The Tampa Improv
The Tampa Improv
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Theaters • Comedy Clubs • Theatre & Performances
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
114 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
44
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
8
Giovanni Y
Tampa, FL199 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
If you've not been to Ybor, plan on doing lots of walking, as Parking is scattered and once parked, That's it for the day/night. The good thing is that the IMPROV is located on a corner, 16th Street and 8th avenue so people can be dropped off very close to the front door - a few steps away.
The bartenders make good drinks, and the food, well, comedy is their thing, the bar is good, but food is clearly not their specialty - so go expecting to pick on a light bite and this is not the place for the best burger, nor seafood, but the run of the mill sandwich or a salad, is a good choice.
I'd have rated this place 3 stars, but I give them the extra fourth star because its, up to you to make the best of it and the people that I go wth always do. You need to think of this not as a bar/restaurant, but a theater. It;s really a theater experience without that cache of NYC or other theater venues you've experienced. Almost all seats are good. Avoid the very back or awkward balcony id possible.
Depending upon the comedian and the crowds they draw, you can easily have a 5 star experience here. Seems that if the crowd appreciates the comedians, they do a better performance. I've seen some tough crowds and some watered down performances. I've been here at least 30 times in the past 5 years. I go dependant upon the comedians. It's great to see the headliners that tour, whom we would otherwise never get to experience up close. (never a place for kids). Elevator indoors, but not uber wheelchair friendly.
If you found my review helpful, please check the "YES" button just below. Thanks.
The bartenders make good drinks, and the food, well, comedy is their thing, the bar is good, but food is clearly not their specialty - so go expecting to pick on a light bite and this is not the place for the best burger, nor seafood, but the run of the mill sandwich or a salad, is a good choice.
I'd have rated this place 3 stars, but I give them the extra fourth star because its, up to you to make the best of it and the people that I go wth always do. You need to think of this not as a bar/restaurant, but a theater. It;s really a theater experience without that cache of NYC or other theater venues you've experienced. Almost all seats are good. Avoid the very back or awkward balcony id possible.
Depending upon the comedian and the crowds they draw, you can easily have a 5 star experience here. Seems that if the crowd appreciates the comedians, they do a better performance. I've seen some tough crowds and some watered down performances. I've been here at least 30 times in the past 5 years. I go dependant upon the comedians. It's great to see the headliners that tour, whom we would otherwise never get to experience up close. (never a place for kids). Elevator indoors, but not uber wheelchair friendly.
If you found my review helpful, please check the "YES" button just below. Thanks.
Written June 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnny-Boricua
Temple Terrace, FL208 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
If you have seen a stand up show on TV, this is no different. They venue is smaller than what you would see Chris Rock or other celebrity comedian perform. We went on a Thursday night. There were two comedians before the headliner. The 1st one was the host and OK .... eh. The 2nd guy was funny. The headliner killed it. He was from NYC (like me) so I got a lot of the NYC references.
The venue has a bar just before you enter the venue. The tables are small (some would say intimate). They are, also, close together. It can get tight. The servers were stepping on my feet all night. The venue is dark, so if you have to get up to walk around or use the restroom be careful not to step on anyone's feet.
They serve food as well as drinks. It is a comedy club, so the drinks are priced accordingly. The food is pretty good and came out HOT, which I love .... some folks may not like it as hot as I do, so let it cool down.
The venue is in Ybor City which is Tampa's night club & bar strip on 7th Ave. After the jokes are over you have a choice of restaurants nearby to get some eats. There are blocks of bars & night clubs you can waste away the rest of the night until 3AM. Yes, it all shuts down at 3. If you are from other cities where the bars close as sunrise, plan accordingly.
Oh yeah, street parking is limited in the area. You will most likely have to park in a metered lot or the flat fee parking lots. I would not venture too far outside of the entertainment district, just like any other city.
The venue has a bar just before you enter the venue. The tables are small (some would say intimate). They are, also, close together. It can get tight. The servers were stepping on my feet all night. The venue is dark, so if you have to get up to walk around or use the restroom be careful not to step on anyone's feet.
