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Best Comedy Clubs And Improv In South Bay

Whether you're looking to laugh it up with a few friends, or just want to go out for harmless fun with the family, comedy clubs in the South Bay area offer an array of locations for the young and old. Leave all sophisticated, urbane, or sober conduct at the door before entering any of these venues and you're sure to be chortling with the rest of the crowd like a giggling school kid.  
Nightlife & Music Comedy ComedySportz San Jose
Photo Credit: ComedySportz San Jose via Facebook

ComedySportz
288 S 2nd St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 985-5233
www.comedysportzsanjose.com 

Bring the whole family to the earlier shows for the more kid-friendly humor, or catch a midnight show or improv for some adult laughs. The midnight showing offers "long-form" improvisation, which differs from regular improv by quadrupling the time in which the skits last. If you want to make it a double feature, buy a ticket to the 9 p.m. show and stay for the midnight show for free. Before and after the show, and during halftime (just like the ballparks!) venture into the lobby for some Psycho Donuts. The donuts are scrumptious, but the tastiest part about these palatable goodies is that you can bring them into the theatre along with non-alcoholic drinks. Speaking of alcohol, this club serves only beer and wine, so you'll have to grab your cocktails elsewhere after the show if that's what you're after. The best days to go to a show at ComedySportz are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  The players often hang out afterwards for pictures and autographs.

Related: San Francisco Spring Comedy Preview 

Nightlife & Music Comedy Rooster T Feathers Comedy Club
Photo Credit: Rooster T Feathers Comedy Club via Facebook

Rooster T Feathers Comedy Club
157 W El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
(408) 736-0921
www.roostertfeathers.com

Try walking out of Rooster T. Feathers without a smile. The venue is small, with a nice set up, so regardless of where your seat is, you'll be able to see the show without squinting or having to crane your neck. Leaving people laughing since 1979, Roosters has hosted comic headliners such as Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Robin Williams and Drew Carey, as well as national comedians who've appeared on Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime and "The Late Show with David Letterman." The weekly specials at Rooster include College Night Thursdays and Military Appreciation Night Sundays, where college students and military members get in for free. In between laughs sip on wine, beer or cocktails from the full bar or munch on nachos, popcorn or hot dogs--just be aware you'll be doubling up for the two item minimum. Reservations are encouraged, but will only be held until 15 minutes prior to show times. The best days to see a show here are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Nightlife & Music Comedy, Improv
Photo Credit: Improv via Facebook

The Improv
62 S. Second Street
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 280-7475
sanjose.improv.com

Offering 5-star comedy acts and strong drinks, the Improv is situated in San Jose, just a few steps away from the San Jose Museum of Art and the Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library. The club has great seating and spacious tables. For those who not only like to laugh, but also love to make others split their sides with laughter, The Improv offers stand-up comedy classes. You can also plan a group party for a special occasion or business event. There is a two item minimum purchase for each person, so make sure you come with a few extras bills, but with The Improv's menu, you won't have any problems coming up with a second item to order. Choose from a huge menu of appetizers, burgers, entrees and desserts or an even better menu of martinis and wines. Specialty drinks like the L.A. Water (Malibu Rum, Blue Curacao, Melon Liqueur, Razzmatazz Raspberry, Sprite and Sweet 'n Sour) will keep you happy long after the show is over.

Nightlife & Music Comedy Made Up Theatre
Photo Credit: Made Up Theatre via Facebook

Made Up Theatre
3392 Seldon Ct.
Fremont, CA 94539
(510) 573-3633
www.madeuptheatre.com

Made Up Theatre is the South Bay's gem for improvised comedy and entertainment. Similar to TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," an all-star cast of improvisers use nothing but audience suggestions to create hilarious, off-the-cuff scenes, so that no show is exactly the same. There are two improv styles that make up these shows. One style is played out by Laugh Track City, and is a fast-paced, short-form, un-rehearsed show that will have you in stitches. The cast plays a series of games and scenes based on audience suggestions. LTC performs on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 8 p.m. for only $10, so you can enjoy a fun night out without going overboard on your budget. The second style is performed by The Five Play Improv cast and explores the outrageous nature of human relationships in an interactive show of unprepared scenes. FPI performs on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month at 8 p.m. for the same $10.

Nightlife & Music Comedy Tommy T's Comedy & Steakhouse
Photo Credit: Tommy T's Comedy & Steakhouse via Facebook

Tommy T's Comedy and Steakhouse
5104 Hopyard Road
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 227-1800
www.tommyts.com

Most shows at Tommy T's in the South Bay host comedians who are not always well-known, which is exactly what makes for an entertaining, engaging and surprising show. But you will see the occasional celebrity come through every now and again. Every night at Tommy T's features something new--check out open mic nights on the first Tuesday of every month where you can try your hand at stand-up. The audience chooses the winner on open mic night by show of applause, and if that winner happens to be you, you may just be invited back to perform in a scheduled showcase. Taco Tuesday feature two chicken tacos and a margarita for just $10, with a side of laugher, of course. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for 7:30 p.m. show times, 6 p.m. for 7 p.m. show times, and 9:30 p.m. for 9:30 p.m. show times. General admission seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early. Reserved admission is $10 more per ticket, unless you are booking for 10 or larger.

Related: Top 5 Bay Area Movie Theaters

Kelly Gullo is a freelance writer in San Francisco, CA. Kellys topics are about music and nightlife. Kelly has also written a variety of articles on health and dieting and topics related to the environment. Kelly has a degree in journalism and public relations from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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