5625 O'Donnell St Best Western Hotel and Conference Center
28 reviews of Baltimore Comedy Factory
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Tonya C.
Place rating: 1 Washington, DC
So I have attended this comedy spot several times and the shows are pretty good so that is not my issue. My issue is with the supposedly weekly winner of promotional deals. I was contacted via text and email stating I was their weekly winner of promotional deals by Shelley. I inquired and was told although I was the winner, I had to pay $ 20 bucks but would receive 20 free tickets. To take advantage of this, I have to bring four additional people with me. I paid Shelley $ 20 bucks and she then in turn sent me an email with the tickets. The ticket says you must have a minimum of six people but in her email, she said four people and that all of your guest would have to be in attendance when you check in. Red flag, now how often do all of party arrive to a location at the same time. So I contacted Shelley to tell her, that I could not find enough people to travel to Baltimore from DC to the comedy show so I inquired as to whether I could purchase a ticket for my boyfriend and also use the ticket I already purchased when I was given the free tickets. She said I would have to get two new tickets online because the $ 20 bucks went to the discount tickets. Duh, I am not using the discounts tickets. Needlessly to say, I was not happy so I gave them $ 20 bucks for nothing. I would have purchased another ticket for my boyfriend plus we would have spent money on food and drinks. Note to Shelley and the Baltimore Comedy Factory, If I am trying to keep customers, I would have given the customer a ticket in which she already purchased anyway, general ticket admission for the show is $ 20. I was told that it was a Promotional Sales Department thing and they only deal in sale packages. Wow, so enjoy my $ 20 bucks then. You just lost a customer and future ones that see this review. Anywho, I asked to be removed from text and email and I will not be spending any of my money in this establishment again, I will stick to the DC Improv. Beware…
Tamara M.
Place rating: 5 Ellicott City, MD
This place may not be the fanciest but it gets 5 stars from me because they always treat us well when we come. The wait staff and security staff are all good people. When the location use to be in the Power Plant the security staff would escort my mother to the freight elevator so that she did not have to try to maneuver up the steps(the old location was not really handicap friendly. My mother can walk but she doesn’t do steps well). Now at the new location they still remember us and she still gets the escort in early. It’s a little thing but it makes her feel really special when they tell her they remember her. The host/comedian Alabama is also exceptional. When ever we come he makes sure to make his way over to our table and give my mom a hug. She just eats it up
Gus F.
Place rating: 5 Baltimore, MD
May 1st I went to see Adele Givens only to learn that she had a death in the family, so she wouldn’t be there. As a result, Godfrey was there to take her place. The show was great. In addition, to enjoying the show I was given free tickets for a show in two weeks, and in July Adele will be in town to make up for not being able to come May 1st.
Christina G.
Place rating: 2 Las Vegas, NV
Saw the Plastic Cup Boyz. They were alright but nothing spectacular. The 2 drink minimum is ridiculous and I ordered mozzarella sticks and they came out barely warm. Friends got wings and fried shrimp and they looked good. Drinks were weak and overpriced. Crowd was sketchy and the location inside the best western hotel was odd. I liked it better when it was in power plant live! There’s probably better entertainment for the money out there.
Nicole R.
Place rating: 4 Manasquan, NJ
Went to see the Plastic Cup Boyz last night. They were absolutely hilarious. We’re got there 20 minutes before the show started. Easily got the tickets at will call and found a great table. A couple of gripes… The venue is definitely outdated and the bathrooms were not very clean. I also don’t agree with a two drink minimum… Two item. Yes… Two drink… Not so much especially with the prices. However, I would go back because the have great comedians.
Cliff W.
Place rating: 5 Dundalk, MD
I have been going to The Comedy Factory for three years now Alabama the MC is a funny funny dude I have seen all of the top name comedians known the drinks there are worth the money I’m a vegetarian so I’m not worried about the food anybody that has anything negative to say about the comedy club is just coming up we all just there to have fun some people just don’t know how to have fun so you can’t please everybody they always going to have haters out there
Chris S.
