It's on a small 1 way street
$5 parking right across the street (bonus!)
Free street parking after 6pm if you can find it
Entrance via the alley
Food is insanely expensive
Nachos $14
12 hot wings $18
Virgin drinks $6.50, water $4.25
When I called I asked if eating before the show would count as my 2 drink min. and was told yes, once we ate and paid our $47 tab we were told oh nooo once you're in the show you still have to abide by a 2 drink minimum. I was very irritated by this because I asked beforehand and was given the wrong info, and we would have grabbed dinner somewhere else instead. So we ended up spending another $24 for 4 drinks 2 waters, a soda, and a white Russian.
If you get there early, about an hour before the show you get seating preference, they give everyone these colored cards in the order that they checked in, but beware once the color is called people straight rush the door (chaos)
Not enough restrooms for a sold out event
The host was cool, pretty funny guy, and the price of the show was excellent if you don't consider the additional money spent once there $40
The 3 guys in charge of the bar were cool, and the bouncer guy was sweet and patient with the crowd. The two chicks at the box office sucked, they were short and rude with major attitudes, and the Asian girl working the room with the two drink min basically called me a liar for simply stating that the drink min threw me off because I was told it was waived if I ate there
I wouldn't come here again unless someone I really loved was only playing here, which is how I ended up in this place to begin with (Katt Williams)
There was nothing horribly wrong with it, I just didn't care for it, and wouldn't frequent it.
Went here the other night to watch Katt Williams (hilarious, btw!)
Just want to leave a few tips:
- Don't purchase drinks before the show, because they won't count towards the two you must purchase inside. (Get the mudslide!)
- Place your 2 drink orders at the start of the show. They will bring them out one at a time, but it helps so you're not talking and trying to order during the show.
- Restrooms are tiny.
- Spend the extra $7 if you want to sit in the front/reserved tables. The place is small, so any seat is a pretty good seat. (We were sitting toward the side, but got lucky and the security guy let us move to the front for free. Score!)
It's not the fanciest place, but you'll have a good time.
I've been here with several of my friends and we definitely enjoyed ourselves for the most part.
1. Parking on the street can be hit or miss so you may have to pay to park in the lot.
2. This place is small so you may feel claustrophobic.
3. The bathrooms are small and cannot accommodate the size of the crowd that may need to relieve themselves at any given time.
4. Service during the show was pretty good.
5. You may be able to find a deal on Living Social or Groupon so you won't have to pay a high entry fee to one of their shows.
6. They bring in some seriously talented individuals
Overall, it's a fun place to visit every now and then.
Comedians are great.
Drink prices are moderate. Not too bad.
Parking may be a hassle at times because you might have to pay.
Seating for 2 is a little squishy and I feel like you're so close to people.
Overall, I had a good time at the show.
Expect to pay about $40.00 that day including the ticket.
Friday night date night at the Ice House Comedy Club. The show we saw was really really funny, especially Quinn Dahle, he had my stomach sore from laughter. The venue on the other hand is very strange.
You know when you're on a road trip and you stop at one of those trucker towns to get gas or use the restroom, and the only place you find is a dodgy outdated building with low ceilings--old, no logical flow of space kind of like a maze and sticky? Well, that's the Ice House. I was surprised being that it's a pretty well-known comedy club in the greater LA area that hosts big name headliners. Â
Also, they don't make it clear where you are supposed to wait, order a drink, etc. until the show starts. When you do find an open seat on the patio, the music is way too loud, you can't even have a conversation.
Overall, my experience was decent because the show was great. Considering it's convenient proximity to my house, I'd go again, but if I am going to buy tickets for a headliner that comes to LA in the future, I'd make the trip to a different venue.
Always enjoy coming to the Ice House! Some of the comedians were funny some were ok. We actually ate food in the dining area and the portions for the salad were big . needed more dressing but overall food was expensive but ok. love the drinks. no one makes the one i like except for ice house.
Review Source:Pros: Nice atmosphere, love the MC-- he's nice and funny and puts hecklers in place, comedians know how to put hecklers in place too.
Cons: Hecklers take up time which I paid to see and hear comedians (if a comedian is very good, he or she will put those loud, obnoxious arse-holes down with his/her quick wit). Drinks aren't as strong for the price you pay. Some comedians who are regulars tend to reuse a bit of old material (Saw a regular about a year ago and then saw him a couple of days ago, still using some old material). The comedian wasn't bad and I'm sure it's difficult to come up with new material.
