Photos: Comedi in Mahtomedi
The free comedy showcase calls The Dugout Bar home on the first Thursday of every month.
Nathaniel Hood first picked up the mic about 20 years ago for a college open mic and, to his recollection, absolutely bombed. “It was so bad that I didn’t go back up for another 20 years,” he says. But COVID-19 gave him a chance to get back into the hobby, and he started writing new bits for the stage. “I finally tried it again in early 2022, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” he says. Connecting with the audience on a personal level can be addictive, and Hood has learned to imbue each of his bits with a piece of himself. “I’m always trying to find the truth in my own life and turn it into laughs,” he says. “There’s nothing better than knowing you gave people a good time.”
Hood took over hosting Comedi in Mahtomedi in January 2026 after the founding host, Steve Windels, moved to Germany. Windels, a wildlife biologist known by the moniker Beaver Doctor, lived near The Dugout and initiated the relationship between the restaurant and Comedi in Mahtomedi in 2024. Windels also returned for the second anniversary show on July 2, 2026, which Hood says went well. “We’ve built a nice group of regulars, and we still get new faces every month which keeps the show fresh and fun,” Hood says.
We connected with Hood to learn more about the show.
How would you describe the comedy scene in the East Metro?
There was a real gap in the East Metro, especially in the Northeast, when it came to quality, pre-booked comedy showcases. We saw the demand, and since I love the area, it just felt like the perfect spot to start a show. The crowds have been amazing so far, and as an East Metro resident myself, it’s awesome not having to drive all the way to Minneapolis every time I want to do a show.
Over the past two years, how has the show evolved?
Over the past two years, we’ve really tightened up the show. We moved to shorter shows with fewer comics, but gave them longer sets. We’ve experimented with different types of lineups, but it’s hard to pin down a perfect formula since every comic has such a different style. Still, we always try to build a good mix to keep the show fresh. I think we’ve finally landed on a format that feels solid and consistent now.
Comedi in Mahtomedi calls The Dugout Bar home every first Thursday of the month.
What can first-time attendees expect?
First-timers can expect a really fun mix of comedians. We usually save an early spot for someone new to the scene, and we always close the show with a solid professional headliner. The show runs about 90 minutes, and the Dugout has great casual food and drinks. Overall, it’s a laid-back, fun environment with a good blend of newer voices and experienced comics in a really nice room.
What are your goals for the show going forward?
I love keeping the energy high, so I’m always tinkering with little quirks and gimmicks. Some work great, and we keep them in the show, others … not so much. When they flop, I’m hoping they’re at least cheesy enough that we still get a laugh out of it before we retire them for good. My main goal is to keep packing the room every month, build a strong reputation with both locals and comics, and make it known as a fun, reliable show with good crowds and great comedians.
Comedi in Mahtomedi’s next show will be at 7:30 p.m. on August 6. Visit the Facebook page for more information about the lineup and subsequent shows.
Comedi in Mahtomedi
Facebook: Comedi in Mahtomedi
