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Since 1963, the Improvisation Comedy Clubs have remained the premier stages for live comedy in the United States. Over the decades, the talent who have graced Improv stages represent the Who’s Who in American comedy.
San Jose Improv hosted its first comedy show in November 2002. Located in the heart of “Silicon Valley,” the venue delivers a mix of A-list comedy, food and cocktails. The club regularly hosts top tier comedians such as Felipe Esparza, Bobby Lee and Norm Macdonald.
San Jose Improv calls the historic “Jose Theatre” home. Originally constructed in 1904, the theater is a turn-of-the-century time capsule featuring a marble and gold leaf lobby, adorned with a curated collection of art telling the stories of the Improv Comedy Clubs and The Jose Theatre. Step into the showroom to find perfect relics of a bygone era-- ornamental plaster details, stamped tin ceiling tiles, and two-stories-tall red velvet curtains flanking the iconic brick wall.
In the early 1900s, the theatre featured vaudeville acts and silent films with orchestral accompaniment. Some locals may recall hanging out at The Jose all afternoon, watching kung fu double feature films for under a dollar. For over one hundred years, The Jose Theatre has survived fires, earthquakes, and the sands of time. As home to the iconic Improv brand, the venue is renewed and will continue bringing best-in-class entertainment to audiences for decades to come.
Details
- Accepts reservationsAvailable
- DebitAvailable
- Mobile paymentsNot available
- Cash onlyNot available
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.3
2,353 reviews
5 stars
1,369
4 stars
583
3 stars
185
2 stars
75
1 star
141
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Staff Behavior
Numerous reviews highlighted rude and unprofessional behavior from staff, leading to negative customer experiences.
Seating Arrangements
Customers frequently complained about poor seating arrangements that obstruct views and create discomfort.
Food Quality
The food received consistent criticism for being overpriced, mediocre, and sometimes served cold.
Service Speed
Many patrons noted slow service, particularly with drink orders, which detracted from their overall experience.
Entertainment Quality
While the comedy acts were generally well-received, the overall experience was often marred by service and seating issues.
- EEE2 days ago3.0It’s a HOT MESS I don’t know what’s going on with the Improv lately, but something’s off. Their food is mediocre, their service is mediocre, and even though they bring in some really good comedians, they still can’t fill the place. I’m not sure why. The last few times I went, I tried to order a simple drink—an Arnold Palmer with vodka, Grey Goose. They brought it back and it was not Grey Goose. Honestly, if I had the chance, I’d go back there and check if they’re filling the bottles with something else, because that wasn’t it. The food I got was just okay. Not great, not terrible—just bland, like they’re putting in the bare minimum. And you can’t even joke around or heckle a little without risking getting kicked out, which I understand, but still… it just adds to the feeling that the place is slipping. I don’t know if the management doesn’t care, or the owners don’t know what they’re doing, but there’s definitely a disconnect somewhere. The place needs improvement, because right now it’s just not it. It lacks character for comedy it’s just a building
- TNTara Neuffer2 days ago1.0The venue enforces a two item purchase minimum per person from the menu, which was not stated on the ticket. I had already gone out to eat before so I wasn’t hungry and didn’t want to drink more. They said we’d get thrown out of the show if we didn’t order two things each and I believe them, since they insistently visited the tables of neighbors throughout the show to the point of disruption, talking over the show and standing in front of peoples view, in order to take orders from the reluctant costumers. The food was terrible and expensive. Nachos were cold. Dessert was extremely sweet and highly processed like something you’d get out of a gas station’s freezer section. Im glad I was already full so I didn’t feel tempted to eat much of it. Besides that, interactions with almost every staff member were negative. I am curious why there is such a cop-like culture among the staff, who questioned and micromanaged everything you did: “Why are you standing here???” as I was trying to make my way to the restroom against the flow of traffic after the show. “No reentry” to someone that turned around in the crowd to find their friend as they were leaving. And they questioned my friend for “loitering” outside the venue before the show. We had his ticket and he waited for us for less than a minute. I usually don’t do reviews but I found this place to be so dystopian and alarming to the point of feeling unsafe.
- JTJoselin Torres4 days ago3.0My friend invited me here for her girlfriend's birthday party and the music was really, really loud. I didn't expect the music to be this loud at an improv comedy club, usually when I'm invited to night clubs or bars I carry ear plugs. I've been to other comedy clubs in the past and the music wasn't this loud so I figured I wouldn't need earplugs. The seating arrangements were a little awkward and we had one of the random guys at the table next to us try to start a conversation and ask us if we wanted to go chill with him and his friends after the show. The seating was too close for comfort. The food was okay, similar to what you'd find at a bar or movie theater. Basically, the food is not that great and overpriced. Drinks are an even bigger ripoff. It was nothing memorable and probably won't be going back.
