Best Comedy Open Mic's in Dallas, Texas 2010

A few months ago, I found out a very good friend of mine was pursuing a career in comedy. So I began frequenting the various venues around Dallas, Texas that hosted open mic nights and various comedy shows. Dallas, Texas has a thriving comedy scene that is sure to quench anyone's thirst for laughs, giggles, and guffaws. If you're interested in being a comedian, these places are where to start.

1. Hyenas Comedy Club
Mockingbird Station
5321 E Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 823-5233

Hyenas' Comedy Club is a well-known franchise with locations in Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington. The Dallas Mockingbird Station location is a popular spot for comedians of all levels. They host an open mic every Wednesday night where you should call ahead to get your name on the list because there are nights where the open mic can go on well beyond midnight due to the volume of comedians. It usually starts at round 8:39 PM, but check ahead because this may change due to private parties. The stage is professional and the room is large and welcoming for audience members. The bar is located in the front lobby where you can order your preference of drink; there is no waitstaff on this night. The Arlington Hyenas comedy club hosts another open mic on Thursday nights. For more information check out www.hyenascomedynightclub.com

2. Backdoor Comedy Club
DoubleTree Hotel
8250 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 328-4444

Backdoor Comedy Club is located inside the DoubleTree Hotel which may make it seem a bit intimidating but if you're ready for the stage, this is a great venue to test your skills because they have consistent audience members usually drawn from the hotel clientele. This open mic takes place on Thursdays and can go on a bit long as well, so arrive early to get your name on the list. This where you can see both newcomers to the comedy scene and seasoned veterans, so you never know what to expect. Check out www.backdoorcomedy.com for more details.

3. Taste of the Islands
909 W Spring Creek Pkwy # 30
Plano, TX 75023-4472
(972) 517-5900

Taste of the Islands is a tiny hole in the wall Caribbean restaurant that hosts an open mic every Friday night. Relatively new to the open mic scene, you'll need to contact the organizer ahead of time to ensure a spot. The time begins at 8 PM. It's a night intimate venue that draws a diverse and dynamic crowd. If you're looking for a different feel for open mics in a fresh new setting, this is a great venue to take the stage. More information on this venue can be found at www.tasteoftheislands.net.

4. Dyer Street Bar
5529 Dyer St
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 987-4800

Dyer Street is a hole in the wall joint that hosts an open mic every Monday night. The audience can be a bit tough and distracted by their beverages and the big screen televisions, but if you want an open mic to ease you into the comedy scene, this is the place. Many comedians come just to bounce ideas off of each other and workshop jokes and develop stage presence. This comedy open mic features a rapid fire portion where comedians and audience members, too, line up and give one liners in rapid succession. It gets the energy going and is fun for all and tests your wits and material. Open mic begins at 8:30 PM. Get there early to get on the list. Details about this bar at www.dyerstreetbar.com

5. Dallas Comedy House
2645 Commerce St.
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 741-4448

This venue is a relatively new space that hosts a free comedy open mic on Tuesday nights at 8 PM. Arrive early or call ahead because even that won't assure you a spot on their roster. It's a different atmosphere from your typical bar scene, so it will give you a different taste of stage time. More details can be found at dallascomedyhouse.com