They serve food as well as drinks. It is a comedy club, so the drinks are priced accordingly. The food is pretty good and came out HOT, which I love .... some folks may not like it as hot as I do, so let it cool down.
The venue is in Ybor City which is Tampa's night club & bar strip on 7th Ave. After the jokes are over you have a choice of restaurants nearby to get some eats. There are blocks of bars & night clubs you can waste away the rest of the night until 3AM. Yes, it all shuts down at 3. If you are from other cities where the bars close as sunrise, plan accordingly.
Oh yeah, street parking is limited in the area. You will most likely have to park in a metered lot or the flat fee parking lots. I would not venture too far outside of the entertainment district, just like any other city.
Written December 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peggy S
187 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
The stand-up adult comedy at this Ybor City club is almost always good. You get a lot of "bang for your buck," with often a couple of opening acts before the headline act. Admission price is very reasonable. What someone thinks is funny varies with individuals, so go on-line and check out the video clip of the comic you think you want to see..The food is typical bar food and the drinks are pretty good. We have seen some people there before they got famous, but often even the little-knowns are great. Most shows are 21 and up: there is an occasional 18 year old access (it's not for kids). It is handicap accessible.
Written April 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike B
1 contribution
Oct 2021
Went to a show on October6th with a bunch of friends.
The show was very good!
I paid my bill with a debit card I have not used in months.
The following day a $300 withdraw was taken out of my account in Tampa at a ATM on Gandy Blvd.
Had to cancel my card etc.
We will never go back.
The show was very good!
I paid my bill with a debit card I have not used in months.
The following day a $300 withdraw was taken out of my account in Tampa at a ATM on Gandy Blvd.
Had to cancel my card etc.
We will never go back.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovethebeach200
Washington DC11 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
I was visiting town and looking for a decent comedy spot and was encouraged to read about Tampa Bay Improv on Tripadvisor. After buying a Groupon, I attempted to make a reservation, but was told the Groupon ticket limit was already met for the entire weekend's worth of shows. After informing the 'office manager' that I was visiting town and would likely not be returning, she still did not make an exception and give me a reservation using my Groupon. The website indicated there were many, many tickets available for the Saturday show I wanted to attend. Considering that many visitors come to Tampa and look for entertainment, it was suprising to me that the Tampa Bay Improv has such rigid and customer unfriendly policies.
Written March 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MishaHelena
St. Petersburg, FL41 contributions
Deon Cole was fabulous. The featured comedian was also very good!!! My two start review is based on the venue.
Our table was tucked away in a corner (table #11) and Deon had to nearly look behind himself to see us. Seating was assigned and I recommend instead of getting there when the doors open, (for the 8pm show it was 7pm), arrive at 730 or 745. If you arrive early, you end up in a horrible section.
The food was less than mediocre. Now I understand you aren't there for fine dining, but this was bar food at its worst. I've had better food from 7-11. We had nachos and pretzels with a dip. They were dry and the mustard was watery.
Our drinks were non-alcoholic. You would have thought the waitress was going to die if we didn't drink alcohol. It was like high school peer pressure. Obviously they are encouraged to get people to drink.
The worst part of the venue was the ladies room. We went to the 1st show at 8pm. The bathrooms seemed as though they had been used by a concert or festival amount of people. There were four stalls and only two were working. The handicap stall wasn't working and there WAS a woman in a wheelchair who had no choice but to use a dirty un-flushed commode. The other three stalls were disgusting. The two that were "working" were barely flushing. The soap was in a ketchup type squirt bottle and it was filthy. The paper towels were on a roll sitting on the counter. Only one roll was provided and every time someone touched it, the roll got soaked. The trash can was overflowing with paper and it was all over the place.
I live and work in NYC. We have hole in the wall venues that do a 100% better job than this. I was extremely disappointed with this venue. The entertainment was excellent. I wouldn't return to this venue.
Our table was tucked away in a corner (table #11) and Deon had to nearly look behind himself to see us. Seating was assigned and I recommend instead of getting there when the doors open, (for the 8pm show it was 7pm), arrive at 730 or 745. If you arrive early, you end up in a horrible section.
