Side Splitters Comedy Club

I would recommend taking your business elsewhere. This place is terrible on an internal employee level. A few of the comedians are funny, but they just cannot outweigh the poor performance and attitude of the staff and management.

Over 70 seats available and they didn’t want to redeem my gift groupon for 2 seat and 2 drinks because it was a «special night.» Not good customer service.

Two item minimum for items that look like they come from the gas station convenience store, take nearly an hour to arrive at the table and are priced at a 400% markup? No thanks. I ordered Bosco sticks which took 50 minutes to get to me. I get two overwhelmingly bland breadsticks filled with cheese and am charged $ 7.25 for them. I have an idea what you can do with those sticks.

I have been to Side Splitters plenty of times over the past 10+ years, and have always enjoyed my experience. The chosen comedians are always funny, and the prices are always fair.
Picked out my tickets online and was charged that lovely «online convenience fee.» I specifically picked seats where we would not be stuck with a view of the back of someone else’s head. When it was time for us to be seated, the host had seated another group in our seats. I explained to the host the issue and he told me that they don’t really have assigned seating. That did not sit well with me, and so he proceeded to get «back up.» She tried to give me the, «You will all hear the same jokes» excuse. I tried to get her to see things from another perspective: If she had purchased tickets to a concert and found someone else in her seat, she would definitely have an issue. The two of them went to speak to a manager, and sure enough came back to ask the group to move back a row. This made things awkward for my friend and I and could have been avoided if the seating chart was used.
Our waitstaff was painfully slow, not sure if she was new. She was kind enough to explain the drink specials, and reiterate the 2 item minimum rule for the new folks. We told her in the beginning that checks would be divided separately. She was very pleasant, even though she didn’t split the checks at the end. We received free tickets to use in the future to make up for the wait.

Side Splitters comedy club is an great venue for live comedy. The times that I have been I have seen smaller shows in the front of the club but enjoyed myself regardless. I like the more intimate setting for the comedy show and the fact you could see the comedian up close.
There is a two drink minimum but I don’t mind. The staff was friendly and helpful on my visits. I would go to another show if the opportunity presented itself it just is a bit of a drive from South Tampa where I am located.

We saw Joe Machi. If you don’t like this place, you need to plan your visit better. Find a comedian that you want to see. Machi was awesome! I had a blast. Great show. He was on Last Comic Standing. A+++ The venue is great. It’s set up well. Great lighting. Fabulous. We enjoyed it so much that we went back to see John Caparulo from Chelsea Lately.
Drinks are ok. It’s a comedy club. So, that’s typical for the venue. I didn’t eat. But, the food looked to be pretty decent. If you order two menu items, you won’t be charged the extra $ 6 ($ 3 for each) with your show ticket.

My wife and I have been to a lot of shows at comedy clubs in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach area, and also other places in the Northeast. Many seem to not be able to make up their mind: are we a full-​service restaurant serving bad over-​priced food, or are we trying to be glitzy club packed to the rafters?
Side Splitters has their identity intact: it’s a comedy club that serves bar good foods and drinks while you are entertained by the comedians. That’s what we like about the place. It’s not a bare-​bones dive, but it doesn’t pretend to have prime steaks and homemade pasta. The seats are not rammed so close you can feel your neighbor’s heartbeat, there is actually a bit of breathing room between tables. We ordered a fruit & cheese plate and a veggie plate, and both were actually pretty good. Each had a nice variety, fresh as you’d like and at a very fair price.
I’ve heard and seen some complaints about the ‘two-​drink minimum’, but frankly, I can’t remember when we visited a comedy club that didn’t have the same minimum. If that’s an issue, steer clear of the ‘Tropical Zipperhead Coconutshell Bombblast’-type of concoction, and just order a water or soft drink or beer at the going rate, and sit back and laugh at the headliner. It’s a very good night out and a good excuse to enjoy yourself with your date, or a group of friends.