This was the second time I came to Ice House. The first time I came here the show I paid for started around 8PM. The show I went to recently should've started at 10:30PM but was pushed until 11PM and that's ok, sometimes comedians are on a roll and they perform longer. The second visit to this place isn't as good as my first visit and I think it may be due to the type of crowd (the drunken heckling type) that comes late at night but that's my guess. I don't blame ice house, I blame the dummies who ruin it.
My tip to you: try your best to enjoy the show, don't give pitty laughs to jokes it'll just hurt their feelings, and if you feel like yelling and it doesn't help a comedian's act-- shut the fuck up.
We came here on a Groupon deal.
There were 3 comedians performing that evening (I only recall 2 of their names) at the main room. We enjoyed Helen Hong's performance, however Jason Stuart's act wasn't for us. Too much Barbra Streisand references that we did not get...
Since we were using a Groupon deal, we got the chicken nacho and the brownie bites. Do not get either. The chicken nacho came out cold and the brownie bites were just average.
Parking: $5 parking structure across the street or free street parking in front of the comedy club or Union.
Would I come here again? Sure, if I didn't have to pay an entrance fee and there were some other comedians performing.
Went here last week and i have to say i had a good time! The drinks were yummy even though to me a bit pricey! The comedians were pretty good as well! The place is a bit tricky to find but not too bad! Weird enough the acts seemed a little rushed and when the show ended i felt like they just wanted us out of there as quickly as possible (we were the last show), but maybe that was just me! Best part was when my boyfriend won a $35 gift card for the next time we go =) Over all pretty good experience but wasnt too crazy about it!
Review Source:I came to the Ice House last week with a small group while celebrating a friend's birthday. I have to admit that I was completely lost at first trying to find the entrance. Luckily, my friends had been here before and helped me find my way (Hint: the entrance is around the side. Â Follow the alley). There was no cover charge for the show, but there was a two drink minimum. Â I got my fruity drinks as usual. They were very tasty, but lasted me only a few sips each.
The show itself was fantastic! Â We got to see some great comedians. Â However, the funniest part was that most of them were unable to complete their pre-rehearsed routines. Â There was another woman in the crowd celebrating a birthday too, and she had a very large group of rowdy drunkards. Â They talked trash to the comedians from the start, which led to an epic back and forth heckling battle. Â The comedians held their own pretty well, but the headliner ripped them a new one. Â After witnessing that I will never, ever, ever think of heckling a comedian on stage. Â He was so good at dealing with unruly people, with no mercy...and he even knew the birthday girl too! Â
I really liked my experience at the Ice House, and would love to go back again. Â Hopefully I get to see all of the comedians' full routines the next time, but watching the hecklers get clowned was very entertaining.
2 stars earned because they occasionally do have some funny people come through- Adam Corolla anyone?
Minus 3 stars for the tore up, haggard staff. They have attitudes like they think their working at the Apollo club in the 80's. My god. Learn some respect and customer service skills. And maybe change outa that homely sweatshirt and throw on some eyeliner bitch!
Came in on a Thursday night with a couple friends from out of town. The lineup want terrible, but only one comedian was worth returning for. My numbers might be slightly off, but there was one awesome act, three entertaining acts, two mediocre acts and one absolutely terrible act (terrible like, I laugh harder in church.) We didn't order any food. There is a two drink minimum so I was stuck ordering two $5 sodas, which was slightly irritating. One of my friends had to leave the show to have his drinks remade. Overall the experience was so-so.
Review Source:One of my favorite places to go in Pasadena! Most of the comics who perform at funny- some I would go as far as saying theyre hilarious! The food isnt that great and the drinks are expensive but they always have good deals on admission if you get on their emailing list
I also took traffic school here one time. I havent taken any other traffic school courses anywhere else to compare but the comedic instructor sure helped pass the time... and she gave us all free passes to a comedy show!
I'm always up for any suggestions on local comedy clubs to check out! :)
I enjoy this comedy club, it's been there a long time and you can see that when you walk in by all the a-list comedians photos up they've performed here before they got big. Â I have heard that some of the bigger names show up unexpectedly just to pay their dues/respect. Â For the most part the comedians here are up & coming, some are more known than others but you'll find great funny talent here. Â The ambiance is a bit dark and somewhat divey; don't expect a Disney concert hall. With witty grimy comedy comes the feel of it, and that's what you'll get here. Â Sign up on their website or when your'e at the comedy club for their emails.
Every once in a while if you're signed up with them, they will offer you free tickets to a comedy show. Â You still will have to cover the 2 drink minimum per person but that really is nothing since you want to have a descent buzz before you get into the show. Â I feel that it helps me laugh more.
