The Original Pepper Belly's Comedy Club

I hope they come back....

My boyfriend treated me to see Charlie Murphy last Thursday night, VIP.

Well, "VIP" wasn't all that. We sat with our backs to a table, that would have to be shared with the two other VIPers behind us. How am I supposed to eat and watch a show at the same time?! Well, that didn't matter because our waitress provided us with such awful service we didn't get a chance to order food. She took our order for drinks before the show started, and didn't come back until the show was over and people were leaving. She managed to stop at every other table but ours though, how convenient was that?

Also worth mentioning: she lost the order for the guys behind us, couldn't remember who ordered what when she finally got their drinks, she gave us a receipt for drinks we didn't order and said "it's cheaper than what you ordered anyway", and on our way out argued with a patron because he gave her money and she tried to tell him he hadn't paid!

Other servers had more tables and bigger parties yet I saw their guests' food and drinks constantly being delivered, so I can't say it's the venue. I wish I knew her name so I could request to not be seated in her section in the future.

I had no intention of going to Pepperbelly's last night, but after getting a 2 for 1 ticket offer from their Facebook page to see John Witherspoon (Pops), I couldn't say no. I've been to just about every comedy club in San Francisco, so I feel I can accurately rate Pepperbelly's as a comedy club. The club is conveniently located in Downtown Fairfield, with plenty of free parking on Texas Street and the surrounding side streets. The show was scheduled to start at 7:30pm and we got there a little to early to secure our tickets. Doors opened at 7pm and we had no problem getting our 2 for 1 tickets - $20 for two people to see John Witherspoon.

Once inside the club is actually quite spacious and resembles a theater. A large movie screen played videos before the show started and the aesthetics of the auditorium were much nicer than a lot of the San Francisco clubs. Also, a huge advantage was the large open space of the venue unlike the cramped seating at Cobb's or Tommy T's in Pleasanton. Once seated a waitress came over to take our drink and food orders. A portion of the menu was outdated as the drinks were no longer offered. I was a little disappointed that the club offers no non-alcoholic drinks, such as O'Douls. As a result, I stuck to a tonic water while my friend ordered a coffee.

The drinks didn't take long to come out, as service is typically pretty good before the show starts. I always stay away from 'club food' as its pricey and typically not very good. The show was great and Pops killed it, even with a heckler who thought he was the sole audience member and kept interacting with Witherspoon. Other than that audience member, Pepperbelly's was a refreshing venue. The cocktail waitress never came back and we ended up with a $4 check. $24 for two tickets and drinks is the ultimate slick deal. Lastly, there's a rather nice bar that connects to the main room, which allows for a drink or two before or after the show. I definitely recommend Pepperbelly's to anyone that enjoys live comedy. Also, be sure to check their Facebook and Twitter for ticket specials.

Pros:
+ Nice, large venue
+ Facebook/Twitter specials
+ Free Parking
+ Bar next door
+ Great view regardless of general admission or reserved seating
+ Dining options nearby

Cons:
- No hot chocolate or non-alcoholic drinks (O' Douls)