A Guide to the Best (And Cheapest) Comedy in New York City
New York City is home to some of the best comedians the world has to offer. Every comedy club in the city adds its own unique part to the lively community. On any given night, you’re likely to witness an impressive lineup of up-and-comers, alongside legends popping in to practice new material in an intimate, 30-person room.
Well-known clubs like Caroline’s and Gotham, while still worth visiting, tend to attract swarms of tourists, which brings tourist prices. Whether you are going to established institutions, or watching stand-up in the backroom of a bar in Queens, it’s never predictable.
No guide to NYC comedy clubs would be complete without the Comedy Cellar. Located in small basement in Greenwich Village, earning a spot at the Cellar is a game-changer for any ambitious comedian on their way to the top. Big names like Amy Schumer, Dave Chappelle and Sarah Silverman drop in without notice. But it’s their regulars, like Judah Friedlander and Jessica Kirson who really make the show worth while. Just like any good club, don’t sit in the front unless you’re ready for a little interrogation. Prices range from $10-$15, with a two drink minimum.
The New York Comedy Club in the Flatiron District of Manhattan is everything one pictures a NYC comedy club to be: a tiny bar, a small stage with a red brick wall, lit by a neon sign. You may not recognize every name that performs at the NYCC, but they rarely disappoint. Regulars here include Liza Treyger, Mark Norman, and Sam Morril. Prices range from about $20-$30. “Probably one of my favorite place to see stand-up, mostly for sentimental reasons, is NYCC.” said Pace University student and stand-up comedian Noah Toth. “Honestly, anything that’s not near the cultural black hole that is Times Square is cool with me.”
Stand-up is not the only form of comedy being performed in New York. Some of the best improvisational theaters in the world can be found in the city. Probably the most notable theater is the Upright Citizens Brigade. Created in 1998 by an improv troupe of the same name (which included comedic actress Amy Poehler), this theater, this theater has produced some of the best talent in New York, Just a few notable alumni include Donald Glover, Kate McKinnon, Aziz Ansari, and Aubrey Plaza. Prices range from no cost to around $20. “Comedy in NYC does not get better than UCB. Every show is great, and I love getting to follow the careers of my favorite performers and watch them find success.” said Pace University Sophomore Hanna Morrisse.
For a show that is still affordable, but also still feels like an expensive night out, check out The Stand in Gramercy Park. Much like the Comedy Cellar, The Stand attracts some of the best talent in NYC. Tickets are usually $15-$25, and only five dollars every Wednesday. Regulars include great comedians like Ron Bennington, Rich Vos and Bonnie McFarlane, venerated comics who know where to find a good audience.
That’s not to mention all the fantastic venues in other boroughs. Places like The Creek and the Cave and Q.E.D in Queens, or EastVille and Starr Bar in Brooklyn all offer their own unique experience. Most of these venues even offer open mic nights, where you can catch an off-kilter (often cringe-inducing) show, or even try your hand in the comedy scene so ingrained in the culture of the city.
