My friend April was in town and got offered some gigs at The Punchline so my sister and I decided to go see her act. Â We found out last minute we could go so we just rolled out sans research. Â When we got there the place looked like old school, mini Buckhead. Â People milling about in the street, gussied up and sauced. Â We had to pay to park, which is whatever, then figure out which line we were supposed to get into. Â
There was one line for tickets and another long, theme park style line everyone was queued up in, waiting for our show to start. Â They really corral everyone in and out to get the show on the road and finished in time for the next one. Â April of course was awesome, but the whole thing goes pretty quick for the price. Â You're lucky to get one drink on a packed night before the whole thing is over and you're shuffled out. Â Drink beforehand somewhere else if you want to get giggly. Â It was an interesting experience. Â I would recommend this for a part of a quirky date night, and I will definitely go back to see her again next time she comes home.
A final note- the ticket guy that night was super cool and deserves ten raises for the amount of mess he takes from all the drunken wannabe comedians that try to crack jokes to him while he's selling them tickets. Â He has some patience!
If you don't laugh when you come here you are probably dead. Â I'm not kidding folks, I have now been to the Punchline with 3 different dates and all 4 of us of us have had very distinct personalities with our own brand of humor, and all of us have laughed our collective @ss off at the Punchline.
My latest trip here was to see Caroline Rhea, and despite the fact that the show started an hour late, and despite the fact that it was jammed to the walls, sold out, we still had an absolute blast. Â
The standard show format here is a couple of opening acts consisting of local talent followed by the headliner. Â Total show time is normally around 2 hours but stand up here is all about improv so it might run a touch longer or shorter in some cases (mostly longer though). Â This is a comedy CLUB not a theater, it's hidden away in a local strip mall and you will be seated pretty much cheek to cheek with your neighbors. Â You will also stand a better than average chance of actually catching the attention of at least one of the comedians and end up being involved in a joke or two if you sit anywhere near the stage. Â Laugh at yourself as well as the talent if this happens, because it's all in good fun.
They have bar food available if you are interested, and they also serve very reasonably priced (if a tad understrength ed) mixed drinks, beer and wine. Â It's been too long since I've had food here to remark on that aspect other then that it was typical bar food from what I can remember. Â
When you get right down to it though you don't come here for the food, or the drinks you come for the show, and some how this little hole in the wall has really found a way to bring in really really good talent consistently for decades now. Â This is the stage Jeff Foxworthy got his start on, and even the local talent, and the no name talent is usually top notch. Â On the slower weeknights you can even get in for free if you buy a couple of drinks and they also have open mic nights if you are brave or foolish enough to want to test your funny bone.
My only minor quibble with the Punchline is the parking or rather the lack of parking available. Â When there is name talent here you are going to struggle to find a legal place to park, and as usual when there is a parking issue in the ATL the local parking lot mooches will come out to charge you for parking... in a lot across the street... of a business that isn't even open at this time of night... that won't have any security for your car. Â Basically you will be paying blackmail to a mooch to guarantee that your car won't be towed or booted when you come back.
Other then that minor issue though the Punchline is an awesome little place that is well worth the time to come visit. Â In fact I can't wait until the next time I get a chance to laugh until I snort or fall out of my chair here.
The online ticketing makes this place look large and spacious, so be warned, it's cramped and intimate. I thought that would drop it a star, but the waitress was very attentive throughout the show and the comics were amazing. This went straight to the top of our Atlanta spots when we're in town, and next time we'll probably just get some burgers here because the food looked pretty decent and was well-priced.
Review Source:We went in December for Maz Jobrani and had a blast! It was my first time here, and I may just be re-considering my long-standing indifference towards stand up comedy.
The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, but you definitely have to be willing to be friendly with your neighbor.
The staff was really friendly, very flexible with us when I couldn't get my tickets to print out in advance, and just the right amount of attentive during the show. Everything on the menu was reasonably priced, and they even had a prickly pear margarita!
Basically, this is a fantastic comedy club and is the type of place that makes me want to go back for another show. Can't wait!