The food was less than mediocre. Now I understand you aren't there for fine dining, but this was bar food at its worst. I've had better food from 7-11. We had nachos and pretzels with a dip. They were dry and the mustard was watery.
Our drinks were non-alcoholic. You would have thought the waitress was going to die if we didn't drink alcohol. It was like high school peer pressure. Obviously they are encouraged to get people to drink.
The worst part of the venue was the ladies room. We went to the 1st show at 8pm. The bathrooms seemed as though they had been used by a concert or festival amount of people. There were four stalls and only two were working. The handicap stall wasn't working and there WAS a woman in a wheelchair who had no choice but to use a dirty un-flushed commode. The other three stalls were disgusting. The two that were "working" were barely flushing. The soap was in a ketchup type squirt bottle and it was filthy. The paper towels were on a roll sitting on the counter. Only one roll was provided and every time someone touched it, the roll got soaked. The trash can was overflowing with paper and it was all over the place.
I live and work in NYC. We have hole in the wall venues that do a 100% better job than this. I was extremely disappointed with this venue. The entertainment was excellent. I wouldn't return to this venue.
Written January 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nut4Disney
Tampa, FL35 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
I love comedy. When I lived in Newport, Rhode Island, I would go to every Saturday night show of Coconut's Comedy Stop at the Newport Sheraton Islander Hotel (it's now called the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina and Coconut's no longer has a show at this venue). At Coconut's I seen some really hilarious comedians and comediennes of nationwide talent.
At The Improv, the talent runs much deeper. I have enjoyed shows staring Tommy Davidson, Wanda Sykes, John Heffron, Ralphie May, Alonso Bowden, Pablo Francisco, and even D.L. Hughley.
The theater is pretty nice. Some may not like it but it is a classic theater with balcony seating. Unfortunately it's not stadium seating as the theater is designed for food service. The theater is actually set in an old theater in Ybor City, a historic location near downtown Tampa. I don't particular like the seating arrangements, but I understand the limits of this historic venue. I take no points away since I came for COMEDY!
The food is pretty good for what I would call typical American "bar" cuisine. Service is actually pretty fast as they open the doors 30 minutes prior to showtime and "food" service typically stops shortly after the host starts the show. Of course the bar drinks continue to flow throughout the performance and the wait staff tends to be careful of noise and blocking view of the performers.
Overall this is an excellent location to watch top-notch celebrity talent as well as up-and-coming national acts. I have attended over 80 shows at this venue. I even have my favorite table.
At The Improv, the talent runs much deeper. I have enjoyed shows staring Tommy Davidson, Wanda Sykes, John Heffron, Ralphie May, Alonso Bowden, Pablo Francisco, and even D.L. Hughley.
The theater is pretty nice. Some may not like it but it is a classic theater with balcony seating. Unfortunately it's not stadium seating as the theater is designed for food service. The theater is actually set in an old theater in Ybor City, a historic location near downtown Tampa. I don't particular like the seating arrangements, but I understand the limits of this historic venue. I take no points away since I came for COMEDY!
The food is pretty good for what I would call typical American "bar" cuisine. Service is actually pretty fast as they open the doors 30 minutes prior to showtime and "food" service typically stops shortly after the host starts the show. Of course the bar drinks continue to flow throughout the performance and the wait staff tends to be careful of noise and blocking view of the performers.
Overall this is an excellent location to watch top-notch celebrity talent as well as up-and-coming national acts. I have attended over 80 shows at this venue. I even have my favorite table.
