Join Our Spam Lists!

Jen's Spam List
Happy Hour List
Chopsticks Express

Harvey's Comedy Club

436 NW 6th Ave
Portland, OR 97209
503/ 241.0338

Located in: Northwest Portland - Visit Website
preppyliquor

BarFly's Review of Harvey's Comedy Club

Should you choose to attend Portland's only full-time comedy club ... well, you'd likely be illiterate, so, instead, let's address those suckered inside by suburban acquaintances, free-ticket-scams or sure-to-be-disastrous blind dates. Expect overpriced and watered-down cocktails, Holiday Inn aesthetics, touring entertainers stringing together local touchstones ('Hey, how about those Oregon State grads?') memorized over the morning's Greyhound ride, and countless excuses to flee after the first set break.

Reader Reviews of Harvey's Comedy Club
St Erin the Martyr
Erin the owners name that took your money is Barry Kolin

I went Harvey's the other night for the first time in 2 years.

Yep, just as I remembered it. Nothing has change. Thanks Mustard Man for a forgettable performance this guy hasn't changed his sorry act ever. Just like I said the owner pays the these worthless hacks just enough to ensure low level entertainment.

As far as the drinks being watered down I could care a less too. However, I just what to make sure that I get what I freaking pay for. Is that asking to much from a business?

Erin if you don't mind getting watered down drinks and food that a dog would pass on then that's your problem but don't fault the rest of these people for just wanting to be treated fairly.

Maybe if the owner would spring for some new talent perhaps people would support them with CD and t-shirt purchases. I don't feel like supporting these same old clowns drug additions by buying their tired CD's and low grade apparel

That's all and Barry son't expect my business evr again.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Dick Mclovin on September 24, 2008, 12:03 pm
Write Your Own Review »
The Owner? Owner who?
I went to Harveys for my sister's birthday with the whole family and I had a blast. The opening comedian was certainly cliche, but the following acts were quite funny! I could care less about a two drink minimum, or whether or not the drinks are watered down - I'm not a broke alcoholic. As far as the owner is concerned, I never saw or met the guy, and while I am concerned over these "he said/ she said" comments about his treatment of customers and employees, I support stand up comedians (more so than the two drink minimum). If you think the comedian of the night was underpaid (which is a problem across the board in every city, mind you), then tip him or her or buy a CD or T-Shirt you cheapskates. Jesus Christ.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Erin on August 30, 2008, 11:10 am
Write Your Own Review »
Looks good- owner/s suck donkey
I went to Harveys for the first time last night (Saturday) and found both the acts to be good but was utterly shocked (as was the rest of the patrons) at the juvenile way a bachelorette party was acting. I know this should not be a shock to anyone, but they were the only ones heckling and finally everyone else had enough of them. They started talking to themselves loudly and facing the other direction just to piss off the preformer. The guy was actually pretty good but because he wouldnt take any of their crap they decided that he was going to take all their rage for the evening. What shocked me the most is that Harveys continued to serve them drinks even after they started throwing food at him! When they finally left on their OWN the whole crowd went up in applause. after the show all people could talk about was how much it sucked and how Harveys did nothing to quiet the skanky white trash bitchelorette party. Well as it turns out i overheard later that they were "friends" of the owner. This is just total bull. i will never go there again!
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Ben Hunt on July 20, 2008, 10:37 am
Write Your Own Review »
Wow
So as a comedian i have to say this. Harvey's has now banned any comedian to work at there club if they work for there competitor over the bridge. All i have to say is class act....wow , not only taking away jobs , but taking comedians away from customers cause they want to work.. unreal... keep it up guys.. your on a roll!
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Daniel D on June 28, 2008, 3:49 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Alternative Now THANK GOD
There is an alternative to this place. its on Main st and 7th in Downtown Vancouver, WA called Laughs and Lyrics. Better comedians, Better Drinks, Better Food for HALF the price... Nuff Said... its worth the extra few miles.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Daniel D on June 18, 2008, 4:19 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Why Still go Here??
Hey there is another comedy club now called After Dark in Vancouver, WA there a little more raw in comedy and only do it Monday/Tuesdays but its an alternative if you dont like Harvey's
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Matt on March 28, 2008, 5:51 pm
Write Your Own Review »
A Mediocre Distraction
LeeFirwoodI've been to Harvey's three times. The first time I paid the outrageous $15 cover. After that, I've gotten in via free tickets. Last night some friends and I went and the service was good, as usual, but the comedians sucked ass, barely garnering a giggle from the whole audience, and I ordered 3 IPAs, a gin and tonic, a whiskey sour, and an AMF, only to have a buzz. The drinks are weak and expensive. Like the subject line says, Harvey's is a mediocre distraction at best.
Reviewed Bravely & Awesomely by LeeFirwood on March 24, 2008, 12:24 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Good Experience
Saw the show this week...comedians were really strong. Had no lines, and the service was fine. Prices are a bit high, but overall satisfied. Would go again.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Roger on February 28, 2008, 1:27 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Harveys
Lets just get down to it: the manager is a complete ass, the food is terrible and overprices, the booze tastes suspiciously like water (and is also WAY overprices), and they actually harass you to give you free tickets... so you're forced to buy your two drink min. It's completely insane. The comedians are decent depending who you see. Its a shame that i'm never going to see them again because i'll NEVER go back.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by steve on February 21, 2008, 1:15 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Rebutals from Tiffany don't count
Last post smacks of a contrieved reponse from the owner. Sorry Barry if the wonderful people of Portland knew what kind of business you actually ran and how you feel about them in general your club would be a ghost town.

