Mezcal and Mole, a HellaFunny Comedy Night
Mesa Maguey
4031 Broadway Ave, Oakland
March 18, 2025
Last Tuesday found me at HellaFunny’s latest pop-up comedy show Mezcal and Mole at Mesa Maguey in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood. Who was I to resist the siren call of not only Mezcal and Mole, but free comedy? The evening’s audience was fairly sparse; perhaps some of us were still lying face down on the couch in post St. Patrick's Day Debauchery (looks awkwardly at feet while willing us to not dwell on it). Surprising, as it was free (with a two drink minimum), and the comedians on stage can be found at places like Cobb's and The Punchline. Nonetheless, the evening delivered much-needed laughs and truly delicious Oaxacan food.
Mesa Maguey, a contemporary agave bar and Oaxacan kitchen, has quickly made its mark in the Temescal scene since taking over the former Copper Spoon space last spring. Known for its carefully curated selection of small-batch mezcal and mouthwatering dishes, the upscale yet affordable restaurant was the perfect setting for a comedy night. I opted for the empanadas and shrimp, which were generously drenched in a savory sauce. Since there weren't a lot of people in the audience, I'm pretty sure that the comedians watching us eat wished they could have some too.
The comedy show itself had a unique vibe. The comedians pushed through, delivering their jokes with enthusiasm and skill and you know what? They actually were hella funny. We laughed so much it was hard to remember to eat. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Tony Sparks, the comics clearly feeding off each other’s energy, engaged with the small audience with all they had.
Jack A. Weiler stood out with the tightest and most consistent set of the night. His delivery was sharp, his material well-crafted, and his timing impeccable. He easily became the highlight of the evening, with his self deprecating humor and ability to transform the heartbreak in his life into genuine laughter, and we were sad to see him go.
While Weiler shone the brightest, the rest of the lineup, including Ahmed Abdelrahman, Dan Lewis, Alex Woody, Corde Snell and Cee Cee (pictured at top), also brought their own unique flavor to the show. Some were seasoned and some new to the game, but all came out with their comedy teeth sharpened. Quick wit and a clear mastery of their craft allowed these sharp-as-tacks comics to show us how it's done.
Up first, Cee Cee asked about our dog. When she learned that he always has one ear up and one ear down she perked up. "One up and one down? Just like my boobs!"
Next we were informed that Dan Lewis was not balding, but fully bald, albeit with a single hair left where his hairline used to be. Not bangs, no: he lovingly referred to it as bang.
In such a small crowd we were front and center for heckling: Three of the comedians repeatedly asked my partner and our friend if we were swingers, which was mildly irritating in its repetition, but mostly funny. Perhaps they were suspicious at my picture-taking? Is that a signal for swinger to comedians? There is so much about the world I don't understand.
Despite these road blocks, the show was full of talent and worth the trip. These performers gave it their all, and with most of Mesa Maguey's menu prices falling under the $20 mark it's a pretty great way to spend your Monday or Tuesday evening.
Tickets available on Hella Funny’s website.
