The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club

Me and the girlfriend were at city walk takin a stroll and were given two tickets for a free comedy show so we decided to check it out instead of going to the movies . 2 item minimum but we were gonna order food and drinks anyways . Would've had to buy dinner anyways right ? The food was good but nothing to write home about . Comedians were funny except the crowd was pretty lame for the most part .

Overall fun night

It disappoints me to give one star to this place as I had high expectation for it. I got a groupon deal for the Christian Ford magic show and when I got to city walk, there was people handing out tickets to the show for free! When I got to the box office, I was told that there was a two item minimum even if it was soda or water, this was not mentioned on the groupon deal either.

SHOW:
The show said it was at 10 pm and everyone was sitting for literally 30 mins listening to music until the stage lights went on for someone who opened for the main show. The "magic show" was lame. You could tell it was set up and they had people who were part of the show. My suggestion to the business would be to not sit the audience close enough to the stage to where they can tell it's fake. For example, there was a trick where the "magician" was gonna make a "audience member's" $100 bill appear from a bag of FAKE lemons, except the one that he cut open and pulled out the $100 bill from. It was tricks that only elementary students would fall for.

FOOD:
I had went straight from dinner so I was on a full stomach and decided to get water and appetizers. I was flabbergasted when I received the check and it was over $40!! The food was mediocre, served in baskets like bar food. On top of that, they went ahead and added an 18% gratuity charge. If I knew I was gonna spend this amount of money on a $42 dollar dinner, I would've gone to the Cheesecake Factory or Bubba Gump.

OVERALL:
Disappointing. I was hoping to like this place and comeback. Paid for a show that was being distributed out for free to other people. The show that I had to wait thirty minutes to start was weak and unimpressive. Food was very pricey presentation was cheap. Although the staff was friendly, I would not recommend this place to anyone. I would suggest going to the Laugh Factory or Spoken Funk, with better yelp reviews.

The Jon Lovitz comedy club was so much fun. I'm glad I decided to check it out with my bro and a friend. It's a cool and intimate comedy club. They offered a free show and no drink minimum. But don't worry, we did order drinks. Our trek to Universal Citywalk was so worth it.

P.S. Validation for valet was just $3

I had saved this review for a time when I could sync my Jo Koy pictures and upload them for the venue. I have to say reading some of these reviews made me want to come to this venue before the show was posted although reading some of the new responses featured here make me oh so hesitant to write a review as I know I will be hounded as the ladies who wrote about this place have been.

As James F. states:
"Thank you for taking the time to voice your opinion regarding the club. The "cheesy" beach cut-outs are actually meant to offer everyone an "escape" from the woes of the economy by giving you a "slice o' Hawaii" without the travel expenses. As far as the parking, monday thru thursday if you valet your vehicle after 8pm, it's only $3.00 with validation and since most of our shows start at 8:30pm, it's a great solution. And let's set the record straight, there are not teenagers everywhere in the club, it's still 18 and over and we NEVER WATER OUR DRINKS DOWN!! Hmmph!"

My response to the response-Those Drinks ARE watered down or your recipe is just weak to start and I stand by this accusation 100%!!!! Yes there are teenagers and tourists in City Walk which must be passed through in order to attend your "not super-fantastic" club

Next James F.:
"Hey next time bring some of your friends to hang out afterwards and I'll spin all night! Also, our drink selection has vastly improved so why not come back and see how we roll now!!"

Ok that wasn't too bad

James F Says:

"Let's get a few things straight here. First of all, our drinks are not weak / watered down, perhaps you did not take into consideration that we had only been open for a couple of weeks so we were still working out the kinks. Also, our full kitchen is now open and Tostitos could only wish to have a selection like ours. The server situation has been addressed and quite honestly, I would be willing to give you an apron and tray and let you give it a shot...see you soon, or not!"

I say: why condescend the FTR I mean they put the business up on yelp and also gave the place 3 stars just like the last of the ladies did, Need I remind you folks out there 3 stars = "A-OK", which last time I checked is GOOD. I have been to this venue three times in the years back and other than those cheesy cut outs I didn't really see much difference in the inside of the club but that is not a bad thing the place looks nice.

On a positive note I give props to the Garlic Fries,  and especially to the comics who where so great that my abs hurt long into the next day. I told many people about the place before and after the event and even posted this event as a UYE so I think I personally did my part to try and get people into this club. I just hope the responses can be a little less defensive in the future especially to those who write good and accurate information about the club on their review.

