Raleigh Improv

Reviews

• KC

  KY Clemonts

  Feb 22, 2026
  3.0
  The show was scheduled to start at 9:00 PM, but we had to stand outside in 20° weather for nearly 20 minutes before even entering the building. Once inside, the line moved fairly quickly, and we were seated without much delay. Our waitress initially came over, explained how ordering worked, and let us know there was a two-item minimum. I ordered spinach dip and a pineapple juice, but unfortunately, we never saw our waitress again. I never received my pineapple juice, even after asking several staff members throughout the night. Meanwhile, other patrons continued receiving orders up until the very end. I even spoke with someone afterward about a refund, but weeks later, I’m still waiting and don’t expect to receive it. On a positive note, the comedians were funny. We saw Zainab Johnson, and since I’ve seen her before, she delivered exactly the kind of performance I expected — very entertaining. Overall, the show itself was great, but the service and entry experience definitely need improvement.
• DM

  David Mark

  Feb 21, 2026
  2.0
  We went to see Don McMillan who uses PowerPoint and a screen to accompany his routine. The venue was nice and clean, open, and didn’t make us feel claustrophobic. They still pack you in there, but a little more tolerable. Our first issue was the sound. While the opener was performing, several times his voice became so high pitched, at times we had to put our fingers in our ears and we observed other people around us who had the same reaction (simple sound board fix). The majority of the time we could barely see the comedian because of the orientation of the tables (perpendicular to the stage), so everyone at your table is looking to their right or left and moving their body to avoid the head of the person beside them from blocking their view. There are not enough risers in the floor the farther back you’re sitting to aid in your view of the stage. The waitstaff was professional, but we felt like they were a little overbearing at times. They would ask if we needed anything to the point it became a distraction while the comedian was performing. Several times we missed punchlines or critical portions of his routine due to extended interruptions. I don’t understand why that was necessary when your entire order, drinks, appetizer, and meal is placed on your phone. We’ve been to other venues where the waitstaff was attentive, but it was at a minimum. We were not late to the show, we arrived about 20 before the first comedian began, placed our order at the same time the rest of our table did, and before other people who arrived after we did. As the show went on, we noticed everyone else being served their dinner. I had to ask our server when our food was coming out. Each time the answer was was, ‘it’s being cooked now, so 10 minutes.’ That turned into, ‘I’ll check’ and then, ‘it will be out shortly.’ When the headline comedian had 20 minutes left in his set, our waitress came out to tell us that we would not receive our meals (they were burgers). At that point I asked for a refund. She asked for my name and noted the location information on the table we used to place our order electronically originally. She brought the receipt showing a refund, but it was for someone else’s order…different name, location, and order. At that point, we wanted to get our correct refund and leave regardless if the show was finished or not. Other venues have half the staff, personally take your order, bring your food, and check on you with minimal disruption. It is very unfortunate because other comedians we follow have booked shows here, but we will not purchase tickets to see them.
• JH

  juwan “DJ Darkcyde” helm

  Feb 16, 2026
  1.0
  We went to see George Wallace... The show was Absolutely Incredible.. However, the venue failed in many areas. Show time was 9pm. There was no holding area for the people in line. We had to wait outside in line from 8:15p to 8:50p It took 20 minutes for the server to approach us. We pre paid for the food. The servers only gave us the drinks. The food Never came to us. We told the host and she spoke with the manager and refunded the food only and told us the kitchen was closed. We left hungry.
• CK

  Corey Kinnin

  Feb 15, 2026
  1.0
  Comic was great but venue was bottom of the barrel. Drinks were horrible,(undrinkable) food was cancelled cause they ran out of what we ordered. Called for last call so we ordered 2 more beers and after 20 mins I asked about them and was brought only 1even after payment. I hate it for the comedian cause the service really made for a bad night. Total service bill was $125.00, I I ain't broke and don't mind paying good money, but we got totally robbed tonight.
• JD

  Jasmin Douglas

  Feb 8, 2026
  1.0
  One star for the venue and ambiance. it was very nice. however, our experience was completely trash. we were given tickets to see Zainab Johnson; not familiar with her but it was nice to have a reason to get out of the house after being snowed in. the show started at 6:30p, and we were inside and seated around 6:10p, 6:15p. our server approached us around 6:30p, and we ordered two drinks and some apps. our server suggested purchasing the souvenir glass for free refills, so we indulged. we sat through two cringy openers without drinks or food. the headliner hits the stage, still no drinks and food. 7:30p rolls around, still no drinks or food. we watched everyone around us get served, including people who ordered after we did, so im convinced the server never put the order in nor did we ever see him again. we can understand food being delayed because it was a packed house but waiting over an hour for a $15 soda?? absolutely not. we weren't enjoying the show, and with nothing to buffer, we left and likely won't be back.

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