New York City Comedy Clubs

Comic Strip Live, 1568 2nd Ave., between 81st and 82nd St. (www.comicstriplive.com), The lobby wall is covered in autographed photographs of comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, and Adam Sandler who have paid their dues here. The club is also the subject of a new documentary called EAT DRINK LAUGH by Chris Rock, who got his start here bussing tables for free. For a club that only features professionals, the prices are great. 2 drink min. 17+. M-F $20, Sa-Su $25. Shows M-Th 8:30pm; F 8:30, 10:30pm, 12:30am; Sa 8, 10:30pm, 12:30am; Su 8pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 23rd St., between 7th and 8th Ave. (www.gothamcomedyclub.com), This is New York City. On the comedy scene, everyone has hosted Jerry Seinfeld and Lewis Black, but not everyone hosts them in a $2.5 million, 1920s-Art-Deco-inspired, 3300 ft. comedy kingdom. Gotham is also the filming location of NBC's “Last Comic Standing” and Comedy Central's “Live at Gotham.” First Wednesday of every month is “Homo Comicus,” a show featuring gay comedians. Cover $10-25, plus 2 drink min. Shows nightly. Times vary; call or check website for schedule. Call to make a reservation starting at 10am. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. GLBT
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 307 W. 26th St. (www.newyork.ucbtheatre.com), The Upright Citizens Brigade was a group of four Chicago comedians, including SNL's Amy Poehler, who founded a training program for “long improv,” one entire show of improvised work, in New York City in 1997. Today the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre features daily improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy, both in the form of public performances and a full comedy education program. The most rigorous offering within the program is the intense-sounding Improv Guerilla Training Center. Make reservations online or by telephone. Shows up to $10. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Dangerfield's, 1118 1st Ave., between 61st and 62nd. (www.dangerfields.com), The only comedy club in New York owned by a famous celebrity, Dangerfield's is also the longest-running comedy club in the world. This funny factory hosts world-famous famous acts such as Jim Carrey, Jay Leno, and Rodney Dangerfield himself. $15 Su-M, $20 F-Sa. Shows M-Th 8:45pm, F 8:30pm and 10:30pm, Sa 8 pm, 10:30pm, 12:30am, Su 8:45pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Stand Up NY, 236 W. 78th St. (www.standupny.com), Stand Up NY prides itself on showcasing exclusively local talent. With shows every night of the week, open mike nights are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5-7pm. M-F $20, Sa-Su $15. Shows M-F 8pm; Th-F 10:15pm; F 10:15pm and 12:15am. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
East Ville Comedy Club, 85 E. 4th St., between 2nd Ave. and Bowery (www.eastvillecomedy.com), This 130+ seat club features comedians who have been featured in movies or on TV, including Sarah Silverman, Dave Attell, and Jim Gaffigan. Open mikes happen Monday through Friday and a “Rising Stars Showcase” allows some of the most promising new comedians in the area to perform. Tickets M-F $10, Sa-Su $20.