The iO Theater — Restaurant in Chicago

Me and my partner were looking for fun, all ages comedy and improv in chicago. i got a recommendation for IO from a friend and we were very excited to go. We called prior to buying tickets to confirm it was in fact all ages, and were happy to find out it was. Upon arriving we found out our show was delayed, so we chose to sit at the seat closest to the door - the bar rail. On the menus scattered across the bartop, an entire list of non-alcoholic drinks! I chose to order one, and when I did so, both me AND my partner were asked for our ID's. We responded that we were not 21, but thought that what we ordered was non-alcoholic. The bartender confirmed it was, and then started making my drink, stopping on her way to speak to what looked like a manager. After about a minute or so, we were approached by the staff member she had spoken to, who again asked if we were 21, we both replied we were not, and he said that we were not allowed at the bar and had to leave. We both quickly apologized, realizing our mistake and stood up, he however did not respond, and instead gave us a dirty look before going up to the bartender and whispering to her a second time. I tried to ask if we were still able to get the drink I ordered, as it was already being made, but was again met with no response aside from dirty looks. After roughly two minutes of trying and failing to get the attention of one of the 4 staff members behind the bar, I watched the bartender make eye contact with me and then proceed to pour out the drink in front of us. Not only was I shocked, but disappointed that despite our prior phone call and the list of N/A cocktails featured on the menu, we were being treated this way. Fortunately, we were still able to enjoy the comedy, and were pleased to find a mostly empty theatre. The up close seating and diverse performers saved the night and justified the 30 minute cab ride there. However, it fell short of what the website had promised - a venue that encourages accessibility, transparency, and respect. We felt despite our proactive approach in making sure that the venue was friendly to all ages, as well as being respectful to staff and following policies, we were treated as though we didn't belong. Overall, it was disappointing how poorly we were treated despite the high praise from others. They may say theres no two drink minimum, but they certainly treat you as though there is. I would say it's probably a great experience, for those 21+. Otherwise, the comedy may bring you there, but the staff will ensure you don't want...

This was my second time to the new iO! space in Chicago this past February. I had been once before and saw some great shows from a couple of the House teams. All the shows that I have seen have been in the Mission Theater.

My most recent visit, I opted for Karaoke Storytellers, as it appeared to have the offer of a show that was new, fresh and something I had not seen before and I was right.

I’ve been around comedy shows for a long time and to be honest, they can get a bit predictable after a while, especially improv. Karaoke Storytellers was more than just your typical comedy show, while there were funny moments and even touching ones, most of all, it was just FUN.

It had the feeling of a VH-1 Storytellers meets an SNL audition. Characters taking the stage but not just doing schtick. The coolest part of the show was when the audience would start to sing along. By the end of the show it felt like a cool house party at your friend’s house. I loved it. Such a good time—especially for $5!

Get to this show before tickets are 3x as much. For the price plus a pitcher of beer, it’s the perfect time with friends and the players...

OMG, I have been there for the improv Shakespeare Theater show and it was hilarious and innovative and creative and what not, I am out of adjectives already. So the game is the audience gets to choose the topic and whoever can yell loudest, his/her topic will be the topic that night. So according to their own words "it is the first night of the play and the last night too". When I was there, someone gave them the topic 'Laterhosen'. I didn't know what did it mean, so if you don't know don't google it at that moment, you'll kill the humor. You can always google it later, give them a chance come on. So anyways, one of the guys (the most hilarious btw) gave a 5 mins impromptu speech about latethosen which was nowhere near about the actual meaning. And it was totally funny and innovative. Then the actual play began. It was about of 2 hours with one 10 mins break after one hour. It was totally funny and I found out that my face hurts severely after the show. So I definitely recommend everyone to visit once. You can get a drink inside the theater...