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Best Comedy Clubs Near You in New York City

The term “best comedy club” is subjective, the only true crowd-sourced way to rank the top comedy spots in New York City is through user ratings. Help determine the best comedy clubs in this city by submitting a user rating based on your overall experience at the best and worst comedy club venues in NYC.

New York City Comedy Clubs A – Z

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What’s the Comedy Scene Like in New York City?

New York City is more than a skyline — it’s a state of mind. Fast, fearless, and endlessly expressive, NYC is where cultures collide, voices rise, and ideas come to life. It’s a city of stories, and among those stories, comedy plays a central role. From smoky basements in Greenwich Village to sold-out theaters in Midtown, New York has long been the proving ground for the world’s sharpest comedic minds.

There’s a reason so many of comedy’s greatest legends and rising stars call this city home. In New York, stand-up isn’t just entertainment — it’s a rite of passage. Crowds are quick to judge, but quicker to reward brilliance. Here, comedians earn every laugh.

At the heart of the city’s stand-up scene is The Comedy Cellar, tucked beneath the Olive Tree Café in the West Village. It’s arguably the most iconic comedy club in America, known for its intimate vibe and powerhouse lineups. On any given night, you might see a new comic finding their voice or a surprise drop-in from a major name working out fresh material. The Cellar’s candle-lit, no-nonsense atmosphere strips comedy down to its essence: just a mic, a spotlight, and the truth.

A few blocks away, Gotham Comedy Club brings a more polished, upscale feel to the scene. With its sleek interior and stacked schedule, Gotham is a favorite for both seasoned pros and televised comedy tapings. It’s a space where laughter echoes from wall to wall, and where comics from across the country dream of performing.

Uptown, you’ll find Carolines on Broadway (formerly a staple in Times Square), now a legendary name with deep roots in the industry. Though the venue has evolved over time, the brand’s commitment to top-tier comedy remains unmatched. It has long been a stage for both rising talent and some of the biggest names in the business.

For a grittier, classic NYC feel, Stand Up NY on the Upper West Side delivers. Open since the 1980s, it continues to be a beloved venue for comics honing their material and building their careers. The club’s relaxed setting and supportive crowd energy make it a go-to for both professionals and passionate fans.

Meanwhile, The Stand in the Flatiron District blends stand-up with a full restaurant and bar experience, drawing a trendy crowd and consistently strong lineups. With its modern layout and downtown vibe, The Stand is part of the city’s new wave of comedy spaces.

Beyond these well-known clubs, New York bursts with underground shows, open mics, and alternative rooms in Brooklyn, Harlem, and beyond. Bars, basements, rooftops, and coffee shops become pop-up stages every night of the week, giving voice to an ever-changing lineup of talent.

In New York, comedy isn’t just a scene — it’s a culture. It’s woven into the fabric of the city, from subway banter to late-night club rosters. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a great night out, NYC is where comedy lives, breathes, and evolves — one set at a time.