Tempe Improv — Restaurant in Tempe

It takes a lot for me to write a negative review. Normally, I’d just move on and never return. But this one feels necessary, almost a public service. What happened at Tempe Improv wasn’t just bad service; it was bullying disguised as “policy.” And no one deserves to experience that kind of dehumanization.

I actually feel bad for the performers who play here, because the management’s lack of empathy creates an atmosphere that stifles connection, the very thing live comedy is supposed to bring out.

We’ve been to Tempe Improv before, so we knew about the rigid seating “system,” the two-drink minimum (for overpriced drinks), and the tight, shared tables. None of that was new. But this last visit to support a comedian known for advocating human rights was so painfully ironic that we left before the show even started, after being threatened by management.

We arrived early, an hour and a half before showtime, to enjoy food and drinks and support the venue. Our waiter and his trainee were kind and attentive. Then, we had a couple of friends arrive about an hour before the show. The staff at the host stand refused to seat them near us, even though the entire theatre was still empty. When we asked why, we were met with sharp, dismissive attitudes instead of simple communication.

We accepted the policy and decided to stand and chat near our friends’ section still well before showtime. A staff member came by, asked if we planned to return to our seats, and when we said yes, she walked away without another word. Minutes later, a short, aggressive manager came up and interrupted our conversation — not to clarify, but to threaten.

His words: “You need to go back to your seat or leave.” Leave? For standing in an empty theatre 30 minutes before a show?

When I asked why he was being so hostile, he doubled down, saying that once you’re seated, you’re not allowed to move. News to us. Nowhere in their pre-show announcements or policies does it say you must remain seated for 90 minutes before a show or risk being kicked out.

We had already paid for tickets, food, and drinks. Yet instead of treating us like guests (or even humans) we were treated like a problem to be controlled.

And that’s really the heart of it: Businesses built on rigid systems instead of basic human respect will fail.

This isn’t just about one bad manager. It’s about a culture that prioritizes control over care, and policies over people. A place meant for laughter and connection shouldn’t be run with hostility and fear.

Tempe Improv has lost something valuable: the trust and goodwill of the people who come to celebrate art, community, and joy. We came to support an artist who stands for human dignity — and left because we weren’t shown...

A visit to the Tempe Improv is an experience that hinges heavily on the performer of the night. As is the norm with smaller comedy clubs, the quality of comedy can be unpredictable. On some nights, the laughter is infectious, spreading through the compact crowd in waves. On others, the punchlines may fall flat, the humor elusive.

However, there's a constant in the Tempe Improv experience: their commendable food and drinks. While there's a standard two-drink minimum, it hardly feels forced. The variety and quality of beverages keep your thirst satiated and provide a welcome distraction during the less engaging acts. The food too is a pleasant surprise, veering away from typical bland 'club food' to offer genuinely enjoyable fare.

Now, onto the quirk of Tempe Improv - its seating arrangement. All the tables are packed closely together, and the seats are aligned in long rows, almost akin to a banquet setup. This layout leaves you with little personal space, often having you rub elbows with strangers. It may come across as inconvenient, especially if you value your personal bubble, hence my decision to drop a star in this review.

But, the close-knit seating does have a silver lining. It fosters a sense of community, making the laughter more contagious, the shared experience more memorable.

A highlight of the Tempe Improv is their novelty approach towards creating a unique food and drink menu for each headlining comedian. It's a charming touch, one that keeps things interesting and aligns well with the club's commitment to providing a complete, immersive experience.

In summary, the Tempe Improv may not guarantee a rib-tickling performance every time, but it sure delivers on a good night out complete with good food, drinks, and the occasional burst of laughter. Despite the crammed seating, it's worth a visit for an evening that's out of...

This feedback addresses management shortcomings, not the quality of the entertainment. My boyfriend arranged a birthday celebration culminating at Tempe Improv on Saturday, February 8th, and the performance itself was enjoyable. However, we discovered the following morning that his debit card had not been returned by our server. On Monday, following multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact the club by phone, he submitted the attached email. I subsequently reached Ms. Cynthia in their accounting department. She informed me that the next available show was Thursday. I explained that, given his bank's location in Washington, a Thursday retrieval was impractical. Ms. Cynthia assured me she would contact the club directly to initiate a search for his card. Later that day, he received the attached email indicating the club had not located his card.

It was understood the card was last used at the club. Despite repeated attempts to contact the club on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, the only response was Monday's email. He subsequently contacted his Washington credit union and canceled the card, initiating the standard 4-6 day replacement process. Unexpectedly, he received a call Wednesday afternoon from the club stating they had located his card and inquired about pickup arrangements. This is now irrelevant. The replacement card was delayed due to the Presidential Day holiday. It is unacceptable that management would misrepresent the situation to customers rather than investigate the issue. Given that it is now ten days post-visit and access remains unavailable, I strongly recommend minimizing the length of time you're waiter has your card. Thank you Luke and Tempe Improv for showing that your patrons are nothing more to you than just an inconvenience especially when you have already...