Bronzeville is a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago that became famous as the "Black Metropolis." Back in the 1910s and 1920s, it was referred to as a hub of African-American culture. While the famous Regal Theater is no longer standing, there are quite a few comedy clubs that are adjacent to Bronzeville.
Jokes and Notes
Jokes and Notes is a 150-seat club located in the Bronzeville area of Chicago that is best known for featuring predominantly African-American comedians. Open nightly, the club features a full bar and a large schedule of amateur open mics, professional comics and house MCs.
Certain performances do require a two-drink minimum purchase (sometimes in addition to the ticket fee), but make sure to check the club's schedule as the price varies on a by-performance basis.
Jokes and Notes
4641 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 373.3390
jokesandnotes.com
Zanie's Comedy Club
Zanie's Comedy Club is located on the North Side of Chicago and is an eight-mile drive from Bronzeville. It is a 21-and-older club that has been open since 1978. Each night the club has a headliner--many of whom have been seen on network television--and tickets usually cost an average of $25 (as of February 2010).
However, there is a two-item purchase requirement for all guests, which can add to the cost of a night out. Menu options include nachos, a small individual pizza, snack mix and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
Zanie's Comedy Club
1548 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60610
chicago.zanies.com
iO Chicago
iO Chicago is on the North Side of Chicago, roughly a nine-mile trip from Bronzeville. It has been open since 1981 and offers nightly, low-priced performances of sketch comedy, improv comedy and standup.
The site has two theaters with nightly shows, as well as class options for prospective comedians. The theater also offers a full bar and waitresses so you don't have to refresh your own drink in the middle of a performance.
iO Chicago
3541 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 880-0199
ioimprov.com
Second City Chicago
Second City has been a fixture in Chicago for the past 50 years, and has been the starting point for such comedians as Dan Ackroyd, Bill Murray and Chris Farley, among many others. Located about nine miles north of Bronzeville in the Old Town section of Chicago, the club has two theaters that offer nightly performances for a variety of prices.
The club has a full bar outside of the mainstage theater, and waitress service inside of the second smaller theater called the Etc. Theater. it is about eight miles from Bronzeville.
Second City Chicago
1608 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-8189
secondcity.com