The Punchline is actually the first comedy club I've ever been too so I have nothing to compare it to. Â I will say though that the place is a good size with a lot of people jammed in. Â You're close, but I felt comfortable. Â I did see the servers struggling JUST a little to navigate the floor. Â
Speaking of which.... SERVERS!  I loved having a  server to re-up my drink the whole night! The comedy was spectacular!  We saw Bridget Everett (whoa) open for Amy Schumer.  That's got to say something to have Amy play your comedy club.  Check out stand up if you're not into it.  We had a fantastic night, and my mouth was sore from laughing so much!
Absolutely the best comedy club in town. Â i just wish they would let you in prior to the show for drinks or something. Â It is strictly come in, sit down, watch the show and leave please.. I haven't tried the food but drinks are reasonably priced. Â The seating is good but can get a little cramped closer to the stage.
Review Source:So, this guy walks into a bar and sez.... Eh, who am i kidding??? If i was really that frickin funny I would try and stand up on the stage at The Punchline, instead of writing a review on Yelp!
The Punchline is funny, period. What else do you want to know about a comedy club? Who cares what the food tastes like? I go to laugh! when I first went there eight years ago, I laughed. When I went last month, I laughed. The next time I go, I'll laugh.
Laughter truly is the best medicine and this joint has plenty of it!
I still visit the Punchline on occasion and it's still awesome. Â They've done some renovations to the stage which one comic said made him feel like he was performing on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. Â (You'll have to see it for yourself to see what he means.)
The food and drinks are still solid. Â Parking is still plentiful (although at a fee on weekend nights in the lot across the street). Â And the comics, for the most part, are still funny. Â
I go mostly on Wednesday nights to see (and sometimes participate in) the open mic show where you can sometimes catch a professional comic working out new material or a new comic do his magic.
I also think Punchline is a great place for a date - there's food, drink, and someone to make you laugh if your date is a dud. Â And going to the Punchline is cheaper than going to the movies these days, and they serve liquor.
Consider this review a public service announcement. Â I've now done my part to ensure you know of a place where you can be fed and entertained.
I love to laugh and the comedians we saw were great (well, 2 outta 3 ain't bad), however the seating was extremely tight! Â We sat in the middle at table 33 and there was no leg room and I could barely turn my chair around to face the stage. I'd go again, but reserve the seats to the side. It's a small place, so you can see fine from just about anywhere.
BTW...if you buy a groupon or living social deal, be SURE to print it cause they don't do the electronic form very well. We had to remind them a couple times that our voucher included two free drinks. They did handle it though.
One more thing...be sure to bring cash for parking. We had to pay $5 across the street cause the lot was full and there is no on street parking.
Saturday, December 3- the day after my birthday, still celebrating. Â One of my dear friends got me a ticket to see Pablo Francisco that night (I think it was about $35-40) at the early show (there was a 6P,8 and 10 show). Â We got there pretty early and were able to park right out front (there is parking in a large lot across the street, but start to charge around 5:30 or so). Â I had no idea what to expect (this was my first time going to a comedy bar/club), but I knew it should be fun.
We got inside, and we were greeted, carded, and brought to our seats with menus?!? That was interesting! Â The inside almost reminded me of a Hooters with no windows (the woodwork and tvs everywhere)- I found that to be interesting. Â We got seated (right in the Center table, 2nd back (if that makes sense). Â It was very tight- thankfully no one sat next to me on my left side or across from me (the setup was almost like a banquet).
The menu had lots of options to choose from and same with the drinks, I kept getting Long Islands and Bud Lights, got me hungry. Â Ordered some food- it was bland, it held me over until we went to Heirloom Market later in the evening.
I had no idea there would be acts before Pablo- so that was a treat. Â The host (forgot his first name, but last name Simmons) was ok- he got the show started. Â There was then a guy named Alex Wu (from Orlando), he was kind of funny as well. Â The second guy was named Ashley (I forgot his last name, but from Miami). Â By this time, the drinks were kickin in. Â He was funny because of the crowd participation. Â He asked if anyone like rap music, I was like, "Hell yea!" then asked who my favorite rapper was, my drunk ass responded ,"Ja-Rule!". Â I mean who in this day and age shouts "Ja-Rule" with of all the talent out there these days? Â He almost had a baby on stage he was laughing so hard.
