This roundup of the best comedy clubs in New York City was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
As a local with a passion for laughter, exploring the best comedy clubs in New York City has been both a personal joy and a professional pursuit. With the Big Apple being a comedy mecca, boasting a legacy dating back to iconic venues like The Comedy Cellar, I’ve delved into the vibrant and ever-evolving world of NYC comedy.
From historic haunts to trendy newcomers, this article is a curated guide to the laughter hubs that define New York City’s comedic landscape. So, whether you’re a local seeking a new favorite spot or a visitor craving a dose of NYC humor, let’s navigate the New York City’s top comedy clubs together.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Comedy Clubs in NYC
Table of Contents: Can’t Miss Comedy Clubs in New York City
Table of Contents: New York City Comedy Club Guide
#14. The Village Underground
Website: The Village Underground
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 130 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
Once a historic music venue, The Village Underground now stands as one of NYC’s premier comedy clubs. With a legacy hosting icons like Bob Dylan, it has transitioned into a comedy haven, closely tied to the famed Comedy Cellar (more on that later). Embracing fresh talent, it also serves as a launchpad for the next big comedians.
Open seven days a week, locals gather for tear-inducing laughter with a reasonable cover fee of $17. The iconic NYC comedy club also strictly enforces a phone and smartwatch policy (got to put them in a sealed envelope). Like most comedy clubs in New York City, there’s a two-item purchase minimum (excluding the cover charge), offering a menu of food and drinks to meet the requirement.
#13. Greenwich Village Comedy Club
Website: Greenwich Village Comedy Club
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 99 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Situated in the same vibrant as our previous recommendation, the Greenwich Village Comedy Club stands out as one of NYC’s best with a lineup as diverse as the city itself. Hosting themed nights like Comedy en Español, LGBTQ+, Asian, South Asian, and improv, the cozy club fosters community and offers fresh comedic perspectives.
Expect a standard two-drink minimum, on par with NYC comedy club norms, and online ticket purchases are available. Note, walk-ups have been known to sometimes avoid a cover-free entry, adding to the spontaneity of the Greenwich Village Comedy Club experience.
#12. Comic Strip Live
Website: Comic Strip Live
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Address: 1568 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
A comedy sanctum for legends like Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, and Eddie Murphy, Comic Strip Live is a timeless gem on every NYC comedy lover’s list. With almost 50 years of history, it continues to shine, hosting shows seven days a week, featuring both up-and-coming comedians and seasoned talents.
The online schedule provides a detailed lineup, showcasing writers from Saturday Night Live and Comedy Central. For those new to comedy, the club offers an eight-week course, personally instructed by a seasoned comedian, culminating in a performance on the stage of this iconic NYC comedy club.
#11. Union Hall
Website: Union Hall
Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Address: 702 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
While not steeped in the legacy of some historic NYC comedy clubs, Union Hall in Park Slope, Brooklyn, stands as a delightful addition to your laughter itinerary. Beyond being one of the city’s best comedy clubs, Union Hall transforms into an adult playground where patrons can savor a meal by a fire, sip drinks in the outdoor garden, or engage in indoor bocce ball.
The venue boasts a unique dual identity; upstairs, a bar and restaurant, and downstairs, one of NYC’s best-kept secret venues hosting live music, DJ sets, karaoke, and top-tier comedy. With a changing lineup, checking the online schedule ensures you catch the right mix of entertainment at Union Hall.
#10. Grisly Pear
Website: Grisly Pear
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village & Midtown
Address: 107 Macdougal St & 243 W 54th St
Grisly Pear, your friendly neighborhood bar for brews and burgers, doubles as one of NYC’s best comedy clubs for a date, offering the perfect combo of dinner and a show. With quick 10-20 minute sets, you’ll catch a diverse array of comedians in a single visit to this small but lively pub.
The energy is consistently top-notch, and if luck is on your side, you might witness a drop-in performance by a famous comedian testing new material. With a modest $10 cover fee, less than most NYC comedy clubs, Grisly Pear’s Greenwich Village location has become a staple, and now, with a newly opened Midtown spot, the laughs continue to flow in different corners of the city.