Kind people he would serve cheese covered wood chips and styro-foam and water down the drinks if he knew he could get away with it. And yes he does pay the comics the absolute minimum industry standard. There is better talent out there and Sharon the reason he can do this is because he is the only game in town.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Dick Mclovin on January 2, 2008, 6:47 pm
Write Your Own Review »
End of October show
As I came in at about 7:30, I did not experience any lines and a few chairs were still available for seating. I had a drink but no food so cannot judge that. The three shows were good, starting from "decent and a bit cliched" to hilarious--getting better as the evening progressed. The people I sat with and one I spoke with in the parking lot enjoyed it and went home with a good feeling of an evening well-spent.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Eva on November 17, 2007, 5:23 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Harvey's Comedy Club
As a new comedian who works at Harvey's on a regular basis, I have a few comments to make regarding a couple things said by previous reviewers:

* Regarding the cleanliness of the kitchen, of course, during the height of each show's busy time, it will look like any other busy restaurant kitchen. But without fail, that kitchen is cleaned thoroughly, top to bottom at the end of each final show every night.

* A few of the wait staff have worked there for years, but many of the staff are brand new. If they didn't serve you perfectly, it could be that they were still new to the job. I never see ANY of the staff just standing around with nothing to do, ignoring their customers. They are constantly running, trying to get those orders taken and the food out there as quickly as possible. If they didn't check back with you repeatedly, it could be because they were extremely busy, and also because they didn't want to obstruct the vision/show for all of the people sitting near you, without reason. They also have a brand new computerized system for inputting orders. Anyone learning a new system may make a mistake.

* Customers and comedians alike appreciate the fact that Harvey's is a non-smoking environment.

* Harvey's is the only major comedy club in Portland, and as a performer, I truly appreciate the opportunity to work there. The owner pays a competitive wage to his talent, which speaks well of him given he has a corner on the market. Expecting you to buy a couple drinks is only fair, even more so if you're the recipient of free tickets.

