Definitely a fun place to come to when you're looking for a good laugh. The location is good, and there is parking nearby. We always come for a visit when our friend is in town to do a show here. So at least once or twice a year. They have a bar in the front if you get here early or while standing in line getting tickets. During the show they have food you can order if you are hungry or just need something to soak up the alcohol. They have cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages to keep you hydrated for all the laughing you will be doing. The place has always been clean, including the bathrooms and the staff is helpful and friendly. read more

Great venue with a class act staff!!! I took my wife, of 8 days, to see Chris Kattan for her birthday and we arrived a bit early and we decided to sit outside to enjoy the nice summer weather. Staff came out and invited us in, as they were already open, and we explained we were just taking in the great atmosphere of Royal Oak. Then Bill the manager came outside and just had a typical conversation with us. Once we went in nothing was short of perfect. Everyone was kind and on top of it. Chris Kattan gave a great performance in a very intimate setting. On the way out Bill shook my hand and said "travel safe and hope to see you both again." This is how a venue gets people like us, from Toledo, to travel for entertainment. read more

Always A great time with big-name comedians. Who doesn't like to laugh? Hop in to Mark's and get your giggle on! read more

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Laughing is always good. Never had a bad experience there. Prices are very reasonable.

Been here a few times now and never had a bad time. Traditionally 3 acts in an evening all leading up to "the headliner." The last time I went was no exception... literally no sounds were coming from my mouth at one point. Yes I was laughing that hard! Beers/wine/drinks are served during the show, the wait staff comes around to your table. A few appetizers are available as well. Your checks get cleared up during the final act. It's a smooth system. Be sure to bring your business card to be entered in a raffle to win free shows! Can't wait to go back! read more

Super friendly staff Great show ( drew was hysterical ) and reasonable prices Def must do in Royal Oak read more

Have loved Ridley's for years. Great venue. Don't expect a meal but both popcorn flavors are YUMMY. Great servers. Great comedy.

This was my first time to Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle and it was a great time! It was a great night of drinks and laughs. The venue is real clean and atmosphere feels real good. It's a little cramped, but it has a more intimate feel to it durning the show. I felt the tickets were a steal! Very affordable good night out! The staff is great! Very welcoming and walked us to our table. The servers were fast and friendly and did an awesome job keeping up with drinks. I am already looking at upcoming shows and I know for sure I will be coming to Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle many many more times in the future. read more

It's always a good time at Mark Ridley's. Quality acts come here, we have always been entertained. Come for their stand up graduation for a great time with new performers doing their best to make you laugh, and you will laugh. read more

It's a fun place, especially when there are popular comedians in town. Prices are decent. I think the clean comedy shows tend to be funnier than the filthy ones. At least, that's what my friends and I thought after a few of the shows we had attended. I think it takes more talent than o perform hilarious and clean acts, which reminds me Dry Bar stand-up shows from YouTube. read more

First time here for a comedy show, and it was a seamless experience! We had a bit of a wait outside as people started taking their seats, but the staff were very professional and gave us updates and shortly before the start time began escorting us in. The whole process went really smoothly, from getting our drink tickets, passing by the coat check, and being seated in the main auditorium. The wait staff was top notch - they checked in on us once we were seated, and brought us our drinks quickly, and then came by a little while later for a second round and to see if we needed anything else, all without blocking our view of the comedians. read more

My boyfriend and I LOVE coming out to Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle any opportunity we can. It's in a great location, so it's super easy to just have dinner in downtown, and then swing to watch your favorite comedian! From the moment you walk in, you can tell this place has it together. Everything is clean, everyone is super friendly, and overall the ambience is lively! Most of the time, my boyfriend and I arrive about 10 min before showtime, so we just pick up tickets and immediately go to be seated. If you're trying to get closer to the stage, I would recommend coming in a little earlier to get bette seating :) Once you're seated, a waiter comes and asks if you want to order anything (from snacks, soda, beer, wine, etc) You've got a GREAT selection! Overall, I love this place. My boyfriend and I find ay excuse to get ourselves out here! read more

Always good for a laugh and has great comedy stand ups. Good atmosphere and in a great location for dining. I like going here at least once every 3 too 4 months as we live over an hour away. read more

The food is crap and the seats are too hard to be expected to be sat on for an hour and a half go the show. They also pack you in like sardines. Not the greatest experience. read more

The main comic was geared towards hipsters, my son would have gotten the references. There was no food to order, tables were very tiny for such a big place, and our waitress was terrible. They had popcorn to eat (had to pay for it) no food... whah? So much potential in this place but someone has gotten comfortable they need to dig deeper and make this place what it could be. read more

