Looking for the funniest comedy clubs in Greenwich Village? While New York City is renowned for its stand-up comedy, the best venues are often found downtown.
Greenwich Village, affectionately known as “the Village,” has been the starting point for some of the greatest comedy legends. From Joan Rivers and Woody Allen to Dave Chappelle, the comedy scene here has shaped the careers of New York City’s finest talents and continues to thrive today. If you’re in town and need a laugh, just venture downtown!
To assist you in your quest for comedy, we’ve compiled a list of the top places to catch a show. (We’ve even included a couple of former Village spots that are still worth visiting.)
Without further delay, here are the five funniest comedy clubs in Greenwich Village!
Saturday Night: The Funniest Night of the Week
It’s impossible to discuss NYC comedy without mentioning the show that changed the game: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”
“Saturday Night Live,” also known as “SNL,” is the iconic sketch comedy show created by Lorne Michaels, celebrating 49 years on air this October. Known for its celebrity guest hosts and edgy humor, SNL features talented comedians performing every week. However, when the show premiered on October 11, 1975, such success seemed far from certain.
That situation is captured in Jason Reitman’s newest film, “Saturday Night,” which chronicles the chaos just 90 minutes before the show’s debut. It premieres on October 11 to mark SNL’s anniversary, perfect for anyone interested in NYC comedy history.
Don’t miss: Join our new walking tour of Rockefeller Center, a filming location for many iconic shows, including “Saturday Night Live.”
1. The Comedy Cellar
First up is The Comedy Cellar on MacDougal Street, a staple of our Greenwich Village Walking Tour, known for its unique blend of comedy clubs and coffee shops.
This club is not only an ideal spot to catch up-and-coming comedians before they rise to fame, but it’s also frequently visited by comedy giants like former SNL star Colin Quinn and Chris Rock, who often drop in to test new material. You can even dine at The Comedy Cellar’s restaurant, The Olive Tree Café, where you might find your favorite comedians sharing laughs over hummus and kebabs.
Fun Fact: The Comedy Cellar also operates a venue at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, a great option if you’re visiting Sin City! (You can check out our Las Vegas tours as well.)
Whether you’re spending a week in NYC or just a day, The Comedy Cellar is a piece of stand-up comedy history that shouldn’t be overlooked. Who knows? You might discover the next big comedy star before they hit it big!
The club has entrances at 117 MacDougal Street (for The Comedy Cellar and Olive Tree Café) and 130 West 3rd Street (for The Village Underground and Fat Black Pussycat Bar and Lounge).
2. The Grisly Pear
The Grisly Pear is more than just a comedy club; it’s also a fantastic bar. Enjoy performances from seasoned veterans and rising stars, all while savoring an affordable food and drink menu.
Want to take the stage yourself? Join in on the fun at The Grisly Pear during their karaoke and open mic nights! Just be prepared for an engaged audience.
Local Tip: The Grisly Pear has locations in both Midtown (243 West 54th Street) and Greenwich Village (107 MacDougal Street), making it easy for you to visit the venue nearest to where you’re staying.
3. The Greenwich Village Comedy Club
Returning to MacDougal Street, we can’t overlook The Greenwich Village Comedy Club. Any night of the week, catch live performances from comedians featured on networks like NBC, Comedy Central, and Netflix. This club is also known for its diversity, showcasing LGBTQ+, Spanish-language, Asian, and South Asian shows, ensuring there’s always a lively atmosphere, no matter who’s performing.
Part of the iconic comedy circuit in the Village, The Greenwich Village Comedy Club is located at 99 MacDougal Street. The intimate setting of the club allows comedians to engage with the audience, making for a memorable night out.
4. The Duplex
The Duplex at 61 Christopher Street is a versatile venue that doubles as a gay bar, piano bar, and cabaret. But if you’re in the mood for laughter, head upstairs for stand-up comedy and some of the best drag shows in NYC.
Since opening in 1951 (it relocated to Christopher Street in 1989), The Duplex has been a launching pad for fresh comedic talent and established stars alike. Joan Rivers’ photo still adorns the walls, and it’s said that Marlon Brando paid a visit after the 1955 premiere of “Guys and Dolls.”
No matter what’s on the lineup, expect plenty of laughs at The Duplex. If you drop by on a Friday or Saturday, be ready to hit the dance floor as the venue transforms into a lively dance party with a DJ!
5. The Comedy Shop
Formerly known as Lantern Comedy Club, The Comedy Shop can be found inside the Ways & Means small plates restaurant and bar at 167 Bleecker Street. This intimate venue is perfect for watching comedians experiment with new and raw material.
With two shows nearly every night at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., featuring regular comics and open mic slots for aspiring comedians, it’s an excellent place for both laughter and discovery.
Bonus Comedy Club Near Greenwich Village: UCB New York Theatre
If you’re a fan of Greenwich Village, consider exploring just a bit beyond its borders for even more laughs.
Just a mile east in the East Village lies The Upright Citizens Brigade, one of the premier improv companies in the United States. This group began in a small theater in NYC before growing into a national organization and training venue.
Fun Fact: The Upright Citizens Brigade also has locations in Los Angeles, perfect for anyone traveling west who wants to catch a comedic improv show. (Check out our LA tours if you’re headed there!)
Featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, UCB New York is the place to enjoy everything from solo performances to sketch comedy and the classic yes-and improv format.
Catch a completely improvised show seven nights a week at 242 East 14th Street.
And in Brooklyn: Eastville Comedy Club and Bar
While Brooklyn isn’t exactly next door to Greenwich Village, it deserves a mention for being home to the oldest comedy club in the borough. Eastville Comedy Club and Bar, which once called the East Village home before moving near Barclays Center in 2018, still hosts well-known comedians for improv performances.
Eastville Comedy Club takes pride in being one of the few comedy clubs in the city without a drink minimum, allowing you to enjoy the laughter without any pressure to purchase. The club also features popular open mic nights where you can watch up-and-coming stand-up comics test their material.
Travel Tip: Eastville Comedy Club and Bar is located at 487 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. If you’re based in Manhattan, the A and D subway lines provide the most direct access.
More Fun on Your NYC Trip
We hope that after visiting these comedy clubs, you’ll have time to explore more of Greenwich Village and the broader city—there’s so much to see!
If you want a deeper dive into the Village, join our Greenwich Village Walking Tour, led by a local New Yorker who can share stories, legends, and the best dining spots.
Ready to explore more of NYC, including the Statue of Liberty or the Bronx, or perhaps even Rockefeller Center? Our highly-rated New York tours encompass it all.
No matter how you choose to experience the city, we look forward to showing you around!
Feature photo credit: Gus Taf / CC BY 2.0
