Here's a 4 star, honest and fun review that captures the energy of the night: After striking out twice trying to get into the Comedy Cellar standby in the freezing cold, we finally surrendered to the young guy on the corner selling $20 tickets to The Grisly Pear. We'd passed him twice with full skepticism activated. The third time, we looked at each other and said, why not. Honestly? Solid call. The Grisly Pear has more of a sports bar energy than a traditional comedy club. TVs on, casual vibe, nothing too polished. It feels accessible and low pressure, which was exactly what we needed after standing outside for way too long. Power move of the night: we brought in slices from the pizza place next door. Grabbed a Sam's Winter White and a Goose Island IPA to go with it. Elite pairing. Pizza and beer while waiting for live comedy to start is undefeated. There were six comics total including the MC. All new to us. The set quality varied, but four of the six were genuinely funny and people I'd watch again. The real twist came at the end. The final comic absolutely stole the show. He had this young Casey Affleck meets slightly chaotic frat energy. Big stage presence, confident, sharp. Then we realized... he was the same guy who sold us the tickets on the street. Respect. Drinks were fine. There's a two drink minimum, and we went with Moscow Mules. Nothing groundbreaking, but they did the job. Overall, it's not the Comedy Cellar, but it doesn't try to be. It's a fun, casual night out with solid laughs and zero pretension. For $20 and a spontaneous decision, we walked out glad we said yes. 4 stars for saving our night. read more

The Grisly Pear - Drink menu in the club - Pubs Near Me - New York, New York

Service at the door was great, and the bartenders were awesome. I decided on a whim to check out the comedy show, and it ended up being a really small crowd, just me and four other people. Some of the acts were genuinely funny, and I went in with the intention of supporting the comedians and just having a good time. That said, my experience overall wasn't great. I felt like I was being made into the joke more than being included in the fun. I tried to engage positively and only spoke when prompted, but it seemed like no matter how I responded, it turned into me being the punchline. I get that crowd work is part of comedy, but it started to feel more negative than entertaining. I showed up to support, spend money, and contribute to the atmosphere, so it was disappointing to leave feeling singled out. I think the experience would've been much better if the tone was more relaxed and less focused on putting audience members on the spot. read more

We were looking for something fun to do close to our hotel located in the theatre district. We grabbed tickets at 845 for a 9 show. The show kicked off on time and I believe we saw 8 comedians! The host was bursting with energy. My Moscow mules were delicious and my friends spicy Margaritas were perfect. We shared some light snacks crispy juicy chicken tenders and fries and motz sticks . Tab was about 120$ with gratuity.The night was laid back full of laughs and super fun. read more

After dinner at Senza Gluten, we went to Greenwich Village to try and catch a show at Comedy Cellar, but there were only two tickets left, and there were three of us. We walked away, disappointed, when a woman stopped us and asked if we wanted to purchase tickets to see a show that was just about to start at the Grisly Pear, which was a few doors down. Tickets were $20 each and we were in the mood for a comedy show, so we purchased tickets. (Brilliant business model -- start a show 20 minutes after the shows at Comedy Cellar begin, and sell tickets to people who couldn't get in to the Comedy Cellar.) The show we saw at the Grisly Pear weren't any big names, mostly local comedians (the woman selling the tickets was one of the performers), but they were entertaining and we had fun -- definitely worth the $20. Service was a bit slow (it took a long time to order a second drink -- perhaps they were understaffed), but unlike the Comedy Cellar, they do not confiscate your phone (I'm fine with not using my phone during a show, but I am not OK giving up my phone), and the bathrooms were surprisingly really clean. [Yelp collections: East Coast 2022; NY Summer 2022] read more

The Bartender in the green Guinness Hat refused to serve me for no reason whatsoever on 2 Oct 25 in the evening.

Decent enough bar we went to that had a comedy show in the back room. Bunch of OK random comedians but honestly the bouncer ended up being one of the best if not THE best one there. Through the show they came to check on us just 1 additional time after the first round of drinks. read more

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I came here for a comedy show on a Thursday night. All the performers were funny in their own way! There were a decent amount of performers for the night ~ 6. And they were on for a good amount of time (15 mins each). The show was 8-9:45 pm. I also didn't realize or know that the people checking our tickets at the front and seating us were the performers, how sneaky! But honestly I liked how chill and causal everyone was. read more