Great venue for date night! I'm not aware of many comedy venues in the Metro Detroit area, so when we saw one of our favorite comedians (Kathy Madigan) was going to be at Mark Ridley's we quickly bought tickets. Our first visit was a year ago, however we came last Friday (11/24/2017) to see Mark Bonner and friends. On Friday upon approaching the venue, we were greeted by valet. The valet attendant let my husband know we could pay for valet for $6 or park our car across the street for $5. He opted to park in the lot across the street. We arrived 30 minutes before the show start time. We were allowed to sit in the lobby, get a drink, and meet some of the comedians before showtime. We purchased our tickets online, so there was no line to wait in upon entry. We were seated immediately and picked perfect seats ahead of time close to the stage. I recommend reserving seats at a 4 top table if you have a small party for a more intimate experience. The comedy show was really nice. The food from the kitchen was your basic bar food. The servers and hosts were also equally friendly and accommodating. Loved the experience and will be back to see our favorite acts. read more

Came to Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle for a friend's birthday. Has a bit of a dressier night out vibe than Go Comedy in Ferndale which I also really enjoy but seems to have a more casual vibe. Seems like most acts are more of a stand-up Comedy act as opposed to improv SNL type skits at Go Comedy. Most shows' tickets are around $18-$20 but on the week of your birthday, you get four free tickets. Two friends were celebrating birthdays so most of our group went for free. Seems like you have to buy your tickets together either online or at the box office to ensure your party is seated together and it helps to make a reservation for your party in advance. They have a full bar when you first enter in the lobby but a waitress comes around each table during the show to take food and drink orders as well. They have a full food menu too, with chicken tenders, pretzel sticks, chicken quesadilla, and burger and fries. They also offer craft and domestic beers and champagne bottle service. The comedy show was great and entertaining. There were three acts. The last comedian was from New York and made appearances on Mad Men and other shows. Prepare for raunchy humor and heckling so sit close to the stage at your own risk, lol. Overall, a great way to spend a night out with friends or for a special occasion. read more

This place is definitely one of the the state's finest comedy clubs. I've been here 3 times so far and 2 out the 3 times the comedians were hilarious and by my standards that really good. The tickets are usually priced between $10-$15 and they usually have 2-3 comics perform before the head liner. NOTE: The only thing i'd watch out for is the waitresses. I usually tip really well if I get decent service. However, the two times I ordered drink here when the check came around and each time the bill was around $4 and I gave them a $20 bill and both times the waitress just said thank you and walked away without bringing me my change . I highly suggest you pay using a card because a $16 tip for a $4 coffee is ridiculous. read more

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle is a great place for an evening filled with humor that is sure to bring a smile to the face of everyone. In today's fast-paced world, laughter is great medicine to overcome life's stress. The comedians are consistently of high quality with varying styles, topics, and presentations. I leave the Castle in a great mood and laugh on the ride home, as I recall the content of the comedian. I highly recommend Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Finally, here's a shout out to Nancy, whose assistance in attaining tickets to a particular event is greatly appreciated. read more

Wednesday nights here are a damn steal. An hour an a half of entertainment for $3. Three freaking dollars. Parking costs more than the show. A damn beer on special costs more than the show. A bag of Dorito's that isn't on sale costs more. I went here as part of a first date yesterday and we were both pleasantly surprised. Open mic night just stinks of "crappy comics who aren't that good". They had about 7-8 acts, most of which were pretty funny. We weren't left saying "Well, that was terrible" which, for $3, is a pretty good feeling. However, listen to everyones advice who said it in other reviews. THE WAIT STAFF WILL KEEP YOUR CHANGE. Its shady as god damn hell, but they do it. I paid for a $3.25 Corona with a $5, to see if what others had said was true and yep, no change back. I would DEFINITELY recommend you pay with credit if you're watching the show. We didn't have the same problem at the outside bar, so keep that in mind. Over all, a great place to work into a Royal Oak themed date. Don't let the shitty/shady wait staff stop you, its worth the trip. Just be aware that, well, there is shitty/shady wait staff. read more

Tried this place out with my wife on date night, it was such a great and different experience! Very safe and funny environment, HILARIOUS comedians and very friendly staff that appreciate the fact that you chose to spend your night at their establishment! Loved it so much we went back in a group of 10! Everyone was so surprised and loved it! Booking online is easy and fast. If you don't have the time you can call and ask them to hold your seat. Not always guaranteed though. read more

Fun night out! To save a few bucks, go on a Thursday night. Same acts but cheaper tickets. Sure, some comedians are going to be funnier than others but overall they have really decent talent here. The seats are all on the same level (no risers, etc.) so it can be hard to see if you're not near the front. Not an issue on Thursday, but Friday or Saturday it can be rough. Also, the food is really not good. Only order something if you're starving. Overall, a good night of entertainment tho! read more

