Helium Comedy Club / Elements Bar & Grille

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  Ok, so there's things everyone hates about every comedy club, so let's get them out of the way and assume that a 3-star review already includes:
  - forced 2 drink minimum, even though you paid to get in
  - close quarters with strangers
  - comedians finding it okay to smoke on and off stage as "part of the show"
  - sub par food
  
  That being said, you can then add or subtract stars. So:
  + good comedians. I actually laughed A LOT
  - long wait before being seated, in small room with way too many people and crowded bar
  +/- servers didn't come by very often (inconvenient, but a few got away with one drink)
  + free parking across the street and along cobblestone
  - even more crowded than the usual club
  + friendly management and staff
  
  ...so, looks like Helium has earned 4 stars!

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  Posted on 06.04.13 Bethany M.

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  This place is top notch. I live in the Bay Area and travel a lot and this place is good as any other club in much larger market areas. Went to see Dave Atell. There was a line but the wait wasn't too long to get in. Got to my seat in a timely organized fashion and had 2 cocktails and a food item during the show. No complaints!! Very well organized and run extremely well. Top-notch keep up the good work!!

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  Posted on 05.22.13 Doesnt M.

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  So, I'm from the Cleveland area, and i'm a longtime comedy fan. I'm really spoiled by the local scene, but sometimes I travel to other places to see favorite comedians. I made the three hour drive up to Helium to see Mike Birbiglia, because he always seems to perform in bigger venues when he's in Cleveland.
  
  I mostly hate comedy clubs: everything is overpriced, there's always some sort of minimum, the wait staff is usually visibly annoyed. I'm happy to report that Helium exceeded all of my expectations.
  
  Tickets were very reasonably priced (and paying the extra $5 for reserved was money well spent). Drinks are reasonably priced, the wait staff was very attentive. And as for the room, the seating is comfortable, sound and lighting were good. You can see clearly from any part of the room, too, which is really nice.
  
  Birbigs killed it (of course), and I enjoyed seeing some local acts. I plan to make the drive up to Helium again later this summer, because I can't get enough comedy in my life. Thank you Helium for doing comedy right!

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  Posted on 04.25.13 Jessica M.

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  I've been here for 3 comedy shows now (Jim Norton, Brian Posehn, & Kevin Brennan), so I guess I should probably write a review! Prior to the first 2 shows we saw, we showed up a little early and went to Lagerhaus (just next door, at the end of the block) and we met with friends and had small meals and drinks. Before both times, we made reservations just in case. About an hour before the show, the people from our group who ordered the tickets ran next door and grabbed them from the will call window. No big deal. There was a small line, but it moved very quickly. About 15 to 20 minutes before the show started, we headed over there. As it said in previous reviews, the place was PACKED. They have a system where they call out letters and you can go in based on the letter on the back of your ticket. It didn't seem to matter too much though because it seemed like there was no way for people in the back of the room to get through to the front, no matter what the letter was on their ticket. My recommandation to anyone who is new to stand up comedy: don't sit in the front rows unless you want to be picked on (sometimes horribly) by the comedians. LOL. That being said, I really don't think it matters if you're in the back of the room waiting to be seated. Just relax and go with the flow. It works out fine once you're in there. Also, if you get split from your group, not a big deal. It's not like you're talking during the show anyway. During our recent show, we actually went to Chef's beforehand for a nice dinner (also made reservations). It turned out that there was a Sabre's game that night and we were going to the 8:00 show. I do not recommend this, but it's do-able. Parking was $20.00 in all of the lots around there. If you're lucky, you can snag a street spot where you hopefully won't get ticketed. Be very careful of the parking signs. Columbia has "No standing" signs all along it, but they are scattered and sometimes you just don't notice them (there was one on the ground next to where I parked this last time). As for the service, be sure to place your full order right away or as soon as your server brings you your drinks. If you wait, you probably won't end up getting anything. They seem to be short staffed. As the previous reviews stated, if they had more servers, they'd probably get a lot more orders! We didn't even get food at the first show because the waitress never came back after she dropped our drinks off. The second time we went, we knew better and ordered our desserts right away when she brought our drinks! Same with this last time. It seems like the servers don't want to be disrupting the show and they don't show up too much at the tables when it's going on. Even this last time, there were hardly any people there and the service was the same. I would recommend the Brownie Sundae. It's a pretty good treat if you're just looking to have a little dessert during the show. That's the only food we've tried here so far. We have yet to eat at Elements (the comedy club's restaurant) and I'm skeptical to try it because the place is so new. I like a restaurant to get situated real good before I try it out. LOL. Hopefully some of you other reviewers will eat there and let me know how it is. :) All in all, I really like this place. Great date nights out with the hubby and friends! Great comedians! I highly recommend checking it out!!!

