Gary cancelled. The club offered a substitute show, The Best of Atlanta, the same day or a refund if you chose. I choose to keep the tickets and go, because I already had other plans that revolved around going to the club. To make the long story shorter, there was a birthday group that was drunk when they came in, sat in the front row, continued drinking, and heckled the first 5 comics until the managers finally threw out the group that made it an interactive comedy show. Several comics cut their sets short and dealt with them more than going through their material. This group should have been removed immediately, especially after you show a video before the show detailing what will happen if you interrupt the show. The show was distracting and pathetic and no apology offered from management.

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

I had a wonderful time. Amazing space, decent drinks, funny comics. I went 10:30, show runs around 100 minutes. Fun night out

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5 years ago

Glad to be able to see some shows again. Great venue with a small group for social distancing.

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6 years ago

We had a great time at the "Best of ATL" night - great comedians and delicious drinks!

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Ask the Community - Laughing Skull Lounge

Where would you all recommend we go eat before the show around the comedy club? trying to plan a nice date

Well, you have Ecco which is a block over with good food and walking distance. It's definitely good for dates. It is good to check to see if you need to make reservations for that night. Then you have Fadó Irish Pub which has good food also and it's… 

Is there a comedy show tonigh?

There are two! 7 and 930

Is there a cover charge for tonight?

Yes, the cover charge is $11 per person

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Review Highlights - Laughing Skull Lounge

I went here yesterday with a group and had a great time, unlike at the Vortex (that's another review).

Mentioned in 43 reviews

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Whole World Improv Theatre

Whole World Improv Theatre

4.5
(186 reviews)
0.7 mi
$

It's about time for an updated review. I've come here many times over the years, bc I love the wit…read moreand random humor that comes from Improv. This place is certainly a must visit! I came here with my best friends to celebrate my birthday, my friend's birthday, my other friends newly published devotional and my other friend's promotion at work. This was probably my 4th time here. Parking is behind the building and they have a ton of spots with gravel parking and paved (directions might lead you to the front). The lobby has two rooms, with comfy seating, restrooms, bar (beer and wine), ticket area and a place to take group photos. Things have changed on seating here due to Covid but for the better. You can now buy a table for two, table for 4 and VIP seating. Cost ranges from $70-$90, but comes out to about $20-$45/person. Any table purchase you make comes with all the tickets. Most shows are about an hour and a half long, with one intermission for you to use the bathroom or grab drinks. A majority of the improv depends on participation from the audience, so be ready to give direction on what the skit will be like. One of the best portions of the show was when my friend Keni got asked about her Hot Air Balloon she did recently, and the Improv Actors did a "fortunately, unfortunately" sketch on it. One of the funniest things I've seen. It's always a great time when you go, and you're going to get something fairly new and unexpected every time. Some actors are much more entertaining too, as they can create comedy out of thin air. They also hold Improv classes for adults and work with children too (the host mentioned something Nickelodeon themed). Highly recommend! This was purely a friends outing, but this spot is perfect for dates too or any type of celebration.

Went on Thurs which is free for women and LGBTQIA+ people. Was asked a question before the show,…read moreanswers gathered by a staff member. There was also a bucket next to a question for written answers. Once the show started, saw some improv games I've never seen before, actors / actresses were pretty good. Show was pretty long, 1 hr and then a break before finishing. It was all short-form and I wanted to watch some long form, so I left during the break. Was a decent show!

Photos
Whole World Improv Theatre
Chris, Andy, and Bryan from the Main Stage Cast
Chris, Andy, and Bryan from the Main Stage Cast
Ethan, Lauren, and Eric from the Main Stage Cast

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Ethan, Lauren, and Eric from the Main Stage Cast
Kat's Cafe

Kat's Cafe

4.0
(309 reviews)
0.3 mi
$$

This is an Atlanta staple and after living here for decades, I finally went. My friend is born and…read moreraised, they had nothing but great things to say. Located off of Piedmont Avenue - a one way street, look for the valet sign to pull in on the left. The cafe sits below street level - it's downstairs, like in the basement. But the vibes and energy shout sexy, speakeasy and spot to see new or rising talent. On this visit there wasn't any special guest or talent - it was Open Mic. Sign up and save $10 on the cover at the door. They seat you and servers provide menus for food and drinks. We had the grilled shrimp, others had pizza and light bites. The Texas margaritas were delicious and served strong. The talent was engaging and ranged from poets to singers. Overall, I'd definitely come back and check ahead to see who's performing. With the parking and cover, you invest some cash before you're entertained.

