7 years after my first review and this is still a solid 5 stars. And would give it more if I could. This is a Must every time we come to NYC, and we have shared the experience with friends, who end up loving it as much as we do. We've been to different time shows and no matter which it's always a great time. All comedians performing always bring their A-Game and have us laughing all night long. To the point that we are repeating jokes the next day and still laughing. You get to see at least 5 different comedians, and sometimes even "bigger names" show up trying out new material, or just because they're in town. Reservations are really recommended, especially if you are visiting, as it does get sold out, and even thought there's a wait-list line, it get's sold out quick and not guaranteed you will get in. And, believe me, this is not something you want to miss. I just got back and can't wait for my next time there! read more

We were so glad to get in via standby list for a Saturday 1045p show! We didn't have a reservation. STANDBY: We had just missed the 9p show and only 2 people were successful via standby. A guy at the door said people usually line up a little before one hour before the show to get on the list and staff members come at one hour before. I got in line (first in line lol) at 9p and people really started lining up around ~930p. The staff came around 945 to allow us to scan the QR code (must present ID) to reserve a spot in line. You only need one person per party to scan the QR code. He told us to come back at 1045 (no need to be in an ordered line) to see if our names would be called. After they let in people with reservations they returned to the standby line. I'd say maybe ~12 people got in that time. The staff member said people usually have more standby success for later shows. THE SHOW: The show was spectacular. They understandably ask that you put your phones or Apple Watches in a sealed envelope that you keep with you during the show. We saw five acts - 3 were strong, 2 were weaker. The weaker 2 didn't bomb but we just didn't enjoy as much. There is a cover charge + 2 item minimum per person. The item can be food or a nonalcoholic beverage, so no worries if you don't drink alcohol. Service was good. It's a cramped space but not uncomfortable and I think there's really no bad seat in the house. Such a fun night. :) read more

Classic comedy club. They have it down to a science. MC was funny and kept things moving, waitstaff was prompt and made sure you ordered/received your 2 drink minimum with ease. They asked/we agreed to sit in the front row, obviously this opens the door to interact/be made fun of. There were two guys from Iowa at the table next to us that got obliterated by the comedians. They took it well and it wasn't truly mean spirited but if you can't take a roasting it would be better to sit somewhere else. Buying tickets was tricky, they release them a couple weeks in advance but the website kept saying they were sold out. I finally called them directly to see if there was a trick to it or if there were "day of" tickets that get released and was told their website doesn't work well and there were "plenty of seats" for the shows I was targeting. Easy to book through the person on the phone and received a confirmation email within minutes. read more

What an iconic place to be. Seating is tight as usual. Line up was pretty funny and price was not bad to get in, but of course 2 drinks min. Didn't try the food but just got a beer and soda. We got on the wait list to see some of the comics from YouTube. Great to see so many comics come through there, a definite experience to do while in NYC. read more

Went to the Comedy Cellar yesterday (Saturday) for the 6pm show and it turned out to be hilarious. I usually go to later shows since the jokes tend to get a bit spicier, but last night proved that no matter the time, Comedy Cellar always delivers. There's a two-item minimum purchase, and I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. It's free and super easy to do online. Phones are placed in sealed pouches during the show, which actually makes the experience even better because everyone is fully present. We had a few cocktails, beers, and wings and had a fantastic night. I think this was my 20th time here and I'll definitely keep coming back. Sometimes you just need a night full of laughter to clear your head, and Comedy Cellar is always a great place for that. read more

Comedy Cellar - Entrance - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

While we spent the weekend in New York City- we wanted to see some live standup which led us to the Comedy Cellar. We had a really wonderful experience! The staff were very kind, efficient, & helpful. We ordered sliders & French fries to share that all came out hot. As a woman who appreciates French fries these were exactly what I wanted- seasoned well & plenty for the both of us. We enjoyed the comedians we were able to see & the energy in the room was fantastic which they played to. Really great evening! read more

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First time going to stand-up comedy in New York, and Comedy Cellar delivered 150%. Personally, I liked it more than Second City in Chicago. Laughed the entire time - so many talented comedians + occasionally they have celebrity guests. Make sure to book in advance and forget about personal space - seating is tight. Come see them - you'll thank me later. Can't wait to be back. read more