The Grisly Pear - a neon sign on the wall - Pubs Near Me - New York, New York

What a disappointment! I am still waiting for my refund of $26.52 for a show I booked and paid for, which was canceled ten minutes AFTER the scheduled start time, i.e. too late to go to a different comedy show. And it was handled SO poorly. We booked our tickets on line 2 nights prior to the show.  We arrived at 7.30 and had a drink at the bar.  We  inquired about seating a few times between 7.30 and 8pm.  We were told you weren't seating yet.  We asked again at 8:10 and the bartender said he would go ask the comics.  A few mins later the bartender returned to say the show was canceled and that if we wanted a refund we had to write to the bar manager to request one. Nobody offered us a free drink or meal or voucher yo compensate us.   And we were too late to book comedy cellar. What a bummer.  In town for a limited time and wife praised the GP for not having onerous reservation requirements and not being too close to other patrons.  How can we book again or recommend if they do business that way? read more

This place was fun, has dive bar vibes. Most of the comedians were funny, and the wait staff was friendly. There's a two drink minimum, and the drinks were pretty good. read more

Stopped in for one last drink before heading home Yesterday. This is not the place you come for Negronis and Sazeracs. This is a beer and a shot kind of place. The kind of place you sit, drink, and begin making friends. Shareef, our bartender, gives this place the charm and ambiance that makes you want to stay. He is friendly, engaging, and entertaining. This will not by my first and only visit. We will certainly be back. You should too if you happen to find yourself taking a stroll on Macdougal. ENJOY!!! read more

Good little place for comedy and it's always nice to support up and coming comics. Can also happily report that no one used their time to make jokes about s-xually assaulting their partner (like they do at Bushwick Comedy club) One of the comics tried to make jokes using the r word as a punchline which obviously didn't land and was disappointing because he was hot and funny enough without it. He did chat me up after and I let him know he could do better and he said his mom says the same thing but maybe he'll listen now. The least funny comic was a straight white man who started the set making a comment about how the " leftist looking girls" in the front are the worst audience members and then proceeded to bomb after catering all his jokes to the drunk group of guys that weren't paying attention. But overall, Grisly Pear itself is a great place. Even if it's a small show it's worth it! The staff is nice and remade my friend's drink when it was a little too sweet for her. read more

This was a great spot for a comedy bar. We actually passed a couple people trying to sell us to tickets earlier in the evening but we're headed to a prior engagements we're able to catch the later show so had to stop in. read more

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This place is nothing to get excited about, in my opinion. A positive, you can bring in food from outside, which I thought was cool. Drinks were not bad, there is a 2 drink per person minimum, which is standard for most comedy clubs. It's a bit grungy, so I wasn't impressed by the space. The host was hilarious and kept the show entertaining, the waitress was friendly, fast and accurate (she was all alone) room was full, so good for her. However, the rest of the comedians fell short. Not too many laughs out of myself and my partner. read more

Went here for a comedy show last minute since other places around were booked. I'm so glad we did. Had a great time - comedians were original and just plain funny. The drinks were not as strong as I hoped but they tasted great. Service was super quick considering how busy the bar section was when the comedy show was starting. The nice small room the show is in works very well and is better than going to one of the larger places anyway. I would definitely go back. read more

The food is amazing. I enjoyed the service there and I thought the ambience was great. When I tell you daytime drinking at its finest. This is the place to go to. I totally recommend it walk in sit down, grab a beer and have a smile and you're gonna have a great afternoon of fun, bring some friends make some new friends. This is the place to be. read more

This place is GREAT! After getting conned into buying some sh!t tickets to the Broadway Comedy Club, some locals took pity on us and directed us to this place. It was amazing! First, the village is fun! Totally fun! Second, the staff were SUPER NICE. Total 180 from the place we can from. Third, the drinks were fantastic. The best we had while in NY. Finally, the comedy was awesome. Everyone was good. Some better than others, but we laughed - a lot. They were professionals and the material was polished. It was also fresh. We had a total blast! We had some great Italian food down the block after. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. My group and I showed up for the comedy show last night for my birthday and waited in line making 0 noise. I leaned over to check my ankle because I injured it a few months back and from a lot of walking to get there, it was hurting pretty badly. Someone came over and said "you're too drunk get out." And i said "no no I'm just checking my ankle it hurts pretty badly." And they insisted we leave , fine. We left and they followed us out yelling at us and we were all pretty confused. All this being said, I know mine and my groups tolerance and we were not even intoxicated or being difficult. I wish it ended there but the bouncer followed us down the street and started messing with us. He was pushing us all to the ground and jumped on top of my boyfriend and started hitting him. I looked at him and said please stop! You're hurting him! He grabbed me , yelled at me, and threw me to the ground. I now have an even worse ankle injury, a huge bruise on my knee, and a bump and gash on my hand. Not sure what that was all about but I suggest this place looks into hiring less aggressive people. read more

