returned for the second time tonight, a week from my first visit the second time always better :) Despite the fact that I missed the first half, there was a great variety of awesome comedians tonight - higher quality than a week ago (esp the indian comic and the gal with the awesome hair) . worth the T ride ... again-friendly staff, funny comic/owner Rick, bouncer who remembered my friend and me... if i were a resident here, I'd be a regular patron of the comedy studio. Would definitely add this venue into a must-see/return-visit place whenever I'm in MA again. :D read more

Holy cow, this place is great! A small, intimate venue with first-rate shows, plus Chinese food and alcohol (beer, wine, fruity cocktails) on demand. The shows are very reasonable priced, and you're under no obligation to order anything. Also, the Comedy Studio stands out for treating little-known comedians with respect. On the website, a show's lineup is listed alphabetically by last name, rather than putting the headliner in BIG BOLD FONT and relegating the openers to a footnote. They have a program called "Comedian in Residence" that takes an upcoming local talent and has him or her open for every show for an entire month so they can hone their act. In short, this place is a fantastic boon to Boston's comedy scene. Don't overlook the magic show on Tuesdays. It's an amazing show that deserves to be better known. There are plenty of laughs to go with the mind-boggling tricks. One tip: If you buy your ticket online, you pay a little extra, but you get a reserved seat toward the front. The earlier you book your ticket, the closer to the stage you'll be. So even if the show doesn't sell out, you'll be glad you bought your ticket in advance. read more

This is my absolute favorite comedy studio that I have ever been to ever, (and that including NYC, San Fransisco, Philly and more) You get mixed bag of comedians (about 8-12 performers) and not all of them are funny but I would say about 80% of them are. I have had many a riotous night at the comedy studio. The price is super reasonable, you can order Chinese apps, and the drinks are generous. I went once a week when I lived in Boston, and now whenever I visit I go while I am in town. Too funny to pass up! read more

I'm impressed: 12 comics, and all of them solid. They even threw in some surprise local semi-famous comedians. Also, super cheap! And...... GIANT SCORPION BOWLS!!!!! Good thing I shared one with 3 other people. Had I taken on this monster by myself, I would've been on the floor. read more

Pros: Saturday night shows are only $10, most of the comedians are at least decent if not good, the owner is a cool guy. No drink minimum. Cons: A few comedians in the lineup are more miss-than-hit. Other: Avoid the seats near the ice-cold AC. Reserve online if you want a table, but the general admission seats are still decent. The entrance to the pantry looks like a cave. read more

We came for the Friday night show while visiting Boston. It was hilarious! There was about 7 or 8 acts and all for $14! The club is above a Chinese restaurant and looks like a classic old comedy club. You can order Chinese food from downstairs and drinks from the bar. I think this is a great deal for anyone wanting to check out the comedy scene in Boston. The price is right, the acts are top notch, and the venue is unique! read more

I visited on a Friday night when they typically have a series of comics do short sets. FYI, the Friday night show actually starts on time and is not interrupted by many people moving, so plan to arrive on time and stay put/quiet while you're in there. Compared to other stand-up in the area, this was much higher quality. Out of the 8 or so comics we saw, I'd say 2 were awful, 4 were funny, and 2 were truly hilarious. This is a pretty good ratio. This is a great deal for $10 and I plan to go back. read more

I nearly got kicked out once for throwing condoms at the comedian after a few Scorpion Bowls. Good show. read more

I had pretty low expectations for this place since it's in Hong Kong. (Nothing against Hong Kong but it's not really a shining beacon of fine evening entertainment.) It turned out to be REALLY FUNNY! For I think six bucks I saw six or seven comedians (there were more but I had to leave early). Probably four were hysterical, another one or two were quite funny, and probably only one was a real miss. Admission does vary, or so I've heard, but I still wouldn't hesitate to pay the full $10. Hell, I think it's good enough to be worth even more than that, but I'm not gonna go giving them any ideas... read more