Then he was talking about hunting. Â He asked if anyone in the crowd hunts. Â My buddy next to me yelled ,"I hunt!!!" Â then Ashley asked what, then in a drunken slur he yells again, "I eat!" Â I mean he had a field day with that ("WTF!?!? I hunt? I eat?!?! haha). Â That was a good warm up for Pablo.
Pablo finally came on stage, he put on a great performance, right up to 7:55. Â After the show they all came out and we got to shake their hands and give them our praises. Â Really nice people.
All in all, the Punchline is a great place, just be weary were you sit if you are a larger person (pretty much any seat would be a good seat in the house). Â And mind you, the parking lot was mobbed though for the next show- kind of difficult to get out of.
The early show was nice though since it only had like 1/2 capacity.
I really liked the Punchline. Â The setting isn't spaced out. Â Went on a Saturday night and it wasn't overly packed but a decent crowd. Â Usually comedy places are only as good as the comedians it brings. Â Was the admission overpriced? Ummmmm maybe, just a little. Â The menu, the bar was reasonably priced. Â Definitely a venue I would attend again. Â As this a part deaux to my Kobe steaks review, got to shout out the drunk older couples on the scotch who thought that I and my partner was following them when their obnoxious asses were following me. Â Hope they enjoyed the show regardless!
Grade: B+
I haven't been here since around 1994. Â I'm glad I came back. Â Admittedly, a buddy had some free tickets and invited several people to go. Â I was one of them. Â It was a good decision to go.
The venue on the inside is cram packed (allows for around 219 people, I think), so be prepared. Â You can't just go in and wait until the next show as the ticket window is outside and shows are going on inside. Â The whole place on the inside is for the act. Â So, you have to wait off to the side of the building until they let you in and herd you in like cattle. Â Once in, you have assigned seating at least insofar as tables are concerned. Â Be ready. Â It's a tight fit; but there is still minimal room to get up and get to the bar or bathroom.
At least with the free tickets we had, there is a two drink minimum. Â This minimum may be in place all the time. Â They have some martinis, some frozen drinks, wine, and beer to choose from, so you can probably find something to your liking.
I will not mention specific acts here but it seems they book pretty good acts overall, even the "up-and-comers." Â Last night did not disappoint. Â Both the first and second acts were funny and told some good stories. Â I will say that both times I have been now that the first act seems to be as good or better (read: funnier) than the second or main act. Â I have gone in both times not expecting too much and come out both times pleasantly surprised and still giggling. Â The intro and both acts will run about 1.75-2 hours long.
Our waitress was efficient. Â They have their timing down just so in order to have your check to you before the end of the main act. Â While not really brimming with personality, she did keep check on us and kept the drinks coming effectively enough. Â I was surprised too that the artichoke and spinach dip is really tasty.
If you're looking for a good date night or just something different to do, I would come give The Punchline a shot if you haven't yet.
It was my first visit to a comedy club in Atlanta and I was glad I did it. Heard about the show last minute while I was surfing the web and decided why the hell not?!?
The headliner was Bill Bellamy! I haven't seen that dude in anything since How to be a Player.... I was a little skeptical going in, but I figured with a couple of drinks it should be pretty entertaining. I set my expectations low, but they should have been much higher. The club itself is pretty small with some old wood paneling and tight cramped seating areas. I really think your enjoyment correlates with who's actually on stage that night. They had a circuit of 3 comedians who lead up the the Headliner: Mr. Bill Bellamy. I was surprised cuz all of the acts were very good. The jokes were funny, they got the audience involved, none of their antics went to too far or pissed anyone off.
My only gripe was that they made us wait for about 40 minutes for the show to start. It would have been fine if it wasn't so cold out that night. There was this 1 annoying ass lady behind us that kept chiming in with whatever the comics were saying.
" I get it.... you think he's funny.... shut ya trap!"
Even with her chatter it didn't make it any less fun. Great night with alotta laughter. Can't wait to go back for another one. You just gotta choose the right show to attend!
I love the Punchline, but was really disappointed a few months ago when I took some friends to see Andi Smith. Â Why? Â Because she wasn't there! Â We bought tickets for Andi Smith, but got some other guy. Â No mention of why Andi wasn't there or an apology for the bait and switch. Â Very strange.