I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. This is a great activity for groups or a date. Eman Morgan and Michael Malone were hilarious, high energy comics. However, I was disappointed by the headliner Ahmed Ahmed. His show was flat, at times I wondered if he didn't practice, had no set list or forgot his jokes. He spent a lot of time having weird conversations with people in the front row. It was boring and awkward. I sensed that he was sick (coughing) and tired, so I hope to see him again in better form. Unlike people with more traditional jobs, I know that comics cannot call in sick, so I admire anyone who shares their gifts (and soul) in front of a live audience.
The venue is run-down and kind of funky. I couldn't understand why people bothered to get dressed up. There is very little seating in the bar and most people had to stand around a dirty, crowded outdoor patio until the show started. I did enjoy the 80s music they played. For 17.50 + a 2 drink minimum, the owners could give the place a facelift. I was disappointed that I had to wait in the funky patio for 37 minutes before the show started. Professionals should start on time.
For people who are sensitive about racism, beware of the ethnic jokes. If these jokes offend you, then this activity is not for you. I appreciated that they made fun of everybody and I was able to forget all of my PC baggage for the night. I will definitely be back.
I love taking friends here on a Friday night. Â Come here for the 2nd stage comedy hour. Â The first stage has major comedian headliners. Â 2nd stage has many up and coming comedians and you will experience the full gamut of talent that comedy circuit has to offer. Â
Order and print your tickets online. Â Order and print your tickets online and expeditiously enjoy your time here.
There is a full bar in the lobby area, but wait to be seated to purchase you drinks since there is a 2 drink minimum. Â Order from the menu, or as I do, order from the full bar. Â The waitress are very knowledgeable. Â Laugh a lot...or not...
"It's everywhere you go....I went to Subway to get a sandwich, why is THIS a problem?! It's a SANDWICH! Got behind the guy, looked like it was his first time EVER. Just a look of bewilderment. Confusion....IT SAYS STEP ONE PICK BREAD! YOU DON SEE DAT?!"
I laughed so hard with my friends that night, the muscles in my face went numb and I walked out with a side cramp. Sebastian Maniscalco is a class act, as are all the performers that do shows at the infamous Ice House in Pasadena. The venue is small so no matter where you sit, you have a great view of the stage and the performer. As with most comedy clubs there's a two drink minimum; I sprang for the Michelada and the Bahama Mama, both of which were excellent!
The best part was getting to meet Sebastian, who was gracious enough to wait outside to sign autographs and take pictures with his fans, yours truly included!
Had an incredible night and can't wait to go back!
"Hi, where is the ice house?" I said to the shaggy looking guy standing on the corner looking inconspicuous.
As he pointed down the dimly lit alley nearby he said , "It's right up this alley, past the dumpster" as he squinted his eyes and grinned a bit. It was nearing midnight, and my eyes were still adjusting to the combination of the faint glow of the street lights and my vehicle's navigation system that led me to my impending demise. Â "Yeah right!" I began thinking to myself, as I surveyed the narrow corridor that was the alley and began pondering all the possible ambush locations this hobo and his comrades had waiting for us.
I glanced back at him trying to get a good look at my potential assailant in the event that I live through this, I can give the police sketch up artist an accurate description. Â With a single breath, I bravely walked down this alley readying my legs to flee, and as I approached the dumpster, and made a left... BOOM! Â There they were! Â All 30 people lined up waiting to get into the ice house on a Saturday night... but it was a dream!
I opened my eyes: I was in the hospital. Â My ribs sore, and my memories faint. The white bright florescent lights now hurting my eyes, apparently I was attacked! Â I don't remember anything, but apparently I was taken to the hospital after collapsing of so much laughter. Â Thank you Ice House, will be back here again soon!
I went to a early show on a weekday, and I had a great time.
LOCATION AND PARKING: This building is easy to find and get to, and there's a $5 lot across the street. I knew that if I had tried harder, I could get street parking on Colorado Blvd, but I was lazy and the lot was convenient and well lit. If you've never been here, the entry is through an alley.
DRINKS: Like all comedy clubs, there is a two item minimum, but this is the first time I've had to order both items up front, instead of ordering a drink and ordering the second when I was finished. This ended up working out okay for me, though, because when the show started, I didn't have to re-order; the drink just came out right after I finished my first. On the other hand, this style didn't work for my friends. They hadn't finished their first drink when the second cocktail arrived. The second cocktail just ended up sitting there, accumulating condensation.
My friends and I ordered a variety of cocktails, each priced around $10. The presentation of the cocktails was fun-- they were colorful and served in a tall glass--but the taste was average. I finished both my drinks, but my friends only took sips of both drinks and didn't finish. Next time, I'll probably order beer or wine.
