Where gut-busting meets lip-smacking: comedy club adds dinner menu
Natalie Scala, Reporter
Issue date: 6/19/08 Section: Features
The laughs are still the same, but many other things have changed.
After seven homeless months, the Funny Farm Comedy Club is now settled in a new location in Niles. Funny Farm was forced to vacate the Holiday Inn Metroplex last November when the owner foreclosed on the property.
At its new location in the former Damon's restaurant across from the Eastwood Mall, 5580 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Funny Farm is back in business — and now offering a full dinner menu and extended hours. Owner Dave Robich said transforming Damon's into Funny Farm was easy — all the seating faces one wall.
While the new location in Niles seats 140 compared to 220 seats at the Metroplex, the new seating is more comfortable, Robich said, describing the setting as more intimate and more like a big city comedy club.
The biggest change is the new food. The menu offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees which include such items as shrimp bruschetta Alfredo, a portobello burger and lasagna rollatini.
"He's very creative with his menu," said Robich of chef Gabe Gouvas. "It's a whole different spin — it's not your typical comedy club food."
Patrons wishing only to dine are also welcome since Funny Farm has a dining room that is not a part of the comedy club.
And compared to the two days a week Funny Farm was open at the Metroplex, the club has expanded its entertainment to include weeknights.
Wednesday night admittance for amateur night costs $5, and local comics can test their comedic skills in front of an audience and a panel of judges. After that, free wings, $1 drafts and karaoke finish off the night.
Thursday night is couples' night where pairs get an appetizer, two entrees and two tickets for the show for just $30.
Friday and Saturday nights are reserved for national touring comedians. In the past, Funny Farm has hosted performances by comedians such as Pauly Shore, Bobcat Goldthwait, Paul Reiser and Ron White.
Robich believes that Funny Farm has a lot to offer to the college audience.
"The shows are targeted toward college-age students. The comedians are topical and current," Robich said, adding that the prices are fair, comparing them to prices at a mid-level national franchise.
Robich said live performances allow for more artistic freedom and spontaneity, making them funnier than recorded comedy.
"There's no constraints live," Robich said. He also encourages guests to sit up front for the best experience. "There's a lot of emotion up front," he said. "There's a thrill having the fear of possibly being picked on."
After seven homeless months, the Funny Farm Comedy Club is now settled in a new location in Niles. Funny Farm was forced to vacate the Holiday Inn Metroplex last November when the owner foreclosed on the property.
At its new location in the former Damon's restaurant across from the Eastwood Mall, 5580 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Funny Farm is back in business — and now offering a full dinner menu and extended hours. Owner Dave Robich said transforming Damon's into Funny Farm was easy — all the seating faces one wall.
While the new location in Niles seats 140 compared to 220 seats at the Metroplex, the new seating is more comfortable, Robich said, describing the setting as more intimate and more like a big city comedy club.
The biggest change is the new food. The menu offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees which include such items as shrimp bruschetta Alfredo, a portobello burger and lasagna rollatini.
"He's very creative with his menu," said Robich of chef Gabe Gouvas. "It's a whole different spin — it's not your typical comedy club food."
Patrons wishing only to dine are also welcome since Funny Farm has a dining room that is not a part of the comedy club.
And compared to the two days a week Funny Farm was open at the Metroplex, the club has expanded its entertainment to include weeknights.
Wednesday night admittance for amateur night costs $5, and local comics can test their comedic skills in front of an audience and a panel of judges. After that, free wings, $1 drafts and karaoke finish off the night.
Thursday night is couples' night where pairs get an appetizer, two entrees and two tickets for the show for just $30.
Friday and Saturday nights are reserved for national touring comedians. In the past, Funny Farm has hosted performances by comedians such as Pauly Shore, Bobcat Goldthwait, Paul Reiser and Ron White.
Robich believes that Funny Farm has a lot to offer to the college audience.
"The shows are targeted toward college-age students. The comedians are topical and current," Robich said, adding that the prices are fair, comparing them to prices at a mid-level national franchise.
Robich said live performances allow for more artistic freedom and spontaneity, making them funnier than recorded comedy.
"There's no constraints live," Robich said. He also encourages guests to sit up front for the best experience. "There's a lot of emotion up front," he said. "There's a thrill having the fear of possibly being picked on."
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