First Time at The Comedy Lounge? Here's What to Expect
The building does not look like a comedy club. That trips up most first-timers, so let's start there.
You're looking for 2417 Bank Dr, inside the Gem Center for the Arts, two miles from downtown Boise just off Vista and Overland. There's free parking right outside. The entrance is down a set of stairs on the outside of the building, and there's an elevator on the ground floor if you need it. Inside is a 150+ seat room with a stage, spotlights and a bar.
Getting your tickets
Tickets are fully electronic. Buy online, show up, that's it — nothing to print and no will-call line to stand in.
Tickets are $5 cheaper online than at the door, so buying ahead is worth the two minutes.
When to arrive
Doors open an hour before showtime. For a 7:00 show, that's 6:00.
The sweet spot is 30 to 40 minutes early — enough time to get a drink, order food and settle in. If you arrive after the show has started you'll miss the food window, and you may end up waiting by the door until we can seat you without walking you through someone's set.
Seating
Most shows are general admission, so arriving earlier means a better seat. Some shows have a VIP tier for the front two rows. Either way it's a small room — nobody is watching from a balcony.
The two-drink minimum
Two drinks per person. They don't have to be alcoholic — we stock a real non-alcoholic list, and drinks run $3 to $10.
The short version: your ticket money pays the comedian, and the bar pays for everything else. The longer version is here, and it's more interesting than it sounds.
Food and drinks
We don't have a kitchen of our own, so we've partnered with BBQ4LIFE, an award-winning Boise barbecue restaurant. Carnivore and vegan options. Order early — the kitchen window closes when the show starts.
Age policy
Most of our shows are 18+. Younger guests are welcome when they're with a parent or guardian. If you're unsure about a particular show, call or text (208) 991-2296 and ask.
Coming as a group?
Groups of 11 or more get a discount with the code GROUP11+ at checkout. All the tickets have to be bought at the same time for it to work.
How to be a good audience
Most of it is obvious: don't talk during the show, keep your phone down, don't record, tip your server. One that isn't obvious — laugh out loud. Comedy is one of the few art forms where the audience's reaction is part of the performance, and comics use your laughs to steer the show.
The full version, and why each one matters.
Still have questions?
Our FAQ covers the rest. Or call or text (208) 991-2296 — a person answers.