This is the best place for the budding stand up or the novice audience member. It's small, cramped but not uncomfortable. There are enough comedians to keep the flow going and if you're (un)lucky you may see a comedian go on completely bombed. Always a good show. You're guaranteed one great act and one act so bad it makes you cringe. Rick Jenkins runs the place and knows comedy. He's served as a mentor to tons of new comics and knows how to encourage their talents. You can hear anything from celebrity jokes, crude sex talk, child molestation jokes (for some reason that is a recurring theme) and tons of jabs at Boston. Oh yeah, there's free candy too. Good deal. read more

$10 + an array of great comedians = a no brainer! There was a good variety of comedic styles, pretty much something for every taste. Often some great comedic talent you've never heard of either. You may want to purchase tickets in advance as seating is tight. Located upstairs from the Chinese joint. Shhhhh, keep it quiet, the chinese don't know they're up there! read more

In my opinion, The Comedy Studio is the best spot for fresh standup comedy around, period. I may be biased, since I've been going fairly regularly since i was twelve, but everyone else seems to feel the same way. I try to bring my friends whenever possible, and the place is always packed. Right in the middle of Harvard Square, near bars, stores, restaurants, whatever you may want on a Tuesday through Sunday night. Tony V's Twentieth Annual Holiday Special is coming up next Sunday, it's an event not to be missed. I've started performing there my self, maybe you'll see me around! read more

I went to Ken Reid's show with big expectations, basically wasted my money and time, i don't care if you're democrat or republican, I just wanted to have a good time but this guy didn't stop being political and 0% funny. read more

This place is truly the definition of a hidden gem. Seriously, it's hidden above a Chinese restaurant and one of the rowdiest bars in Harvard Square. They also don't advertise. I've been to improv in San Francisco, cracked up with Nick Swardson in Chicago, rolled my eyes at Jay Leno in Coronado, and heckled several comedians coming through Covington so I like to think I know my comedy. I laughed my hardest and was most impressed on Saturday night at The Comedy Studio. The best part is that there are several comedians and they were ALL funny. Every single one. Most of them have been or will be on Comedy Central or The Late Show so see them now while you can. The host gets major points for mentioning Yelp, making the birthday girl feel special (he ripped her a bit and she loved it), and just being an all-around friendly guy. This is by far the best entertainment venue I've found since I've lived in Boston and better yet, I can walk (crawl) home after a few scorpion bowls. read more

Neat set-up of comedy most nights and magic show other nights. A friend invited me to check it out, and we ended up going to the magic show on accident. Located on the third floor of Hong Kong, this hip studio offers intimate seating, a limited lounge menu including Scorpian bowls and scallion pancakes, and decent nightly entertainment. Seating is assigned, but every seat on the floor had a clear shot at the stage. One of the magicians pulled my friend up to help out with his trick, so know that audience participation is definitely fair game! Overall the magicians were pretty good. Around 4-6 magicians and one guest comedian went on stage, making the entire show 2-3 hours long. I hadn't been to a magic show since I was a small child, so perhaps I am just easily amused, but I had a great time. My main critique would be the lack of program since the piece of paper on the table only listed some of the magicians. read more

Hillarious. I went on a Saturday night with a friend who used to go to Harvard. I would have had no idea this place was there. 0 clue. SO GLAD I WENT. Scorpion bowls + funny people + the owner hosting. It was great. I've missed me some good standup for a while. Glad I found a place. I WILL BE BACK! read more

This is the only stand-up venue in town worth going to. Reasonable price, good mix of comics, famous folks showing up from time to time. Go here if you like comedy. Go somewhere else if you like drink minimums. read more

Loving this new venue! It's such a welcome addition to the Union Square neighborhood. The shows are fabulous and the drinks are tasty. I love to laugh, and I can't ask for anything else! read more

Longstanding comedy institution where many current national headliners and major festival winners got their start. Their move from Harvard Square to a more working class neighborhood should only help to increase the already present diversity of voices. Looking forward to checking out the new space. read more

