You can't attend a show full of laughs on an empty stomach! Here’s a breakdown of food-peddling establishments within walking distance of local comedy clubs and venues, as well as a selection of clubs that serve up food along with the comedy.
If you go to: 2 Palms Bar & Bistro
2 Palms Bar & Bistro Affordable (and toothsome) offerings come out of this comedy joint — homemade mac ‘n’ cheese among them. 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, 727-400-6920, 2palmstampabay.com.
Villa Bellini Restaurant Lounge Villa Bellini highlights sophisticated Italian cuisine, pairing each dish with a recommended glass of wine. 2930 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, 727-754-9848, villabellinirestaurant.com.
If you go to: American Stage Theatre Company or The Palladium
Old Northeast Pizza Near The Palladium, the New Jersey-style pizzeria and sandwichery keeps its items comin’ until 2 a.m. 718 Second St. N., St. Petersburg 727-209-2550.
Sundial Explore various menus before comedy at American Stage. 153 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-800-3201, sundialstpete.com.
Tap Room at The Hollander Casual grub that ranges from turkey sloppy Joes to Cuban quesadillas to Greek salads. 421 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-202-6886, hollanderhotel.com.
If you go to: The Capitol Theatre
Chiang Mai Thai & Sushi Bar Pineapple fried rice, traditional Thai entrees with no-fuss names like “Amazing,” sushi rolls and nigiri. Fit for an evening at The Capitol Theatre. 415 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-461-0414, chiangmaithaiandsushi.com.
Kara Lynn’s Kitchen A fine place for folks craving cafe fare focused on grain- and sugar-free foods, organic fruits and veggies, and grass-fed meats. 421 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-447-2536.
Tony’s Pizzeria & Ristorante This joint’s been cooking Italian delights since ‘98. Burgers and wings accommodate those who can’t get down with a pie, or pasta. 428 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-441-2226, tonyspizzaclearwater.com.
If you go to: CDB's Pizza & Italian Restaurant
CDB’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant As you enjoy the eatery’s regular bill of comedians, go to town on Italian grinders, pastas, pies and way more. 5104 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-914-0000, cdbpizza.com.
Copper Top Pub This neighborhood haunt is stocked with craft beer and smoked wings. 5112 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-988-8656.
Felicitous The inside of this locally loved cafe, which offers panini, salads, caffeinated drinks and more, is as colorful as the outside, mismatched furniture and all. 11706 N. 51st St., Tampa, 813-988-2828, felicitouscoffee.com.
If you go to: Coconuts Comedy Club
Silas Steakhouse A family-friendly, nautical-styled steakhouse in the Bayside Shops complex with Coconuts Comedy Club. 5501 Gulf Blvd. #201, St. Pete Beach, 727-360-6961, silasdentsteakhouse.com.
If you go to: Dunedin Brewery
Casa Tina Staple dishes are created at the healthful Mexican mainstay. Super close to Dunedin Brewery’s comedic offerings, along with other food spots like Pan y Vino, Cafe Alfresco, Kelly’s and The Black Pearl. 365 Main St., Dunedin, 727-734-9226, casatinas.com.
Dunedin Brewery Pair brews from the state’s oldest microbrewery with nosh while watching the Liter of Laughs acts. 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com.
If you go to: Firehouse Cultural Center
Niko’s Greek Grille Consider Greek delicacies from the quaint Niko’s next time you’re headed to a Firehouse Cultural Center showcase of laughs. 105 E. Shell Point Road, Ruskin, 813-645-5946.
If you go to: The Local 662
The Cider Press Café A cute, casual restaurant that showcases raw vegan food. 601 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-914-7222, ciderpresscafe.com.
The Hyppo The region’s latest gourmet popsicle slinger, specializing in fresh fruit-based creations. 627 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-498-6536, thehyppo.com.
If you go to: New World Brewery
The Bricks Ybor Check out this buzzing find’s diverse menu, sure to please any palate. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1785, thebricksybor.com.
