There’s some funny business going on in downtown San Antonio. Houston-based laugh factory The Riot Comedy Club has opened its first Alamo City bar, along with a hush-hush speakeasy, The Library, below the Maverick Building at 400 East Houston St. near the River Walk.
According to a release, Riot features a 100-seat comedy showroom with state-of-the-art lighting and audio. An in-seat ordering system lets guests stuff their gullets on candy, chips, and the club’s signature popcorn, while enjoying some belly laughs.
The club also has a full cocktail, wine, and beer menu. Naturally, some jokes are funnier when you have a good buzz.
Still, guests probably won’t need booze to get a good chuckle. The daily calendar is packed with comedy showcases and themed nights like roasts, open mics, dating games, and the Funniest in South Texas competition. Later in the year, Riot will start hosting touring acts like Rocky Dale Davis and Corey O’Brien.
Riot will also be giving back to the community through its nonprofit arm, Haha Comedy Academy. The organization teaches San Antonio middle and high school students how to write, perform, and produce live comedy, which will be on display during special youth showcases.
The Library is decorated with portraits of famous comedians.The Library/ Instagram
Before the shows, comedy fans can grab a cocktail at underground lounge The Library. Appropriately, the spot is decorated with portraits of comedy legends like Joan Rivers, George Carlin, Robin Williams, and Steve Martin.
Both are owned by Texas entrepreneur and comedian Brian Gendron, who has made the Houston location one of the city’s hottest tickets. Since being founded in 2020, the club has produced more than 2,300 live shows and the annual four-day Riot Comedy Festival each spring.
“We’re beyond excited to bring The Riot to San Antonio and join the incredible arts and entertainment scene on the River Walk,” said Gendron in a release. “Riot Riverwalk will be a space to laugh, drink, and celebrate comedy in a way that’s uniquely Texan and unapologetically fun.”