Place rating: 3 Washington, DC
I think it is hilarious that this comedy club is located in an industrial area inside of a Best Western hotel. With the unconventional location, the Baltimore Comedy Factory is still load of fun depending of course on the comedian on the stage. Staff is fantastic, the ticket counter people are friendly and quick, the security is cool, and the wait staff is great. The waitress was quick with the order and made sure she handled our large group’s every need. She was definitely serious about the two drink minimum as nobody was leaving without that order being placed. Also nobody is leaving the showroom without proof of paying either as they watch the door hard. There really are no bad seats in the house as the room isn’t’ too big for the stage. Plenty of table seating throughout the showroom but it is for the most part first come first serve, so if you want the front tables come early and wait for the show to begin. All in all worth a visit if you’re into comedy and hotels.
Keila B.
Place rating: 4 Washington, DC
I’ve been here twice so far and I give it a 4. Let me break it down. Price: Each time I’ve been here, I got my ticket on goldstar for a fraction of the cost & less than $ 15 each time… Check! Will call: We never had to wait in line to pick up our tickets from will call… Check! Line to enter & seat selection/view: Line was wrapped around the corner both times, but moved swiftly. We were able to get a seat of our choice both times, even though we were in the back of the line. All seats are good seats in there… Check! Food & drinks: Food was your standard local dive fare & was nothing to write home about. Drinks were decent, not watered down, but a bit pricey($ 4 for a bottle of water). They also have a 2 drink minimum that they enforce strictly & make you show an exit ticket that represents you’ve paid your tab… A bit petty, but they probably have this policy in place for a reason. Ha! Comedians: The comedians I saw were both great & had me cracking up. They do a good job with comedian selections… Check! Servers & décor: The 1st time, our server was terrible. She took too long to take our orders. Larger parties who came in after us had their food & drinks way before she took our order… She also took so long to close us out, that we & some of her other tables were there well after the Comedian finished & other people left. On the other had we had Stoney for a server another time & he was friendly, took our orders right away & closed us out before the show ended. The décor theme is clearly, local dive joint themed. The place has a tacky/cheap red feel to… It is very fitting for a comedy joint… Check! I will definitely go back again.
Keisha B.
Place rating: 3 Washington, DC
This is a no frills experience but I don’t typically attend comedy shows for the décor… Anyhow they are located inside Best Western hotel, there’s plenty of free parking and it’s pretty easy to find. However there is a two drink minimum per person which for me is not too hard to do considering I typically buy drinks when I go out. But it’s mandatory which sucks and the drinks are not the best outside of one of their margarita’s I ordered. The food left a lot to be desired unfortunately but I didn’t honestly expect much. Make sure you get there early to try to get good seats and laugh your face off :) Also be prepared to make new friends wherever you’re sitting because you’ll be sharing a table with other patrons but the more the merrier.
Kandyce J.
Place rating: 2 Randallstown, MD
I would only come here if they had an act that I really wanted to see. I was okay with the two drink minimum but the food was terrible. It took forever to get our order to us(old bay wings). The seating in the club was so tight that it was uncomfortable. Entering the show was crazy too… First, you have to wait in line. Then you are escorted to another room where you have to wait, then you leave that room to walk up the stairs to finally enter the club. I’ve had better experiences elsewhere.
Sharon C.
Place rating: 3 Gambrills, MD
This was my first time here and ordered tickets online thanks to a cool Groupon promotion. There is plenty of parking in the hotel’s parking lot and upon entering the lobby you’ll find the will call area to your left near the stairs. Select your tickets carefully as there are no exchanges or refunds. Highly recommended that you arrive early. Will call was moving a bit slow and when you get upstairs, there’s a line that snaked around the corner but VIP had a shorter line. *VIP seating is at the foot of the stage and since it’s a comedy show it kinda makes you fodder for the jokes since you’re sitting right there.* Although there is an elevator on site, it was not operating during my visit. I couldn’t help but wonder what accommodations they have for persons with disabilities/limitations. Seating is first come first served and I managed to be seated in a central area where it was easy to see and didn’t feel too cramped. I went in well aware of the two drink minimum but the prices are inflated for what they offer. There was a bar set up in the area where you line up that had a promotion of BOGO if paying cash. Sounds cool right? Nope cuz it won’t count towards your two drink minimum. This is enforced since you have to have a stub to hand to staff when you exit that shows you paid your tab. The waitstaff did what they could given the demand. I was bothered a bit by the trainee holding the unwrapped straws in her bare hands and toying with them but was relieved that her trainer provided me with a wrapped straw. I’d recommend eating prior to arrival as the food may take time to prepare and won’t be as hot as you want when it arrives. Again, expect inflated prices for food items. The opening act and main attraction lived up to the hype and I enjoyed myself. What killed it for me was when I was paying my tab and offered my credit card. I was told that their machine was down and she’d write my credit card number down and run it later. No boo… you won’t. I opted to pay cash because I am serious about not being a fraud victim. I was further concerned when the wait staff on the level below me was running cards and returning them to patrons which made me question the validity of my wait staff’s claim that the machine was down. Overall, I’d return to this venue. Armed with the need to know information I can anticipate bringing cash and how early to arrive.
