New York has no shortage of venerable comedy clubs. From the Comedy Cellar (which gave stages to the likes of Jerry Seinfeld while he was still a no-name hopeful) to Gotham Comedy Club (which had an opening night bill featuring Sara Silverman and Dave Chapelle), these clubs are institutions for good reason. However, comedy fans in search of something a little different would do well to look outside the box (and outside the comedy-club-rife Village) for their daily dose of laughter. To that end, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite under-the-radar spots to catch a show around greater NYC.
Eastville Comedy Club
Founded in Manhattan in 2008 and relocated to its current location by Barclays Center in 2018, Eastville is one of the rare clubs with no drink minimum. They do, however, have a full bar – along with homemade popcorn – and nightly events featuring comedy vets like Janeane Garofalo, rising newcomers, and a variety of open mic nights for those who’d like to test out new material.
The Tiny Cupboard
This eclectic Bushwick spot opened as an experimental arts and music space in 2019. When the pandemic hit, the owners got crafty, hosting a series of speakeasy-like, outdoor comedy shows on their building's roof. Now, Tiny Cupboard – which nabbed “Best New Culture Spot” in TimeOut New York’s 2021 Best of the City – serves as an established indie comedy club where you can catch rising comedy talent from a borough that spawned the likes of Chris Rock and Joan Rivers.
QED
Queens might not necessarily be known as a hotspot for arts and culture in NYC, but comedy buffs shouldn’t sleep on this female-owned-and-operated Astoria venue. The small, 74-seat club hosts a wide variety of comedy nights – including stand-up, sketch, and improv – where you can catch yet-unknown talent and veteran comedians alike. More than just a comedy club, QED also offers classes on subjects that run the gamut from balloon animal making to home brewing and features its own book and gift shop.
The Stand
This Union Square club is owned by two of the co-investors in the Staten Island ferry purchased by SNL co-stars Pete Davidson and Colin Jost. (Rumor is, the plan is to refashion the boat into a new comedy club.) The Stand features nightly stand-up showcases where you can catch quickly rising names like Barstool Sports writer and Instagram-famous comedian Francis Ellis (you might recognize him from his relatable Alternate Side Parking rants), Phoebe Robinson of HBO’s 2 Dope Queens, and more.
Stand Up! Comedy Show at Vig Bar
Less a proper club than a recurring pop-up series in the back room of a snug SoHo bar, this weekly (free!) show goes down every Sunday at 7 pm down featuring both lesser-known comics and bigger names who you might recognize from the likes of Comedy Central and TruTV.
West Side Comedy Club
If you like your tacos and margaritas with a side of spicy humor, this UWS club is for you. Located below a Mexican restaurant from which showgoers can order food and cocktails, West Side has established itself as a go-to spot to catch both newcomers like podcast comedian (and one-time cast member of Bravo reality show Summer House) Hannah Berner and surprise big name guests like Bill Burr. They also host open mic nights for those who’d like to give stand-up a go with a little tequila courage.
Pete’s Candy Store
Billing itself as the “biggest little venue in NYC,” this Williamsburg venue located near McCarren Park presents a variety of – mostly free or low-cost – stand-up showcases, open mics, and more. Swing by for nights like “100%,” which invites buzzy NYC comedians to share both their own prepared material and then go off-the-cuff based off of audience suggestions. The multi-use space also hosts trivia nights, adult spelling bees, and live music.
Written by Alexandra Cavallo