Helium Comedy Club

sutherlandk192 weeks ago

I've seen two shows at Helium Comedy Club- the first in 2023 and the second in January 2026.  My first visit wasn't really notable, but I was displeased with my most recent visit.  I went with a group of 8 to see Ashley Gavin (who was awesome) and there were several details that just made the experience not so great.  After getting our tickets scanned, we made our way downstairs right outside the entrance and in the bar area, waiting to be let inside.  On our way down the stairs, there was a distinct sewage smell wafting through the whole place.  Bathrooms are at the bottom of the stairs, and it was just a gross introduction to the space. There was no clear signage directing people where to stand and wait.  Instead, large men (I think security) yelled several times with booming voices gesturing directions on how and where to stand.  This was quite unsettling.  The space was tight with people already, paired with loudly yelled directions.  Not a great start to the night. Once in the actual comedy club, we were seated directly under a vent.  I would have moved, but the show was sold out, so there were no other seating options.  I covered up with my winter coat and dealt with the cold air well enough.  I'm not complaining about the cold air.  But I will complain that the air carried that same gross sewage-stink coming from the bathrooms.  My only resolve was to take shallow breaths while air was pumping out, which thankfully was not ongoing.  All that being said, Ashley Gavin performed a hilarious show that we all enjoyed thoroughly.  Sadly, that doesn't speak to the venue.. There is a two-item minimum required for this venue.  They do specifically state items, not drinks.  I enjoyed chicken tenders and a drink.  One in our group ordered a single drink and the server didn't bat an eye.  So maybe it's not closely enforced.  Prices felt fair.  Our server asked what sauce I'd like with my tenders, I responded that I'd love dill ranch, and he laughed in my face saying, "We're a damn comedy club in a basement, we don't have dill ranch."  So expect the basics.  Food and drink were good, nothing special. The club is small enough to feel intimate. We were seated in the very back and still didn't feel far from the stage. I love the STL skyline and Arch painting on the backdrop. Feels very at-home. I definitely won't return for the vibes, but probably will when another great comes through.

Matt Lewis4 months ago

Place is cool. Fun atmosphere. Saw Murr from Impractical Jokers there. He was very funny. Took my daughter to her first comedy show for her 18th birthday. Only issue was our server never brought our drinks out. I had to ask a differnt waitress to remind her after I saw everyone else getting there 2nd round of drinks as well as their food including the tables next to us. There was only 2 of us. But overall its was a fun place and a good time.