R M.
Place rating: 2 Wilmington, DE
I loved the comedians but I hated the location. The 2 drink minimum was Ridiculous! Me and my husband came out here for our anniversary, got a nice hotel and went to a nice romantic dinner before the show just to get here and they force us to buy 2 drink! We already paid our tickets why should we have to spend even more money on a raggedy establishment! The ceiling wasn’t finished and the furnisher was trash! I felt like I was in a basement! I paid extra for VIP thinking I was gonna have nice seats. WRONG! The whole room was a freaking basement. Save your money people!
OneLuv83 N.
Place rating: 3 Manassas, VA
It was a little weird at first how you have to wait in a room before you enter the theatre. Security let us in about 15 minutes before the show started. But I enjoyed myself and the comedians put on a good show!
Jeff K.
Place rating: 2 Baltimore, MD
Recently went to The Comedy Factory for the first time to see Dustin«Screech» Diamond… THEGOOD… –found parking in private lot –Best Western Hotel was very easy to find –waitress was friendly –house comedian was funny –bathroom appeared clean THEBAD… –I know it’s quite standard, but the two drink minimum is garbage…$ 4 for a bottle of generic spring water… nonsense –grand ballroom where the show was felt like a conference center which is really what it is… didn’t feel like a venue I’d be going to see a comedy show –House DJ was horrible –staff in the back making noise that could be heard while show was in progress –food menu was very basic Overall I’d return only if I really wanted to see someone perform. This place just didn’t scream comedy venue to me.
Cary I.
Place rating: 2 Severn, MD
Went to see a show 11⁄4. The comedians themselves were amazing. The set up was pretty sweet as well. It’s too bad that the staff ruined it. I will say the couple guys working the entrance and collecting tickets were awesome. The dude out by the line escorting VIP passes was helpful and pleasant. Kudos to those guys. The waitresses were the problem. It was fast service, but they were unbelievably loud. At one point, during one of the comics routine a waitress and some guy that looked like a manager were having a full on conversation with each other right off stage. No volume control or anything. I get its loud and you have a job, but you don’t have to yell– talk everything in the middle of a show. That coupled with the sound/dj announcer in the back that walked with cement feet behind us made for such a bad experience. We get it dude, you run stuff — you don’t have to stomp around all night long to the point where it’s all I heard. Drinks were badly priced for a two drink minimum as well. $ 10 a mixed drink $ 6 crap beers. Again — good venue, fast service, but fairly rude and distracting staff. If I was a comic I would be pissed. I hope this stuff gets straightened out because it’s a good looking place. And Alabama kills it. Keep him coming back.
Aleesha R.
Place rating: 3 Essex, MD
Visited 2 weeks ago to see one of my favorite comedians, Gary Owen. Gary was awesome and clowned this location during his act. The ceiling appears unfinished, the stage is a bit aged and ancient wall sconces line the walls. But, I don’t attend comedy shows for the ambience. So, the décor isn’t a big deal. Drinks weren’t that strong at all and the apps are average. I’ll be back next week for Lil Duval though!
Kim S.
Place rating: 3 Reisterstown, MD
I have been to the Baltimore Comedy Factory when it was downtown. and personally I loved the old spot. Now it’s upstairs in a hotel that is way in the cut. The comedy acts were awesome as we’re the drinks but the location just didn’t work for me.
Michele C.