Comedy Cellar - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

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My friend and I were on a long weekend trip to New York and booked a reservation here for the 10pm Sunday show. We weren't exactly sure what to expect but I'm glad we went! It felt kind of like a bucket list item if you are a stand up comedy fan. We arrived at the front door and the bouncers checked our reservation then we went around to the side of the building to stand in line. It got busy pretty quickly, then a worker came around with bags to lock our phones up. You stand for about 10 more minutes before you're lead in to the cellar and to a seat. You don't get to pick and they just try to fill you in based on your party size. Our group of 2 got put at a back corner booth with another group of 2. We were CRAMMED and it was pretty uncomfortable honestly. There is no bad view in the room I believe. It's a very small room. Luckily the comedy made up for it. We saw 5 comedians do 10 minute sets and it was awesome. All had their own unique style and most were funny. We had a good crowd in the audience too. There is a 2 item minimum per patron but waters and pops are included in that. They also serve some food, desserts, and alcoholic drinks. read more

We went to the Comedy Cellar for the 7:30 shows hubs made the reservation online, which was super easy, but you don't actually pay ahead. Just make sure you get there before the cut-off time or they'll give your seats away (they don't mess around with that). The weekday cover is $15, but there's a two-item minimum per person, so it can add up. We'd already had dinner, so we just got fries and water, but they do have a full food menu if you're hungry. I've been to a few shows here and honestly, it never disappoints. This time we came specifically to see Emil Wakim and he was just as funny live as he is on TV. Every comic had their own style, and somehow the whole show flowed perfectly. The atmosphere and crowd interactions make each show so unique. Such a fun night, start to finish. We've already decided we're making this a yearly tradition! read more

Comedy Cellar - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

Good cover charge my first time here and I enjoyed myself. I missed the first comedian but the rest were very funny. I would definitely reccomend this place for great laughs. 3 different venues with shows half hour apart read more

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Always a good time with a group of friends. The surprise guests can make the night. Watch out if you're on a two person table in the front...you might get picked on! read more

My husband and I absolutely love going to the Comedy Cellar whenever we can find someone to watch the kids (usually my amazing mother-in-law!). Over the years, we've seen some truly incredible performers and unforgettable shows. I'll never forget seeing Trevor Noah before he was a household name and I remember thinking, "This guy is going to make it big." He was sharp, intelligent, and absolutely hilarious. Since then, we've also had the honor of seeing Hasan Minhaj, Aziz Ansari, and several other big names perform live. Each show is a unique experience, and the club rarely disappoints. There's something magical about the energy in the room--the performers feed off the audience and every set feels fresh, witty, and unforgettable. It's the perfect spot for anyone who loves comedy that's smart, timely, and endlessly entertaining. We're especially excited to be returning at the end of the month for my husband's birthday. If you love comedy, the Comedy Cellar is an absolute must-see in NYC. Every visit reminds me why this place is such a legendary institution. I appreciate that their 2-item minimum can also be an appetizer and 2 bottles of water if you've just come from dinner or you don't drink alcohol! read more

What a fun experience to watch stand up comedy where many big names have started out. The MacDougal location is the OG Comedy Cellar, so I had to book this one for my first time. The cover charge ranges depending on day and time, but all Sunday shows are $18 per person. I made reservations a few days ahead, which was easy. They provide clear instructions for you noting no phones and 2 item minimum purchases (including a menu with prices for you beforehand too). We arrived half an hour early and were seated front row. I was slightly nervous for getting called out, but it wasn't bad at all. It is best to arrive early so you have time to order food/drinks and settle in as you don't want to miss anything inbetween. I had an Old Fashioned ($16), which was nice and strong. Also ordered the fries ($8), which came in a huge basket and were super crispy. I was addicted to these fries --yum! I saw the table next to me get the nachos and it was enormous too. The portions are great and food was honestly solid. Great experience overall. Each comedian was not too short nor too long. I enjoyed this experience more than I thought I would. Lastly, I can't stop thinking about those fries.. (Too bad I have no photos due to the no phone policy) read more

Comedy Cellar - Front entrance. - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

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Your system for purchasing tickets is...let's say interesting. I'm in NY for my honeymoon, and we're staying not too far from your club. We went around noon to get tickets for the 7:45 show, and was told that the reservation list was full, but we could go on the standby list. When we asked (literally the next second) "can you put us on the standby list?" We were told we needed to wait until two hours before the show to be put on the standby list. When we came back, we were told that we couldn't get in. Honestly, it's baffling that an establishment would refuse money from patrons who haven't even stepped through the door. read more

It was a fun, lively spot where we could laugh, enjoy some drinks, and grab a bite to eat. On a cold winter night, the place was packed with people from all over the world, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend it for great laughs and cozy vibes. read more

Excellent service, ambiance, location! Only had drinks and not food in the show but would 1000% come back!

