808 Upshur St NW · Washington DC · Petworth
Room 808.
180 Seats.
Zero Bad Ones.
DC's most credible comedy room — built by a working comedian, named by The Washington Post as one of the best comedy clubs in the city. Shows run 5 nights a week.
The Room That Shaped DC Comedy
Most comedy clubs feel like restaurants that forgot what they were. Room 808 is the opposite. Martin Amini built it for one thing: stand-up.
You're never more than 20 feet from the stage. No sightline problems. No giant pillars. When a joke lands — and they land here — you feel it. Every seat is good because the room was designed that way.
This is Petworth. Not Penn Quarter. The crowd comes because someone told them you have to go.
- Full bar service
- Reserved seating
- Private event bookings
- 150+ shows annually
- Georgia Ave Metro — 7 min walk
- Street parking on Upshur
Upcoming Shows
Local legends and nationally known comics. Martin books every act personally — no filler, no generic booking database.
Friday Night Headliner
Room 808 · 808 Upshur Street NW, Washington DC
Doors @ 7:00pm · Show @ 8:00pm · 21+Saturday Double Feature
Room 808 · 808 Upshur Street NW, Washington DC
Doors @ 6:30pm · 2 Shows · 7:30pm & 9:30pm · 21+Wednesday Works-in-Progress
Room 808 · 808 Upshur Street NW, Washington DC
Doors @ 7:00pm · Show @ 8:00pm · 21+Friday Night Headliner
Room 808 · 808 Upshur Street NW, Washington DC
Doors @ 7:00pm · Show @ 8:00pm · 21+Saturday Night Show
Room 808 · 808 Upshur Street NW, Washington DC
Doors @ 7:00pm · Show @ 8:00pm · 21+New shows added weekly. Get email alerts to hear before tickets go public.
"One of the best comedy clubs in Washington DC." — The Washington Post
Most Clubs Book Comedy.
Room 808 Develops Comedians.
Martin built Room 808 because he understood something most club owners never figure out: the best shows happen when comics feel free to take risks.
Matt Rife worked out arena tour material here before selling out 10,000-seat venues. He needed a room he could trust. He chose Room 808.
The material you see here is alive. You're watching it before the rest of the world does. That's rare. That's the point.
See What's On →Built by a Working Comedian
Martin has performed comedy his entire life. The booking, stage setup, sightlines, sound — all built by someone who has stood on that stage.
Personally Curated Lineup
No generic booking database. Martin knows these comics. He knows who's sharp right now. No filler sets, ever.
Petworth's Best-Kept Secret
No tourist buses outside. No corporate happy hours. A locals' room where the audience is real and the comics bring their best work.
Zero Bad Seats
180 seats. Every one close to the stage. The intimacy creates something rare — actual connection between performer and room.
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to know before you show up.
Room 808
808 Upshur Street NWWashington DC 20011
Petworth neighborhood · Georgia Ave–Petworth Metro (Green & Yellow lines) · 7-min walk from station
🕐 Show Times
- Wed–Thu Doors 7pm · Show 8pm
- Fri Doors 7pm · Show 8pm
- Sat Two shows: 7:30pm & 9:30pm
- Sun Doors 6pm · Show 7pm
🚗 Getting There
- Metro Georgia Ave–Petworth (Green/Yellow) — 7-min walk
- Parking Street parking on Upshur and nearby blocks. Arrive 20–30 min early on weekends.
- Rideshare Drop-off: 808 Upshur St NW
📋 Good to Know
- Age 21+ for most shows. Check listing when you book.
- Dress code None. Come as you are.
- Phones Away during the show. Comics are testing new material.
- Walk-ins Book online. The room fills up.
FAQ
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. Room 808 sells out regularly. Don't show up without a ticket expecting to get in. Book online before the show.
Is this a good date spot?
One of the best in DC. Shared laughter builds connection faster than dinner. You're sitting close, something funny happens, you both lose it at the same moment. Several couples from Martin's matchmaking sessions have had their first dates at Room 808. It works.
I've never been to a live comedy show. Is this for me?
Fair warning: most people who come to Room 808 for the first time say it ruined them for other comedy clubs. The bar goes up permanently.
Are phones allowed?
Put it away during the show. Some shows explicitly prohibit recording. The comics are doing new material — they don't want it on shaky iPhone footage before it's ready. Respect the process.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Sometimes. More often, no. The safe answer: book online. Don't risk the drive.
Is there a drink minimum?
Check the specific show listing when you book. Some shows require a minimum purchase. The bar is fully stocked — it's not a burden.
Who are the comedians?
Martin books the lineup personally. Some nights you'll see someone with 2 million Instagram followers. Other nights you'll see someone six months away from that. DC's best local comics share the bill with nationally touring names from Netflix, Comedy Central, and HBO. No filler.
Rent the Room. Own the Night.
Corporate events, birthday parties, team nights — Room 808 handles private bookings year-round. A comedy room beats a conference hall every time. Up to 180 guests, full bar, live entertainment.
Show Alerts Before Tickets Go Public
Netflix comics dropping in unannounced. Sold-out Fridays with major headliners. The people who get those tickets are on the list.
No spam. Show dates only. Unsubscribe in one click.
808 Upshur Street NW.
Five Nights a Week.
You don't need to know every comedian on the bill to have a great night. You just need to be in the room.