The Stress Factory comedy club, Bridgeport — Restaurant in Bridgeport

This was me and BF first time at the stress factory. We did date night to see Marlon Wayans. He brought the regular tickets for the Marlon Wayans 12am sold out show. My BF ask can we go to the Sunday show and Mark stated he will upgrade are tickets to VIP for the Sunday 9:45 show we was very appreciative of him due to we haven’t been out in a while since being pregnant and the show being over crowed. On Sunday we got are VIP tickets and arm bracelet, once went got seated by the host they put us in front of the stage. The seats and the table was little and too close for anyone to be able relax and enjoy the show on top of that we were not expecting to share a small table with another couple. I was being very patient and understanding but It took 35-40 mins for the waitress (don’t remember her name but she was the lady with glasses and short dreads) to address us and introduce herself, then took another 30-45 mins to bring us are menus. Remind you, are waitress put in orders for tables next to us and behind us everyone else started getting their orders except for table 9. When I ask the other waitress what was going on they stated that’s not my area you just have to wait for your waiter to come to your table. Once are waitress decided to come to are table act DC Ervin was on stage. She was complaining about another table trying to get her in trouble. When we told her we were VIP she stated “oh say no more” and walk off. She didn’t even give us a chance to even order anything off the menu. She walked away so fast again me still trying to have patience and getting the same answer as before from the other waitress about you need to wait. It got so late Marlon was on stage and there was still no waitress she was in are section serving everyone else and clearing tables except for table 9 we even tried to wave her down but she acts like she didn’t see us. She didn’t even address the other couple that was sitting with us at all. It took my BF to make a complaint to one of the floor managers just so we can get the VIP strawberries and champagne we weren’t to concern about that we wanted to order off the menu. Once the waitress came to are table with the strawberries It was too late to order due to the show was almost over. Overall I think the place is good for comedy, but they definitely need to pick it up with the service or train the waitresses with better customer service or upgrade to the tablets that’s installed on the tables where customers can order from there. And sitting 4 people at a small table a little uncomfortable especially if...

A fun second show at The Stress Factory, April 2022, with comedian Joe DeVito. As with Joe Machi, we learned he was going to be appearing here and quickly bought tickets. DeVito has a different cadence and repertoire than Machi, but both work. Excellent appearance with relatable insight. It's nice of Joe DeVito to take time to meet his fans on the way out the door after the end of his routine . We had a good conversation with him and I even made him laugh with a comment about someone in the audience he engaged with at a nearby table.

For food fans, my turkey panini I ordered off the menu was the same chicken sandwich I had last time, still good, and my partner's Pit'Wich was still flavorful but cut back. Inflation changes things, including your menu items. A good venue, a place to go when in the mood for a laugh and relaxing evening.

Great time watching comedian Joe Machi Friday evening live on stage at The Stress Factory. When we heard he was going to be in Bridgeport this weekend, we reserved a table for two for the 7pm show as we always find him amusing. Arriving early for drinks and dinner, we were told we could have our choice of seats, so we sat right at one of the tables in the front row center.

Our server Evan took our order for two special cocktails, one rum punch as he called it, though I think it was the Malibu Bay Breeze on the menu, and one Maker's Manhattan, plus two appetizers, a Vegadilla, a quesadilla with mushrooms, peppers, kale, onions and cheese, and eight chicken wings that come dry-rubbed and smoked. The drinks and starters were all good.

The show started with the MC warming up the crowd before our dinner arrived - a Park City Pit'Wich, Angus beef with cheddar, horseradish and au jus on a roll, and a Grilled Chicken Sandwich with bacon mayo on white bread. Both of these food selections were also very good.

Two other comedians came on as warm-ups before Joe Machi, who along with the MC had their own insights to deliver to the crowd. Big cheers when Joe came out and he gave an entertaining and humorous performance from start to finish, sharing out loud what he thought the audience was receptive to and not, making mental notes. He ran new joke material by all of us at the end for feedback. Wonderful evening out.

Great venue at The Stress Factory. Excellent seating, atmosphere, talent, food and drinks. Parking is on the street but we had no problem getting a spot close to the club for an easy walk to the door. Looking forward to...

Very clean. Beautiful old building put to new use. Comics change all the time. Definitely a thing to do in Bridgeport! That being said, there are some unique etiquette things you should know. Don't wear jeans. Dress up a little more than the burger place. Arrive early.

You cannot talk to the talent, unless they call out to you during the show, and then you must only answer their question. You cannot interact with the talent whatsoever, No: "great job", no fist bump, no interaction allowed. at. all. period. Never ever approach the stage. Never ever under any circumstances take a photo, or video. You will be removed.

Two item minimum: any two items but each person must have two: food, drink or food and drink. If the waitress asks do you want your mixed drink "tall" ? She means both (2 minimum)drinks in the same glass. Two talls will make you unable to drive. The bill or guest cheque comes AT the END of the show. Do not request it early, it's seen as rude to the talent, also waitresses do not move randomly about the floor when someone is on stage, because all focus should be ON THE TALENT, on stage. Don't talk to you friend or becon waitstaff during a show. Wait until a break.

Dropping anything on the floor is seen as disgusting and should not be done. Dropping anything from the balcony will get you removed. Even if it's "an accident'.

The cost of the table is separate from your 2 item minimum. Be prepared for your whole evening to be over $200 with table purchase, 4 items (for 2 people) tip and parking.

You must have a Ticket to LEAVE (opposite of most places). And you leave from a different door you came in. It's for flow, so don't be disconcerted.

We had a really nice time, but it would be nicer if someone clued us in to the interesting unspoken rules, that I just told YOU, reader.

**I personally, did not do anything to get myself removed from this lovely venue. Nor did I make any social blunders. I swear. Laughing. Post Script: Everything the owner says is true. We were properly served and waitstaff was attentive, just not intrusive on the energy in the room. We were not dissatisfied in any way, just more AWARE...