Best Improv Comedy In Tampa Bay

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 15, 2014 7:00 am EST

Taking in an improv performance is a fun and exciting way to spend an evening with friends or even on a date. You never know what can happen or what to expect at an improv show, but you know it will be hilarious. Most places even offer a food and drink menu so you can make a night of it. Check out this list of outstanding improv comedy in the Tampa Bay area.

Improv Comedy Club
1600 E. 8th Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 864-4000
www.improvtampa.com

The Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theater has been in business for 40 years and has given many now-famous comedians their start. When you visit the Improv, you might just witness the birth of a star. All guests must be 21 years of age or older and must bring some form of identification. If you are interested in having dinner at the club, you can check out the menu online, which includes appetizers, entrees, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Tickets can be purchased in person, over the phone or through the website listed above.

WIT Improv
www.witimprov.com

This traveling comedy troupe performs all over the Tampa Bay area. Founded in 2005, it is affiliated with the Theater Tampa Bay Member Company and was a finalist for the Best of the Bay award in 2007. The performers' outrageous comedic repertoire includes female anatomy humor, music humor and sometimes even puppetry. To get the group's full performance schedule and even discount coupons for tickets, check out the WIT Improv Facebook page.

Side Splitters Comedy Club
12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 960-1197
www.sidesplitterscomedy.com

Side Splitters is Tampa's most popular destination for comedy shows. You can fulfill your two drink minimum with wine, beer, coffee drinks, a martini or even a cocktail. If you get hungry, there is a small but satisfying menu available that includes nachos, popcorn, a veggie platter and more. Past performers at Side Splitters include Spanky Brown, Jeff Dye and Mary Lynn Rajskub. Open Mic nights occur twice each month and anyone can sign up. You'll never know what to expect next.

Nine and Numb
Carrollwood Players
4333 Gunn Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 265-4000
www.tampabayimprov.com

Nine and Numb is a traveling improv comedy troupe that was formed by nine college students from the University of North Dakota. The troupe, headed and owned by Kelly Clow, moved to Tampa in 2005. Nine and Numb is famous for its improv comedy, but also performs full stage shows such as "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "A Christmas Carol Abridged." Tickets can be purchased through the website for The Carrollwood Players Theater. Tickets can be purchased at the Carrollwood Players box office or purchased online.

Coconuts Comedy Club
5501 Gulf Blvd.
St. Petersburg, FL 33706
(727) 360-5653
www.coconutscomedyclubs.com/cocostpete.html

Coconuts is conveniently located across from the Tradewinds resort, making it a fun diversion for vacationers. The club hosts stand-up comedy shows from Wednesday through Saturday. Doors open at 9 p.m. and shows begin at 9:30 p.m. There is a two-drink minimum per person. During the show, you can also enjoy sandwiches, appetizers and the full bar. Past performers include Kenny Smith, Mike Holum and Carl Rimi.

Amanda Mole has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil and cooking since she was tall enough to reach the stove. She believes that food provides more than just vital nutrients: it is an irreplaceable part of countless cultural and social activities. As a Tampa Bay resident for the past 21 years, she is well acquainted with the incredibly diverse range of restaurants, bars, and food festivals that the area has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.