Zanies Comedy Club

Absolutely worst experience! We traveled from another town to see a show this past Saturday. I had not heard of the comedian we saw, but my husband was a huge fan so I wanted him to have a great experience. When I bought my «VIP» tickets a very nice person from the box office suggested that we arrive at least an hour or hour and a half before the show started. That same person also told me that although I bought «VIP» tickets we could not reserve a private table for two. She stated that the seating in the «VIP» section were set up for three or more people, which meant that we were going to have to sit with strangers no matter how much I was willing to pay for their so-​called «VIP» seating. So, I ended up buying 4 «VIP» tickets hoping we could have a private table (we did end up inviting another couple to come along with us). But, we later learned that even the «VIP» section was first come/​open seating, but we would at least be sitting along the stage. Fast forward to the night of the show… we ended up getting there an hour and a half early (again, a suggestion from the box office person), only to be moved from one «special VIP only» door to the next, three different times, because they were «using a new system.» Each time we moved I asked to be moved to the front of the line because it was not right for us to get there an hour and a half early and be last in line when seating… behind someone who had just gotten there three minutes before the doors were to be opened. Zanies staff moved the entrance line for «VIP» THREE TIMES!!! We ended up STILL being the LAST ones in for «VIP» because the brilliant powers that be decided that they would change doors, again, at the last minute to allow those exiting the first show to buy T-​Shirts from the opening act! SWEET JESUS!!! It was an absolute nightmare! After expressing my disappointment to the guy who was directing us to the special «VIP seating» he told us that everyone was, in fact, assigned a table number. OMG!!! We could have saved a ton of frustration if we had been told that in the first place! If they were assigning tables we DIDN’T need to get there an hour and a half early to begin with!!! We were right at the stage true enough, but the tables were so close to each other there wasn’t any room to pull the chairs out! Several people who had «VIP» seating decided to just go for open non-​VIP seating, which was so close behind us the man sitting directly behind me kept bumping his knees against my back! Some «VIP» huh? We were sat at a 12“X12″ table… for FOUR grown people! How are they going to demand a two item minimum and then make us have to hold our drinks AND food trays during the whole act??? My food and drink ticket was $ 128 and we had to HOLD our trays!!! This was absolutely the worst outing I’ve ever been on! PLEASE… DO NOT GET SUCKERED INTO BUYING «VIP» TICKETS BECAUSE THE ONLY THING VIP ABOUT THE SEATING IS THAT THEY ARE 4″ CLOSER TO THE STAGE THAN REGULAR SEATING. If I ever go back I will eat before I go and not spend money on cold, stale, tasteless food and wino grade drinks!

If I were basing my review of Zanies only on the food, a generous rating would be two stars. However, people don’t go to Zanies for the food (at least I hope not… please don’t go here for the food!). Zanies is a popular venue not because of its cold and not completely cooked nachos, or its bland sweet potato fries (how do you mess up sweet potato fries?!), but rather because of its constantly rotating cast of stand-​up comedians, ranging from amateurs to well-​known names like Jon Oliver and Pablo Francisco. It’s a great place to go for an evening of entertainment; the comedians are great, there are drinks to be had, and overall it ends up being an enjoyable evening. My recommendation? Eat dinner before you arrive. Though Zanies does require each of its patrons to order at least two items, spend your money on beverages and desserts here, and enjoy some laughs!

I really would like to give this place 5-​stars. Zanie’s has been around Nashville for a long time and I’ve been going since I was a teen. It’s the best place in Nashville to go see good live comedy rather it be a well-​known comedian or a newbie just starting out. I always enjoy the shows and I always have the same complaints.
They need to come up with a new system for opening the doors and seating people. Everyone lines up outside and by line-​up I mean 200+ people deep, wrapped around the building kind of line. Doors open and they flood everyone in. They have greeters that seat you and the line does move fairly quickly once they open but it’s still a little chaotic. The trouble starts when you get seated. Let’s take tonight for instance. We were seated at the bar which was completely fine with us. Our greeter had asked if we preferred a table but we declined. We waited at least 15 minutes just to be greeted by our server. When she finally arrived she took our entire order and went got our drinks. Each person is required to purchase at least 2 menu items. The food averages $ 10 and the cocktails $ 10-​$ 12. Choose your poison, mediocre food or expensive drinks. Hell, even a soft drink will cost you $ 3 and that’s with no refills.
Our soft drinks finally came followed by my chips n salsa appetizer. That took about 15 minutes to get. Our alcohol drinks took another 11 minutes and were delivered with an apology. At this point, the show is starting in 5 minutes and I manage to flag my server down and order some chicken tenders and another round of drinks. Again, drinks took 13 minutes to receive. Halfway into the show (no shit, 42 minutes), my chicken tenders appear. Some chic has them and is walking up to everyone around me asking if they ordered chicken tenders. I got her attention and got my food. Thankfully, that would be the last interaction with my server until she brought the check about 15 minutes before the show ended.
Don’t let this discourage you from going. As I said earlier I’ve been going a long time and will continue to. The comedy there is good enough to make up for the crappy service. Plus, I like supporting Zanie’s and all of the entertainers I like that come through.