- AFAna FerreiraNov 9, 20251.011/08/2025 while having dinner, three doors down from this improv place,three hrs before our show is due to start,we received a call informing us that the show was canceled. Mind you we live three hrs away and have booked a hotel and are having dinner and the show is to start in three hrs,they are calling to inform our group. After digging it was due to the Health Department that shut them down that same morning. FIND ANOTHER PLACE! People are RUDE! Call the local health department get all the information. Shame on you and your business for doing this to us and all the others. Will never go to your establishment and will file complaint with city an bbb Don't waste your time or money with this establishment! Ana
- LLLoOct 27, 20255.0Parking was pretty easy around the area, it’s 2 hour meter until 6pm. I arrived early around 5pm and paid for an hour but there’s also plenty of garages in the area. Check in was easy, they scan our tickets and then had a 2 items minimum per person, I don’t know if they actually enforce it but we did order 2 items. Restrooms are located in the 2nd floor, the theater is a good size, the 1st floor has tables and seats and the upstairs is an auditorium setting. The food and drinks were decent.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Jose Improv
Is there an age requirement for entry?
Unless otherwise specified, you must be at least 18 years of age to enter and at least 21 years of age to purchase and consume alcohol. You will need to show valid photo identification to enter our club. Accepted forms of identification include:
-State issued Driver’s License
-State issued ID
-Passport
-Military ID
-U.S. Permanent Resident Card
What happens if I show up late?
Guests are allowed into our showroom up until 15 minutes after the show begins. We stop seating 15 minutes into the show due to the disruption caused to the performers. No exceptions, no refunds.
Do you allow cameras inside the venue?
Photography, filming, videotaping or other forms of recording without consent of the club and the artist is strictly prohibited. Guests who abuse this policy will be ejected immediately. Certain artists may also prohibit cell phones from being allowed into the show. Please check the details of your show at purchase.
How do I learn more about upcoming shows and what's happening at the venue?
Check us out on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for the latest news or visit our website to check out our event calendar!
What is your bag policy?
No oversized bags or backpacks are allowed. All bags are subject to search upon entry. The venue has the right to refuse entry and to restrict any items at any time without prior notice.
Can we eat at the show?
We highly encourage you to dine with us! See our website for our current menu. Please note that outside food and beverage is prohibited. There is a two-item minimum food & beverage purchase requirement for all guests in the showroom.
Does the two-item minimum purchase requirement mean I have to buy two alcoholic beverages?
No. Any food item or beverage (with or without alcohol) counts toward the two-item minimum. We offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and encourage our guests to please drink responsibly.
Is there an age requirement to enter the San Jose Improv?
You must be at least 18 years old to enter and 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol. Valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID is required.
What is the policy if I arrive late for a show?
Guests can enter up to 15 minutes after show starts. Seating stops after that with no exceptions or refunds.
Are cameras allowed inside the venue?
No photography or recording without consent is allowed. Some shows may also restrict cell phones. Check your show details before attending.
How can I find information on upcoming shows and events?
Follow San Jose Improv on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or visit their website's event calendar for the latest updates.
What is the bag policy at the venue?
No oversized bags or backpacks allowed. All bags are subject to search upon entry, and items may be restricted without prior notice.
Can I eat food or bring outside food to the show?
Outside food and drinks are prohibited. San Jose Improv encourages dining onsite with a two-item minimum food and beverage purchase required per guest.
Does the two-item minimum purchase at the club require alcoholic beverages?
No, any combination of food and/or beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, counts toward the two-item minimum.
What are the San Jose Improv's operating hours?
The club is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Wed/Thu and until 10:30 PM on Fri/Sat. It is closed Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday.
Are there nearby dining options where I can go before or after a show?
Nearby restaurants like Loft Bar & Bistro, Capers, and P.F. Chang's offer great dining options within walking distance for a casual meal before or after attending the comedy show.
How can nearby venues like the 2nd St Party District complement my visit to San Jose Improv?
After enjoying comedy at San Jose Improv, you can explore the lively 2nd St Party District, featuring dance clubs and social spots to continue your night out.
Is public transportation nearby to help me get to the San Jose Improv?
The San Jose Improv is located centrally near popular downtown areas and cultural spots, making it accessible via public transit and within walking distance to downtown amenities.