Written November 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim H
Tampa, FL1 contribution
Jun 2014 • Couples
Even though I personally know the comedians who put the show together I still stood in line along with my girlfriend. Earlier in the day a couple of my friends (current Tampa Buccaneers players) wanted to attend and had interests in possibly bringing in more acts and getting more teammates involved. When I made it to the door, I advised the doorman (short black bald headed guy) that I had more people coming. This sorry POS started being loud and disrespectful to me infront of my girlfriend. My first instinct was to punch him in his mouth but I thought about how it would ruin the night for all involved. As I stood there advising him that my other party had their tickets already and would be there soon, he yelled out that he would not let them in. It seemed the more I tried to explain to this buffoon, the more ignorant he got. Finally he allowed me inside but not before hurling one last inappropiate comment to and about my girlfriend. About 10 minutes later my friends (Bucs players) showed up and guess what...???? The buffoon again put himself on display with his rude unprovoked and unwanted comments. Even going as far as allowing one of the guys girlfriend in and saying to them "Yall can't go in." It seems as if this guy was auditioning for standup himself, but my advice to him would be to get on stage and not try to get discovered at the front door. Again I was so furious, but I maintained my composure and didn't put this clown to sleep. After the show and at a local restaurant, my friends and I all agreed that we will not be returning to the Tampa Improv as long as their staff treats patrons in such an idioc manner. I hate the fact that I, as a healthcare professional at several of our bay area hospitals will have to share my unpleasant experience with my coworkers as well as my 20K twitter followers.
Tim Hampton
Tim Hampton
Written June 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aprilia_Motogp
Columbus, Ohio76 contributions
I planned a trip to Clearwater Beach, and since I knew I would be heading to Ybor City, I booked a show at the Tampa Improv to see Bobcat Goldthwait. Located in Ybor, which is the historical section of Tampa, the club is located near all the night life with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars (clean too!)
Needless to say it was a great show. The club staff was very friendly. I got there about an hour early and they put us in the front row! The waitress always made sure we were taken care of with food and drinks, but not to the point where we were bothered. After the show the staff told us we could take pictures. If you find yourself in the Tampa area, check out historical Ybor, and see a show at the Improv. Parking is easy and affordable.
Needless to say it was a great show. The club staff was very friendly. I got there about an hour early and they put us in the front row! The waitress always made sure we were taken care of with food and drinks, but not to the point where we were bothered. After the show the staff told us we could take pictures. If you find yourself in the Tampa area, check out historical Ybor, and see a show at the Improv. Parking is easy and affordable.
Written February 22, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
State of Grayson
Tampa, FL7 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
We were so excited to visit the Tampa Improv for the first time. We love comedy and this was our first night out alone in a very long time.
Although the show we went to see was amazing as always, we had seen them in Boston. The venue was far from what
we expected.
There were a few tables towards the front that were for V.I.P., now we thought we would have a table to ourselves....oh no...
Not only were we paired with strangers the table next to us that we could literally reach out and touch was not V.I.P. and had more space than we did...
They seemed to cram as many people as they could into one space for the almighty dollar without considering our comfort.
We ordered drinks and food, both were good.
Maybe this is not always the case, however, we will definitely consider something else next time we are able to get a night away.
Although the show we went to see was amazing as always, we had seen them in Boston. The venue was far from what
we expected.
There were a few tables towards the front that were for V.I.P., now we thought we would have a table to ourselves....oh no...
Not only were we paired with strangers the table next to us that we could literally reach out and touch was not V.I.P. and had more space than we did...
They seemed to cram as many people as they could into one space for the almighty dollar without considering our comfort.
We ordered drinks and food, both were good.
Maybe this is not always the case, however, we will definitely consider something else next time we are able to get a night away.
Written July 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin
Spring Hill, FL
What's the latest arrival time in case my work runs late?
Trina T
3 contributions
That l can not answer, we stood outside waiting to get in past the start time of the show. So if the show starts at 7pm, lm sure if you are there by 7:15pm you would be fine. Hope this helps answer your question.
Tonya S
1 contribution
I will be going to a show alone. I will arrive early, to be seated up front. I don't mind sitting with people I don't know, just want to be assured I will sit as close as possible. Suggestions?
Ben T
185 contributions
You will need to get there early and talk to the host. They are the ones that assign your setting.
How long is a show last.? Do u havd 2 have reservations. How much to go.?
Jackie E
Norcross20 contributions
The show was about 2 hours when we went. We bought our tickets online the day before and just redeemed them there.
I believe the price fluctuates depending on the day of the week and number of tickets already sold. I say that because we checked the prices online earlier during the week, but didnt buy till later that week and ended up paying more than the original price we saw. We paid $17 per ticket.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Tampa Improv
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The Tampa Improv Information
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