Jo Koy 5 stars
Bobby Lee 5 stars
Venue 3 stars
James F. 1 Star....don't be suck a C**k

When I saw tickets to Jay and Silent Bob Get Old on LaughStub, I immediately texted Tai and Ted B and got tickets for us all.  

Jay and Silent Bob ......... =D

When we got there, the line was around the building next to the back entrance, and when we got in we were lucky to grab a few seats on the balcony, directly in front of the table where the show was set.  Front and center in this intimate venue, we had a great view - with nobody behind or in front of us!

We were surprised to see that Ralph Garman and Kevin Smith would be doing Hollywood Babble-on instead of Jay and Silent Bob as the tickets had initially said - but it turned out super fun!

During the 1.5-ish hour show, there was a 2-item minimum - meaning 2 drinks and/or food items per person.  There were burgers, veggie burgers, fries, sweet potato fries, calamari and chicken sammiches on the food menu, and a full bar.  

Being the non-drinking protein-hound that I am, I went for a Diet Coke ($4) and:

Chicken Fingers ($8) - 4 chunky, whole breast pieces, lightly battered and fried to a blazing hot crisp, served with celery and carrot sticks and a rather bland ranch dressing.  The chunky white meat breast pieces were not pre-formed like a McNugget, these things were all natural breastesses.  

Yes, the real thing still exists in LA! : P

Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman were very funny, starting the show by reading comments that the audience had sent in - paying homage to Mr. Penis in the audience (yeah, I have no idea - all I know is that he was sitting among us wearing a Miss America-style banner that said "Mr. Penis" on it, and the duo acknowledged his presence).  They moved on to celebrity news, including mocking Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Chelsea Lately and Ann Heche, with sporadic voice mimicking of other noteworthy stars (Nicholas Cage, Gilligan Island's Thurson Howell, Sean Connery, Adam West).

My only beef about this location is that parking in the Universal City Walk is $10 (for general, not preferred which is $20) unless you see a movie and get validated, which gets you a $5 rebate.  IMO that is a lot for parking!!  But obviously not an issue I would raise with this comedy venue itself.

Food and drink service was efficient and friendly, and the check landed on the tables positioned behind our bar-stool-height chairs for our drinks and food just as the show was ending.  Good timing!

I liked the venue, and it seems that Kevin Smith is making more appearances here in the future - so yes, I'd come back for more of the same (even with the $10 parking)!

A recent visit to Universal City Walk with a few friends brought us to finding about that night's benefit and fundraiser event and comedy show here at The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club. It was a benefit and fundraiser for the WSCA (World Society for the Protection of Animals).  And for a $10 cover charge who can complain?

For some reason the comedy club that evening was understaffed. The waiter informed us to bare with him as they were short a few people. "OK" I thought. Let's see how this goes. But surprisingly enough as I observed this gentleman bus himself in and out of the crowds, quickly serve and answer questions other patrons had at nearby tables my thought changed. Despite being understaffed they made up for it by pushing extra hard to make sure that guests were happy.

I've had the pleasure in trying their margaritas ($3). They were having a special on Kamikazi's that night too....$1! Phew, dangerous! Their red velvet cakes were 'meh' and a bit dry ($5).

There were a total of 7 to 9 different comedians who came up and did their thing. Some including Thai Rivera (Most might remember him touring with Jo Koy) and Adam Richmond (He's done a few shows with Nickelodeon, Fox Sports Net and a few commercials). Some funny, some just blew it. But with $10 I guess you could say "You get what you pay for."

Comedians entertaining, drinks, desserts, what more CAN you ask for on a Sunday evening?

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4/5 Ambiance - The mood, character, quality, tone, atmosphere.
4/5 Service - Helpful, accommodating, efficient, delivery and speed?
2/5  Food / Merchandise - Quality, taste, presentation.
4/5  Price - Reasonable, inexpensive, high priced?
(Based on Irma's review rating rubric - static.px.yelp.com/photo…

This place is not bad, but it's not super-fantastic either.  I think it's having a rough start.  I'll definitely come again in a few months to see if there has been any progress.  Here's why:

1. Comedy.  Not bad.  We've got inappropriate humor which always means good times.  No awkward silences or uncomfortable laughter is always a plus.  If you want to pick a good time to come, I would say Wednesday.  That's when Jon headlines.  I don't think I could ever get tired of songs/jingles about how Bob Saget is allegedly gay.