Great comedy spot here in Nashville. Good drinks food is not bad but always funny comedians. Never a dull moment always come early the place seems to fill up quick and seating is first come first serve

Came to Zanies for the «Out the Yazoo» (amateur night). The tickets were only $ 10 originally & then, I actually found a promo code online for 50% off so that made the deal even sweeter! My friend & I were not in the mood to drink (alcohol) but we did order food– we got nachos & they were less than desirable. Super greasy & just really not any good. But, we came for the comedy & not the food so we weren’t expecting too much in that department. The comedy was great! Even though they were amateurs, they did a great job! I’m usually not that entertained by most comedians but I was laughing damn near the whole time! But then, we got the check, $ 28 for 2 sodas & an order of nachos. BUT, they charge for refills so the 2 sodas at 3 bucks a pop turned into 4 sodas for a total of 12 bucks! And, we were not warned in advance that refills were extra! As if that wasn’t bad enough, the waitress tried to pocket some of my change! She claimed it was an accident but her attitude from the time we told her we wouldn’t be drinking alcohol really told me that it was no accident! I think she thought she wouldn’t be getting much of a tip so she was going to see to it that she did! Not cool! She did end up giving me the 5 bucks she shorted me after I confronted her about it… But I’m quite sure it was no accident! All in all, I’ll return to Zanies again because I am a native Nashvillean & it’s the only comedy club here but I won’t be ordering food & I won’t be served by that same waitress! Unfortunately, I didn’t catch her name but my advice to anyone that goes: COUNT YOUR CHANGE! :)

Zanies is a Nashville staple. Since moving here in 2010, I’ve been to Zanies probably 15 times over those 5 years, I’ve always had a good time. The comedy club usually has some great talent. You can usually see someone some of the up and coming comedians at Zanies, along with the comedians from yesteryear. The building is rather old and small, but it feels like its full of history. They’ve got a U shaped bar area, along with tables on the floor and some tables up in the balcony. The stage itself is rather small, but the place is small so it works out.
They usually have a 7 and a 9:45−10 show. You’ll want to come about 45 minutes early to get a good parking spot and table. Don’t park at the Subway across the street, the gas station next door or in permit residential parking because you’ll have to move your car or they will tow it and that ain’t funny. If they tell you no phones, they mean it. I don’t wear a watch so I pulled out my phone to simply look at the time and someone rush up and told me to put my phone away.
Tickets can run from 15 bucks up to 40, depending on the caliber of the entertainment. You can sign up for Zanies email blast and they will sometimes have buy one get one free tickets or even FREE tickets! No matter how you get the tickets, remember that they require a two item purchase. You can do two drinks, or two food items, a drink and a food item, as long as it’s two of em. The drinks aren’t bad for a comedy club. They’re bright colored cocktails and usually strong. The food is a variety of different fried items. Things that you can dip in ranch. Anyway, it’s always a good time to get some friends catch a show.

This was my first time at Zanies and my boyfriend and I were there to see Chris D’elia.
The host was super funny and Chris was amazing!
The reason I’m giving them 2 stars is for the absolutely horrible service we received. Combined, we have about 20 years in the bar/​restaurant industry. We both know that sometimes you get in the weeds or something just doesn’t go right. But it’s how you handle it that matters.
We waited 15 minutes at our table without any service before I asked the guy at the front door if he could send a server to our table. I showed him where we were sitting, he was very nice by the way, and told me someone would be right over. A server came over about 10 minutes later, didn’t tell us her name, didn’t ask if we wanted food, just took our drink order and left. I’d like to point out, by the time we got our drinks, the show had already started and we had been seated for literally 50 minutes. No one apologized for a wait, not the server, not a manager.
I completely understand that a lot of people are sitting down at once and it will take a little bit. But what I don’t understand is how everyone acted like this was just a normal thing. Very disappointing.
I would like to go back since they have such great acts coming through, but I really don’t know if it’s worth it.

