Angel Borg, owner of Apollo’s Steakhouse, has had one disappointment from her monthly comedy night, “It’s Showtime at the Apollo’s Steakhouse.” No one has taken her up on her free-admission offer. Anyone who shows up in a toga can skip the $5 cover charge.
“I would happily pay for their admission,” she said.
Even without the toga discount, Borg said the comedy night is a bargain.
“A person could come in here and have a steak dinner and a comedy show for $20,” she said. “I know the economy is bad, but they can treat themselves to a nice evening in Little Washington.”
In the five months Apollo’s Steakhouse has featured a comedy night, the caliber of comedy has continued to rise.
“We’ve graduated,” Borg said. “In the beginning, we had comedians who did a lot of swearing and bathroom jokes. That was not accepted by the people here. They prefer clever.”
Organizer and host Eric Shouse quickly learned what Washingtonians found funny and started booking comedians who fit the bill. The comedians change every month. They work a circuit and are brought in from all over the region.
“This week, they’re featuring Drew Harrison, Leo Hudson and Anthony Crawford,” Borg said.
Most of the comedians appeal to a broad range and a diverse clientele.
“The common denominator is a love for laughter and that seems to have a broad reach,” Borg said.
The restaurant takes on a club atmosphere during comedy night. The kitchen officially closes at 9 p.m., when the comedians hit the stage. The bar remains open and Apollo’s continues to serve from an appetizer menu, but Borg said the cooks are still on the clock and they are more than happy to whip up something from the regular menu.
Reservations are not required, but Borg asks that large parties call ahead so that a table will be ready for them. She also offers tickets so that people can give them as gifts.
Apollo’s Steakhouse is located at 228 Stewart Parkway in downtown Washington. Showtime at the Apollo’s Steakhouse is on the last Saturday of each month, unless otherwise advertised. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. For more information, call 833-4604.