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  Posted on 04.13.13 Jamie C.

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  Fortunately, we had a lot of advice and recommendations prior to our visit from other reviews and friends who had previously been there.  Due to all this, we had an awesome time this past Friday and everything went perfectly!
  
  We had a group of 12 people going to the Friday 8pm show to see Dov Davidoff.  We purchased "reserved" tickets for our group @ $25/person a couple days in advance.  Friends recommended us arriving as soon as possible to pick up the tickets (you can pick them up 2 hours prior to show time).  If you call ahead when you purchase reserve seating they will place your party together.  We had three tables all together in the second row (really close to stage) with four people at a table.  I read previous reviews about the seats being close together so I knew what to expect.  My boyfriend and I were the "lucky" ones who got to arrange and pick up the tickets for everyone.  We went at 6:15pm and figured we would just get the tickets then go somewhere to eat.  When we arrived there wasn't a single person there (besides the workers).  We walked right in to the ticket booth, showed ID, and retrieved all 12 tickets.  
  
  Since everyone else in our group wasn't going to meet us there until about 7pm, we decided to just eat and get drinks right there.  There was nobody there yet and this allowed us to get good seats at the bar, order food, wait and have room for friends to join us.  The bartender (not sure of his name) was extremely friendly and welcoming.  Since we were the only ones there he wasn't busy and talked with us.  I asked him what to expect, the size of theatre, etc.  He was very informative.  I ordered a mixed drink and my boyfriend ordered an IPA (Ithaca Flower Power on tap...I think he died and went to heaven).  We also ordered the chicken quesadilla and the chicken fingers with French fries.  They were both pretty reasonably priced for the venue.  The quesadillas $8 and the chicken fingers with fries $10.  The quesadillas were delicious and huge...it came with four large pieces...we couldn't finish them.  The chicken fingers and fries were good as well.  My only complaint was that we ordered them "honey bbq style", and they came out plain with bbq sauce on the side.
  
  By the time all of our friends arrived, more people arrived too and there was a line forming at the door.  We luckily still had enough room at the bar for people to join us.  They start letting people in line to go inside the theatre area at 7:30pm.  Since a line immediately formed there as well, we took our time and moseyed on up when the line dwindled.  So I finally witnessed the tightness of the tables and chairs on top of each other.  The chairs were set up in the manner that two were in front of the table on each side and two were in the back of the table on each side.  All the girls sat in front with her boyfriends/husbands behind them, which worked out well.  The size of the table didn't bother me at all because I wouldn't consider eating in there.  I was glad we ate prior at the bar.  The space and the table were WAY too small and I couldn't fathom eating on top of people like that, especially during a show.  My recommendation:  eat before!  I don't know why people complain about the "2 drink minimum".  As a previous review stated, this can include food and drinks.  Also, you are sitting there for 1  1/2 - 2 hours I'm sure you can manage two beverages in that time.  If not, then don't order one in there, just order one at the bar prior to walking in.  The waitress serving in there was very good...quick, quiet, and without any disturbance to the performers.  
  
