Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Open mic night was awful, but I decided to give this place one more shot and attended the Joe Matarese show last night. It was advertised in the Detroit News as being $ 10, but after waiting for about ½ hour outside in the cold, we got to the door and learned it was $ 18. The night started out rough, as we stood outside with a number of other confused patrons, not knowing if we were in the line to buy tickets, pick them up or enter the show. Nobody from the club ever came outside to inform people of what was going on.
The line took so long that they ended up starting the show late. The opening act/​host was absolutely awful. She would have been lame as an amateur open mic participant, but she presumably works for the club. The next two opening acts were decent at best.
I waited for over ½ hour for a waitress to take my food and drink order. By this point it was almost 11:30 and she informed me that the kitchen closed at 11 and I may not be able to order food… despite the fact that every other table had food and drinks in front of them. Luckily I was able to score some chips (which weren’t great but luckily were only about $ 4) and a mixed drink. The drinks are fairly reasonably priced, however the prices and specific liquor offerings are not listed on the menu, making it tough to order while trying not to interrupt the show. They charge $ 1 for a miniature bottle of water and do not inform you of this when you ask for water.
The headlining act was not funny and if it wasn’t for the fact that most of the patrons were pretty trashed after the Royal Oak Beer Fest, I doubt he would’ve had a laugh all night. When a comedian’s main focus is criticizing everyone in his life, it needs to be clever and original, otherwise he just comes off as kind of an arrogant jerk. His jokes felt straight out of the 90’s as he bemoaned the typical «my wife won’t let me have fun» and «I got hit in the balls» humor. Nothing topical or insightful at all.
Gave this place two tries and was disappointed both times… all of the acts just seem outdated. Never again!

Very nice place. Service is great. The comedians are all good. The main issue is with the food and drinks. Really bad food, very limited menu and everything is off the shelf and heated up. Drinks are way too weak — mostly ice and cheap juice from concentrate. However, this place is not about the food, it’s about the laughs at which this place excels. Improve the menu and get a decent drink mix going and you get more stars.

This was my first time at a comedy club, it was very nice size inside. The whole place was clean and is in a very good area in Royal Oak.
The comedians were good… I got a deal on Groupon, so it was good.
I would return again.

Brought a couple of out-​of-​towners here for some laughs, and we were not disappointed. I loved it. We came for a special show. I didn’t really understand the pricing difference: $ 18 vs $ 32 per person. I’m guessing with cheaper tickets you don’t get your own table. We sat in the middle of a table with a couple on either side. The way the table was placed, I couldn’t see anything (there were some heads in my way and I’m short). The comedy was fabulous and the service was good. We just had some drinks and went out to a restaurant after. I don’t believe there is a drink minimum, nor are drinks included. Anyway, it’s nice for a little something different to do. I recommend it.

I had never been to a comedy club, but I will definitely return here! The show was the perfect amount of time (about 2 hours). There were three great comedians (Don Friesen and a couple younger guys) — they were a complementary mix of styles that were very funny, but not overly raunchy/​vulgar. Our waitress was great and the atmosphere was really relaxed. Fun place for an evening out!

Great place for a night out! The show was great, the staff was very professional and courteous. The drinks came out in a timely manner.
The only thing I would warn against is asking for a drink that is not a signature cocktail on their menu. I asked for a long island and it was barely drinkable. The menu drinks are great, though!

Never have I ever been to a comedy joint, so I had no idea what to expect! I get there, valet parking, awesome. Walk in, get a glass of wine, awesome. Hyped up comedian Orney Adams, awesome!
A couple of people in the audience must not have been able to handle their liquor well, they were shouting out at Orney and he seemed to be getting a bit agitated. What’s nice is that the staff will escort you out if you’re being rambunctious!
Advice if you choose to go to Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle: Splurge for the valet parking, don’t sit on the sides closest to the stage (you’ll mostly get a view of the comedians butt, which I guess can be okay if you’re into that sort of thing), and peace out when the show is done and go somewhere nice afterward!
Definitely recommend this place!

Came in, stood by the ticket counter for 10 minutes, a woman came saw my friend and I, walked away a man came saw my friend and I didn’t even acknowledge us and walked away. I don’t want to be that person but we were the only non-​white people there. This was embarrassing and I wouldn’t want to go here again

Loved it! Dave Attell was hilarious & we had one of the best seats in the house! Table 6. Right at the feet of the comedian. Yummy sweet Moscato & tasty fries. Only bad part was the taxi services cost more than the actual show! But I am definitely going back.

