Saturday night I took my date to see Pauly Shore at the tempe improv and it was a decidedly mediocre night out. The Improv does do a decent job of booking big name comedians, the venue is cool and well decorated and the staff is polite and helpful, but those aren't the problems. My date and I were seated face to face with complete strangers and with our backs to the stage, which was very awkward and uncomfortable. The food we shared was mediocre ant best, and the drinks were severely overpriced. If you like comedy there really isn't anywhere besides the tempe improv or stand up live (same owner) where you're going to see big names so your options are limited, and they really take advantage of that.