Laugh Out Loud: Top Comedy Shows in Houston
- Written by: Ricardo De Sousa
- Published:
Comedy Clubs in Houston
The Riot Comedy Club
One of the most premium stand-up comedy clubs in Houston. The Riot Comedy Club guarantees an unforgettable evening, making it an ideal destination for a fun date or celebration with friends.
Located in the heart of the city, the club hosts 12 comedy shows every week including Open Mic nights every Monday at 8:00 PM, where you can get your 3 minutes of fame to captivate the audience with your comedic skills and leave them in stitches. They also have a Saturday Night Late Show from 11 PM.
Because of its strong reputation, Riot Comedy Club attracts star comedians like Rich Vos, Aida Rodriguez, Brian Simpson, and many others who have performed on Comedy Central, Netflix, and Saturday Night Live. Even the legendary Dave Chappelle has made some surprise appearances in the past.
Part of what makes Riot Comedy Club so much fun is the interaction with the crowds through special themed comedy nights like Spit Take, “You Look Like…” Roast Contest, and Swipe Right Dating Game Shows, making every night a one-of-a-kind experience and just as much fun as the last.
Downstairs, Rudyard’s offers a mouthwatering selection of pub-style food, an extensive draft beer menu, and Gold Tooth Tony’s gourmet Detroit Pizza. For an action-packed, fun-filled night, Rudyard’s has also got you covered with a range of entertainment options including darts, trivia, and karaoke. Making it the ideal spot to kick off your evening before enjoying some comedy.
The Houston Improv
The Improv Comedy Club was the first of its kind in America, dating back to the 1960s, and since then, it has expanded all across the US, including Houston. With its rich history and esteemed reputation, Houston Improv promises to bring you a lineup of the funniest comedians from all corners of the globe.
Currently performing on stage, you can expect to see the likes of Ian Bagg, Mo Amer, Dusty Slay, Maz Jobrani, and T.J. Miller, who have all been featured on Comedy Central, Netflix, or HBO. But in the past, stars like Bill Bur, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Gabriel Iglesias (Fluffy) have all stood up to the mic at the Houston Improv.
Regarding food and drinks, Houston Improv also serves up some tasty food and has a full bar serving delicious cocktails that you can enjoy while watching the comedy show.
The Secret Group
The Secret Group, which was founded by four local stand-up comedians, is a fantastic place to see live music and comedy. The venue hosts events seven days a week, with stand-up comedy every night, including Open Mic nights, Late Night Shows, and special comedy headliner events featuring comics from Comedy Central, HBO, and other popular platforms.
The live music sets the Secret Group apart from other comedy venues in Houston. Every Thursday, there is karaoke night, Emo nights on Fridays, a Y2K dance night every Saturday, and sometimes performances from local and international bands and artists. It is a place that truly has something for everyone.
ComedySportz
ComedySportz is a comedy show like no other. How it works is that two teams of comedians compete in various games and scenes, all made up on the spot based on audience suggestions, who ultimately decide on the winning team at the end of the evening. The show is set up like a sports match, with a referee who keeps the comedians in check and ensures the rules are followed, adding to the fun and competitive atmosphere. It’s family-friendly and interactive, and because it is so dynamic, no show is the same, making it a fun and unique experience for everyone, whether you’re watching or participating.
What is no joke is the level of talent that is on display with some notable performers and alumni, including Jason Sudeikis, Iliza Shlesinger, and Nick Swardson, to name a few.
ComedySportz is also a great place for corporate and team building, as they offer workshops and training using improv to help strengthen connections and morale in teams. They even offer improv classes for those wanting to pursue acting or comedy, or maybe even just as a hobby.
Station Theater
If you are in search of a casual, fun experience, Station Theater is the perfect place to go. Embracing the world of sketch comedy and long-form improv, this theater eagerly welcomes audiences every Friday and Saturday to experience a captivating lineup of intelligent and irrelevant comedy that promises to make you laugh.
Like ComedySportz, the Station Theater also offers classes and corporate team-building programs for improv, sketch comedy, sketch writing and production, and more.
When it comes to food and drinks, The Station doesn’t offer food, and it’s BYOB for drinks. But there are some nearby breweries that you can stop by on the way to pick up your drinks.