The Hartford Funny Bone

1. This place isn’t in Hartford and should stop claiming to be.
2. Don’t start letting people in for a 10 pm show at 930, if you can’t get everyone on by 10. That’s dumb. Let them in earlier. Or figure out a way to seat people more efficiently. Or assign seats. Either way, people would be less annoyed.
3. Every time I’ve been here, the comedians have been OK. That isn’t the issue. Good service is. If rather be at city steam.

Went to see the Ragin Cajun here two weeks ago. It was a very funny show. I ordered a grilled chicken salad and house mixed drink. We had great seats, and service. The food was better than I expected. What a fun night!

So I wasn’t a huge fan of the line situation prior to the doors opening but I was a fan of the show and the space/​service. The line wraps through the bar and it was about a thousand degrees on a pretty cool night (I can’t imagine how hot it would’ve been in the summer). The show started 45 minutes late and there wasn’t any communication as to why or when the doors were going to open. The front bar also only had one bartender and about a thousand people standing in line. All of that said, the space is pretty big and can fit a good amount of people– they certainly cram you in there. The stage is easy to see and the sound is good. The servers are quick and friendly. All in all– a pretty good experience.

If I could give zero stars I would… we bought our tickets prior to the show. We are a party of six, 4 of us were there early to get a table. We all ordered drinks at the bar… The first bartender was Very sweet, but made one of our drinks with a little too much vodka… So the manager or whatever other bartender came in and was VERY rude basically shaming the girl for making the drink with too much vodka… Made it all over for us and I guess it was okay.
Then we head into the show but to our surprise we can’t be seating without the two other people in our party. So we wait a few minutes… When they seat us… They try to seat us in the middle of two other parties … Talk about a crowd! First off, the tables are way too small to even fit six people… We had to change our table, the girl who changed our table was nice… So we find out that we have to share this table with two additional people… Let’s just say whoever comes here won’t be happy…
Now to the ordering… My boyfriend ordered a drink he said, «vodka…»… She immediately responded and said what kind of vodka? He wasn’t done ordering his vodka soda with a lemon and a lime. She said with cran? He said no, she said with tonic? He said no… let him order his entire drink!!!
Now to the table issue again… TWO people came over to remind us two additional people are going to be seated with us. We say okay. Knowing the table was wayyyy to crowed… Sure enough two people walk over and the look she gave the waitress was priceless…
I’m sure more will be happening tonight… But Let’s just say this place is over priced, rude service and the food could be made better at home…
Thanks for nothing.

One-​star rating on the food, not the comics who were very good. Eat before you go; it’s very expensive and lousy bar food. In particular, avoid the $ 14 «steak» sandwich, which had only four bite-​sized pieces of gristle. They easily could have fit on a slider. I thought the $ 15 hamburger at TD Garden was the worst rip-​off in New England, but this tops it. Drinks are weak. If you have to eat, try the mac & cheese.
The servers were very attentive (albeit at the early Wednesday night show when the place was only 20% full), especially considering they do their work mostly in the dark, so that’s somewhat of a saving grace.

Funny comedy, yummy apps and strong drinks. Drinks were slightly pricy but food and comedy was reasonable so I think it’s a win win!

We had a Groupon that was gonna expire– the management made an exception to honor the groupon on Friday nite at 7:30 pm although not their normal policy. This was the only time we could use it!
I’m so glad we went. I brought my mother and a Neighbour. We had a great time. The comics were very funny and the staff was pleasant.
We will definitely be back.

The comedians are always great here, the prices are reasonable and it’s easy to get to. But it’s so cramped in there. When it’s a packed house the staff can barely get through. It feels like your sitting on top of the person next to you. Other than the tight quarters, this place is nice, well kept and the food is ok. It’s regular bar type food, nothing to write home about. But it’s tasty and filling. I have been here twice and enjoyed the experience over all and I love the variety of comedians they present. There is something for everyone here.