I came to this comedy show expecting a good time, but the experience started off uncomfortable from the moment I walked in. The no-phone policy was fine, but the way it was enforced felt aggressive--like I was being talked to like a child. Even entering the place felt strange, like walking through some underground tunnel. The staff were rude and rushed the entire time. Food felt like it was just microwaved and thrown at you, and they push a strict two-drink minimum--no flexibility, just forced. The space itself is tight and uncomfortable, packed mostly with tourists. I honestly didn't feel at ease sitting there. To be fair, by the third act I was actually laughing and enjoying myself--but that didn't last long. A host came over and abruptly told me to leave, then brought a bouncer when I questioned why. I was given no clear explanation. Even the bouncer couldn't tell me why I was being kicked out. As the only minority sitting in that corner, the situation didn't sit right with me at all. Overall, I felt disrespected and uncomfortable. I won't be coming back. If you're looking for a negative experience, this might be the place--but otherwise, don't waste your time. read more

The comedians were great and genuinely funny -- no complaints there. But the seating situation was way too packed. They jammed so many people in that you literally couldn't move. I couldn't even eat my food because the person next to me's hair was basically in it -- and it wasn't even their fault. There was just no space. It felt cramped, uncomfortable, and took away from the experience. Comedy should be fun and relaxing, not a game of "don't bump into your neighbor while chewing." The one comic with the orange hat on sucked !!! Making a joke about anyone getting killed isn't funny Also you can order food they don't tel you that before you make reservations read more

Comedy Cellar - Horrible seating has to be some yup elf code violation - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

I came here for a 6pm show on a Saturday. They require all attendees to put their phones and watches in a sealed envelope so they can't be accessed during the show. You get to keep the envelope at your table, but you can't unseal it until after the show ends. It was a bit annoying at first, but also liberating because you had no way to check the time and it forced people to be social and live in the moment. The show featured a live band that included a drummer and pianist. They were phenomenal and made the event so much more lively. They did a very short feature about halfway through the show, but I would have loved to hear them play for longer. The show's host did a short bit to kick things off. Be warned that if you are sitting in the first few rows of the venue, it's very likely the host will chat with you as part of the set and you may be the butt of a joke or two. After the intro, the show consisted of 6 comedians who each did about a 10-15 minute set. All of the comics except for one were men, but they had varying backgrounds and styles. The first comic was a bit green and seemed to run out of material and steam towards the end of his set, but the others were fairly polished and I laughed consistently throughout. The venue has a two item minimum. They have a food menu with typical bar food, as well as cocktails. They can make a moscow mule mocktail as well. We got the mozzarella sticks and they were actually pretty good as they were crispy and well-seasoned. The wait staff do a great job of promptly taking orders, whisking away empty glasses and bottles, and serving while not disturbing the show. A great option for a night out for both tourists and locals. read more

Interesting comedy show. It was underground right near Washington Square Park. It was 25 bucks cover and you had to put your phone in a bag so not to record anything. The place also requests ordering 2 items each. It was very dark down in the basement and a lot of tables were there to see the show. Mostly tourists were there. Some of the comics were funny and some were average. Overall, it was a cool experience. read more

Comedy Cellar - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

Bring long pants and a jacket. It was unbearably cold which made the show rather unpleasant, even the dj mentioned the cold. It took forever for the show to start. The food is as expected... the breakfast burrito had absolutely no taste. The cheeseburger was good. The ac cooled the food down so quickly. We whereby offered refills on our sodas.. which left me with a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth considering the 25 dollar ticket price. read more

Comedy Cellar - Front of venue - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

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It was easy to make a reservation here ahead of our trip. We knew we would have to lock our phones and smart watches. In case you dont know this that's your warning lol We got in line and they checked our reservation and got our technology locked up. We then went in and were seated right away. Drinks and small bites were available for purchase (2 item minimum per person) Our server was so kind and on it. Every worker there was helpful and just moving it along. The comedians were so funny and I had the best time! No "famous" people were there our night, but all the comedians could easily take off at any moment. read more

A NYC institution for comedy. Whenever I am planning a trip to New York, I always make sure to book a table in advance at Comedy Cellar. Though they have several sister clubs, this one is the original and the best in my opinion. I have had the pleasure of seeing comedy greats such as Dave Attell do late night drop ins at this location which was truly a sight to behold. The drinks and service are great as well as the food. It can get a little crammed in there at peak hours, but it just adds to the experience. If you find yourself in NYC, this is a must. read more

Comedy Cellar - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

Whenever I come visit my kids in NYC, we get tickets to one of the shows at the Comedy Cellar. It's such a fun relaxing time to have a few drinks and chill with family and laugh your ass off. Buy tickets in advance. It doesn't matter if we don't know the comics yet - just go and enjoy!! So much fun - highly recommended. read more

