Forget the Valentine's Day flowers; give your honey some belly laughs, instead.
Treat your sweetie to a mix of self-deprecating humor and ribald jokes when you trade a high-priced Valentine's Day outing for a comedy club. Atlanta is home to myriad venues and none require a coat and tie. Splurge on chocolates in addition to a night on the town; cover charges and drink minimums will set you back fewer bucks than a pricey dinner.
The Laughing Skull
The name sounds more appropriate for Halloween than a romantic night for two, but Atlanta's Laughing Skull has plenty to offer for your Valentine's Day celebration. The smallest venue on the Atlanta scene, Laughing Skull is open from Thursday through Sunday and seats fewer than 74 people, so your wish for intimacy will be granted immediately.
Of course, small audiences equal lots of personal attention, so if the guy at the mic is looking to make fun of anyone in the crowd, you've been forewarned about being a possible target. Located in the "heart" of Atlanta's Midtown Mile, The Laughing Skull is dead serious about their credit card policy (cash only). Food isn't served during performances so if you laugh so much you need sustenance, you won't have far to go; Laughing Skull is located behind the Vortex Bar & Grill.
The Punchline
One glance at the Punchline's logo -- a Groucho Marx cartoon complete with glasses, mustache and bushy eyebrows -- and you'll know you're in for laughs. The longest-operating comedy club in Atlanta, Punchline brags about having the most number of shows per week. Find headliners performing on a stage once occupied by Leno, Seinfeld, Foxworthy and other heavy hitters. Admission fees require guests to buy refreshments, but there are plenty of options to keep your tummy happy when it's not shaking.
The Uptown Comedy Corner
An Atlanta landmark, the Uptown Comedy Corner promotes itself as being the first of its kind in the city and despite newcomers invading the scene, it's still the place to see and be seen. Interactive weekend shows tend to be wild and woolly, so think twice about asking for the best seats in the house if you're trying to impress someone.
Food is as fast as it gets in the south: wings, burgers, fried shrimp. Amateur Night is held every Tuesday, so if February 14th coincides with that day, it could be downright romantic to witness up and comers on the Atlanta comedy scene. Open Monday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight, Uptown's admission fees and drinks are affordable and all major credit cards are welcome.
