I go to comedy clubs more than the theater. There’s just nothing better to me than a good laugh and I love a comedian’s ability to turn ordinary, every day things into unique and extremely funny perspectives. There are so many choices in NYC for comedy, but these are the ones where I spend the most time since they consistently offer the best talent and good times.
Upright Citizens Brigade Theater
This place is straight up dive, not in a grunge way, but in a tattered comfy sort of way like your friend’s basement in high school. The upside is that the old transported theater chairs and no frills means cheap entertainment, that also happens to be really good. Their thing is improv and they do it better than any place in the city.
The UCB group came to New York in ’96 from Chicago where long form improv originated and they quickly filled the void in NYC. The hour themed shows (like Death by Roo Roo: Your f’ed up family) consist of 7 or so performers working off each other and audience participation (but not in the obtrusive Cirque du Soleil way) to create interwoven skits completely made up on the spot; they’re so good and hilarious, you wonder if it’s really not pre-written.
Shows are $5 during the week and $10 on weekends, no drink minimum and cheap beers, you really can’t beat that. Make online reservations, then it’s GA like most comedy clubs, but UCB gets seriously packed so show up a half hour early to get a good view.
Location: Chelsea, 307 W. 26th Street
Comedy Cellar
Another basement club but this one is all NYC: a small, intimate space with exposed brick and dim lighting. You feel a bit closer to the other people here but once the show starts you completely forget.
The walk of fame hallway is packed with photos of stand up greats that have graced the Cellar over the years, setting the tone for a fun night of laughs ahead. The line up is filled with big names including appearances by famous comedians like Dave Attell, Dave Chapelle, and Colin Quinn who drop in to test new material. Expect some rowdiness and to get picked on, almost regardless of where you sit.
As is typical, reserve online and show up early. They hand out table numbers while you’re in line. Covers vary depending on the night, $10 Monday through Wednesday, $12 Thursday and Sunday, $18 Friday and Saturday. There’s a two item minimum every night. Location: 117 McDougal Street
Stand Up NY
Talk about bare bones, they certainly didn’t spend anything more than they absolutely had to on the interior. Looks like they just threw in some black paint and cheap tables and called it a day, which actually turns off a lot of people. Well that, and their location, few will go to the UWS for comedy. But they’re missing out.
Stand Up pulls in some great talent and there are five comedians in the line up for each show, so you’re guaranteed laughs along the way, although definitely be prepared for some raunchiness. Open since ’86, they’ve launched some big names and are still known for hosting a blockbuster on occasion like Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld.
Two warnings: the tables in front of the stage are always mercilessly picked on and the bathroom is inconveniently located so you risk being heckled if you dare to go during a set. Cover is $15 weekday and $20 weekends, two drink minimum. It’s pretty easy to get on their mailing/mobile list to avoid the cover. And there are other places to go on the UWS when you’re there but to complete the dive theme, check out Dive 75.
Location: 236 West 78th Street
Ochi’s Lounge
This place is a great find. First, its location in the basement below Comix makes it a sort of training ground for comedians before moving upstairs to the “big” stage. But don’t let that put you off, they get great indie, up and coming talent that shouldn’t be sold short. Some of the performers you’ll see at Ochi’s include David Cross, Jim Gaffigan, and Christian Finnegan.
Second, it’s actually a pretty nice space, which is saying a lot for a comedy club. Definitely nicer than the underground indie scene that may come to mind. Lastly, it’s cheap; no cover and one drink minimum so basically risk free. Location: 353 W 14th Street
Monroe Center
Thanks to my friend, I can also get my comedy fix in Hoboken. The other night I saw one of my favorites, the very, very funny Julian McCullough at the Monroe Center. Julian’s stories about NYC, dating and his cat, Poptarts are hysterical and he has a surprising amount of fresh material. Soul Joel Productions puts on shows in and around New York with winning headliners like Josh Spear, Nate Bargatze, Yannis Pappis and Reese Waters. Check him out on Facebook to see where he’ll be next.
Location: 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
Flickr: Upright Citizens Brigade by Marcin Wichary
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