* The only thing we comedians care about is that you laugh and have a good time. If you've had a bad experience for any reason, I'm sorry. I hope you'll come back and give Harvey's another try. We all can use a lot more laughter in our lives!
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Sharon on October 4, 2007, 3:39 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Great place lousy owner
Seen more shows at Hareys then anybody in Portland I promise you. I know the owner and I know how he runs his business and it is pathetic. He cares nothing about the staff or his customers. He is strickly a bottom line guy and if he can find a way to cut service or quaility to save a buck he would and he has. If you could see the kitchen and the appalling conditions(in my opinion) you would never eat there. The quality of the food is low grade at best and you can find droppings on all exposed plates. No kidding.

As far as the talent there are far better comedians that would be willing to play there but the owner knows he can keep getting the same old hacks month after month because he knows they will work for pennys and the public doesn't know any better.

Plus he over books the place on a nightly basis. God fobid there was ever an emergency where people needed to get out in a hurry there would be major proplems.

Not a disgrutled employee just thought I would share my experiences.

Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Dick Mclovin on August 16, 2007, 3:22 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Hit/Miss Comedy, Horrible Staff
I've seen some great stand up acts and some where the audience started to leave half way through. Usually it's possible to get a few laughs out of the night. However, be prepared for poor service & high prices. Just recently were we charged for food that did not arrive - instead of an apology and a simple refund for the $13.50 plate of food, we were argued with, one of the members of our party was elbowed in the ribs by a mouthy waitress and top things off, the manager (Jeremy Patrick) couldn't give us a reciept showing he credited our Visa before forcing us to sign a new reciept for $175. We were offered comp tickets to get in as an apology - who goes to this place WITHOUT comp tickets? This place survives because they call any who has filled out a comment card and offers them 16 tickets to bring all their friends with (that's how I've gotten tickets for the last 4 shows I've seen). $4.75 for a good beer, $8.50+ for a burger, $13.50 for fish & chips, 2 drink minimum, you'll get lucky if your waitress checks on you twice during the hour and a half show.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Ryan on June 1, 2007, 8:17 am
Write Your Own Review »
THE PEOPLE KNOCKING THE CLUBS ARE LIERS
I've been to the club over twenty times and never witnessed any bruetality there or heard any thing of the sort.Every time I go I have a blast the drinks are good and so is the grande nachos yes its high priced but it will feed two.The comedians are always the best I have never been there when it wasnt a funny night.stop knocking the club you haters.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by TIFFANY MILLER on April 7, 2007, 1:10 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Harveys Comedy Club
I was there and seen a very funny show with a comedian from "Last Comic Standing" It was the best time i have had in a long time I here They have a new lounge and new showroom managment I had no Bad expierence and can't wait to go again
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Marie on February 13, 2007, 2:09 pm
Write Your Own Review »
AWESOME
I love this club~ It was absolutly funny~ I laugh each time I go I laugh so hard I cry~ I bring people each time I go and they love it~ I won free tickets and it is always a blast~ I totally recommend it~
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Tiffany on June 1, 2006, 3:25 pm
Write Your Own Review »
It has been great so far
I have been twice, took my mom the first time ( she laughed so had she looked like she was going to start changing colors ) Took my husband the second time and as I remember him saying that he may not laugh, because it was "stand up comedy" ( to be quiet honest I think that he laughed harder than I did both times put together ). So ever all I have had two great times. Food was ok but the comedy acts were kick ass!!!!!!
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Maridith on March 10, 2006, 3:31 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Don't Bother
I recently witnessed a patron of Harvey's attacked by the Harvey's "manager" and other customers after a misunderstanding about free tickets. Harvey’s employs a bait and switch scheme where they lured a group of 10 people to the show which then "sold out" and the people that were lured were left out in the cold - literally. The customer went to speak to a manager to get an explanation and the manager was extremely hostile. This was the most unprofessional handling of a situation by a business I have ever seen. The manager actually said "If you swing I will kill you" to the customer. I have been to Harvey's about 10 times and the service has always been poor, but the comedy was decent. I will not give my business to an establishment with this type of customer service and I suggest you do not either.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by DG on February 25, 2006, 1:40 am
