Laughter is the best medicine. Can anyone deny that? I love to laugh and DFW has some great comedy nightclubs. It's the perfect icebreaker for a first date, great for a 20th date, or even for old married couples (like me). I remember comedian/actor/banjo player Steve Martin saying that in order to feel funny, he puts a slice of bologna in his shoes. While I don't believe that, he got his start playing the comedy club circuit.
DFW gets some very funny comedians who are touring major cities. You'll recognize big names as well as recent standouts from shows like Last Comic Standing.
Good news: laughter also burns calories.
1. Hyenas Comedy Nightclub
Hyenas Comedy Nightclubs has locations in Dallas and Fort Worth. Another location in Arlington is opening soon. Check back for details.
Locations:
- The Dallas Hyenas Comedy Club is located in Mockingbird Station at 5321 E. Mockingbird, Dallas, TX 75206. 214-823-5233.
- The Fort Worth Hyenas Comedy Club is located at 605 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102. 817-877-5233.
Defensive Driving: Hyena's offers an online defensive driving course using videos, graphics and sound to cover the state-approved curriculum for ticket dismissal. Check the site for a discount code and you can also score yourself two free tickets to the comedy club for some live entertainment.
2. The Improv
Dinner and a movie are out? How about dinner, drinks and a few (hundred) laughs? Some really great shows are coming to the Improv including Tom Greene and Ralphie May. The Improv offers a full dinner menu (steaks, chicken fried steak, chicken, fish, tacos) but the 11:30 p.m. show serves appetizers, sandwiches/salads, and desserts only. Fried Bananas Foster or Fried Chocolate Balls with Ice Cream sound quite tasty.
Locations:
- Addison, 4980 Belt Line Rd #250, Dallas, TX 75254-7037. 972-404-8501
- Arlington, 309 Curtis Mathes Way, Suite 147, Arlington, TX 76016. 817-635-5555
Defensive Driving: Yes, the cost is $37 and is offered Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3. The Backdoor Comedy Club
The Backdoor is Dallas' longest-running comedy club. It offers food, drinks and is open to age 18 and up. Parking is free and doors open 30 minutes prior to showtimes.
If you think you're funny (doesn't everyone?), sign up for open mic and show off your best stuff. If you sign up in advance, they will give you 3 minutes to work out your material. Three minutes is either not very long -- or it can be an eternity -- depending on if you're great or bomb. In case you need some assistance, they also offer workshops that cover the basics of performing and writing stand-up comedy.
Location: The Backdoor Comedy Club, Doubletree Hotel, 8250 N. Central Expressway. Dallas, Texas 75206. 214-328-4444
4. Pocket Sandwich Theatre
Late Nite Comedy shows at 11:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Anyone 17 or older is allowed but be aware that shows are generally Rated R. There is a one-item minimum order which could consist of coffee/tea/soda for $2.50 so be prepared. Late night menu includes wings, nachos, chips and salsa or guacamole, ice cream, cheesecake, etc. Beer and wine served.
Location: Pocket Sandwich Theatre, 5400 E. Mockingbird, #119, Dallas, TX 75206. Box office 214-821-11860 (open 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily).
5. Dallas Comedy House
Drink specials nightly. And it's not just a comedy club. The Dallas Comedy House School of Improv has three areas of study including Improvisational Comedy, Comedy Writing, and Production with enrollment for new classes each month. Think you're funny? Check out the class schedule. If you want to laugh at someone else, enjoy the club.
They also offer corporate training programs and team-building exercises. Wouldn't it be great (and funny) to host the annual meeting here?
DART: Take the Green Line on DART to the Deep Ellum Station (located at Good-Latimer Expressway/Gaston Avenue).
Parking: Be sure to feed the parking meter. There's also a paid lot across the street.
Location: Dallas Comedy House, 2645 Commerce St. Dallas, TX 75226. 214-741-4448