My friends & I went to Zanies on July 11, 2015 to see Earthquake for the 9:15 pm show with doors to open at 8:45 pm. We had a large party so one of my girls thought that it would be a good idea to get there at 7:50 to stand in line to get preferred seating.
There is a park and pay lot behind the Dollar store with a security guard posted for $ 6.00 until midnight. By 8:30 the line was wrapped around the building, it was hot and humid and they did open the doors until 9:00. We picked good seats in the front but within 20 minutes we were packed in like sardines. I can’t recall one time that I have gone to Zanies and have been comfortable in my seat.
Our server began to take our orders since there is a two item minimum per person. I have sampled everything on their menu and would not suggest you go their hungry. The food is ok if you like processed, high saturated fat, loads of calories, & and grease. I opted for two Mai Tai cocktails.
I can only tolerate Zanies Nashville once maybe twice a year. It is a mediocre venue with substandard service & uncomfortable seating. However I did enjoy the entertainment & time spent with my girls.

I enjoyed the Donnel Rawlings show last night. My cheeks hurt because I was laughing so hard. The wings were great but the staff is so so. We were one of the first people to order our food and didn’t even receive our ticket to pay until the show was over. She forgot about us. Improve the staff and they would get a 5 for sure.

Saw Aries Spears. He was very entertaining. We did not eat anything, only drank beer. The service was decent, nothing super special. Gave 4 stars only because We had a lot of laughs.

Ive been to Zanies here in Nashville numerous times, for all kinds of different acts, and its always been a top favorite on my list.
They bring in some of the best comedians, and I’ve seen 2 really great hypnotis as well.
Just about all the food is decent, and decently priced. But there is a two drink minimum.
(I’m pretty sure it can be sodas or whatnot, but you do have to purchase Something)
Which is the only reason I don’t give it a whole 5 stars.
however, even with the Drink Minimum, Zanies never really disappoints!
(Side Note: I think this is an 18+ establishment???)

I caught the Marlon Wayan’s show on Saturday, February 28,2015. Excellent show, bit crowded and not fan of the shared sitting layout, which I am told is typical. Overall would recommend and will be returning.
Ps parking is at a minimal so prepare to park at other location, just make sure you don’t use the opened business in close proximity, they will have u towed.

Definitely the spot for great comedy in Nashville! Love the seating, it’s open and casual. Good menu options — definitely things to munch on as a vegan. The staff does a good job getting around to the tables to check on their guests.

The staff are very rude and disrespectful. The lady who answers the phone will give you a sneak peak at just how rude they can be. She is very sarcastic and unprofessional. If you pay a lot for the night you expect decent service.
The stage is positioned nicely but they bunch you up with people you don’t know, making you feel completely uncomfortable. The ticket prices are excessive but it varies by artist. You don’t have the ability to focus on the show because you will be constantly threatened to order two things. The food was greasy and disgusting. They force you to buy artery clogging food. I would not recommend this place.
The headlining comics are often onstage for a short period of time, but I guess this depends on the artist as well. Security fails to control noise makers as well as hecklers. I would not recommend this place.

Such a fun spot in Nashville! We thoroughly enjoyed the show and the location. A lot of history at Zanies. In a good location, too.
Only reason I took away a star is for the cost of attending a show. On top of the $ 20-​$ 25 per ticket, you are also required to pay for two drinks or food. I had a Cosmo and it was more than $ 10 (that’s a lot for me, anyways) Therefore, an evening can add up!