February 8th 2026 I had the best fucking buffalo wings of my entire life. Cant post a pic since phones were in a bag. No shade. The comedians were cool too! Big laughs from myself. Can't stop thinking about them wings though. I pray every night that the cook gets the best head of their life. Thank you! read more

Loved comedy cellar but it became a hard watch to show up and see these stand up comedians do the exact same sets- same exact tone of voice, same crowd work, etc. I went like several weeks apart and could tell the person their script like for like if they'd asked me to. Also I've always had to do standby to get tickets. Two item minimum and prices of ticket depend on day of week you go. So many shows between the three locations but somehow I end up getting a comedian I've seen before and can recite their routine EVERY. TIME. read more

No photos because no photos allowed and your phones go into a bag before the show. I've been to a few different venues run by the same people, showing the same comics. Fat Black Pussycat is more of a bar. Village Underground is actually better laid out than the Comedy Cellar. The Comedy Cellar is just that. A cellar. Compared to the Village Underground, it is smaller, there are fewer decent views and more weird angles, and more awkwardly placed poles. That being said, the comics are the same, the two drink/item minimum is the same, the food is the same, the drinks are the same. The only difference is the other spots have better layouts overall. I got lucky and got an elevated seat that I could turn to be facing the stage, but some of these spots have you completely turned away from the stage or facing perpendicular. Some people think they are doing themselves a favor by going to the OG Comedy Cellar. But honestly, the other venues offer the same product, but better views and less poles. And just a tip: the doormen will tell you to come back 15-20 minutes before the show (if you have reservations), but that's not cool. If you follow that logic, the line is already around the corner by then. I would say get there about 25-30 minutes before to get your envelope and get in line. read more

We went in for a show on a Friday night, and managed to get in even without an online reservation. Although I would highly recommend buying your tix beforehand because they tend to sell out. I would also recommend folks to get there early to get the good tables. The seating was very cozy. The food however was horrible. There was a 2 items order minimum plus the cover charge. We tried their fries, beers and tiramisu. We loved the acts but hated the food unfortunately. I wish they can improve their food options and include a few healthy options for folks with dietary restrictions. read more

Comedy Cellar - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

Good vibe, line entry was efficient. Some of the seats are in terrible positions though. Overall was a decent experience. read more

Comedy Cellar - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

Comedians were amazing, staff was great. However the table that we were sat at was incredibly crammed. I was not able to move at all without touching the person next to or behind me. This also made it incredible hard to order anything as the server was not able to reach us. Also our table was incredibly unstable and we couldn't place drinks on it without them spilling. Still had an awesome night, and didn't stop laughing for 90 minutes. read more

We came to celebrate our 30th anniversary, hoping for a night of laughter after a difficult month, my mother had just passed away. Instead, we were asked to leave for whispering, "He's so funny!" Apparently, showing enjoyment breaks the rules here. It was embarrassing, confusing, and absurd -even one of the comedians followed us out to apologize, clearly embarrassed by the management's behavior. No matter how good the talent is, when guests are treated like that, the night is ruined. This place may know comedy, but it has zero sense of hospitality or heart. Huge Disappointment. read more

This was a fun place to hear some comedians. Some funny, some not so funny. There is a two drink minimum so just be aware of that. You can also order food here if you wish but not mandatory. I would suggest making a reservation ahead of time. They tried to put us in the front row but one person doesn't like being front and center and also one had a broken arm so it would have been very tight. There's usually a cover as well. It's well worth it - the evening is fun to go and spend some time with friends and enjoy some laughs! read more

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We went to a show at 6 o'clock on a Saturday and had such a fun experience! The comedians we saw were hilarious and it was a great time. Definitely get tickets ahead of time! And if you don't, show up two hours prior to get your name on the waitlist. We did not do either and stood standby. Thankfully we got in, but only four people on standby got in. Everybody with tickets as well as whoever added their name to the waitlist two hours prior did get in but there was a long line of people waiting standby that did not get in. It's $25 for the show and it's a two item off the menu. I just got a Diet Coke and a water and that worked for my two item minimum. The servers don't come around a lot during the show as to not interrupt. They came once before the show began and once right before last call, so definitely order when you see them! It is extremely dark in there and they make you put your phones in a sealed bag so just beware of the darkness! I would definitely go back. read more