Can they do that? Â Just put whoever they want up there? Â I thought I was buying tickets to see a certain comic. Â
Now, when I get emails saying so-and-so is headlining next week, I think, yeah right!
I had not been to The Punchline in many, many, many years but I remembered liking it when I went. Â I went again tonight and, happily, I still liked it.
We did have to wait in the ticket window line for a really long time to get our special order handling and it was really cold. Â Everyone else was queued up to get inside because this was the second show of the night and the first shoe ran long. Â This is actually awesome because it means that the headliner is going to put on a good, long show.
We were shown in and seated at our little table. Â Yes, it's cramped but, whatever. Â There is obviously a demand since there were three shows that night and all the seats were filled so it's good that they're getting lots of people in. Â We only had drinks and no food but our service was prompt, our drinks came really fast, and they were very reasonably priced (a Grey Goose and soda was $7, which is downright decent for Goose). Â Also, the place is non-smoking everywhere - yay!
The show was great. Â The owner opened and warmed up and was very funny, the second guy was also great, and the headliner was fantastic. Â However, there was a very obnoxious, idiotic heckler in the crowd who was talking to his wife throughout the show and then just yelling things out. Â He was asked by the staff to not talk or yell things out but he continued and disrupted the show and was eventually asked to leave/escorted out along with his bitch-skank of a wife who kept flipping the comedian off and proclaimed that it was OK for them to talk because they were discussing a text message they received from their child. Â They should both be very proud of each other and I'm sure their kid would be, too. Â Once they left, things got back on track and the show was great. Â And, kudos to the staff here for getting this guy out of there and for being proactive by giving him discreet warnings before they removed him (we know this because the guy actually yelled out to the crowd to inform us that management had asked him to not talk anymore - douchebag). Â But, just as a public service reminder, I want to add that the Punchline is not an improv club and you are not invited to yell things out or to talk during the act. Â It is not an interactive, crowd-participation activity unless the comedian on stage specifically asks you a question. Â The comedians do have a routine that they've prepared and want to present to you so let them do their thing (which you've paid to see, BTW). Â Others in the audience who remember that they've paid to see the act will get very annoyed with you, as will the comedian and the staff. Â They actually tell you this as the show starts but this idiot ignored the advice. Â I tried to rationalize to my friend that maybe he's been to improv shows and was confused about how he was supposed to behave here and she said, "Or, maybe he's just an idiot". Â Could be.
I had the chance to go to The Punchline for the first time this past weekend to see Jo Koy. Â I didn't know what to expect and upon walking in, Jo said it best..."Wow, this is a nice place...what is this a barn!?" Â Seriously, Punchline, the 70's would like their wood sided paneling back!
Besides that...what a great place to see a show. Â The chairs and table are pretty tight but it was nice to meet your neighbors and laugh with them during the show. Â The food was your typical bar food...nothing special, but thank you for not taking cheap bar food and charging double because its an event space. Â
I would come back to see another show...its nice to have something different to do then going to a bar or a movie. Â I do hope they decide to renovate or relocate to a larger space. Â Oh and parking can be tricky...don't park at the daycare since you know, there are childen there on a Saturday night. Â :P
Ive been looking for a reason to update my review of the Punchline after having a rough round the first time through.
Ill keep it short because everything went exactly like you would hope it would so, visualize comedic establishment nirvana and that is what you will have.
I went Sat night at the 9 o'clock show to see a friend and everything from the host, audience, comedians, and staff gave it good reason for being one of the premier comedy venues in the country.
(p.s. after or before the show go see Tommy at the Cafe 290 Â and ask for tickets to the Sky Box)
I recently visited The Punchline for free fun. My fiance scored free tickets online somewhere, but anyway. I Immediately assumed that we were in for it when I heard "free tickets to a comedy club." The show actually started a little late and slow... The first comedian was "In Training" I suppose but a little funny... come to find out, they were just gearing up for the last act.. This guy was like a redneck retard on crack. He was very active to say the least. I've never laughed so much in an hour. Â They serve food here as well, but everythign we wanted to order, they were out of. Â hmmmm.....