  Josh Potter was the host of the show and did an excellent job.  Dan Fisher was the opening act.  Both were hilarious and I actually enjoyed them better than Dov Davidoff.  This was my first time ever seeing Dov Davidoff so I wasn't impressed really, but I also didn't know what to expect out of him.  I would have preferred the other two to be on stage longer! Overall though, all the performers were very amusing and had the crowd pleased.  I can't wait to come back here!

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  Posted on 04.02.13 Nicole B.

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  I went to Helium last Saturday to see J B Smoov with my girlfriend, her sisters, and their boyfriends. We walked in the main entrance in to a very surprisingly small atrium (considering how big Benchwarmers was) and handed our tickets to the attendant. When Jody G. (below) described how people are packed in like sardines, she wasn't exaggerating. The bar area/atrium/will-call area is suitable to accommodate half of the people that they squish in there pre-show. So after I didn't get a drink, they began to call all of the reserved/ VIP seating, that we unfortunately did not have. This was our first showing of comedy because it seemed that everybody that had these tickets were on the opposite side of the room of the show room entrance. It was hilarious and terribly uncomfortable watching the first, however many people, try to squeeze through the packed crowd to get to the door. After 15 minutes of playing bumper-cars, our section was finally called. We all stood in a line and were efficiently ushered to tables that would accommodate our party size. The few young guys at the door did a great job at moving along this process and getting guests to their seats quickly.
  
  We ended up moving two very small tables together to fit our party of 8. There was enough space for about 4 but I'm not going to complain because I would do the same thing if I was the owner. We went through the menu and it was what I expected, filled with the norm grille and fryer food, and over priced cocktails. Again, I'm not going to complain because If I was the owner, I would do the same thing. Our waitress, who was very pleasant, came over and took our food and drink orders.
  
  The show started with two local comedians who were absolutely hilarious. They each did about 10-15 minutes on stage. During their stand up, our food and drinks were brought over by a nice food runner. Everything was what we expected so we were all happy. Being Saturday night, drinks were going down a little quicker than usual, but not in any sort of binge drinking/ chugging sort of way. My empty glass must have sat in front of me from the second opening act to about 30 minutes in to JB Smoov. Our waitress was nowhere to be found while every other party was getting drinks brought to their table as if they were with Henry Hill from Good Fellas. After getting that annoyed look from my girlfriend, I decided to ask a food runner if they could find our waitress, which I absolutely hate doing. Our waitress mosied on over to tell us that she was sorry and she just has so many tables to attend to. I was understanding because the place was huge, packed with people and they looked way understaffed. Note to owner- If you want to keep packing in crowds, please put more people on so your customers can give you money and enjoy themselves!
  
  Aside from how cramped the lobby was, and how few servers they had on, I really liked the place. Everything was clean, they seem to be bringing in good talent and it's a nice change of pace for the City of Buffalo! The show lasted an hour and half was absolutely hilarious. I hope they continue to bring in big name people and really work on their service, so I can drink a couple beers and enjoy some good comedy!!

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  Posted on 03.28.13 Nick K.

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  When I first walked in I was a bit skeptical.  I mean it was packed, and even though it was 20 minutes before show-time they wouldn't open the doors and allow us into the main show room.  We were packed in like sardines.  There was no way to get up to the bar and order a drink.  I was slightly freaking out. (I'm not a big fans of crowds). When the doors opened and we were brought to our table I was even a bit more skeptical.  Those tables were very close to each other.  The chairs, even closer.  I didn't want to sit with someone pressed against me the whole night.  The table was tiny.  Where was I going to put my food and my drink?  This was simply not going to work.
  
  But then, amazingly it all worked out.  Everyone was seated.... and no one was crushed against me.  I was able to breath without having to sync each intake with an unknown neighbor.  The (very friendly) waitress took my drink and food order, and I relaxed.  I was surprised at the menu.  I was anticipating "bar food" and while there were burgers and wings and fingers and fries on the menu... there were also salads, and lots of sandwiches, and even some interesting sounding entrees.  There's a full drink and beer and wine list.  
  
