Tampa doesn't have many comedy clubs. There are occasionally comedy shows at the Straz Center, Ruth Eckerd Hall and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, but the two best comedy clubs are The Tampa Improv and Side Splitters.
The Tampa Improv
The Tampa Improv is located in Ybor City below Samurai Blue in Centro Ybor. In the bar area is a mini stage and several tables and bar stools. The mini stage is used for open mic nights every week. The bar is full liquor and sells wine, beer and sodas as well. Usually an hour or two prior to when shows begin the bar area opens so that guests can come in and enjoy cocktails before the seating begins in the show room.
In the show room there are two floors for seating. Seating is based on time of arrival. The sooner you get there the better the seats. First arrivals also get to choose whether they want to be close to the stage or far away to avoid heckling from comedians. Guests can order food and drinks in the show room and it is recommended that you order upon seating to get it quickly. Once the room fills up wait times for food and drinks get longer. Most shows last about two hours.
Address: 1600 E 8th Avenue, Suite C112
Capacity: Up to 350
Price Range: $10-$20. The cost is higher for some acts.
Phone: 813-864-4000
Website: http://www.improvtampa.com
Pros:
• No two item minimum for orders
• Located in Centro Ybor where there are plenty of places to hang out before and after the shows
• Free email subscription that frequently entitles people to free and discounted tickets
• Lots of menu choices for food and drinks
• tickets can be purchase online, by phone or at the box office
Cons:
• Ticket prices are generally higher than Side Splitters
• There is a parking fee to park in the garages in Ybor City
• Most shows are 21 and up leaving out the 18-20 year olds
• There is a fee for water if you are not ordering food.
Side Splitters
Side Splitters Comedy Club is located just north of Fletcher Ave. on Dale Mabry Hwy. in the same plaza as Chili's. Like Improv, Side Splitters has a bar area and a show room. The bar area opens about an hour before the show and is full liquor as well.
Side Splitters has been in Tampa for more than 18 years and is known for an amazing open mic night, fantastic fundraising opportunities and bringing in a wide variety of comedians.
Getting free tickets to Side Splitters is almost as easy as going online. People who become members of their site by registering to win tickets have been known to get free tickets as many times as once every couple of months. Members are also usually sent coupons for free tickets on their birthday.
Address: 12938 North Dale Mabry Highway
Capacity: Up to 250
Price Range: $8-$15. The cost is higher for some acts.
Phone: 813-960-1197
Website: http://sidesplitterscomedy.com
Pros:
• Ticket prices are generally lower than Improv
• No parking fees
• Most shows are 18 and up
• Free email subscription that frequently entitles people to free and discounted tickets
• Tickets can be purchase online, by phone or at the box office
Cons:
• Two item minimum for orders in the showroom
• Located next to a shopping plaza with shops that are usually closed once the shows are over
• Limited menu choices for food (more of a snack place than restaurant)
• All Tickets purchased via phone or at the door are $2 more than on the web