#9. Broadway Comedy Club
Website: Broadway Comedy Club
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
The Broadway Comedy Club, a sibling to the Greenwich Comedy Club, is run by the renowned comedian Al Martin. Much like its Greenwich Village counterpart, themed shows spotlighting LGBTQ, Latino, and Asian comedians contribute to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The club’s diverse lineup resonates with a broad audience, adding an extra layer of liveliness.
Hosting heavy hitters like Tracy Morgan, Pete Davidson, Tim Allen, and Rosie O’Donnell, the Broadway Comedy Club has earned its status as one of NYC’s premier comedy venues. Additionally, it boasts one of the city’s popular open-mics, The Industry Room, providing aspiring comics a chance to shine on the stage in front of a live audience.
#8. Gotham Comedy Club
Website: Gotham Comedy Club
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 208 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
Gotham Comedy Club stands out among NYC’s iconic comedy venues, having graced both the big and small screens. It played host in Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham and served as a backdrop for four seasons of Last Comic Standing. Featured in Curb Your Enthusiasm’s pilot with Larry David and the 2002 documentary Comedian starring Jerry Seinfeld, Gotham Comedy Club has become a legend in its own right.
While lineups change weekly, the chance of a surprise set from a celebrity keeps the excitement alive. For a memorable date night, the Mixtape Comedy Show offers a captivating fusion of music and comedy, featuring renowned rappers, live bands, DJs, and top-flight comedians. This is undeniably one of the best comedy clubs in NYC, attracting both seasoned performers and hopeful surprises.
#7. New York Comedy Club
Website: New York Comedy Club
Neighborhood: Midtown & East Village
Address: 241 E 24th St & 85 E 4th St
A stalwart in NYC’s comedy scene for over three decades, the New York Comedy Club has maintained its status as a go-to spot for laughter despite changes in ownership, locations, and performers. With two vibrant clubs in the East Village and Midtown, both venues buzz with energetic crowds and amped-up comedians.
Check out their website’s calendar to plan your visit, considering which location’s lineup entices you more before purchasing tickets. While New York Comedy Club falls on the pricier side with cover charges up to $40 and a steep two-drink minimum, hovering around $20 per cocktail, it’s worth splurging for a chance to catch your favorite comedian live. If there’s a performer you’re eager to see, go ahead and swipe (or tap) that card for a guaranteed night of laughter.
#6. West Side Comedy Club
Website: West Side Comedy Club
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Address: 201 W 75th St, New York, NY 10023
Nestled between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway, the West Side Comedy Club stands out as one of NYC’s premier laughter hubs. With a proximity that lures in locals, the club boasts a storied history of hosting comedy titans like Jerry Seinfeld, Jessica Kirson, and Bill Burr, cementing its status as a destination for both established and emerging comedic talents.
Beyond showcasing marquee names, the West Side Comedy Club opens its doors to new talent every Saturday, providing a stage for rising stars. For those feeling adventurous, open mic sessions beckon, offering a platform for aspiring comedians. The famous NYC comedy club even hosts comedy workshops!
#5. The Tiny Cupboard
Website: The Tiny Cupboard
Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Address: 10 Cooper St, Brooklyn, NY 11207
Don’t let its adorable name deceive you—The Tiny Cupboard in Bushwick is a comedy haven with a vibrant personality. From its lively, hippie-inspired graffiti at the entrance to the bright pink interior, the club exudes a cheerful ambiance. Amidst the challenges posed by COVID, The Tiny Cupboard adapted by hosting socially-distanced rooftop comedy shows, becoming a legendary NYC comedy club in the processs.
The lively and enthusiastic crowd adds to the charm, as The Tiny Cupboard creates an environment where both comics and audiences thrive off each other’s energy. With reasonable cover charges of $12 online and $20 at the door, securing tickets in advance is a wise move to ensure a seat at this laughter-filled haven.
#4. The Bell House
Website: The Bell House
Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Address: 149 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
The Bell House just might be New York City’s most lively comedy club. Initially a bar and music venue, the place transforms into a spacious comedy haven when hosting shows. Featuring a functional kitchen and a well-stocked bar, attendees are treated to both great laughs and satisfying fare.
The venue’s versatility shines through in its diverse comedy offerings, catering to various preferences—from traditional stand-up to live tapings of comedy podcasts. However, because of the wide ranging acts I wouldn’t visit blindly, check their calendar before boarding the subway in their direction.
