New York City is not shy about the concept of comedy culture. With comedy clubs filling the streets and Saturday Night Live arguably being one of the best things to emerge from Manhattan, New Yorkers have been laughing for decades. There is no date that pin-points the birth of comedy culture in New York; however, it is easy to say that modern stand-up comedy had emerged with the subversive voices of Greenwich Village in the 1950s. If you are familiar with the TV show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, it depicts this very time period perfectly. Before that a multitude of comedians filled the New York stage of vaudeville, a genre of theater that based its’ plot around comedic situations. Some big names at the time were the Marx Brothers, the Three Stooges, and Eddie Cantor. Comedians were emerging left and right implementing their own style as they went. Alongside the loud and proud voices of Greenwich Village would be comedians to accompany the poetry and jazz acts that captured the eager ears of Manhattan residents. As time went on, new genres of comedy were coming to light at a rapid pace. For example, Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld set the scene for the stand-up acts that would entertain New Yorkers and those visiting for years and years to come.
Visiting a comedy club should be on everyone’s ‘New York City to-do list’. Whether you are a permanent resident or simply just visiting, comedy clubs are a must. There are a variety to choose from with different places offering different things. Below we have curated a list of our favorite spots to visit.
1. Comedy Cellar
This spot takes number one on our list due to the popularity and history within these walls. The Comedy Cellar is where most famous New York comedians perform. It is no secret that this is probably the best comedy club in the country. Located in Greenwich Village on Macdougal St. and founded in 1982 by television writer/producer Bill Grundfest, this boisterous space has harbored the laughs of many from all different walks of life. Right above the Comedy Cellar is The Olive Tree Cafe which is where a multitude of comedians go to hangout after performances. Some of the most notable names that have taken the stage of Comedy Cellar are: Louis C.K., Dave Chapelle, Dave Attell, Todd Barry, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Amy Schumar, Robin Williams, and Bill Burr. If you are interested in paying a visit to Comedy Cellar, they have three to six shows a night from Sunday to Thursday and ten shows on Friday and Saturdays. You can make a reservation through their website.
2. Gotham Comedy Club
Located on 208 West 23rd Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues in Chelsea is yet another famous stand-up comedy club. Gotham Comedy Club dates all the way back to May of 1996. Originally it occupied space at 34 West 22nd Street, but then moved to its current location in 2006. Native New Yorkers Chris Mazzilli and Michael Reisman were the original owners of this well-known joint. Mainstream comedians such as Dave Chapelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Lewis Black, Chris Rock, Dane Cook, Artie Lang, and Chris Rush have all performed at this club. If you are familiar with Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, the pilot was filmed at this very spot. You can access their calendar and purchase tickets on their website.
3. Broadway Comedy Club
Featuring acts from both American and international comedians, the Broadway Comedy Club located at 318 W 53rd St. is yet another beloved spot. Al Martin, who is responsible for kick starting a handful of comedian’s careers today, opened Broadway Comedy Club in 2003 after great success with his other clubs in the past. This space is one-of-a-kind as it offers a bi-level entertainment complex with three showrooms in NYC, serving around 600 customers on an average. Don’t be surprised if you visit this comedy club and happen to have a celebrity sighting. Jay-Z & Beyonce, Andre Aggasi, Jimmy Fallon, Montel Williams, and Harry Connick Jr. are just a few names that have walked through the doors of Broadway Comedy Club. You can access their calendar and purchase tickets on their website.
4. West Side Comedy Club
If you are looking for a show that is on the fancier side, West Side Comedy Club is for you. Located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, this comedy club is home to an intimate setting with a cozy interior and delicious Mexican eats. Big names have performed here such as Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Burr, Jessica Kirson and many more. The club is currently run by Felicia Madison who is a comedian and manager. Felicia Madison cares deeply about the comedy scene and ensures that everyone who walks through her doors has nothing but a good time. You can access their calendar and purchase tickets on their website.