Place rating: 4 Owings Mills, MD
I loved the show. Good opening act, plenty of food and drink choices. Server gave me a complimentary drink to celebrate my bday. Food wasn’t great but the drinks were good. This place brings in big names. Venue could use a facelift, although, I’m starting to think comedy venues look horrible to give the comics something to talk about. Bonus: you will receive a pass to come back to a future show w a 2 drink minimum.
Teneka W.
Place rating: 3 Baltimore, MD
Wear a jacket, it’s always freezing in here. This place can be considered a hit or miss. Service is lackluster and seating is too close, awkward and can be uncomfortable depending on where you sit. The only thing that keeps me coming back is a discounted price for a good comedian. I’ll probably never pay full price for tickets here. Especially considering to have dinner here can get kind of pricey. Reason being, a two drink minimum that they do enforce. And that’s if you only order soft drinks and water. I wouldn’t dare order an alcoholic beverage. Went to see Michael Blackson last night and for a party of two bill was $ 50. Still left hungry and had to go else where to eat again after the show. The food is mediocre at best. After seated we ordered an order of buffalo wings each, one order of fries and for starters one coke each. The food came out about 5 minutes after ordering and before the cokes. I never put that much thought into how they get the food to come out so fast and now I realize it’s probably not made to order. I’m sure they’re made well before the doors even open because when we got our food, the fries and both orders of wings were completely cold. Of course I gave mine back and the person I was with kept theirs and just chalked it up as a loss. About 10 minutes later the cokes came and it was just a cup of coke. However, when the second order of wings came out they definitely made up for this first order. Hot, fresh and spicy. Would I return? Yes but only when the tickets are discounted.
Lex R.
Place rating: 1 Montgomery Village, MD
Friday, August 7th I went to see Bruce Bruce for the 8pm show. I arrived early with my group to sit in the front next to the stage and very much enjoyed the show. I even received a birthday shout out from the host Alabama(who is hilarious), the opening act, and from Bruce Bruce himself, along with a free t-shirt! I was delighted. At the end of the show, I had lined up at the side of the stage when people began to wait to buy a Bruce Bruce shirt and take a picture with him. When I got to the line, a short guy with an earpiece spoke loudly at me saying, «You need to get to the back of the line!» I told him that I would wait until the last people who were in line passed me before I would go. This seemed to anger the guy and when the couple who were behind the ones I entered the line after allowed me to walk up the stairs, he began yelling at the other staff saying, «She cannot go! I will pull her off the %*^ing stage!» The other worker, who assisted me up the stairs, began to pull me back(while I was in heels!) when the first worker began to yell and curse at him for helping me. The people behind me did not have an issue as they saw that I was waiting to get in line at the stage before them. As I waited on stage, the worker came on stage and proceeded to yell in my face and to began to call me names and waved his hands in a manner that was very threatening to me. This was witnessed by the audience, staff, as well as the group I came to the comedy show with. When I responded to the worker that his conduct was not necessary, and that he was, «making the situation more than what it was» he continued to yell and belittle me in front of everyone else. After I had ignored his curses, I overhead him slandering me to other people in the line behind me and yelled out to my face and others repeatedly that I was«lazy».(To a workaholic, that word doesn’t even exist in my world). As I neared Bruce Bruce on stage, the worker continued to follow after me and yelled out to the other staff asking, «Did she pay for a t-shirt?!» I stated before, I was given a free t-shirt from Bruce Bruce while he was performing on stage; something this worker should have witnessed as he seen me carrying it while in line before the t-shirt table. I took my picture with Bruce and my friends on stage, he signed my 12 yr old DVD(I am a huge fan), and I could still over hear the worker, who was now waiting at the front door bad talking me! He made me feel extremely uncomfortable approaching the front door, while I was looking for my exit pass. I felt like he was trying to target me, and could not leave it alone when I ignored him and did not show him the same aggression he gave me for the last 20mins of being in the building. I went to the host Alabama and informed him that I wanted to file a formal complaint to the manager against the worker who just humiliated me in front of everyone and was threatening towards me. I discovered that the worker was the GENERALMANAGER of the Baltimore Comedy Factory! His name is Chip. I plan on filing a report with the BBB and whomever else I need to inform about how I was treated at this establishment. I am very shocked that someone who manages at this establishment that I attend very often could be so unprofessional and malicious towards a patron who paid money to attend the show and buy from their menu. Not only was he extremely rude to me, he was also very mean to his staff. Yelling and cursing at them in front of patrons. I plan on informing the Owner of the Baltimore Comedy Factory, whose name is Mike, about his General Manager in hopes that this does not ever occur again to someone else. I have been a long time fan of the Baltimore Comedy Factory for at least 6 – 7 years and have always brought many people to enjoy shows. At this point, I feel very uncomfortable showing up again in fear that I would be publicly slandered because an employee did not know how to be professional. If anyone from this establishment has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I have witnesses to the incident, have began the procedure to filing more written, formal complaints to the necessary agencies, and will be discussing matters with a lawyer. I am sure there is also surveillance of this man’s behavior towards me within the establishment that night.