My boyfriend surprised me with a date night here! Parking is on the side of the building, valet…read moreonly but it's only $5. Inside is definitely a small and cozy experience! Good amount of seating that gives off a family basement kind of vibe. I'll start with the con: the service here was subpar. We sat in the overflow area and there were tables all around us. The two servers that we saw in the area repeatedly NEVER came to our table to greet us or take our order. My boyfriend ended up having to walk himself to the bar to get a drink and order some food for us. Even once the food came I had to flag her down to get another drink. We were not hidden or hard to see, so that was very disappointing. The comedy show was really good. The comedians were fun and funny. Each one's personality was so different and big and we laughed the whole night. Although good service is huge to me, I'd come back and give it another try because overall I really enjoyed the scene.

Photos
Inside view
Inside view
Cajun Shrimp Pizza
Cajun Shrimp Pizza
Kat's Cafe

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Relapse Theatre

Relapse Theatre

4.4
(40 reviews)
1.0 mi
$

Came here on a rainy night for some laughs. The location and parking lot is very sketchy and it…read morehelped that there was a parking attendant that night. There was an undeniable stench of marijuana throughout the place upon our entry and a puddle of water on the stairs leading to the basement. The bar is also located downstairs next to the room with the stage. There are a few tables scattered throughout but mostly stand alone chairs. There were about 8 comics total, ranging from funny to raunchy. Some I could relate to, some very hard to understand due to ghetto accents and slang. Overall not a bad show but we would have not ended up here if laughing skull hasn't sold out. Don't sit out front if you don't want to be picked on/made fun of.

We need to save this organization. now that their home building by Ga. Tech is kaput and not able…read moreto be saved, the theater - along with Automatic Improv and other troupes - needs a new space. I took a class here at Automatic Improv, and to say I felt immediately part of the family is an understatement. They are classy, funny, smart and entrepreneurial as somewhat of an upstart in Atlanta's improv field. During my graduation show I got to do a scene with Kevin where we were bouncers from New Jersey. THAT was a dream come true. ;) Follow the news on this company because they're gonna come back meaner, leaner and stronger than ever very soon.

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The Deckerettes, your Relapse Bar Staff.
The Deckerettes, your Relapse Bar Staff.
Automatic Improv @ 8pm every Friday @ Relapse Theatre
Automatic Improv @ 8pm every Friday @ Relapse Theatre
Automatic Improv @ 8pm every Friday @ Relapse Theatre

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Automatic Improv @ 8pm every Friday @ Relapse Theatre
Atlanta Comedy Theater Underground

Atlanta Comedy Theater Underground

2.0
(7 reviews)
1.9 mi

I have not been to underground in about 10 years but when one of your favorite comedians comes into…read moretown you have to just make that trip! Let's get into this review! Parking: There are some parking lots in the area and then some on street parking (but limited). We parked in a garage, smells like piss, and sewer water. AND literal bums using the floors levels as their bedrooms. It's Atlanta what can I say! If you aren't familiar with the underground - it's a section of plaza like stores 5 floors down. The elevators don't work so you'll have to walk down and walk back up! The comedy club is on the lowest level. Staff: They are good at moving people out of your seat if they are sitting in the wrong seat but that's about it. Your table server never comes back - they want payment upfront and they don't bring you everything you order. I was thirsty almost the entire time. I personally think it's crazy not to bring people out waters as a courtesy first! They pack you like sardines. It was so tight you can barely turn around. Like a literal can of sardines I felt like. The seating is much tighter than it shows for the online seating chart so just know to pick whatever seat you want. The food was okay! Nothing spectacular and I did not order a drink. One other thing to note, with that being my first time - I had no clue where the bathroom was. It just wasn't present and wasn't obvious! They also have a sign on the door that says there's a "2 item minimum purchase or a $15 surcharge". How dare you force me to buy some of your food and I don't even know if I want to? Then they say stuff like take care of your folks in the underground! I am not a fan of "supporting black business just because it's black". Please have decent customer service and a great experience! That's how you get love and support - my opinion. Of course the performer was the best part so the 1 star is for her. She even made jokes about the decor lol! Her intro comedians were extremely funny as well. May come again but I'm just not sure. I still am in shock of the overall experience. Lol

