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.