A lot of fun an inexpensive night. Min of 2 items is the sitdown charge so we usually pick food and so far it’s been all good. Chicken Cordon Bleu bites are delicious. Prices are not bad at all. The place a lot of fun I but the seating has a lot to be desired they try to put people at your table if you don’t have four people at it. the tables are very tiny, but usually it works out.
I highly recommend it

Splitters was about what you’d expect in a comedy club. It was a pretty good night but it appeared that the servers took awhile to get started serving everyone as the place was full and barely one or two tables had drinks for about 15 – 20 mins. The comedians were good last night with the host doing a nice job of getting everyone warmed up. Overall the drinks were decent, again nothing out of the ordinary but of course at the late show you have people, a bday party being loud and annoying those around them. The staff took care of the issue but basically, like the headliner said, kind of too late as the ladies were «talkative» all night.

Recently came with some friends who had tickets to see Robert Kelly. The show was hysterical and he was quite the performer, keeping the audience engaged throughout the entire two hours. Overall, Side Splitters is a hidden gem in Carrollwood, located on the side of a strip mall. The posters located throughout the facility show that they have had some major acts come through there throughout the years. The age of the interior shows quite a bit and could do with a freshening. The menu is a bit limited and there is a 2 item minimum per person during the shows. The wait staff is very attentive and friendly and came back several times through the show to ensure everyone was well taken care of.

Why 3 stars? Because it’s a passable menu with pretty horrible drinks.
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I recently moved within walking distance of Side Splitters, but I’d honestly rather drive to Ybor if I’m going to a comedy club. I don’t really love the layout in here, and the drinks were really rough. I don’t mind a 2 drink minimum, when they are actually halfway decent. The banana splitter, to be honest, was barely edible. I cannot recommend enough to avoid this.
I went with a super manly piña colada for my next drink, and it was fine. It’s definitely created as simply as possible with pre-​made mix and a blender, which does the job, but I long to see some pride put into this process. I know we are coming to Side Splitters for the comedy and not the drinks, but halfway decent drinks would definitely add to the experience.
The layout is passable, but I do enjoy the Tampa Improv more. To be totally transparent, I’m going to visit a comedy club based on the act, and not if I like the club… but it would certainly help to add a little pizazz to the kitchen/​bar.

I have been coming to Side Splitters for live comedy for years and it never disappoints. We’ve seen headliners and local acts.
Last night we watched Rich Guzzi, Hypnotist, and he was fantastic. We laughed the whole time. Such a talent. We couldn’t believe how many people (even in the audience) were hypnotized.
Our server, David, was attentive and friendly. Our drinks were good. I had the blueberry lemonade martini and loved it. My friend had the Dirty Martini and thought that was great too. Other drinks at the table were rum and cokes and beers.
We bought tickets online in advance and didn’t have to wait in line once we arrived. I’d highly recommend buying your tickets in advance.
Ticket prices are very reasonable, so I think the 2 item minimum is very fair. You don’t have to get alcoholic drinks. You can buy any two items on the menu including food or drinks.
Relax and get ready for a fun night!

Side Splitters is a small comedy club located off of N Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. I’ve been there a few times and shared more than a few good laughs. There are always a few opening acts before the headliner comes out. Surprisingly, I’ve thought some of them were even funnier than the main act! I think it’s great that there are ticket giveaways so frequently. It’s an excellent way to draw in customers for the smaller shows.
As mentioned in other reviews, the décor isn’t the nicest. A little renovation would certainly spruce the place up! The two item minimum is pushed heavily, so I’m sure that’s how they make most of their money. I don’t mind it, since I would probably get two drinks anyway, but it would be nice if they went about it in a better way. The service also leaves much to be desired. However, I think the worst part is how close the tables are to each other. There is no room for personal space and you also have to sit with strangers. Parking is another hassle on busy nights since there are so many other businesses in the same plaza. I recommend arriving early and grabbing a drink at the bar or walking around to get some froyo before the show begins.
Also, be forewarned: If you sit near the stage, you WILL get heckled!

