Houston may be the home of big oil and cowboys but there is also a very lively comedy scene going on as part of the backdrop of provided by Houston’s nightlife. Comedy clubs have sprung up in the last ten years or so as audiences have demanded better comedies and more performances than the restricted venues were able to provide but it is the older clubs which still dominate the scene in Houston.
If you are a looking for a great night out with good food and excellent food and drink, then a trip to one of the top three comedy spots in Houston is just what the doctor ordered to cure any blues and to set the seal on a great visit to Houston.
Here are the top three comedy nightclubs for you to enjoy in Houston.
The Improve
The Improve has been making them laugh for over 20 years and has a stable of top grade comedians on hand to make sure you laugh the night away. Food is served in the evening with a restricted menu available during the day – make sure you enquire with the venue prior to booking and note there is also a restricted menu available depending on where you sit. One nice touch is that the management has split the venue up into separate sections for smokers and non-smokers.
Minimum age for entry is 18 but remember you must be over 21 to drink alcohol in Texas.
Dinner reservations get priority on the seats but otherwise it is a first come-first served basis so you are recommended to get there early if you want to be sure of getting in. Like the other two comedy venues in Houston, it is commonly sold out so don’t leave it to chance.
The venue is located near downtown Houston and paid valet parking is available if you don’t feel like a short walk from the mall within which the club is located though there is also free parking at the rear of the venue too.
Laff Spot
The Laff Spot runs shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and combines some of the best comedy acts in town with excellent jazz and fine food. Unlike the Improv which is comedy at its rough and readiest, the Laff Spot is a refined establishment and the food and service are excellent. The club is also completely non-smoking and there is a full waitress service on offer while parking is plentiful in the vicinity.
One feature offered by the Laff Spot is a defensive driving course taken by customers with the team of comedians – the joke is that the certificate you come away with is recognized state and country wide and may end up getting you a reduction in your driver’s insurance premiums!
Houston’s Laff Stop
This is perhaps the premier Houston comedy club and certainly the most expensive. Class comedy acts which are nationally recognized frequently use the Laff Stop as the venue for the Houston leg of their tour and you are well advised to check who is playing before you make a booking. The club claims to be Houston’s laughter central and probably this is not an idle boast but competition amongst the established clubs is fierce!
Food and drink are plentiful too and you can enjoy a great evening’s entertainment which also includes plenty of time for music and dancing if you are not inclined to simply have gags thrown at you while sitting around all evening. Comedy show nights are Thursday, Friday and Saturday while they have an open mic night on Wednesdays if you are brave enough to face a crowd for real from the other side of the stage lights.