Good time tonight! Great comedy and company. I ordered the fruit punch which reminded me of an…read morealcoholic beverage but was actually virgin. The vegetable pasta was really nice and the kitchen comped the added mushrooms. A lot of vegetables and less noodle but it was very filling! Parking is a little difficult to navigate and understand. It is paid where ever you decide to put your car. Also, don't come too early or you'll be waiting outside watching them set up. I may return (but more likely to the Norcross location).

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Georgia Tea
Georgia Tea
Fruit punch
Fruit punch
Sante Fe Rolls

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Sante Fe Rolls
Family Feud

Family Feud

4.3
(15 reviews)
1.0 mi

We had free tickets for the 3 pm taping. When you arrive, the check through process can be a bit…read moreover the top but I understand that. My major grip with them is the hospitality. We arrived around 2:30 and was there until 9:00 pm for the taping of 2 shows. Not even a cracker was provided to eat! Cheap, ghetto and classless is what I call it! There is not even a vending machine. I never saw on any correspondence that taping would be that long and nothing to snack on available. Tyler Perry, Steve Harvey and Family Feud bring in toooo much money for not even a small pack of peanut butter crackers, a granola bar or even a 25 cent bag of chips to be served!!! I was totally disgusted and turned off by this because although it was a free taping----you wouldn't be able to do it without a live audience!! A little bit of appreciation for 7-8 hours of your time would have been nice. The staff seemed mean, over worked and underpaid. No smiles other than the production manager who had a curly natural fro ponytail. There was a heavyset black guy with a black winter beanie cap on that told my daughter the Smart Pop popcorn was for people who were there all day.! Well wtf do you call 2-9pm. Then to make matters worst, the staff and family members of the contestants are hot lunches in our faces. It was so classless! Steve Harvey and the hype man were so cool though and really provide for lots of laughs. Steve even left us on a spiritual note. He is definitely a natural comedian and speaker. Now that was a 5 star experience! Just Steve, hypeman, music, and the show itself 5 stars! The production company and the professionalism and hospitality of this place is a 3 and that's being nice. Overall, moving forward I would not recommend spending your precious off day setting around starving all day to see the show. I'll just watch from home but should you happen to read my review and go------ Eat a heavy meal before hand bc these cheap ass folks will not even provide a saltine cracker. If times are that hard they should just stop taping. I went to a few live taping and they at least provide light snacks via vending machine or free lay out. Despicable and changed the way I look at Tyler Perry Studios. Production company needs to get it together. Would never return and don't recommend!

The show is awesome and Steve is so funny! I really enjoyed if you wonna laugh and gave a good time…read morethis is a good show to be able to attend is awesome

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This guy was really fun ...

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This guy was really fun ...
Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre

4.2
(636 reviews)
0.4 mi
$$$

How lovely! The building is beautiful, and they really did try and maintain it as much as possible,…read moreand it shows how well the kept it. It's great that this piece of history will continue on as it has for the past almost 100 years! I'm so glad I got tickets to see a performance here because the experience was great. I definitely will have to keep my eye out for other shows to catch. Surprisingly, security was fast. It took me maybe a minute to get through and scan my ticket. Staff was friendly and really helpful. They check tickets for seats before directing you to another member that will guide you to your seat. My friend and I came to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and it was amazing! I believe they stopped by Atlanta last year, and I'm glad that they returned. According to the program, each day had some differences as to what was performed, and I considered going again just to see the other dances. Truly talented people come to perform, and it's so great that Fox is here as a venue for them to showcase their talents.

I always love taking in a show here. It is close to everything, but that's what makes it a struggle…read moredealing with traffic. The space is very traditional and the offers many different types of shows. Average concession stand with the food reasonably priced for Atlanta. The service was accommodating and kept the crowd moving.

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Worth the add on to avoid standing in long lines, especially if you have a disability or pains
Worth the add on to avoid standing in long lines, especially if you have a disability or pains
Auditorium
Auditorium
One of many bar areas

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One of many bar areas

Laughing Skull Lounge - comedyclubs - Updated July 2026

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