A hidden gem! I came here with a date not knowing what to expect. All I knew was that it was open for only 2 hours of the night and they served scorpion bowls. Turns out it's part of the same building as a Chinese Restaurant, which makes food and drinks easily accessible for the wait staff, who happen to be very friendly and on the ball. Its a relatively intimate-sized room, but thats part of its charm. The Comedy Studio tends to book anything from amateur to weathered and more experienced comedians, which makes for a little hit or miss. But that's what makes this place important. To paraphrase the host/owner, "great comedians get their start at places like THIS". This is a great place to go with a date and a group of friends alike. Hell, go down even if you're forever alone. At $8 bucks per entry fee, you CANNOT go wrong. read more

Enjoyed it thoroughly. The owner/host was funny, although obviously better as a host than comedian. Went on a Saturday and had like 9 comedians. Some were okay, and some were hilarious. I really liked having so many different comedians b/c everyone likes something different, so you've definitely got much more likelihood of being entertained. Also, drinks and service (including a particularly cute waitress) were good - with a menu from the Chinese restaurant downstairs. Great time. I would suggest ordering the tickets ahead of time read more

Was in town for a long weekend, and looking for something to do on a weekend evening. Bought the yelp deal, and showed up on a whim. Great time, great comics and great drink prices. Overall A++ Will def be back net time I am in town. read more

Went the other day (Thursday night) and had a pretty good time! Definitely wasn't the best comedy I've seen, but for the price (students pay $6 and adults $8..wow!) its hard to beat. My boyfriend also tried the crab rangoons and the chicken lo-mein (average at best) and $3.50 draft beer was good. Overall, worth repeating. read more

This place has never disappointed me. Well, once -- but only because the show I wanted to see was sold out. The price makes it one of the best deals around, and the variety of comedians is always rich. As far as the drink and fare are concerned, try the scorpion bowl. It was here that I took my brother, who was visiting from the South and a stranger to this region's non-rhotic accent. One of the comics was telling a joke about Ken and Barbie -- "Bahbie" -- and I looked over at my brother, who appeared completely confused. Later, he told me he misunderstood the joke and believed it was a riff on same-sex marriage. "You know," he said, "Ken and Bobby!" That still makes me smile a little even now. read more

Dropped by again on a Thursday for some more fun. Sean Sullivan is the host on Thursdays, and is super funny. This is just such a great spot to check out some new comics that you haven't seen before. I have to give a special shout to Alex Grubard who easily stole the night for me. He killed it. Hilarious guy with impeccable delivery. I'm keeping my eye on him and so should you. read more

3 stars because we got in free. Should be one star for the talent, though... my girlfriend was legitimately falling asleep. When the comedian got into the 'straight white men are evil' routine, we decided to bounce. It's pretty small, with good lighting and an authentic feel. Maybe it was just one comedian, but will not be returning, because hearing someone rant for a half hour isn't as funny as it is amusing... read more

There's no better place to see comedy in the Boston area. Consistently hilarious 5 nights a week. The Mystery Lounge magic show on Tuesday is also awesome. Get a scorpian bowl and see comedy the way it should be seen...drunk and in the attic of a Chinese restaurant. read more

So much fun! It's a Boston must-see. And, according to Examiner it's unbelievable! http://www.examiner.com/comedy-events-in-boston/a-local-comedy-hot-spot read more

I can't believe I've never been here before! What rock have I been hiding under? Seriously! This place is hysterical! The host/owner was great - the comics were great, even the ones who bombed were great (it makes the experience much more entertaining!) I'll totally be coming back. read more

A friend introduced me to this place, and I've enjoyed it every time I've gone. I honestly think a big part of it is the variety format: if you don't like an act, just wait a few minutes. I think that's a step up from places where if you don't like the headliner, you're out of luck. High points: Admission is cheap, the location is convenient, the acts are funny and varied, the host is quite a character (with a knack for remembering his regulars and a penchant for corny jokes), the venue is cozy, they serve the full menu of food and drink from the restaurant downstairs (although the wait is a bit long, and it's good to reserve a table if you want to enjoy a full meal, the edge seats are better suited for finger food). read more

