Dallas' comedy scene can feel disjointed at times, but there's no shortage of places to see funny people say, and do, funny things. So for the moment, consider us the Siri of North Texas comedy, but way less warm and creepy-sounding.
Addison Improv Comedy Club, 4980 Belt Line Road, #250, 972-404-8501 Vibe: The Addison Improv offers full dinner and drink menus and brings in some of the best stand-ups. So while it's laid back, you'll probably feel most comfortable in something other than cut-offs and PJs. If you wear Crocs, I will personally go over and kick you out. Who you'll see: Lots of big stand up names, like Ralphie May, Bill Burr, Kevin Pollack, Mo'Nique, Kevin Hart and Russell Peters, to name a few. Tickets: Check out the website or call the club. Or if you're super lazy, buy 'em at the box office.
See also: The Best Open Mic Comedy Nights in D-FW
American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave., 214-222-3687 Vibe: Home to the Mavs and the Stars, the AAC is your typical stadium venue: giant, casual, freezing cold. Who you'll see: Comedy shows are rare here, but when they happen, bigger names show up -- Jeff Dunham, Dane Cook and Kevin Hart are examples. Tickets: Online is best -- the names are big enough to sell out.
The Amsterdam Bar, 831 Exposition Ave., 214-827-3433 Vibe: Laid back and cozy, this jazz club gets snarky on the last Friday of every month. Who you'll see: Local faves, like Paul Varghese of Comedy Central fame, and some of the headliners from Hyena's and the Improv. Tickets: There are no tickets because there is no charge, which is the best kind of charge.
Arlington Improv Comedy Club, 309 Curtis Mathes Way, #147, 817-635-5555 Vibe: A mere four years old, the Arlington Improv is a damn nice club, so try to act right. Full dinner and drink menus are on hand. Who you'll see: Well-known names, including Bill Bellamy, Eddie Griffin, Mike Epps and Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias, plus more. Tickets: Check out the website, call the club or make your way to the box office.
Backdoor Comedy Dallas, 8250 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, 214-328-4444 Vibe: Backdoor is a small and intimate club, but casual clothes are totally fine. Feel free to don shorts and flip-flops, but don't be surprised by a table of ladies in sequins next to you -- it's a mix. You can order some food (think burgers and hot wings) or just fill up on alcohol from the full bar. The club is located inside a DoubleTree hotel, and the parking is free. Score. Who you'll see: Local favorites like Paul Varghese and Aaron Aryanpur are regulars, as well as Robert Hawkins, Dave Little and Linda Stogner. Backdoor features showcase-style set ups, so expect to see seven to ten comedians per show. Oh, and for birthdays or special events, you can have your dearest friend roasted to shreds by the pros. Call for details. Tickets: Since this is a small venue, calling ahead for reservations is recommended.
Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth, 817-212-4300 Vibe: Think: "fancy pants." Bass Performance Hall is home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Worth Opera, and it shows. Try to tuck in your shirt or wear heels or whatever people with money do. Who you'll see: Huge names -- Lewis Black, David Sedaris and Bill Cosby, to name just a few. This is the big leagues. Tickets: Call the ticket office or go online. Keep in mind -- with this level of comedic talent, shows could easily sell out.
Dallas Comedy House, 2645 Commerce St., Dallas, 214-741-4448 Vibe: With a full bar outside the performance room, a jammed show space and an outside patio with a couch, DCH screams "dive bar meets Deep Ellum meets rowdy improv crowd." Come prepared with suggestions to shout out at the comedy groups to get them going. Who you'll see: Experienced improv groups and the occasional stand-up act. Tickets: Just show up -- tickets are sold at the door. On Pay 'n' Stay Thursdays, pay just $5 and stay for the entire night (catch three acts).