  I started with a glass of the Chateau St. Michele Riesling which was perfectly chilled ..... and then ordered the "Mediterranean Appetizer Platter"  (toasted pita, homemade roasted garlic hummus, pepperoncini, fresh vegetables, feta, and imported olives).  I must tell you that I was pleasantly surprised.  It was DELICIOUS!  I mean, REALLY, REALLY DELICIOUS!  Like probably one of the best platters of that type I've ever had (and I've eaten lots of that kind of thing).  The pita was fresh and perfectly toasted.  The hummus was just right in flavor and texture.  The veggies were fresh and crunchy.  The feta was high quality cubes.  And the olives were NOT from a can.  Wow!
  
  What about the comedy though? FANTASTIC!  Two warm up acts and then the headliner, JB Smoove from "Curb Your Enthusiasm".  I was literally laughing (and laughing and LAUGHING) out loud.  Definitely come for the show ....... but know that if you're hungry you'll also get a very good meal.

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  Posted on 03.24.13 Jody G.

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  Just to be fair, I have performed here now (MCed a show). But I wrote my initial review as a customer only. Allow me to add another recommendation; the Honey Roasted Warm Turkey Sandwich....WOW! Yummy :)

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  Posted on 02.15.13 Jamie T.

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  Love this place! Beer selection is ok, but expensive. Food is great, I love the Chicken Satay.

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  Posted on 02.03.13 Samantha M.

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  We went to see Tammy Pescatelli on saturday night and had a great time.  The staff was friendly and welcoming to us.  The MC was good, opening act was okay and Tammy was very good, but not as sharp as I've seen her.  Will definitely go back.  I'd like to see a more extensice food list in the theater and more information about Elemetns available.

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  Posted on 01.15.13 Nancy N.

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  Went to the early show on Saturday night, Tammy Pescatelli.  The club was clean and new but a bit stark for my tastes.   The opening acts were average at best but Ms. Pescatelli was very funny and worth the price of admission.
  
  Something I didn't know until I arrived was that there is a 2 'item' minimum pp. (This does not include any drinks you may purchase in the bar area while waiting for the doors to open.)  After requesting a winelist in the club and receiving an old receipt w/ 'chard', 'cab', etc... scribbled on the back by the waiter, we just ordered the house wines we previously ordered before being seated.  Those wines cost $9.70 for BOTH in the bar, so you can imagine our surprise to receive a post-show bill for $52 for 4 glasses of wine!!  The $5/glass bar wine was now $14 (Cabernet) and $10 (Chardonney)!
  
  After complaining the waiter did cut our bill in half but we were not happy with the 'bait & switch' routine used.  I also spoke to others outside the club and comfirmed that this is standard policy, not a slip up.  They complained of $13 glasses of wine.  Most people were complaining and peeved.
  
  No one likes to feel ripped off and this was a huge negative on the night, particularly after requesting a wine list to find one doesn't exist!!  I could live with a club markup but I think 3x's the price is ridiculous!

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  Posted on 01.14.13 Kath A.

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  Went there last night for the local comedy finals...horror show started a hour late...lines out the door,, when we finally got in and settled we tried to get a waiter/waitress to take are drink order...3 separate waiters told us to wait they were not our server....even though they were waiting on what seemed to be there friends at a nearby table.  Then repeatedly The Gm kristen becker came over to try and take our friends seats as they were at the bar trying to get us a drink...which took a half hour.  But Kristen was not nice about the way she handled herself...she repeatedly questioned me...where are your friends?
  Are they here?
  Are they in line?
  I just looked away and ignored her, but she did that many times to us and others...she even went out to the bar and yelled at everyone to take there seats or lose them.  If your going there looking for good service and a fun show.....Then you will only find one here.   3 stars for the comedy only....Had much much more fun at Jim Nortons, and Rich Vos's shows.  But then again someone wasnt there those nights  I wonder who?

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  Posted on 01.14.13 Bob S.

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