I've gone here a couple of times and it is continuously funny each time I go. First of all, its only $6 cover charge for students, but don't fear, it's only $8 otherwise. Extremely cheap for the entertainment you get. Secondly, its in the attic of a Chinese food restaurant, so the environment already sets itself up for a few good jokes. Third, greasy Chinese food and scorpion bowls. Scorpion bowls, for those of you who don't know, is a huge bowl full of pink alcohol and is usually shared with 4 people. Last time I was there, a couple shared one and the girl was falling off her chair by the end of the night. Lastly, the comedy of course. The host and owner, Rick Jenkins, is pretty funny, just ask about the Ghost Joke. The comedians are winners of comedian festivals, have had specials, and are upcoming locals. You also get to hear a lot of comedy. The line-ups are lengthy and amazing. Never a let down. Warning: Sitting in the front will get you made fun of and probably hit on. Show up early, seats at the tables fill up quickly and you will have to sit toward the back. read more

We went on a Thursday night, had a great time, and will definitely be back! Scorpion bowls, per usual at Hong Kong, are great. I always love supporting local comedians (I can't imagine getting on stage like that) and while some were awesome and some were not great, the overall experience was awesome. Everyone there was super nice, the owner was great and super accomodating and I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to do a birthday party or some other event that isn't just the usual "dinner and drinks" (nothing wrong with that but it can easily get sort of repetitive). read more

Just returned from such a fun night that started at the comedy club. The studio seats 65, and they sell 25 before the show and 40 at the door. Try and reserve your seat, because then youre seated at a table with your friends and can enjoy the scorpion bowls or other treats. Otherwise, you'll just be seated in chairs lining the studio. Great line up - though the show started out much stronger than it ended. Five different awesome acts and one that was absolutely terrible. But all in all, definitely worth the $10 cover. Cheap and quality entertainment and a great way to start a weekend night. Fun fact: Scorpion bowls here are ONLY allowed for groups - no solo drinkers. They're that strong... enough said. read more

This place is great! The drinks are very good and reasonably priced. The MC/host is awesome. There's plenty of places in Bow Market and Union Sq to eat/drink before and after. read more

The place is one of our favorite date night spots in Sommerville! I wish I could give Rick himself 10 stars. An amazingly compassionate person. My wife & I will continue to return to The Comedy Studio for many years! read more

I absolutely love LOVE this place. Been here several times, fridays and sundays... it is so much fun every time. the atmosphere, the ginormous scorpion bowls, how the chinese place below delivers upstairs during the show, the crowd, and obviously the comedians are all awesome. and it's dirt cheap. 2 nights ago i paid six bucks with a student discount. 6 bucks. you can barely rent a movie for that much. and no movie will make me laugh that hard, guaranteed. one of my favorite spots to go and to take visitors. show's a couple hrs, 6 nights a week. prices vary from 6-12 bucks depending on discount, night and whether you buy them at the door. so well worth it =D read more

This might be the best cheap entertainment in the Boston-Cambridge metro area. For $10, you get to hear great comedy from 7-10 (can't remember exact number) comedians and a hilarious host. I have been twice and have laughed my cheeks sore each time. Because the Comedy Studio is above Hong Kong restaurant, you can order food and drinks if you wish. This is a really cool place to spend an evening. It really beats spending a fortune on a bad movie or lame dinner. p.s. Beware the dude at the door who will check over your ID like you are a suspected terrorist. read more

Fun, funky comedy club. Best in Boston, by far. The scorpian bowls, fried rice, and comedians are actually HILARIOUS. Highly reccomend read more

Great venue. The only advice I can give is to eat before coming to the shows. The Chinese food restaurant downstairs (Hong Kong Garden?) truly sucks. read more

Hands down the funniest comedy I have seen in Boston... original, smart, funny, with many local comedians that will be especially funny for people who grew up around Boston.This place is a gem! Everyone I bring here loves it. Skip the comedy stop type places that make the same generic jokes, and come to Comedy Studio and get ready to laugh. read more