Four Day Weekend Theatre, 312 Houston St, Fort Worth, 817-226-4329 Vibe: Even though the club is fancy-looking, feel free to show up in casual clothes. Take advantage of the full bar for some extra fun. Who you'll see: At Four Day, you'll see some stellar improv from David Ahearn, David Wilk, Ray Sharp, Oliver Tull, Frank Ford and Joshua Roberts each Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Six good-looking guys all at once? Yes, please. Tickets: Visit the box office on Friday or Saturday from 2-10 p.m., call ahead or just go online.
House of Blues - Dallas, 2200 N. Lamar St., Dallas, 214-978-BLUE (2583) Vibe: With a pretty sweet interior, House of Blues is as dressy as you want it to be. Jeans are cool, too. The performer truly sets the tone. Who you'll see: Showcases are pretty popular here. Think the Jokers Wild Comedy Show and LOL! Comedy. Tickets: Online is your best bet, or you can call the box office.
Hyena's Comedy Club - Dallas, 5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, 214-823-LAFF (5233) Vibe: Hyena's is laid-back and casual and, yes, there's alcohol. Who you'll see: At Hyena's, you'll find comedians making a name for themselves -- Doug Benson, Brad Williams, Collin Moulton and more. Tickets: Head online or get 'em on the spot at the box office. And keep in mind that Thursdays are always free (Dallas location only).
Hyena's Comedy Club - Fort Worth, 425 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, 817-877-LAFF (5233) Vibe: Pretty chill. Take advantage of the bar while you're there. Who you'll see: You'll find up-and-comers advancing in the ranks -- Kevin Brown, Darren Carter, Louis Ramey and more. Tickets: Head online or get 'em on the spot at the box office.
Kitchen Dog Theater, 3120 McKinney Ave, Dallas, 214-953-1055 Vibe: Located in a unique exhibit space in downtown Dallas, come casual. Who you'll see: Small, funny plays are Kitchen Dog's specialty. Tickets: Call, go online or try and get some at the box office. The first 25 people on Wednesdays and Thursdays pay what they can. Sweet.
Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St., Suite 500, Dallas, 214-670-3687 Vibe: The inside is all red velvet and ornate crown molding, so take it up a notch. But know that the shows still dictate the vibe, so don't be afraid to let loose. Who you'll see: Everything from comedy plays, like SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody to straight-up stand-up, like Dane Cook and Bill Burr. This is where Louis CK played last year. Tickets: Website is best.
Pocket Sandwich Theatre, 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane #119, Dallas, 214-821-1860 Vibe: At the Pocket, expect an artsy theatre crowd turned popcorn hurlers (for select shows). It's a pretty fun place for a date night or to feel less alone while drinking a martini. Who you'll see: Here, you'll find everything from comedic plays you can throw snacks at to stand up to a one-person drag show. Tickets: Call the box office for reservations.
Taste of the Islands, 909 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, 972-517-5900 Vibe: Put on your best beach bum clothes for Taste of the Islands, a Caribbean restaurant ... in Plano. Make sure to check out the family-cooked Caribbean fare and drink specials during the show. Who you'll see: Every Friday night at 8:30 is a comedy show. Come out and see The Other Guys of Comedy, a local stand up group, which includes comedians Tyson Faifer, Jeff Stachowski and CJ Starr, among others. About 10 guys perform each Friday night. And make sure to ask about Saturday headliner acts while you're there. Tickets: No such thing! Just show up and sit back.
Theatre 3 and Theatre Too, 2800 Routh St., Dallas, 214-871-3300 Vibe: With the audience surrounding the stage on all four sides in Theatre 3, the venue is pretty intimate. Same goes for the even smaller Theatre Too. Oh, and this place is worth ironing your clothes. Who you'll see: Expect to see some tried and true plays here: Avenue Q, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and Present Laughter are a few. Tickets: Online is your best bet, and seating can get pretty limited.
Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie, 972-854-5050 Vibe: A giant amphitheater (6,350-indoor seating capacity), the Verizon is home to large shows and big names. For comedy shows, dress is casual. Who you'll see: There's a mix of comedy stars -- Kathy Griffin, George Lopez, Robin Williams -- and stuff like comedic plays (SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody). Tickets: Online is best.