#3. Stand Up New York
Website: Stand Up New York
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Address: 236 W 78th St, New York, NY 10024
For those seeking a no-nonsense, neighborhood comedy club experience in NYC, Stand Up New York stands out. Eschewing flashy names and catering to local patrons, this venue offers straightforward, enjoyable entertainment without the frills. With a focus solely on comedy, Stand Up New York doesn’t serve food but permits guests to bring in fare from nearby restaurants.
However, be mindful of the $18 per-person spend minimum for most shows, which varies, so check show-specific details when booking online. Positioned on the Upper West Side, this unassuming gem skillfully strikes a balance between entertainment and simplicity, making it one of the best comedy clubs in NYC.
#2. The Stand
Website: The Stand
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 116 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003
The Stand holds a unique status among the best comedy clubs in NYC, offering not only an exceptional comedic experience but also a dining one. Recognized for its lively atmosphere and top-notch comedians, the venue’s lineup is so impressive that it caught the attention of “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon,” which enlisted its owners as stand-up comedy bookers.
Renowned for their talent scouting, The Stand creates an ideal setting for a date night with easy-flowing drinks, contagious laughter, and a stellar staff. Amidst NYC’s strong comedy scene, The Stand manages to stand out as one of New York City’s premier whiskey bars (and the prices are hard to beat).
#1. Comedy Cellar
Website: Comedy Cellar
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 117 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Opened in 1980, The Comedy Cellar stands as a legendary institution among comedy clubs in NYC, drawing eager crowds every night. Distinguishing itself from others, it doesn’t feature headliners but rather presents 5 to 7 comedians delivering 15-20 minute sets. The element of surprise regarding performers doesn’t diminish the experience, as the Comedy Cellar consistently attracts top-tier talent.
Past luminaries include Robin Williams, Jon Stewart, and Kevin Hart, solidifying its status as one of the best comedy clubs in New York City for seeing celebrity comics. Loved not only by audiences but also by comedians, the club frequently hosts surprise drop-ins by heavyweight comics on tour, making it an unparalleled comedy haven in the city.
Tips for Visiting Comedy Clubs in NYC
Arrive Early: Comedy clubs in NYC have strict starting times and when it rolls around you want to be in your seat, drinks ordered and ready for the show. Plus arriving early will give you the chance to pick good seats. If you don’t want to be in the front row being teased by the comic you better be early so you can snag a table of your choosing.
Look at the club’s schedule before buying tickets: Comedy Clubs in NYC do a good job of updating their websites with events, themed-nights, and line ups. Rather than shooting in the dark just take a quick peek online and book the show that sounds most fun to you, it could help you avoid a show you’re not interested in.
Don’t heckle the comics: Odds are you’ll eventually come across a comedian that doesn’t tickle your fancy. My suggestion is to wait them out. Comedians can be ruthless and more times than not, the crowd is on their side. Not to mention they could be trying something new, and your silence tells them all they need to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Comedy Cellar is widely considered the most popular comedy club in NYC, renowned for its legendary status, top-notch talent, and intimate, surprise-filled performances.
In New York City, you can watch stand-up comedy at various renowned comedy clubs, including The Comedy Cellar, The Stand, Gotham Comedy Club, and The Comic Strip Live, among others.
Famous comedians often perform at iconic comedy clubs in New York City, such as The Comedy Cellar, Gotham Comedy Club, The Stand, and The Comic Strip Live. These venues attract top-notch talent and are known for hosting both established and emerging comedians.
Comedy shows at The Stand NYC typically last around 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the specific lineup and format of the show. It’s common for comedy clubs to feature multiple comedians during a single show, each performing a set of varying lengths.
Famous comedians who grew up in New York City include Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Joan Rivers, Eddie Murphy, and Louis C.K.
NYC Comedy Clubs (Post Summary)
- Comedy Cellar
- The Stand
- Stand Up New York
- The Bell House
- The Tiny Cupboard
- West Side Comedy Club
- New York Comedy Club
- Gotham
- Broadway Comedy Club
- Grisly Pear
- Union Hall
- Comic Strip Live
- Greenwich Village Comedy Club
- The Village Underground
Best Comedy Clubs New York City (Map)
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And there you have it friends, the best comedy clubs in NYC according to yours truly. Let me know if you think I missed a spot.
Cheers!
Megan McCarthy says
What map ?