This place is so great. Show started right on time, all the sets were great. And!! Such a nice touch - they have speakers in the bathrooms so you don't miss a joke!? That is what inspired me to write this. I'm peeing right now actually read more

Never have I ever been to a comedy joint, so I had no idea what to expect! I get there, valet parking, awesome. Walk in, get a glass of wine, awesome. Hyped up comedian Orney Adams, awesome! A couple of people in the audience must not have been able to handle their liquor well, they were shouting out at Orney and he seemed to be getting a bit agitated. What's nice is that the staff will escort you out if you're being rambunctious! Advice if you choose to go to Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle: Splurge for the valet parking, don't sit on the sides closest to the stage (you'll mostly get a view of the comedians butt, which I guess can be okay if you're into that sort of thing), and peace out when the show is done and go somewhere nice afterward! Definitely recommend this place! read more

I used to frequent Mark Ridley's for Totally Unrehearsed Theater many years ago, every week like it was my job. Loved it then and love it now. The staff is always cool - I think you have to be though to be allowed to work in a place that sells laughs for a living! (Which by the way, the prices are really reasonable, even for Special Events.) Last night though - Tim Allen. I was lucky enough to see on Facebook (on Tuesday) that there was going to be a surprise guest on Wednesday . Unlucky enough to call (within a few hours of that post) and hear that it already sold out. But lucky enough to get there super early and be first on their waiting list. They made room for us. Oh, and the show was only...wait for it... $3. Everyone was super nice and helpful and we got to see the show! Seeing Tim Allen on the stage he essentially got his start on? Priceless. Thanks Mark Ridley's for this memorable night! read more

In comparison to other comedy houses, I just wasn't that impressed. Everything was sort of middle of the road for me. The comedians were funny, but it was such obvious humor. Nothing original or exceptional. I love a good night of comedy but I just wasn't feeling it 100%. Maybe I went on an off night. Looking at other reviews I'm sort of baffled. It really seemed like a long 90 minutes of comedy. It should have flown by. read more

The Comedy Castle is a great place to see talented, up & coming comedians, as well as some big names. I always enjoy myself when we go. Tickets are easy to buy online, and give you the choice of picking out your seats. Before a show, there is always a line out the door. Staff works quickly to get the line moving and seat people. The servers are also very quick and attentive. I've always had very good service. They have a small menu of appetizers to choose from, plus a full bar and plenty of good beer choices. We usually come here a few times throughout the year and it's always a great experience. read more

The gold standard for stand-up in the metro Detroit area and the entire state. Its only close competitor is the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase with all other Michigan comedy clubs lagging far behind (Chaplains, Joey's etc.) in both quality and star power. Many of your Comedy Central and local favorites have graced Mark Ridley's stage including Lewis Black, Greg Giraldo, John Heffron, and J. Chris Newberg (a local favorite). Don't expect to see Dane Cook, Ron White, Robin Williams, or Jeff Dunham to perform here, but if you come with an open mind and enjoy a few alcoholic beverages you should have a great time. Stand-up is difficult so don't be deterred by a bad act, I've seen more good shows here than bad. And I've always had a great time. The more we support this great venue the better acts they will be able to book so go see some comedy! Some tips for newcomers. Friday shows are cheaper than Saturday shows. If you don't want to get called on, don't sit in the first couple rows of tables. Alcohol makes everything funnier. If you have a pass you have to make a reservation. If you heckle the comedian you better be prepared for the consequences. And don't forget to have fun! read more

Well so far on a 40 deg night they are running 30 min behind opening the doors for the 9:45 show. Sorry no excuse for being late. Way I look at it I pay for your serve and your business to stay open do your job and be on time. read more

Mark's is by far one of my favorite places around the D. I've been here a dozen times and have only experienced a few mediocre comedian's and that was when my tickets were free so I didn't mind. If you're nervous about possibly seeing a bad comedian, make sure you search their name on You Tube first. This always let's me know what type of humor I'm in for -- raunchy, clean, hilarious -- and whether or not I'm feeling it for the night. They recently made all shows nonsmoking now which makes me SO happy. Love to have a few drinks, have some good laughs and walk out not reeking of smoke. TIPS: - On the weekend of your b-day, you and three friends are eligible for free entry (as long as it's not a special engagement) - be sure to reserve a spot in advance...and maybe have a few drinks beforehand, as they may ask who there is celebrating their b-day. - Sign up for their e-club/text messaging service. Especially during the summer when folks are vacationing, they will send out info. about free tickets available. The emails also are pretty funny in general...love the week's top ten/joke of the week. - Guys out there, this is a great place for a date...maybe not the first one, but perhaps the second one. Go to dinner before hand in the Royal Oak area and walk over to Mark's. What gal doesn't like a good laugh? read more