Write Your Own Review »
Cruel Hoax
Harvey's called me repeatedly and offered me free tickets. My wife invited a bunch of friends and drove an hour and a half, paid for parking, and waited in line for 30 minutes after following all the requirements (she called to confirm she was coming and was there during the required window of time to pick them up). When she got to the window to check in, they told her they were sold out!!! She was embarrassed, frustrated, and wasted her whole evening and the evenings of all her friends after Harvey's started the whole thing. I will never go back there and tell all my friends.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Jim Evarts on December 30, 2005, 10:19 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Good Times
I have been to Harvey's several times and although some nights are better than others I have NEVER had a bad time.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Catrina Galicz on December 21, 2005, 10:10 am
Write Your Own Review »
Better than expected
I expected a lot when I went, and I was pleasantly surprised. The food was overpriced, but 2 out of 3 of the comics were truly talented at their craft. Definitely recommend for a date night.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Stacy Mack on November 27, 2005, 2:23 am
Write Your Own Review »
FREE TICKETS
I've been here only 1 time,.. and it was SO FUNNY.. i'm wanting to go again for my b-day (oct. 29th) and i want to get ahold of FREE tickets (that everyeone is talking about) If anyone knows how, or DOES have tickets let me know... noid34@netzero.net Thanks.. or re-post with who to call or what ever. THANK YOU.. Kim
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Kim on October 26, 2005, 11:48 am
Write Your Own Review »
THIS CLUB SUCKS
This club is a joke. This owner "Barry" what a bigger joke. This fool gives away free tickets! What is that crap, he can't even sale out his house, LOSER
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by James Crow on September 15, 2005, 9:12 pm
Write Your Own Review »
harvey's
Look at all these negative goth-hater-tribe loosers knocking Portlands only comedy club. I went for the first time, laughed my ass off and had a few stiff drinks, and had a great time! Don't hate! Its cool to laugh you fucking idiots!
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by aj on August 16, 2005, 5:47 pm
Write Your Own Review »
I had a wonderful time
I know that the business is there to make money so if you're looking for a cheap show with cheap food, this is not the place for you. However, if you're looking for a blast of a party with a mound of nachos at your disposal and drink specials with no minimum, this is the place for you...I had a great time with 6 of my closest friends and we laughed so hard we were still laughing the next day!
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Stephanie on July 22, 2005, 7:58 pm
Write Your Own Review »
Great comedy, but the routine sucks
The food and drinks are VERY overpriced and not the highest quality, but no one goes to harveys for the food and drink. You go for the show, which is awesome on a good night. It's the best local place to hear comedy. They sometimes tell you they require you to by 2 drinks, but management has told me there is no minimum. The way it works is you get comp tickets over the phone, show up and get your entry pass, then you wait in line for a LONG time to be seated. No reserved seats and you do not get to choose your seats- even if you paid to get in. That part sucks.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Tammers on April 28, 2005, 10:33 am
Write Your Own Review »
Tell Us What You Think of Harvey's Comedy Club

Your Name:

You really should sign up for an account if you want credit for this review. If you have an account, please Log In

Subject

What You Think:

We started getting nailed by spammers from Latin countries, so if you don't have an account, type the words you seen in the image below. Do not use spaces, just combine the two. Surely you know what a compound word is, si? Comprende?

    Before hitting that submit button, we highly suggest you read the guidelines below:
  1. #1 mainly applies to bar owners/managers/employees : Do not shill for yourself or bad mouth competitors because we do catch those things...and sometimes call it out. If you do want to respond, identify yourself as the owner/employee/manager to address reader complaints.
  2. ALL CAPS does not get get your point across, but it does make you look like a dunce.
  3. Mockery is cool, libel isn't. Learn the difference
  4. 1st Ammendment covers your right to say what ever you want and our right to ignore it.
  5. BarFly staff may choose to break these rules at their own discretion.
  6. Shills will be publicly outed. By clicking submit, you authorize us to release details about your review(s), including your IP address and any other contact info.

Okay then, if you think your review will pass muster, click the submit button. K?