Na H.
Place rating: 3 Baltimore, MD
My friend won a party here for 15 of her guests to receive free admission, but when is anything free, so upon further investigation, l discovered that: she had to pay $ 30 for her ticket; she had to have a minimum of 4 guests come in with her or the offer would be voided; and there was a 2 drink per person minimum. So much for free… The establishment was located in the Best Western Hotel located at 5625 O’Donnell St. off of exit 57 on l-95 North. This was previously where Toby’s Dinner Theater was located. The hotel looked sort of abandoned with caution tape and plastic sheeting swirling from the windows above… l was skeptical about coming here, but as we entered the lobby of the hotel, l was still skeptical. The box office was located to the left of the lobby and as we checked in, we were required to produce the flyer that included her name on it and the additional 4 guests. We were given tickets and proceeded up a staircase to the second floor(we asked was there an elevator for one person in our party, but was told none was available. What the … ADA reps should have been here to pitch a boogie woogie about that one). The hotel was in need of a total makeover. If the dingy carpet and Dynasty-era 80’s chandeliers were any indication of what the rooms looked like, l would sleep out in my car before retiring here. Once on the second level, we were asked if we have VIP admission. When we answered no, we were directed to a second line at the far end of the comedy venue entrance and proceeded to wait until about 8:10…the show was to start at 8. Oh boy. We were ushered it ahead of the VIP line and instructed to select any open seating on the second and third levels, as the VIP section was the main floor section directly in front of the stage. The views were okay for us as we selected the second level. A waitress came to take our food/drink orders. I ordered the 20 oz. frozen strawberry drink with rail tequila(as it met the 2 drink min. requirement) for $ 15(ouch!). I also ordered the buffalo wings for $ 10. You can easily see how the free ticket lure and min. 2 drink required resulted in money in the bank for The Comedy Factory. There was a $ 5 raffle for Orioles tickets before the show started, which was weird to me. The comedians were good: the MC named Alabama, comedian Chastity and the headliner, J. Anthony Brown from the Tom Joyner Morning Show. All in all a good lineup. When our checks came(which the server told us could only be two or more per check… huh?) there was a 15% gratuity added per check… those slicksters. After paying, you were given a small laminated yellow card that said something to the effect of «dont lose this ticket as it is proof of your payment and present it to security as you are leaving». Never had to do this before. Upon leaving, there was the MC at the door begging for donations to a local charity. Trying to suck all of the $ out of our pocket. Although the evening was ok sans the constant begging for $ for«raffle tickets and donations» l think the next time someone says they have free tickets to go to The Comedy Factory, l may sit that one out.
Barry H.