If you’re totally cool with sitting assholes to elbows with strangers around tables not large enough to share with them, this is the place to be. I’ve gone to other comedy clubs before in other states with much better seating arrangements. I mean… I *get* it… and I know they’re trying to get as many people in as they can, but it was sort of my nightmare to be that close to so many people I don’t know.
There’s a lot of complaining on here about the 2 item minimum and about the prices on these items. I just want to say, that didn’t bother me. The tickets to get in really didn’t cost that much and I’m expecting higher drink prices at a place like this. We each ordered a soda, as we don’t drink alcohol, and we got chicken tenders. The menu is just fried bar food. The chicken was decent and the portion was very generous. I think it was about $ 9.50 and we probably got 8 good sized tenders. It was more than enough for the two of us. We never ordered a 4^th item and no one said anything to us. We got our bill for the 3 items and it was about $ 16, which seemed fine to me for what we had.
Okay, as for the show, it was, of course, wonderful. We watched Doug Benson perform his Doug Loves Movies show, which was almost like cheating because he has 3 other comedians come out and host the show with him. Since we arrived early, we had decent seats and had full view of everything. The show was great. The sound was totally fine and we had a good time. We will go back, I’m sure, because there’s nowhere else around here to see acts like this. I don’t love the seating arrangement, AT ALL, but the experience, as a whole, was okay.

Lots of laughs!
When I saw that Lachlan Patterson from Last Comic Standing was coming to Zanies I had to get tickets. I haven’t been here in over twenty years. We bought tickets for the 7pm show and the doors opened at 5:30 so we arrived as close to 5:30 as we could. Seating is first come and we wanted good seats.
So what do we do for the hour before the show — why eat of course and drink of course. There are many specialty drinks but I was in a wine mood so I ordered the house Cabernet. I also ordered the fried mushrooms. I love good fried mushrooms and these were very good. I was a little full from the mushrooms to order a entrée especially as big as the portions were. I decided to get dessert after all an appetizer them dessert is a great meal right? The chocolate cake was fabulous and worth every calorie.
There was an MC and two other comedians that came out before their headliner, Lachlan Patterson. Everyone was hilarious. I laughed so much my sides hurt. Everything was fantastic — the food, the comedy, and the servers. This was a wonderful date night!

I love this place! They always have the best comedians and you can’t beat $ 20 tickets and they run a lot of specials.
Food is good and well priced thankfully since they require you to buy 2 items per person on top of your ticket which is definitely a con to me.
It doesn’t have much parking and the overflow is a dark walk behind another business. Pick the wrong lot and you get towed.
The inside is really dated and musty but things are kept up ok although the bathrooms are equilivent to a gas station.
Employees are nice but sometimes hard to get your waiters attention due to the amount of people.
If you are wanting comedy from known stars and decent food at a low price and don’t mind the dated neighborhood pub feel them you will love it.
Do be prepared to be in line awhile even if you already have tickets since they won’t open the doors til last minute

We went there with a couple of friends this past Friday to see Russell Peters. Overall, we had a pretty great experience here. The drinks were great and so was the comedy! A couple of notes–
1. Make sure you get there earlier, especially if you are wanting great seats. We got there a good 45 minutes early and still were behind about 50 – 75 folks which meant that we got decent seats but were all the way in the back
2. Their parking lot fills up quickly but even so, there are usually folks around who will help you figure out the parking situation. Just make sure to not illegally park because it will get towed. They even warn you of it before the show starts.
3. There is a two drink minimum. You could get bottles water but why not just drink because comedy clubs are no fun without having lifted spirits. Also, this isn’t a huge deal so stop complaining about it.
4. They make a big deal about it but jn case you forget, they used to add tips to your tab and now don’t so you should tip your wait staff.
5. They have bar food, nothing fancy. We had dinner beforehand and you should too if you know you’ll get hungry. There’s amazing restaurants as smiling elephant and Athens nearby.

Oh Zanies. You might have some difficult parking and horrible food, but the comedians that come to your stage can’t be beat! There’s nothing like laughing so hard your face hurts and Zanies delivers!
I have seen a variety of well known comics here, and really love the reasonable ticket prices and open seating. Yes, there is a two item minimum to come here, but soda, water, and food counts toward this, and I actually don’t hate their house cocktails even though they are expensive. And for some reason they don’t have Coke or Pepsi products but generic sodas. Oh well, you can always grab a bottle of water if you don’t want to go that route, but typically I want a drink anyway! Seriously, steer clear of the food unless you are starved and this is an only option. It’s not great, so stick with a beverage!
If you have a large party, I would definitely plan on getting there early and waiting in line as they seat on a first come first served basis. However, if you are only two you have a pretty solid chance of getting a good seat! They usually are trying to fill in partially full tables, and we snagged a good seat on the main floor even though we were at the back of the line. The balcony is a bit of a beast unless you are in the very front, and again, those spots fill up more quickly.
Overall, I’m laughing when I come here and that’s all that matters!