Tucked away in a corner of Baltimore's huge Power Plant Live is a sleeping giant -- the Improv Baltimore. The Improv, the legendary venue for amateur and professional comedians, has locations all across the country. The small, unassuming storefront of Baltimore's Improv belies the huge entertainment space inside. This club boasts the largest kitchen of any facility in Power Plant Live and has a pre-show area, with bar and stage, as well as a large 400-seat dining room and main stage.

The Improv manages to maintain an even balance of local and national talent. Local talent showcases and fun events like Comedy Survivor give Baltimoreans a chance to let loose, while weekend headliners deliver tried-and-true laughs. Local comedians passing through town often stop by unannounced to try out new comedy routines.

Guests who dine at the Improv get advanced seating for shows. The menu features a solid array of American food -- the manager's favorites are the Pasta Jambalaya and the Chicken Tequila pasta. The fried calamari is excellent, so is the Improv burger. The Improv features some four dozen mixed drinks -- the layered Galapagos Giggler will keep you giggling for hours.

All shows are non-smoking. Tickets are available online, by phone or in-person. Ticket prices vary, depending on day and performer. Free parking is available on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday with a pre-booked dinner reservation; otherwise, plenty of nearby garage and metered street parking is available. -- Laura Maguire (Photo: Laura Maguire)