The mixed drinks range from $6.50-$13.00 I think.. Anywho, it was a great time for very cheap!
A recent Friday night was filled with 'burban fun: a double date at The Punchline. I knew I probably wouldn't be into some of the humor, since a lot of comedians thrive on misogynistic or overly vulgar jokes. I was informed that the stage would be shared by three comedians, with the "least funny" going first, building up to the headliner. However, I thought the second comedian, Mike Speenberg, blew the other amateurs out of the water. Mike's material was very generational and original, painting images of above-ground pool parties, eating big dill pickles at the skating rink and having to go to lunch at 9:45 in the morning at school--only to find pizza and canned corn again on the menu.
I also was happy that the bartenders quietly wandered around the tables during the show, working hard to fulfill people's drink orders.
I'd sprint back to The Punchline if they invited Mike Speenberg to perform again. Otherwise, I'll pass on the hackneyed humor.
Headliner was Kevin Hart(<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fkhartonline.com%2F&s=e0483d71930600ec566d55c1e907b81bbc8caa62ad7600fe924e13057bd3c400" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://khartonline.com/</a>)-Scary Movie,Soul Plane and a host of other movies. He was quite funny and took time after the show for autographs and pictures.
Price-For about $23 pp it's a pretty good deal.
Seats-After reading all the reviews about how cramped it was I tried to make a good choice on seats and I think we did. We were in Section 2,Table 18 seats 4 and 5. We didn't have to turn our seats around as the people across/in front of us had to do.
Food/Drinks-Average-We had nachos as we were going to dinner after the show and they were okay.
Parking-Get there early to get free parking behind the building or you will end up paying $5 across the street.
The Punchline is one of the best full time comedy venues in the Atlanta area. Â The place has been open for 20+ years and you can definitely tell right when you walk in. Â There is wood paneling and headshots of countless famous names hat have graced the stage hung up on every wall. Â
For around $20 you can see nationally touring comedians that you've seen in movies and tv. Â The Punchline does a great job of mixing in major headliners and the great local talent that Atlanta has to offer.
The Punchline was a last minute option for a weekend adventure for me.  My friend and I were running late and got a space near the back.  It is a small space but it is worth checking out for yourself.  I believe it is a pretty old club so it has an interesting history.  I cannot remember who was headlining, but again it was a spur of the moment choice.  After the show the comedian sat out at the bar and talked with some of the people who were staying behind after the show.  That in itself  made it a really cool experience.
Review Source:Went here to see Craig Shoemaker as part of a Bachelor Party.
The venue is pretty small as far as comedy clubs go. Where we were seated was kind of cramped, and the people who were sitting in the middle of the two rows of tables arranged down the middle of the club were cramped I'm sure. God forbid if they ever got sick and had to rush to the restroom, everyone within a 15 foot radius would be in the line of fire if they didn't move quick enough.
I didn't try the food but it looked like standard pub food and the alcohol is a pretty run of the mill selection.
If I were judging this just as a venue, it would get 2, maybe3, stars. But the selection of comics and the fact that some big names come here to perform makes it a worthwhile jaunt to visit.
I'd always heard that Punchline was one of the nicest comedy clubs in Atlanta. Â We checked out a Thursday night show with headliner Tim Wilson.
The facility itself isn't really that nice. Â We were surprised when we walked in and saw that it looked like a small barn on the inside. Â If you're looking for a comedy club that looks nicer and is more spacious, try Funny Farm in Roswell.
As another reviewer said, the 4 person square tables are tiny. Â It would be impossible for all four people to order food and eat at the same time due to space. Â The food is nothing special either- the spinach and artichoke dip was terrible and oddly had a slice of american cheese barely melted on top of it.
As for the comedy- one of the intro acts was bad and one was pretty good. Â The headliner was Tim Wilson, who specializes in Southern humor. Â I'd say about 80% of his humor had to do with southern state differences, NASCAR, and SEC football. Â I was pretty surprised how detailed he was with his college football jokes; if you're not a fan at all, these jokes will fly right over your head. Â I'm a native Northerner but still thought the show was good and was able to understand most of the jokes.
The price is $20 per ticket, which is not a bad value for two hours of entertainment.