2. Food.  Tough call.  I read previous reviews of the underwhelming nachos, so I didn't even bother giving them a shot.  The rest of the menu was rather limited in choices.  We've got nachos, a couple of wraps, and then a fruit and cheese plate.  I chose the fruit and cheese plate to reduce the chance of possible regret.  Well, kudos to you.  You sure can cut them cheeses into relatively symmetrical cubes.

3. Drinks.  Well, again the choices were rather limited.  I was in the mood for a good cider, but all they had was coors, bud, and then their "lighter" brothers.  Their exotic choices consisted of Heineken and Corona.  The wine selection was essentially red one or white one.  I opted for a Kamikaze, and it was surprisingly not watered down.  Problem here is that this club requires a 2 item minimum per person.  So, if you want my advice... eat someplace else and just get semi-plastered here.

4. Parking.  Cool, if you're smart about it.  The show starts at around 8:30 pm.  If you park after 8, the fees are MUCH lower.  Just a few bucks, I think.  So time yourself wisely.  Also: if you plan to park in any structure, I suggest the Jurassic Parking (yes, they were clever with the pun).  The club is essentially a few feet away from that parking structure.  Talk about convenience!

5. Vibe.  A little underwhelming.  Maybe it's because I went on a weeknight, or maybe it's because it's still relatively new... but the place was kinda dead.  The tables/booths were not packed.  There's supposed to be a DJ after the comedy show so we could hang around and dance.  Unfotunately, it was virtually a bar wasteland 5 minutes after the show was over.

So stop by if you're in the mood for a few good laughs.  Don't expect to be dazzled with the food or the drinks.  They mentioned that their kitchen is still being built (hence the limited choices), so let's hope they kick it up a notch soon.

Oh Jon Lovitz -- you're kind of like the village bike -- comedians famous and new come by and use you.  And there's a reason for it because you are the one, the renowned, the irreplaceable...But I don't know some parts seriously negatively affected my experience.

Granted, my experience with comedy clubs are limited to the ones in Northern California and Irvine Improv but here's the dealio ~

- Parking: you're going to be in universal city walk so it's a) expensive b) crowded c) expensive.  I thought I heard they had some special for the club but alas ~ no one called me back when I left a message.  This is just due to the location of the venue but if I can save $20 on parking by just waiting another week to see a comedian at Irvine ... I'll wait.

- Price: It's the standard $12-$24 and overall it's fairly priced.  But you're also going to have to have a two item purchase also so expect to spend about $40-$50.

- Staff: Oh my god they're so nice! Well the majority of them from my experience.  But overall a pretty positive experience.

- Negatives: It's first come first serve seating... unless you're blowing somebody on staff then fuck the line you go to the front! I get it... you know the manager, you showed a side-boob to the bookie, idk.  But it was absolutely infuriating after waiting for 2 hours in line that 20+ people walks in front of you.  If they made reservations that's cool too -- I just wish it was advertised better because I had been looking forward to this night for over  two months and I waited in high heels and cold winds for two hours to not be first.  It was disappointing.  

- Food -- very mediocre and not everything we ordered was even available.  Also I ordered my drink and was about to order food and the waiter told us that they'd be back for food orders...30+ minutes later.  Oh ok.  I know two items are mandatory but don't abuse that fact.  I was told by a friend to hold off on food till we got here but next time I'll eat first.

- Drinks: Decent.  No more.  No less.

Will I be back? Probably.  The fact was it was fun and overall I did have a blast with the act itself ~ just wished it was 100% positive.  But alas that's the problem with first impressions -- you only get one.

Went there for the first time to see my friend get roasted by her comedy pals. I ended up catching the last set of a full audience. It was decent.

The place is huge! 3 levels. I imagine you can almost always at least get a seat on one of the upper levels. The drinks were of average tourist local. I think the beers were only $5.

I'll be back to see some comedy. Especially on a weekday where you can get free parking.

Came here to watch the live podcast of Kevin Smith & Ralph Garman in Hollywood Babble-On or HBO as they like to call it!

Was VERY entertaining! There is a minimum purchase of two items per person so be prepared to get something to eat or drink when you come! The waiters are always running around & asking if you need anything - so that was nice.

The food was pretty good - alot of finger food!