I attended the Fat Black Pussycat Holiday Show on December 23rd, while I was in New York for the holidays and it was one of my favorite experiences in the city. Nestled in the heart of the Village, it's super close to many bars and restaurants if you're looking to do something before or after a show. However, like any other comedy club, there is a two-drink minimum and they do have a food menu. Also know that when you check-in, (and you should make a reservation, though you may get lucky with walk-in) you are given a pouch to seal your phones away into, so just know that you WILL NOT be on your phones or have access until the show ends (1.5-2 hrs later), it's pretty great. We arrived a little before 11 p.m., which is when the show was set to start and ended up being in the front of the line. When we checked-in the young lady behind the podium asked us if we wanted to sit in the front, so we took the opportunity to do so! This was just my partner and I, so as you can expect we were picked on during the show, which was a fun and interactive touch! All the comics were hilarious and actually very well-known and huge comedians whom I had heard of before so that was really cool as well. Drinks are fairly priced, even if maybe a bit on the expensive side (but they load those suckers up) and tickets are dirt cheap. It was $25 a person for the holiday show, but it's usually even cheaper. If you're 21+, this should be a staple to any NYC trip. The history of the venue is strong and there's pictures everywhere of past comics who've performed there. A perfect date night. read more

I went on a Monday night and it was surprisingly sold out. Thankfully I already had a reservation but I recommend you to make a resy regardless of the day - theyre very popular. There was about 5 or 6 comedians and each of them were hilarious. They all had their own flair. My only complaint is that i ordered the apple pie and I would've appreciated it if it was warmed up. read more

I will be back!!! Great drinks and service and of course, a great show!!!! Came with a friend as I am just visiting but it will be one of my new NYC staples! read more

Such a fun experience! I had been checking for online reservation for a special one comic show with no luck. Thankfully as I checked day of I got lucky and was able to reserve two tickets! As soon as we got to the venue we were provided a baggy for our phones and seated one table from the stage. It seems like if you're a reservation of 2 you're likely to be seated close to the stage. The front row can be a target for some crowd work just in case you're not looking to be involved. As everyone mentioned, a 2 drink min but there are quite a few options and food can also count toward the minimum. Would absolutely come back for more of the traditional comedy lineups but felt lucky to see a comic I'm a fan of in a quaint venue. read more

Comedy Cellar - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

Very good spot for comedy. It's very cozy and intimate and perfect for a date night. They put your phones in a plastic bags, so no photos of the comedians. 2 drink minimum and they serve food too. I had a really fun night! read more

Comedy Cellar - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

I'm feeling so lucky cause I recently moved to NYC but got to see Hasan Minhaj perform??! I have to thank my roommate cause I had no idea he was performing but she gave me the idea to come here for a date. And when I checked the lineup, I saw he was performing and swooped on those tickets! So glad I did cause the standby line was crazyyyyy. The acts that night were all so funny, my date and I were cracking up the whole night. There's a two item minimum per person (doesn't have to be alcohol, they have food and soft drinks too). We got their cocktails which honestly weren't that great but the acts made up for it. Pro tip: - Comedy Cellar has multiple venues. MacDougal street is the main location and the most famous one. Lots of famous comedians have performed here. - If you have reservations, you can start lining up early. But they don't let people in until 15 min before the show. Early birds get front row seats though if getting roasted is your thing. We were early but denied "special" treatment that night. - They pack you in tight. We were seated at a table with 3 other couples. Its basically impossible to get out of your seat without asking everyone to move so use the bathroom before sitting! (I made that mistake and felt so bad) - I would honestly stick to beer next time, their cocktails are pretty mid. read more

Comedy Cellar - Comedy Clubs Near Me - New York, New York

This was a wonderful time! Went as a group of 6 and if you don't want to sit in the very front then don't come as a pair of two. You will be interacted with if you do. When you arrive you check in at the stairs that lead down to the entrance. They mark you on the computer and then give you some plastic mailers to store your phones and smart devices in. Then you wait along the wall on the corner side of the building. There is a separate line for those who haven't already bought tickets as well. Both lines will get pretty long but they keep them organized. You will be seated next to the people you reserved tickets if you bought them as a group of tickets. The tables and seats are very close and the ceiling is low so prepare to be snug the whole time. The seats are wood and you might feel a bit sore after trying to stay turned in your seat for so long but the tickets are a good price for a 2 hour show. There is a two item minimum per person and you can get water for free. You pay by group/table though so if one person orders more, as long as the count is 2 per person you're good. Be prepared to pay with one card and just venmo your friends later. The food and drink was much more reasonably priced than I expected! It was also huge portions! This is a basket of fries after already eating some of the fries. Other people who got meal items got a true platter of food. We bought tickets weeks in advance so we didn't know who would be performing. I hadn't heard of any of the comedians but we had a great time and were laughing throughout. All in all would recommend to anyone local or visiting the area. read more

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