Place rating: 2 Baltimore, MD
I probably wouldn’t mind this place as much of it wasn’t in the cut! On the positive side, there’s ample free parking in the travel plaza parking lot. Ok… That’s a positive… I went last night as the guest of the headliner for the evening. The ladies at the box office are always pleasant and helpful. The security guys and the guys whom I assume to be ownwes/management are usually pretty cool. Since I’ve never been unless I was a guest of a comedian, I’m not sure if my experience is particularly unique. Another positive… Allow me to give some critiques… The Best Western Hotel? If you’ve been in Baltimore for any amount of time, you know this travel plaza. It isn’t usually a place where I’d want to hang out. The O’Donnell Street address fooled me into thinking that I was going into Canton. Fool me once… you know the rest. I guess I should be happy that the night club where folks were being shot on the inside is no longer there. The place is OK enough, I guess. This location is much larger than the Power Plant location. What the travel plaza lacks in class is made up in elbow room. The club is now in the ballroom/theater of the hotel. I’m going to need them to do something with the stage… all the comedians joked about those janky stage curtains! I never appreciated the herd treatment that the patrons receive at this place. The early show patrons are moved in and out like cattle. I also HATE the two drink minimum imposed as a part of the herding process. The food is mediocre at best… I had a basket of wings, a bottle of beer and a water. The bill, which automatically includes gratuity, was $ 25. The bottle of Deer Park was $ 4 alone. Fool me twice… What’s particularly offensive is the fact that you can’t leave the venue unless you present a special ticket to prove that you’ve satisfied your minimum. In the past I’ve noticed that even if you don’t meet that minimum, you’re still charged. Why the exit pass? And is there anything they can do about the smell of used fry grease that permeates the hallways and lobby? I’m just saying… If I had to compare, Magooby’s offers a far better experience. I don’t mind spending the money if I feel like I’m getting a quality experience. It’s a good thing the comedians were great.
David H.
Place rating: 1 St Leonard, MD
This place is the worst comedy club in the area. Watch out for overzealous security that will treat you like a criminal. Watch out for their two drink policy where they hand out«exit tickets» where if you try to leave they will have a «police» officer arrest and detain you. Watch for the staff impersonating police officers telling you will«go to jail» if you don’t meet the two drink minimum. Don’t worry, they will detain you publicly even though you show them your paid bill. They will demand you surrender your identification while they are detaining you. This policy may be racist as well. Oh, yeah. Their unprofessional staff will make excuses as to why the opening act is stuck in traffic before the show. I saw Rodman there. He had a tepid act with old material. His issue. Go here at your own risk. They serve a primarily African American crowd and I’ve never seen these type of draconian security measures at «white» comedy clubs. There’s something fishy about this place. You will notice it too.
Tykisha T.
Place rating: 4 Washington, DC
Me & hubby came here for his bday! We stayed in the best western(it’s located inside of hotel). It wasn’t a long wait to get in & the show started on time! We had VIP! The comedians(huggy lowdown, Chris Paul & another known comedian name Chris, I have seen him on BET stand up comedy before) All of them was very funny! My husband really enjoyed! The food was a little pricey for portion it tasted OK nothing to rave about! The drinks was Strong! You don’t really need to pay for VIP it only get u first picks on seats & a free drink in Lobby! But if you want those extras you can pay a few bucks more for VIP! The venue is big enough! Wait staff was attentive & friendly! They add tip to food/drink purchase! & they only have bottle water for $ 4. :/! I would go back depending on the comedian for the night! Won’t order food tho!
Frank L.
Place rating: 3 Ellicott City, MD
When it comes to comedy clubs I’m thinking it’s really all about the comedy and the night we went the performers were FUNNY! So that’s really the thing. However, this is really a no frills comedy club. The funny gets it 4 stars, tickets are fairly cheap, but the whole 2 drink minimum thing drives me up the wall. The SO has informed me that this is totally normal so I should quit bitching. I’ll let you know how that turns out. The Baltimore Comedy Factors is actually just ½ a ballroom of the Best Western on the East Side of Baltimore. Getting tickets is a weird semi-painful experience. You can buy regular or VIP(up front) online, but if you don’t show up something like 45 minutes before doors open you forfeit the VIP ticket(WTF?). You can also just walk in and buy tix and the«box office». Let me reiterate, the comedians were great! I’ll be back… I’ll still be annoyed by the little things… and I’ll still have a great time!
TJ B.
