Comedians LOVE This Club

Inside Side Splitters Comedy Club: Tampa’s Best-Kept Secret for Stand-Up

When you think of legendary comedy clubs, you probably picture The Comedy Store in LA, The Comedy Cellar in NYC, or Joe Rogan's Comedy Mothership in Austin. But nestled in Tampa, Florida, there’s a comedy venue quietly making waves: Side Splitters Comedy Club. We sat down with Brian Thompson, the club’s owner since 2019, to find out what makes this place tick and why comedians and fans can’t get enough.

The Comedy Evolution in Tampa

Side Splitters has been a comedy staple since 1992, but it's more than just a stage and a microphone—it's a passion project. Brian, who started as a bartender in 2007 and worked his way up to owner, has seen the comedy world evolve firsthand. “The industry has changed a lot,” Brian tells us. “There are a lot more one-nighters and niche acts now. It's cool to see people you might not have heard of still come in and sell out shows because they have their own following."

And how does Tampa fit into all this? Brian believes the city’s unique blend of cultures gives Side Splitters an edge. “Tampa’s got this ‘blue city in a red state’ vibe, which makes for a pretty diverse and open-minded crowd. People here are true comedy fans. They’ll show up for someone they’ve never heard of because they trust the club’s taste.”

The Secret Sauce of Side Splitters

What makes Side Splitters stand out from the rest? It’s all in the details. “We’re not just throwing comics on stage and hoping for the best,” Brian says. “From the seating arrangement to the acoustics, we’ve thought about how to create the best possible environment for both the comedians and the audience. The comics are our number one asset, and we make sure they feel that. When they’re comfortable, the show is great, and the audience has a fantastic experience.”

Rising Stars and Veteran Talent

Side Splitters has become a launchpad for many up-and-coming comedians. “We’ve had some big names come through here before they hit it big,” Brian says. “I remember Theo Von when he was just starting to make a name for himself. And more recently, someone like Sam Tallent did a show here during a tough week, and it was incredible. It’s moments like those that show why this club is special.”

A Community Hub with Heart

But Side Splitters isn’t just about comedy; it’s about community. Brian recounts a time when the club rallied to support one of their own. “We did a fundraiser for a local comic whose daughter was going through some health issues. Comics volunteered their time, the community came out, and we raised some money to help with medical bills. It might just be a drop in the bucket, but it shows how tight-knit the comedy community can be.”

Challenges of Running a Comedy Club

Of course, running a comedy club isn’t all laughs. Brian opened up about some of the challenges he faces. “People think it’s just fun and games, but there’s a lot more to it,” he says. “You’re dealing with the public, serving alcohol, managing the comedians, and making tough business decisions. Sometimes, you have to tell comics you’ve known for years that you can’t book them anymore because the numbers don’t work out. It’s tough, but at the end of the day, my priority has to be the club, my staff, and the audience.”

Why Comics Keep Coming Back

So why do comedians keep coming back to Side Splitters, even when they could easily play larger venues? “It’s the experience,” Brian says. “Comics love the energy here. They talk, and word gets around. If they have a great show and feel supported, they’re going to tell other comics. We’ve gone from reaching out to comics to having them reach out to us because they know this room is special.”

One of the standout moments for Side Splitters was when Mark Normand chose to have his bachelor party at the club. “Mark could’ve picked any venue, but he chose us,” Brian recalls. “We had Mark, Ari Shaffir, Joe List, and even Bert Kreischer sneaking on stage. It was three shows in one night, and the energy was just electric. These guys could sell out theaters anywhere, but they chose to do it here. That’s a testament to what this club offers.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Side Splitters

With a thriving comedy scene in Tampa, Side Splitters is positioned to keep its momentum going strong. “We’ve been around for over 30 years, and we’re just getting started,” Brian says. “The comedy scene in Tampa is growing, and we’re excited to be a part of that. We’re here to give people a great night out, support our comics, and keep the laughter going.”

Want to hear more from Brian about what makes Side Splitters so unique? Watch our full interview on YouTube here to get the inside scoop straight from the source.

Next time you find yourself in Tampa, skip the usual tourist traps and head to Side Splitters. Trust us; you won’t regret it.