New World Brewery Indulge in ridiculously good stone-seared pizzas and a semi-regular dose of comedy at this cool indoor-outdoor spot. 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4969, newworldbrewery.net.
If you go to: Niagra Tap
Niagara Tap Take a break from the show to gorge on jalapeño poppers, chicken wings, fish sandwiches and other bar favorites. 11950 Seminole Blvd., Largo, 727-581-5331, theniagaratap.com.
If you go to: Pegasus Lounge
Tara’s Roti Shop The answer to Pegasus Lounge’s lack of food? This Caribbean food hub. 10006 N. 30th St., Tampa, 813-866-8272, tarasrotishop.com.
If you go to: Side Splitters Comedy Club
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza Neighbors with Side Splitters, Anthony’s dishes Italian soul food, pies and sandwiches. 13020 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-265-2625, acfp.com.
Circles Bistro This cozy white-tablecloth eatery offers patrons a casual metropolitan dining experience. 13002 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-969-0001.
Ocean Blue Sushi Bar Late-night deals on sushi, drinks and appetizers make this sushi bar and lounge a frequented hotspot. 13030 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-269-2583.
If you go to: Sly Bar
The Burg Bar & Grill Land Greek specialties, burgers and other casual fare at this modestly sized hangout. 1752 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-894-2874, theburgbar.com.
The Hideaway Cafe Next door to The Burg, the intimate Hideaway Cafe features beer, wine and a pleasing straightforward food menu in addition to its live music showcases. 1756 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-644-7895, hideawaycafe.biz.
Taco Bus The fillings at this walk-up eatery are built for the masses. You’ll find proteins like chicken, seafood and vegan steak strips inside tostadas, burittos and other Mexican delights. 2324 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-322-5000, taco-bus.com.
Urban Brew and BBQ An awesome craft beer selection complements mac, ribs, and more near Sly and Hideaway. 1939 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-8919, urbanbrewandbbq.com.
If you go to: Snappers Grill & Comedy Club
Snappers Grill & Comedy Club The venue itself serves up a something-for-everyone lineup. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor, 727-938-2027, snappersgrill.com.
If you go to: Sporty's On The Beach
Mangos Restaurant and Tiki Bar The DoubleTree hotel’s breakfast, lunch and dinner destination allows you to catch comfort food and tropical drinks before or after a show. 17120 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach, 727-369-7180, mangosrestaurant.com.
If you go to: The Straz Center
Maestro’s Restaurant Kick off your Straz experience with a meal at this fine-dining restaurant. 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 813-222-1078, strazcenter.org.
If you go to: The Tampa Improv
The Brass Tap A popular pourhouse near the Tampa Improv that carries bar favorites as well as 70 craft brews on draft. 1600 E. Seventh Ave. #E-113, Tampa, 813-241-0000, brasstapbeerbar.com.
New York New York Pizza Enjoy huge, deliciously greasy slices before or after your Improv visit. 1512 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-1845, nynypizzeria.com.
Samurai Blue This sushi and sake bar, within walking distance of the Improv, offers a wide range of sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi, plus hot and cold starters and entrees. 1600 E. Eighth Ave. #C208, Tampa, 813-242-6688, samuraiblue.com.
Tampa Bay Brewing Company A varied lineup of eats that go well with the tasty house beers, nearby the Improv in Centro Ybor. 1600 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1422, tampabaybrewingcompany.com.
If you go to: Tampa Pitcher Show
Benjarong Thai A homey-feeling Thai spot with standard offerings. 14402 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-265-2667.
Ledo Pizza At this longtime chain, pizzas arrive rectangular and share a bill with sandwiches, pastas and more. 14432 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-964-5700, ledopizza.com.
If you go to: Wicked 'Witches & Brew
Wicked ‘Wiches & Brew This SoHo restaurant, home to a weekly stand-up event, is also close to spots like Platt’s Pizza Pub, Cheap, and Cask. 223 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-508-7558.
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2015.