STAFF: The staff is friendly and efficient. They add to the  fun atmosphere.
OVERALL: A great venue to see a show, and because of its convenient location in Pasadena, this place is hassle free to attend.
I just went for the first time this past Saturday. Â The headliner was John Caparulo...Hilarious! I definitely recommend the VIP upgrade for only $7.00. For only $7.00 extra, you don't have to wait in line, and you get a plate of hors d'oeuvres and a glass of champagne, and first-choice seating. What a great deal!
I would definitely go back again to see my favorite comedians.
Been to this place about 4x now. Â It's not a bad comedy club to check out. Â They offer a full bar and kitchen, so if you're hungry and want to eat before the show you can do so in their dining area. Â The only reason why I gave 3 stars, is they do have a 2 drinks minimum. Â You can't buy your minimum while hanging out in the bar area either, you have to order it during the show. Â So if you think you can buy your drinks before the show, watch out cause you will be forced to buy 2 more drinks during the show by their wait staff. Â Their food / drink menu is also a bit on the pricey side. Â The show itself is not so bad, depending on the acts that night of course.
Review Source:Comedians: 4 stars. Andrew Norelli, Â Fritz Coleman, Michelle Buteau. Jokes on interracial dating, medications, sex, old people, gay people,etc. Funny, but not offensive.
Food: 2 stars. I wouldn't order the nachos, cheesecake nor brownie bites if it weren't for the Groupon that we had which included them. Food and drinks are pricey. We opted to order the least expensive items on the menu for the 2 drink minimum. Â $4.25 -small glass of soda which is like 4 oz. and a whole lot of ice.
$6.50 non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri had a nice flavor to it, but I wish they had blended the ice better instead of leaving them in chunks. Â
Parking: $5 lot across the street. Found street parking 2 blocks away instead.
I wish comedy joints would get their act together to make their food and drinks tastier and more affordable since it's a requirement to order them when you go to their shows. I do like the food at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa.
I'm a newbie at going to Comedy Clubs.
Came here Thanksgiving weekend to see Maz Jobrani & had a good time!
SERVICE:
The waiter service is good, but don't like the fact that they ask you upfront what you want for your second drink.
PLACE:
very small & cozy. kinda too tight together, but its not thaaaaat bad.
PARKING:
convenient parking right across the street. $5.00
Great room for comedy. Â As you enter, there are pictures of legends who have performed at the Icehouse in the past. Carlin, Smothers Brothers, George Lopez. Â Today's lineups are not A, but B listers; however, Joe Rogan and Deathsquad are really bringing the heat on Wednesday nights. Â The drinks are expensive, but no more so than any other comedy club. Â The room is the perfect size for great intimate comedy. So check the schedule, and when you see a performer you love, be sure to check out a show at The Icehouse.
Review Source:Love that there's a comedy spot in Pasadena for when I don't feel like dealing entering the warzone that is Hollywood/Los Angeles. Spots like the Laugh Factory n Largo get more big name acts, but Ice House gets a good share of big name acts and good mix of no-name/up and comers. Quick entry, decent tables seating, and average drink prices, can't ask for much more!
Get on their mailing list for cheaper entry deals, etc and I've caught some big name acts like Russell Peters for $15!
PS. plenty of parking for blocks around, but if you're lookin to pregame or something beforehand in the car, lots of cops cruise around like sharks at nights!
The Ice House is a cool little spot in Pasadena. Over the years there's been tons of up and coming comedians who made it in the comedy world. It's always good to pay this place a visit, you never know who shows up.
Like most comedy clubs, if not all, the food and drink prices are high to compensate for the lower admission prices, sometimes it's free. I really enjoyed the few shows that I've gone here. It's local to me since I'm very close to Pasadena and there isn't too much feeling so you may be on the firing line of some comedians.
The waitresses are always nice, every time I've gone there. If you're into comedy, you should definitely give The world famous Ice House a shot... even if you're not into it, come by and just watch a show, you'll be in for a good laugh (depending on the comedian of course).
I went here last night for the first time and I really enjoyed it. The comedian we saw was really funny. What I really liked though was doing some 5 dollar shots before the show at the bar. Seriously good deal. It is sort of small but it doesn't hinder the experience really. There is a two drink minimum which is the only sort of annoying thing. It didn't bother me too much because I know that they need to make their money somehow and I was in a drinking mood anyways. The tickets we got were only 12 dollars.
If you're looking for something different to do it is definitely worth checking out!
I go to lots of comedy places in the LA area, and the Ice House is my FAVE by far. Â The food is comedy club blah, but the service and the comedy is simply the best! Â The main room rocks, and even the side room has the bomb comedians. Â
Only downfall: one-stall ladies room..really???
