Laughs Comedy Club is Seattle’s OG comedy club: community-based, locally owned, and home to the room at 5220 Roosevelt Way NE that’s been making the U-District laugh since 1986. Inclusive, welcoming, and five-star reviewed, Laughs is where Seattle comics go, and where audiences keep coming back.

Our Story

Dave Dennison is a stand-up comic himself, and an experienced restaurant and club manager to boot, a combination he puts to work every single day. After earning his degree in Restaurant and Travel Management from Cal Poly and UCLA, Dave managed a string of restaurants and comedy clubs across California and Utah before being invited to compete in Seattle’s International Comedy Competition in 1997. He founded Laughs not long after, and the club eventually found its home at 5220 Roosevelt Way NE, a University District address that’s held comedy since 1986 and that longtime locals still know as the room where it all happens.

He met Angela, a third-generation Seattleite, at an open mic night at Kirkland’s Pegasus Pizza in 2002, and it was love at first laugh. Angela went on to build a name for herself as a local businesswoman, earning a spot among the "Eastside Women Entrepreneurs’ Leading Ladies" in 425 Magazine, a recognition of some of the top businesswomen on the Eastside.

Together, Dave and Angela bring a rare combination to Laughs: Dave’s years on the road as a touring comic and restaurateur, paired with Angela’s deep Seattle roots. That mix is what shapes the club, a place built on real knowledge of the national comedy circuit, grounded in genuine Seattle culture and community.

Today, Dave and Angela run Laughs together, side by side. Both of them handle booking, and you’ll find them on-site most nights working alongside their crew, many of whom have been part of the Laughs family for years, greeting guests and soaking in the show right along with everyone else. Dave also serves as our talent coordinator, keeping an eye out for fresh voices through auditions and new material nights. Running this club, and being part of the crew every night, is genuinely what they love doing.

The Room

Laughs was built for comedy, from the ground up. The room is accessible and multi-level, holding up to 200 guests with no bad seat in the house, every sightline unobstructed no matter where you’re sitting. A new sound system and lighting setup make sure every punchline lands clearly and every set looks its best. It’s intimate, friendly, and welcoming, the kind of room that’s perfect for a cozy date night or catching up with friends. Once you’re in here, you’ll see why it’s something special.

The Food & Drink

Dave has spent years perfecting the menu, and it shows. His background runs from wing joints to Universal Studios, and that range gave him a real knack for knowing what people want to nibble on or treat themselves to on a night out. Alongside our signature cocktails, we’ve added a lineup of interesting mocktails, so there’s something on the menu for everyone in your group.

What We’re About

We’re proud to be a local, hometown club. Dave and Angela travel to comedy festivals around the country each year, scouting rising talent to bring back to Seattle as touring headliners for the weekend.

But what we hear most from comedians, and what we’re proudest of, is our community. We’ve built a culture here where comics feel like they can take real risks on stage, try out new material, and grow, because the room is on their side. Regular audiences get to know new and fresh voices before anyone else does. Out-of-town comics who stop by our showcase are welcomed just as warmly as our regulars. And yes, we know our customers by name.

We don’t run this like a big national chain, and we don’t want to. Whether it’s your first time in the room or your fiftieth, whether you’re in the crowd or on stage, we want Laughs to feel like a place you belong to: warm, welcoming, and genuinely part of this community.

The Lineup

Every Wednesday is our Comedy Mix Showcase, where you’ll catch up-and-coming local comics developing their sets alongside seasoned pros working out new material. It’s one of the best ways to see where Seattle comedy is headed next.

Headliners take the stage Friday and Saturday nights, bringing the best in touring comedy to our stage. Show prices vary, and there’s a two-item minimum purchase from our food and beverage menu. For the best price, grab tickets online through our website or Eventbrite. Tickets are also available at the door, though door prices may be adjusted to account for staffing and credit card fees.

Private Events

Looking to host something special? Laughs can host large parties, banquets, and private events on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, with full kitchen and entertainment services available. Visit our Book a Party page for details.

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