Went there last night to see Doug Benson. My boyfriend and I had a really good time. The club is pretty nice inside. Given it’s a comedy club in a crappy mall in Manchester, I was expecting it to be dumpy inside. However, I was pleasantly surprised. If I can give one piece of advice to anyone going there, it would be get there early. That way you can get comfortable in a seat without having to squeeze in. Saying that the seats are cramped is being generous. I’m glad we sat where we did. The bigger tables down closer to the stage were even more cramped than ours. We were forced to sit with another couple which was fine, but a little awkward. We did not eat or drink anything (besides water) so I have no opinion on it other than by looks alone. It seemed just like average bar food, nothing special. I didn’t even really look at the menu. But, I did notice someone near me order a giant brownie that looked really good.
I read a lot of complaints about the staff on here, but we didn’t have any problems with anyone. Everyone was really nice and accommodating. The wait staff did seem a bit overworked, though. I guess they have a strict no cell phone policy because I saw Nobody using their phone during the show. I wanted to get a picture, but didn’t want to risk getting thrown out. The show itself was awesome. I love Doug Benson! I would go there again, for sure. Maybe try the food next time.

I came here last Saturday night to see Rickey Smiley. I actually liked the fact that it was located in the mall because I was able to get dinner at my place of choice (Bertuccis) ahead of time and walked around the mall and browsed the stores before the show started. Side note: There are VERY few good stores in the Buckland Hills Mall. I got to the show an hour before it started to (6:30 for the 7:30 show) and was seated promptly. I was told that it would be packed tonight so my boyfriend and I would have to share a table with other people. We were sat at a four person table with another couple. Very awkward. However, I lucked out because the couple was very nice. But I wouldn’t recommend coming here for a first date or anniversary or other special occasion where you would want some privacy. I didn’t eat there that night but I had the macaroni and cheese there last time and actually really enjoyed it. I got the Jamacian Me Crazy to drink. It tasted good but was very, very weak. I’m not much of a drinker and had two of them and wasn’t even buzzed. So the drinks taste good but are over priced and weak. They had a good selection of specialty drinks which I liked. The tables are very small and extremely close together which I didn’t like. Every time I reached for my purse I would bump into the ladies chair behind me. Our waitress was absolutely horrible. She was extremely rude to the lady sitting at my table. To the point where my mouth was literally hanging open because I had never seen anything like that in my life. However, the manager came over and when he was told what happened we all got our food and drinks for free and each got two free tickets for upcoming shows which I thought was nice. But if I was the manager I would have fired her on the spot. It was that bad. The comedians were very funny and I did like that it was an intimate setting. I would definitely go back. But only for special event/​headline comics.

Wow Dominique was great I never have problems with the comedians it’s the food and service that plain old suck like cold food second time never gonna eat here ever again.

I think this is a decent comedy club. The service is ok and the food is ok, but for laughs and drinks it is better than other places I have been. Despite, oddly, being located in the Buckland Hills mall they do bring in some good comedians. I have seen quite a few good shows here and keep going back.