Laughter is the best medicine! I went last Saturday and all 3 comedians were so funny and had me crying with laughter. I was having such a good time the night went by so fast i could not believe the show was over. Awesome show, great drinks and wonderful wait staff! The valet guys are nice as well! read more

Loved it! Dave Attell was hilarious & we had one of the best seats in the house! Table 6. Right at the feet of the comedian. Yummy sweet Moscato & tasty fries. Only bad part was the taxi services cost more than the actual show! But I am definitely going back. read more

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle - Sitting at the best seat in the castle! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Royal Oak, Michigan

This place is awesome. We went there last night to see Tim Allen without a reservation but showed up before anyone just to make sure we would get a spot. The employees were super nice and made sure they knew where we were a few times as it started to get crowded just so they could call our name when everyone with reservations were seated. The show was only $3 and it was Tim Allen who was hilarious btw. Fries were great and beers were usual price. Loved it. We'll be back for sure! read more

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle - Tim Allen! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Royal Oak, Michigan

My boyfriend and I have been coming here for years. It's always a great night out. We've gone to see big names as well as ones we've never heard of and left with smiles on our faces! The biggest plus is the staff! I cannot say enough great things about them! We had an incident back in April and went to the manager, he was super cool! All I can say is he went above and beyond in making it up to us! Even on our return visit this past weekend he remembered us and once again made it a great night!! If there is ever something you're not happy with, just go talk to a manager! They are more than willing to go out of their way to make it right! You don't see that kind of treatment too much anymore! read more

I've been here before and had no problem. However this time it wasn't great. Security think they are legit the Royal Oak Police. Lol. They are older men who are crabby. They don't want you to have a good time. I answered one simple text from my son, and they came and said to put my phone away. I was already putting it away. And it's not like I was taking photos or anything? Or talking on it. Secondly, I laughed and clapped at several jokes. And one time I yelled an answer back to the comedian. And another time he made a Detroit joke. And I yelled. DEEEETRROOIT. No biggie. Then one of the old dudes came and said, " can you please not yell towards the stage?" Hahaha. What a stupid request. No one was out of line. It was all jovial and in good spirits. So whatever Mark Ridley's. You are party pooper. read more

So we got here tonight for my sisters birthday, excited for the show, with online tickets in hand only to realize the tickets we had were accidental purchases for last weekends show! Thank goodness for the exceptional manager who understood our situation and error on our part, he quickly set up a table to accommodate our party of 11 without question! Although we were a little embarrassed, I truly appreciate how management handled this situation. Highly recommend this venue for any party/event you may have! read more

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle - Good Times! - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Royal Oak, Michigan

A nice and interesting night out. I must admit that this was my first time going to a comedy shop. First thing i would say is that its best to pay the $6 for valet parking (unless you plan on going out in royal oak for the night because this place is at 3-5 blocks from royal oak nightlife).Their drinks are a bit high ($5 for a bottled beer and $7 for long islands) and they do serve starters. As for the comedy itself: not bad, i personally liked the host the best, the main act was good, not great and the woman in the middle was decent, but could of been definitely better. Would i go here again: sure, $18 for 2 hours of comedy isn't that bad. read more

You can usually count on 2 of the 3 comedians being fairly funny. It sometimes surprises me when the headliner is lame compared to the emcee and opener, but it happens. As for the rest of the experience, take plenty of smaller bills. When you cash out, they tend to take your money hostage in hopes you'll just write it off as tip. Once I handed 2 twenties and the gal was going for a $17 tip on a $23 bill (3 drinks). When they jacked up the ticket prices, Ridley's became a once a year show for us, where we had been going about 4-5 times a year. I know they have to pay the bills and I don't care if they gouge me on the drinks or the admission, but not both. There are other comedy shows throughout the year that give much more bang for the buck (watch for laugh-a-palooza coming in the summer). read more

By far the best comedy club in the area. My boyfriend and I have been coming here for years. They absolutely pull in the best talent in terms of comedy clubs here on weekends. And the Wednesday open mic night is $3, can't beat that. They remodeled and looks great. The bartenders are friendly and nice and always chatty if you sit at the bar. The seating is good, especially if you get there early and are extremely accommodating if you call ahead and request a special table. I love coming here to support local talent, and local business owners, and it's just a fun thing to do on a date or with friends and you'll get a great laugh! read more

My husband and I visited the Comedy Castle this past weekend to see the Amazing Johnathan. Not only were we delighted by his set, I was impressed by how handicap accessible the building is and how accommodating the staff are. I am a wheelchair user and was nervous about trying to navigate my way through, but they cleared a path for me, made sure I was situated comfortably at our table, and even offered assistance to and from the ladies' room. It was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. read more