Too many comedy venues have cramped, uncomfortable seating. You feel like a sardine in a can. No matter how funny the comedians are, you just cannot wait to get out of there to unfold your knees and elbows. Not so here, comfortable seating, adequate tables, you are not rubbing thighs with the stranger next to you, good atmosphere, great talent. There is room for the wait staff to move around and take orders throughout the show, so the drinks can keep coming and it isn’t so dark that you cannot see your bill.

This place is awesome. We went there last night to see Tim Allen without a reservation but showed up before anyone just to make sure we would get a spot. The employees were super nice and made sure they knew where we were a few times as it started to get crowded just so they could call our name when everyone with reservations were seated. The show was only $ 3 and it was Tim Allen who was hilarious btw. Fries were great and beers were usual price. Loved it. We’ll be back for sure!

I used to frequent Mark Ridley’s for Totally Unrehearsed Theater many years ago, every week like it was my job. Loved it then and love it now. The staff is always cool — I think you have to be though to be allowed to work in a place that sells laughs for a living! (Which by the way, the prices are really reasonable, even for Special Events.)
Last night though — Tim Allen. I was lucky enough to see on Facebook (on Tuesday) that there was going to be a surprise guest on Wednesday. Unlucky enough to call (within a few hours of that post) and hear that it already sold out. But lucky enough to get there super early and be first on their waiting list. They made room for us. Oh, and the show was only… wait for it… $ 3. Everyone was super nice and helpful and we got to see the show! Seeing Tim Allen on the stage he essentially got his start on? Priceless. Thanks Mark Ridley’s for this memorable night!

So we got here tonight for my sisters birthday, excited for the show, with online tickets in hand only to realize the tickets we had were accidental purchases for last weekends show! Thank goodness for the exceptional manager who understood our situation and error on our part, he quickly set up a table to accommodate our party of 11 without question! Although we were a little embarrassed, I truly appreciate how management handled this situation. Highly recommend this venue for any party/​event you may have!

Ridley’s is great. Top notch comedic acts. We always have a great time. Nothing more that I can add that already hasn’t been mentioned. Definitely a great place to check out.

Mark Ridley’s comedy castle contacted me within hours after making this review. They were very concerned and said that the problem had been addressed and offered free passes to make up for the inconvenience. I was very impressed by the customer service and quick resolution to what happened. You can tell they take customer service very seriously. My husband even spoke with Mark Ridley himself this afternoon!

The place like this in the area. Not bad and waitstaff is always great. Great for a date night or a group outing.

A nice and interesting night out. I must admit that this was my first time going to a comedy shop. First thing i would say is that its best to pay the $ 6 for valet parking (unless you plan on going out in royal oak for the night because this place is at 3 – 5 blocks from royal oak nightlife).Their drinks are a bit high ($ 5 for a bottled beer and $ 7 for long islands) and they do serve starters. As for the comedy itself: not bad, i personally liked the host the best, the main act was good, not great and the woman in the middle was decent, but could of been definitely better. Would i go here again: sure, $ 18 for 2 hours of comedy isn’t that bad.

Laughter is the best medicine! I went last Saturday and all 3 comedians were so funny and had me crying with laughter. I was having such a good time the night went by so fast i could not believe the show was over.
Awesome show, great drinks and wonderful wait staff! The valet guys are nice as well!

The Comedy Castle is a great place to see talented, up & coming comedians, as well as some big names. I always enjoy myself when we go. Tickets are easy to buy online, and give you the choice of picking out your seats.
Before a show, there is always a line out the door. Staff works quickly to get the line moving and seat people. The servers are also very quick and attentive. I’ve always had very good service. They have a small menu of appetizers to choose from, plus a full bar and plenty of good beer choices.
We usually come here a few times throughout the year and it’s always a great experience.

Great Venue
Nice Small intimate seating, one of my favorite places to see Comedy.
many years ago [ 1988 ] I saw Tim Allen here and Drew Carey before they each had TV Shows
Tonight they are featuring a local fellow, whom I have known since 1991
and he is bringing in his A+ Game direct from las vegas
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