Come for the comedy, but only the comedy. Here’s why:
1. Expect your food and drink orders to be ridiculously slow (at least if you’re in a packed house). By the time I got my mixed drink (both times i visited) I had already sat through 2 opening acts, and my food took even longer.
We just saw Marvin Monroe (or is it Monroe Marvin?). During his act some people actually interrupted him and literally SCREAMED about how they had not yet received their food (he was almost done).
It became a huge distraction and really took away from his routine. It was incredibly rude of those people in my opinion, but if you are running an establishment like this you need to ensure that everything is timely so that jackholes like that don’t ruin it for everyone else.
Let me stress though: this isn’t the servers fault. Tip them well these poor girls are running around with like 15 tables each. The kitchen got my meal wrong and our waitress was responsive and she fixed it for us quickly. But because she had so many tables it took a long time for her to come back.
2. The food really isn’t that great. The first time I went to the funny bone I ordered their spinach and artichoke dip. It looked good, but it was very watery and absolutely tastless. I sent it back. Their BBQ wings were… interesting. the sauce wasn’t horrible but it wasn’t great either.
The mac and cheese, however, was delicious. I highly recommend it.
2. The drinks are pricey. If this is your first time going please note that their drink menu is largely comprised of cocktails/​mixers that include a souvenir glass (which are nice). It typically costs about $ 10 or $ 11 for a drink off this menu.
For a non alcoholic choice you can get the souvenir glass for $ 7 and get free refills all night.
My $ saving tip: just don’t order a cocktail off the menu. I asked them to make me a Blue Hawaiian and it was $ 5, which obviously is half the price. And to be honest, if money is on your mind but you still want to enjoy a nice buzz while you watch the show, pregame!
3. The setting is very cramped. The tables are tiny and you are ridiculously close to the people next to you. If you are a smaller party or just two people, do not be surprised if they sit you with strangers, because they will. You do not get your own table, they fill them strategically to ensure there are enough seats.
But just keep in mind as well that if you went to a theater, you wouldn’t have the whole row and you’d probably be cramped and surrounded by strangers, too.
FINAL THOUGHT:
The main issue I see with the Funny Bone is how they approach their food and service. What they really need to do is condense their menu even further and offer only food that is easy, quick, and ready to go (without sacrificing quality).
There is no reason why steak should be on the menu — it takes a long time to cook! All of these made to order options take forever, and when you have a packed house and a stressed out kitchen you’re going to obviously get severely backed up.
They need to stick to easy basics that they will have at all times such as wings, fries, and even pizza slices.
People came for the comedy. The food is just a bonus. They need to remember that.
Would I go back? Yes, but only for the comics. I probably would not order off of their menu again except for a glass of water.
The management needs to watch Bar Rescue. They visited and helped a similar comedy club.

Goods — comedians are very funny, there are good varieties of drinks and foods.
Bads — way to jammed. A bigger size person would not fit into a regular spot. When I was sitting, I don’t even have place for my feet, I either kicks the person on front or the back or the side…

I come here relatively often for comedy shows. If you get on their email and text list, you can regularly get free or $ 3 tickets for select shows. This has been a great addition to the Buckland Hills mall. I think it’s a great entertainment/​night out option for the area if you’re looking for something different (yes, I know this is pretty common in cities, but not for Manchester)! Note this is a 21+ establishment.
They have a lot of well-​noted comedians come through from all over the place, as well as some local talent (I recall seeing a doctor from South Windsor once). Some shows are funnier than others, obviously, but as long as you’re willing to laugh, you will. They generally have two openers and then a main feature, and the second opener performs for quite a while and is often of equally good caliber to the main act.
The food is a little pricey for what it is, but there’s enough variety that most people can find something they’re willing to eat. They have some pretty good drinks, as well as a souvenir glass menu (you get to keep the pint glasses your drinks come in if you order off that menu). You can get a pretty good collection going.
Seating is a bit cramped– you’re often seated with people you don’t know and tables that are made to fit 6 people squeeze in 8. Be prepared to bump knees with strangers unless you’re lucky enough to have a group of 4 and get seated at a table for 4. The earlier you arrive, the closer to the front you’ll sit.
Friendly and easygoing wait staff. Sometimes closing out checks can be a little bit of a hassle– probably about a third of the shows I’ve been to, I’m sitting around waiting for my credit card back after the show has ended. Best to bring cash if you can (and enough small bills so that you don’t have to wait for change). The waiters and waitresses generally do a great job though– they’re discreet during the show so you don’t miss anything, and come around often enough that you don’t feel neglected, despite how busy they often are.
There’s a bar right inside that you can access for drinks before you’re taken in to be seated, if you have time to kill beforehand. There are also a lot of restaurants right there in the mall and right near the mall if you want to eat elsewhere before the show– it’s great to have all the variety.
I’d do 3.5 stars if I could, but because that’s not an option, I’ll up it to 4 rather than 3 just because I really like that this has become an option for Manchester night life.

