New York City is a major destination for up-and-coming comics who are looking to be discovered, and veterans who want to stay on top of the comedy game. Since New York is such a huge city, it can seem overwhelming at first to find the best comedy night clubs to check out, whether you are a fan or a prospective stand-up. There are many landmark clubs to choose from.
Dangerfield's
While this is one of the most respected clubs in New York City, it was co-founded by the man who never got any respect -- Rodney Dangerfield. Located in the Upper East Side, this mainstay of the comedy circuit has been around for more than 40 years.
Dangerfield's
1118 First Avenue
New York, NY 10065
(212) 593-1650
dangerfields.com
Gotham Comedy Club
Gotham has been around since the mid-90s. It is known for its stylish interior design, which was done by co-owner Chris Mazzilli. The red interior mimics the Roaring Twenties era in New York.
Gotham Comedy Club
208 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 367-9000
gothamcomedyclub.com
Upright Citizens Brigade Theater
This improvisational theater was founded by Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Matt Walsh and Ian Roberts, a group of comedians who perform as the Upright Citizens Brigade. Amy Poehler is the best known of the group for her years as a cast member of Saturday Night Live.
Upright Citizens Brigade Theater
307 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 366-9176
ucbtheatre.com
Comedy Cellar
This West Village club's alumnus includes Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld and Damon Wayans. The Comedy Cellar is known as an "intimate" establishment, which means that it's on the smaller side. Reservations and early arrival are recommended.
Comedy Cellar
117 Macdougal St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 254-3480
comedycellar.com
Caroline's on Broadway
Founded by Caroline Hirsch in the early '80s, the club's first guest was none other than Jay Leno. It also hosted the rising comedy stars of the time: Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, Sandra Bernhard and Paul Rubens -- better known as Pee-wee Herman.
Caroline's on Broadway
1626 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 757-4100
carolines.com
Stand-Up NY
Located in the Upper West Side, Stand-Up NY is another long-running New York comedy club. After being founded in 1986, this comedy club has hosted a number of legendary acts, including Robin Williams, Roseanne Barr, Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld and Jon Stewart. While the arrangement is cramped, Stand-Up NY still occasionally hosts shows for big-time acts such as Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and the aforementioned Robin Williams.
Stand-Up NY
236 West 78 Street
New York, NY 10024
(212) 595-0850
standupny.com
Comix
Unlike some of its more cozy competition in the Big Apple, Comix boasts 14,000 square feet, including 300 seats in an amphitheater-style setting. It's certainly not a hole-in-the-wall. It has a slick modern design with ample elbow room, and high-tech amenities, including a broadcast-ready, acoustically tuned showroom and an infrared listening system in the showroom. The Comix showroom was designed by SIA Acoustics, the team responsible for Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Comix
353 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 524-2500
comixny.com