At about $20, this is definitely a good investment for an entertaining night. Â It sure beats some of those club nights when I didn't meet anybody and stood at the edge of the dance floor like a spineless loser quietly sipping my $20 cocktail trying to summon some courage to talk to a girl that's been giving you eye contact, fiddling with her hair, getting checked out by her two friends simultaneously, only to be intervened by a rolly polly douchebag.
  Anyways, this was always part of the itinerary when I had friends visit.  It's a little cramped, but it always calls for a great time.  Punchline brings in alot of the same comics that tour the Improv franchise circuit.  This is where I first saw one of my all time favorite comics, Craig Shoemaker.  I have also seen Louis C.K. which was awesome!
Aside from the inside of the Punchline comedy club looking strikingly similar to the southern restaurant brilliantly titled "Folks", it was a pretty cool place.
The seating is a little cramped at most of the tables. Â I do not recommend that you buy tickets for a four person table if there are only two people in your group. Â My date and I had to sit at this little cramped table with another couple that we did not know, so there was that awkward conversation when they initially sat down that included topics like: "so you from around here" and "come here often?" Â I hate forcing conversations so that everyone can feel comfortable and avoid looking anti-social.
Despite how cramped the seating arrangements are, there is not a seat in the house that does not give you a good view of the stage. Â You may have to deal with a waitress blocking your view on occasion, but for the most part you are good to go.
The waitresses seemed to have a larger amount of tables than they were able to handle, at least when it came to giving the level of service that I have come to expect being a retired server and what not.
I will forever-and-always love The Punchline because that's where I first saw Louis CK. I will never never be the same. I love how small the venue is, how tightly packed. It heightens the theatrical aspect of the experience, makes you incredibly aware of being "in the moment." Most of our entertainment these days is remote or virtual or highly airbrushed. Punchline got dirt, ya'll. Soul. And it's great if some ole heckler gets kicked out.
Review Source:Atlanta's Number One Comedy Club, The Punchline is a great change of pace for those who are stuck in a "Lets go get dinner and see a movie" rut. What could be more fun than a visit to a comedy club? Â Do you like to laugh? Get ready for greatness!
Even the opening performers are hilarious! This place will have you falling off of your chair. Its a very relaxed atmosphere, serving up everything from burgers, sandwhiches, nachos, chicken tenders, french fries, hot wings, potato skins, salads, and other munchies. You can even order yourself an ice cream sundae.
Plus the Punchline, has a full bar, and some pretty decent wines. When you arrive at the club, a hostess seats you at your designated cocktail table. Each table has their own waitress and although they are picky about getting you to sit in the exact seat that your tocket specifies, the service is great and the food is pretty great too!
Get there early for some pre-drinkage, and to get situated...Show times are typically 8:00 pm & 10:00. Dont worry if you are a few mins late however, because the openers are mostly likely still doing their thing. This is dinner theater at its best. However, there is no frills, and nothing fancy about this place. The Punchline is a very casual venue...don't feel like you have to get all dressed up. It's a damn good time, and promises to give your abs a workout.
I went to see Jon Reep-the Guy from the Hemi commercials the other week...the guy who says "that thing got a Hemi in it?" He seriously had me dying laughing! He was hilarious as were the openers. I even bought his CD at the end...Because I didnt want to forget all of the fun I had had.
You must be 21 with an ID to join the party.
Food: 4
Atmosphere: 5 for Fun
Service: 4
All in All: Seriously Good Therapy In the Form of Laughter!
We went to see a fellow Yelper debut at The Punchline. Â It's a pretty small comedy club, but it sure does pack in a whole lot of people. Â They have a pretty diverse calendar with some national acts as well as locals.
Our large group (8) had some mishaps with our reservations. Â We made them by phone, not knowing they were in the middle of switching to an online ticketing system, but we were eventually seated once they got it straight and everything was fine.
Also, our table server was very attentive and pleasant. Â The menu had the usual pub fare and there is a full bar. Â Although the drinks weren't exactly strong, that's pretty much always been the case any time I've gone to a similar venue. Â Who knows.
There are some bad seats where you can't see the stage very well, but fortunately the online system does allow you to pick your seats (minimum of 2).