Love it here! Yeah the service can be slow if they’re packed and they pack you in like sardines, but I’ve seen so many great comedians here, and most of the shows have been free or a reduced cost due to groupon. The texts and emails for free tickets are great, then just get a couple of drinks and it makes for a great inexpensive night! Oh, and I love the glasses I’ve gotten when I ordered certain drinks off the menu. If you are a soda drinker, prepare to get ripped off, unless you really want one of their glasses!
Oh, they’ve stopped adding the 15% gratuity to every check, so don’t forget to tip!

If there’s another thing that Connecticut lacks, it would have to be comedy clubs. Ironically located in a mall, The Hartford Funny Bone can be hit or miss, but check out the roster and website for some potentially good deals.
If you didn’t know, sign up for their mailing list and get free tickets to shows. Otherwise most shows are $ 15 – 20 depending on the comic. All shows are 21 and over and usually include 2 – 3 openers and then the main headliner. The club itself is rather large, and seating can be super close/​borderline uncomfortable. If you come with a big party, odds are you’ll get your own table. Otherwise groups of 2 – 4 usually end up sharing their tables. Either way you’re still going to be shoulder to shoulder with someone. They used to offer an open mic night. Unfortunately that is no longer, the current promotion is if you purchase a t-​shirt, you’re entitled to free shows on Thursdays.
Food is crap, or at least that’s what I’ve sampled/​heard/​seen. Not worth spending the money so grab dinner beforehand, your pocket will thank you later. Though they have a full-​service bar, it’s incredibly slow and ridiculously expensive. Nonetheless I always get suckered into spending at least $ 10 on ONE drink. Mediocre food and poor drink delivery aside, I don’t regret signing up for their newsletter, because I usually get free tickets on a monthly basis. And come on, who can turn down an evening of laughs?

I wish I could give three and a half stars. I used to go to the Funny Bone all the time (I’ve since moved away) and usually really enjoyed myself. This is definitely a know-​before-​you-​go sort of place.
1. First and foremost, I went to the Funny Bone all the time and never paid a dime for tickets. They have a section on their website where you can sign up to win tickets if they have some extra seats. I’m no comedy expert, but I heard some funny stuff for free. Not too shabby!
2. It’s called the Hartford Funny Bone, but it’s actually in Manchester.
3. It’s located in a mall. Yep, a mall. Pretty lame and awkward. But again, if you’re not paying for tickets, who cares? Just don’t come expecting a world-​class comedy club.
4. This is not the kind of place where you need to wear stilettos and little black dress. See number 3.
5. Their drinks suck. Stick to beer. They say there’s a two drink minimum, but in my experience that was never enforced.
6. Can’t vouch for the food, but it probably sucks as well.
7. Seating is pretty tight. You WILL be crammed into a tiny space in closer proximity to a stranger than you’re comfortable with. But that’s half the fun of comedy. And again, it won’t seem so bad if you go for free.
TL;DR: go for free and you will have fond memories of the Funny Bone :-)

I have been to the Funny Bone so many times since it has opened and I have always enjoyed myself! Like other reviewers have mentioned… DO NOT COME FOR THE FOOD!!! The food is terrible… and honestly close to inedible. However, I discovered this years ago and when we go, we just make sure to grab something beforehand and we don’t eat there… Problem solved.
I have seen all sorts of comics here… from the famous to hynpnotists to complete no names. I have never ever left here without laughing my @$$ off. More often then not, the no names are funnier than the big name comics. I am not sure if my expectations are set so low for the no names that then I am then blown away or what, but it’s always a good time.
The tickets are inexpensive, but there are almost always groupons or living social deals AND if you join their mailing list, you will get free tickets via email and the mail. I’ve seen many shows for free or practically free.
I always have a good time at the Funny Bone. Yes, it is in a mall and yes the food sucks, but come for the laughs! You can always eat somewhere else…

It was my first comedy show so I didn’t know what to expect.
Pros:
Well organized
Plenty of parking
Clean
Friendly
Good comedians
Cons (nothing awful) and weird things:
Cold
Drinks were ok (typical nothing fancy) but alil overpriced
In a mall