I was here for the 7 pm show on Sunday, and we arrived at 6:20. Â We could have parked on the street for free, but wasn't sure so we opted for the $5 parking garage off Mentor.
The check in was easy (we prepaid online), and waited about 10 minutes to be seated. The main room is FREEZING... hence the Ice House?? LOL. Â
4 stars because the waitress wanted me to decide on my 2 drinks NOW. Â
It's not expensive to get in, but its not cheap to get out. Â We paid $30 for 4 drinks, and they were all non alcholic. Â
Compared to the Improv on Melrose, this place is really nice and friendly. I'd come back
I recently attended a comedy show which was pretty awesome and we had a great time. The only reason why I cannot give the Ice House more than 3 stars is the amount it actually costs to see a show.
To start off, we bought the tickets from their own website and each ticket was $30 which was fine. But hold it right there, upon checking out, they slapped us with a $4 per ticket processing fee....WTF. Last time I checked, I am purchasing the tickets from their own site not some 3rd party site, so the tickets are basically $34 each which upset me a little bit.
But wait right there, after paying the $4 per ticket processing, we are still not in the clear, as each ticket holder is required to purchase 2 MANDATORY drinks as a condition for seeing the show....Come on, in this economy, you can't shaft people like this and expect them to come back.
To make a long story short folks, expect to cough up anywhere between $50-60 per ticket when it said and done. No wonder half the place was empty, figures.
If a comedian can make me laugh till I cry, then you know its really funny. My sister got free tickets from her ice house comedy school and it was going to expire soon so I quickly made reservations via email. I honestly didn't know any of the comedians listed on their website, so I picked a certain time and date that fit my schedule.
We arrived 45 minutes before opening and sat outside in the patio waiting for the intercom to call out our color.
We finally got seated and I was scared my friend might not enjoy it because she doesn't get jokes sometimes....I said, sometimes. There were 4 comics the night I went: opener, an Australian guy, a Korean women and a Caucasian guy. All the comedianss really made me laugh but the Korean women got me laughing till I was in tears! Also, the Hispanic guy was sooo wasted when he got on stage....which made it even more hilarious. He reminded me of George Lopez.
Oh, and I parked across the street. $5 cashhhh! It could have been 5 stars, but minus one, because the restrooms stalls are lame!
Tip: If you need to go to the restroom during the show, DO IT DURING THE SHOW! Its better than going after the show when there is longgggg line! Cause that's what I did. I didn't want to feel rude by getting up in the middle of the act and going to the restroom but I didn't want to hold it in till the end. So I went. At the end of the show, just like what I predicted, lines were already forming.
FYI, two drink minimum each person. Would I come back here again! Definitely YES!
The Ice House is by far my favorite comedy club.
I have tried a few others but haven't had the same kind of experience. Every time I go to the Ice House I know I won't be disappointed. They have so many openers before the headliner that you are bound to like one of them.
The drinks and food are the same as anywhere else, a little pricey. If you do decide to eat there I recommend their Irish Nachos. But if you really want to get your moneys worth I would recommend going to "The Hat" or "Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles" since they are only down the street and are always a classic.
The ice house has expensive prices for shows but if your looking for a bargain they have a ton of specials throughout the week and even sometimes during the weekend, so there is absolutely no excuse to miss out.
The parking isn't that great. There is street parking which I usually manage to snag but if you're not that lucky, you can park in the structure across the street for $5.
If driving, than bring cash to park across the street. (no larger than a 20) They placed our order 1/2hr before the show and got everything out speedy fast. I had chicken strips and fries. The chicken was over cooked and had a salty-used-to-be-frozen-KFC breading on them. The fries were tasteless, soggy and not fully cooked. They cancelled the comedian we came to see but didn't tell us.
 The manager did give us a comp ticket but gave it to us after we ate. I guess, it's to keep you there and have you spend more money. I would have liked to have had the option but they have their way of doing things. They had us carry our food and drinks to the larger main room, that already had a show going on in the dark. I'm a comedy aficionado and I don't like interrupting anyone's set.
Â
 The "Ice House" font was HUGE behind the performer. They should place that somewhere else and leave the Hollywood backdrop. Other than that, the service was excellent, the manager and host were attentive. They need to redo the place for sound. I could hear people yapping on the other side of the wall on their cell phones. Also, the bathroom did not have soap and needed someone to check on it once in a while. I don't mind a dive bar but it had a dingy feel to it. I've had way better comedy club experiences around LA. Note to Ice House: visit the best clubs and update your club.
 Good luck and I hope you make some changes.