After a disappointing time at the Improv a few weeks back, I hoped Hilarities, on East 4th, located inside PIckwick and Frolic, would be a step above, and it is.
The atmosphere and decor is more sophisticated than the Improv with a small small in the corner, a grand chandelier hanging above from the vaulted ceiling, feeling like a orchestra concert hall from the 1920s with a balcony upstairs.
Drink-wise, there's a few signature martinis ($9) and margaritas ($6.50), and a selection of beers, many domestics, a few imports [stella, peroni, amstel], and a couple great lakes ($4-5). There's also ice cream, always a pleasant surprise on the drink menu. There's food although I didn't look at the menu.
With complimentary tickets [I won them at a fundraiser although, although they were invalid for special events, which were a majority of the shows, alas], my party was seated on the main floor. There's a 2 drink minimum [it applies Sunday through Thursday].
With the near capacity crowd, our server was competent. The acoustics were ok.
Along with the main act, there was 2-3 openers from Cleveland and the MC who gave me a free t-shirt and anointed me as ''Harry Potter, all grown up.'' Gee, thanks.
Compared to the 'Smash Club' [I mean Improv], Hilarities has a more sophisticated atmosphere and [and newer] decor, more accessible by its East 4th location, and has more famous comics.