Place rating: 3 Gaithersburg, MD
On the comedy front, I’m glad they are here. The club brings in a lot of great headliners that we would not otherwise have access to. I don’t think anyone has come to expect comedy clubs to have great food & drink service or quality, it just never seems to happen and this place is consistent in that regard. Any negativity on my end is the move to a new location at an old hotel in a crummy part of town. A great feature of having a comedy club in a city is being able to walk there from other bars and restaurants. Makes it nice to grab some dinner beforehand or some drinks after. You’re pretty much driving as soon as you leave this club and will be trying to squeeze in food somewhere else and then staying sober enough to drive over. It’s a crappy location that makes sense in the suburbs but doesn’t have the benefits of most city comedy clubs. We went to see Iliza S. recently and she was great, as was Alabama. The sound quality was awful for the opener and Alabama straightened things out when he was on stage. The volume was initially so loud with the opening comic that I couldn’t concentrate on his bits over the painful ear assault I was enduring. Didn’t seem like anyone was even paying attention to that until a comic on stage(Alabama) had to call it out. Drink service was pretty awful. Drinks were awful as well. Order was wrong twice. Didn’t bother complaining because it is an environment you should not really be having a conversation(when a comic is on stage). Overall, though, the club is fine. Internally, from a customer perspective, I don’t notice much of a difference between this and the old location, other than the old location was much more convenient for enjoying the city. If you are driving in for the show and nothing else, then the new location is actually better since it is right off 95 with free parking. That’s the only upside, easy in and out.
Larissa J.
Place rating: 2 Baltimore, MD
First time at new location and I must admit I am not a huge fan. The staging process to get into the show is ridiculous. Seats are first come first served and yet they rope you off in a large room with one measly bar that is CASHONLY!!! Since I started this review I have gone back to the venue and it really is a wonder how they have so many great headliners because their customer service and front of the management leaves a lot to be desired! What they need to do is take a page out of Magooby’s book!!! Magooby’s may be a hike out of the city but they know how to cater to the artist and the audience! So this last time I went to the Baltimore Comedy Factory it was basically a chaotic mess. We arrived 15 minutes before showtime but instead of corralling us into the other room, we had to wait in a 20 minute line for two ticket windows because they don’t just let you print your ticket at home OR better yet let us have electronic tickets and have a scanner at the front door so no one has to wait in such an absurdly long line. Aside from the line, there is still first come first serve seating which would be great if there were a team of hostesses at the front door who knew how many tables and seats were in the room and could help people find seats. We spent at least 5 – 7 minutes looking for a seat and there were tons of open seats but they were in between couples and people had their coats and bags on them so they seemed occupied but had there been people to assist it would have gone a lot smoother. We were lucky, some people didn’t get sat until right before the headliner came out. And on that note, having only security at the door who aren’t really helpful and just check tickets is not a good business model. Don’t get me started on the food and drinks. There is a two drink minimum but we didn’t even see the server until well into the feature comics set and then we ordered all our drinks at once just to ensure we were holding up our end of the agreement. Unfortunately she didn’t give us the check until the headliner was done and we had to wait for her in order to leave the show. The timing was all wrong the entire evening that’s for sure. And did I mention that while the show was going on the emcee and a security guard were walking through the the entire place counting how many people were in the room… can you say distracting??? Had they had a hostess team up front and a security guard with a manual counter/clicker hey would not have had to interrupt the show and distracted us. Hopefully they will improve the entire process in the next few weeks otherwise I will only be going to Magooby’s from now on!
Katrina L.
Place rating: 4 College Park, MD
If you patronized the old location, there’s no way you can give this place LESS than three stars. You cannot honestly look me in the face and tell me that the old and crusty Power Plant Live was a better location. The food was crap, the bathrooms were crap and the venue was crap… I’m glad Baltimore Comedy Factory decided to move here, because it is a vast improvement. Yes, it’s inside of a Best Western and right beside a truck stop, but this location is worlds apart in cleanliness, appearance and overall quality. The venue is much larger and provides for a better viewing experience, along with the fact that the chairs and tables are no longer crunched together. The food looks a lot better than before, but I didn’t personally order anything — I ate off of my boyfriend’s plate and I didn’t feel like I was eating a foot, which is how I felt when I ate at the other location. Bathrooms are way cleaner and don’t reek of funk, because they’re well kept. Overall, organization is much better here being that the establishment is in a larger place. Two drink minimum is cool; if you’re getting $ 25 comedy tickets you have to expect some sort of additional charge, so I don’t have a problem with it. Parking is free and doesn’t require a mile walk back to your car. I was fearful of being in an unsafe place as others have mentioned, but it was seriously nothing to be worried about. I’m not from Baltimore so I’m hyper fearful of the worse, but this was anything but. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this new location. You’ll be glad you did!