Best Comedy Clubs in America
NEW YORK
Caroline’s on Broadway
1626 Broadway (at 49t Street)
New York, NY
Home to the A&E show “Caroline’s Comedy Hour”, this club is a must! Founded as a tiny cabaret in Chelsea, the Broadway club boasts some three hundred seats, an upscale dÃ?©cor and great food.
Laugh Lounge NYC
Staton Street and Rivington Street
New York, NY
The cool comedy club which features a black and red dÃ?©cor with comfortable couches (be sure to get there early to stake out one of these). During the week you can visit and eat to your heart’s content during their happy hour where the finger food is simply delicious.
Laugh Factory
669 8th Avenue
New York, NY
Smack in the middle of Times Square, this well known transplant from Los Angeles features two bars, great finger food, and well known comedians. A favorite of tourists – make sure you get your free passes which are handed out all day on Broadway.
Comedy Cellar
117 MacDougal Street
New York, NY
Set in the basement below the well known Olive Tree CafÃ?©, this tiny club features some of the world’s quirkiest performers. If you’re hungry, simply order and the wait staff will bring you food from the cafÃ?© above.
LOS ANGELES
Comedy Store
8433 West Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
The famed club owned by Mitzi Shore and run by her comedian son Paulie, this club stands out on Sunset with its wide open bar set at street level. Famous comedians drop by unannounced and three rooms feature comics every night of the week.
Groundlings
7307 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
This club features the “out there” improv by the world famous troupe. Former home to Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse ( a dirty version), this club hosts courses for aspiring comedians and has trained stars such as Phil Hartman, Will Farrell and Lisa Kudrow.
Laugh Factory
8001 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
This legendary club features two floors (beware as those who arrive late are relegated to the upstairs area). Owned and run by Jamie Masada, the factory has been home to some of the great comics including Robin Williams and Chris Rock.
The Ice House
24 N. Mentor Avenue
Pasadena, CA
Since the 1960s this outpost has been serving up big name laughs. Comedians such as Steve Martin and Dennis Miller consider The Ice House a regular stop.
CHICAGO
Zanies Comedy Club
1548 N. Wells Street
Chicago, IL
Around since 1978, this club is a stop on every comic’s American tour. The club space is cramped and visitors are encouraged to get to Zanie’s at least thirty minutes before show time.
Improv Olympic
3541 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL
Founded by Del Close and Charna Halpern, after they split from the famed Second City in 1981, this club is all about improv.
ATLANTA
The Funny Farm
608 Holcomb Bridge Road
Atlanta, GA
The newest member of the comedy circuit, this dinner theater is part of a larger complex. A minimum of three to four comedians appear each weekend giving visitors lots to choose from.
The Punchline
280 Hildebrand Dr
Atlanta, GA
Set in a former carpet sales building, this club showcases the top comedic talent including Jerry Seinfeld.
SAN FRANCISCO
Cobb’s Comedy Club
915 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA
Located in North Beach, this club boasts a crazy looking stage which looks like a living room. The space is always packed with local comedians such as Patton Oswalt and Kevin Pollak, and the occasional superstar.
LAS VEGAS
Riviera Comedy Club
2901 South Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV
Set in the Riviera Hotel, this 350 seat room delivers reasonably priced, well known comedic entertainment in true Vegas style.
CLEVELAND
Hilarities 4th St Theatre
2035 4th St
Cleveland, OH
Located downtown within a larger cabaret and club, visitors can choose to either watch comedians do their work or put on a show themselves on amateur night.