They seem to get pretty good comedians there. The sound system is old and sounds bad. The place feels like it hasn’t been updated since the 90s. Such a shame. If you’re not sitting directly in front of the speakers or stage you won’t be able to hear. Spend a buck and update the joint people!

Great comedy club, there is a two drink minimum (alcoholic or non alcoholic). The only downside is that if you don’t feel like purchasing a drink, you have to. They are constantly giving away free tickets and discounts to non-​special events. Nice meet and greet opportunity with the comedians afterwards.

We have been to Side Splitters several times now and it is a great small comedy club! Buying tickets for an event is super easy using their online access. We have seen Jim Norton, Jim Florentine and Robert Kelly, to name a few, and it’s always been a great time. The food and drink is reasonably priced and the staff there are very attentive during the show. If you want to see talented comics, check out Side Splitters!

Outdated venue with old chairs, tables, audio system, and décor. Not a fan of the 2 drink minimum requirement. Side splitters runs an amateur league. All the big hitter comedians go to improv. This place is starving for talent. The hypnotist is stupid and Alonzo fills in too often because they can’t book shows with any kind of comedians. Go to improv in ybor! Way better!

This place is in dire need of a renovation! Well, unless they’re holding on to the décor style until it comes back in style 10 years from now. Maybe they’re forward thinkers? I don’t know, but the place was sort of a dump. The tables were wobbly and the chair were in terrible shape. Most of them were torn, exposing what little padding was still left in them. I had a serious hard time getting comfortable during the show. I mean, this place has been around for a really long time, what would it cost the owners to get some new chairs? Shouldn’t customer comfort be a priority? Damn… I felt like I was on one of those Bar Rescue type shows pointing out all of the obvious signs of failure to my inner studio audience.
Also, the sound system is antiquated. If you’re in the back corner where I we sat (table 719), then good luck if the comedian doesn’t project his voice. Seriously owners, update that shit and make sure everyone in the audience has the same audible experience.
The service is the only reason they’re not getting a 1 star from me. Our server, Marylin, was on task and super courteous. And for being a comedy club, all of the alcohol prices were fair, compared to Improv at least.
Not sure if I will return. Depends on who is performing, I guess. Sebastian Maniscalco had us rolling, but the laughter didn’t compensate me for the discomfort.

You can tell it’s looked the same in here for years, but it’s what you’d expect a comedy club to look like. It kind of has that old carpet smell (like 100s of beers have been spilled on it), but nothing too bad.
They usually have 2 – 3 acts before the headliner, so you get significant value for the cost (and shows are pretty long). It’s small, so regardless of where you sit you can see the stage just fine. The rear seating area is raised a bit, too.
If you fill out the email/​phone form on your table, they will call you all the time for free tickets. Most of the time I’ve come here have been for free (other than a small service charge). There’s a two drink-​minimum, so it’s not TOTALLY free.

We were here almost three weeks ago to see Josh Blue. Prior to that, I don’t remember the last time I was at Side Splitters. If memory serves me right it may have been about 20 years ago.
Well, I don’t think the place has been updated since then. It still looks the same as it did years ago. That’s ok, I guess, it doesn’t have to be fancy to serve it’s purpose as a comedy club?
There is still a two drink minimum per person, which that was easily met by the both of us, plus more haha. We didn’t try the food since we had just came from dinner, and I am not exactly sure if I would be a fan of their cuisine.
I am not a huge fan of the seating arrangements. We were sat at a table for four with two complete strangers. The tables are a little too close to one another, also.
Parking can be a headache too. Side Splitters is located in the back of a shopping plaza with many bars and restaurants that share parking with the space.
Not really too sure if I would come back to Side Splitters unless the comedian was a major headliner.