Best Comedy Clubs
COMICSTRIP LIVE 1568 Second Ave.
212-861-9386
This is the longest-running stand-up comedy showcase club in New York City; Chris Rock used to clean tables and Colin Quinn was a bartender before cracking the big time. It’s a great, fun night out. Jerry Seinfeld and Adam Sandler have played here over the years, as well as an 18-year-old Eddie Murphy back in the day. There are open mics at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and some audition nights. The menu is limited, and the drinks can be pricey — so come for the comedy and die laughing.
BROADWAY COMEDY CLUB 318 West 53rd St.
212-757-2323
A rotating crew of not-quite-ready-for-prime-time performers hone their talents and display their moxie on the club’s compact stage. There are drinks, food — even at the bar — and the staff is helpful and friendly. Their signature, twice-nightly show, “All-Star Standup Comedy,” can be a little hit-or-miss, but they have featured such professional shows as “Jewish … ish” and Nicky Sunshine’s “Confessions of a Massage Parlor Madam.” There’s a two-drink minimum, but the show is usually worth at least that.
COMEDY CELLAR 117 MacDougal St.
212-254-3480
Famous comics often pop up at this 36-year-old Greenwich Village club. Regular performers over the years have included Louis C.K., Colin Quinn and Darrell Hammond, as well as the likes of Amy Schumer, Nikki Glaser and Ben Bailey. The club has three shows Sunday through Thursday, and 10 shows on Friday and Saturday. There’s also an upstairs restaurant, Olive Tree Café, that serves a weekend brunch including eggs, salads, griddle cakes and spinach panini. Beer, wine and cocktails are reasonably priced. Reservations suggested.