Decent spot to grab a beer. Cute and cozy atmosphere. Very interesting bathroom. See pics. Music was a little odd though.. read more

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Stop be here on a whim heard they were having comedy night a f it was good. The performers were great and funny. If I'm in the area I would definitely go back. Sorry I wasn't able to get they names. read more

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Quite the place to be honest, not sure how to even start this review. Seems like a staple on the lower east side. Ended up here after having a spontaneous moment on the sidewalks of Manhattan and decided to finally say "yes!" to one of those people selling stand up comedy tickets. The bar itself is run down, perfect image you'd like LES bar. Not for everyone. The back room where they do the comedy shows has really uncomfortable chairs and overall less than special. The drinks weren't anything great, it's Manhattan buddy step it up. Not coming back. read more

THIS HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS DAY! We bought the comedy show tickets for midnight and got there at 11PM, so we waited an hour plus paid for a drink towards the two minimum drink. During this entire hour, we asked multiple times if the show was still happening and if we could seat in the theater and they told us that they were just cleaning and setting up everything for the midnight show. At 12:10AM they told us that the show was cancelled. They did gave us our money back, but this is unacceptable. Just go to the comedy cellar or Gotham comedy, this place sucks read more

Went to the comedy show with my friends. Terrible experience. Racist jokes. No borders. Comedians as they call themselves don't even know or can handle the work with the crowd. The only thing that guy was able to do is to make some racist comment towards me and that's all. Very disrespectful and rude. Very disappointed Really do not recommend. read more

I scored some free tickets to a comedy show here with a Yelp code on Saturday. The reviews about this place (and the comedy shows) are mixed, but I figured hey, it was a nice night and a free show, so what have I got to lose? My experience was definitely on the more pleasant side of things. At first, they almost told us the show might NOT happen that night due to a lower turnout because it was a nice night (they can DO that??). But once again, since I hadn't paid anything, I wouldn't have lost out. Luckily, they let us know the show would be going on. It takes place behind the curtain alll the way in the back of the bar. Also, the bar has 3 bathrooms. Big plus. There is no 2-drink minimum enforced for the show here which is cool. I ended up getting an amaretto sour at the bar; bartenders were SUPER chill and friendly. There is no food here though, but the staff eagerly encouraged you to bring in your own. The bar was not as "divey" as I thought it would be based on the other reviews. It's no posh lounge, but it seemed regular to me. We were a small group to see the show, so all of us were continuously included in the crowd work, but there was nothing disrespectful or cringe about it. It was definitely good vibes. Sure there were some misses with a few of the comics but that's always going to be the case with underground comedy shows; they felt it and kept it moving. I definitely had enough laughs to enjoy coming out, and would come again. With food. read more

My review is for Christine who was a doll! We were leaving dinner and she td us about the comedy show. She has to be one of the sweetest friendliest people I have ever met! read more

Fabulous fun! I was here in October. The staff the comedians, all class. We'll be back in March. read more

The Grisly Pear - The bar xoxo - Pubs Near Me - New York, New York

I came here with my boyfriend for the comedy show on Saturday night. The show was tucked away in the back of the bar. We both ordered a grapefruit juice which tasted like sour orange juice. Overall, the comics were pretty funny although there's definitely been funnier shows. read more

Passed by here on Saturday night; the doorman of the comedy club suggested this place because I had thirty minutes to spare, and was in dire need of a bathroom. Average bar, the staff was cool, and even struck up some quick conversation with a few of us who were in line. They have karaoke towards the back of the bar, if that's your thing. Overall, nothing fancy here, or anything out of the ordinary. Just your average bar with fairly priced drinks (I ordered a Stella and two rum with cokes for $18). I would pass by if I were in the area again. read more

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I went to the comedy show on 07/22/2023. I never write reviews on ANY website, let alone for comedy because of how subjective comedy can be. This was the worst show (comedy or not) that I have ever been to. Plus, I would be a horrible comedian so I am not even doing this because I think I would be better or whatever. The first 2 acts where the type of "so where are you from" but with no fun witty retorts. This was the best part of the show. The next 3 acts were horribly racist and at best non-sensical. I walked out before the last act finished because the 2 jokes I heard from the last comedian weren't funny and I didn't need to see/hear anymore. "Perhaps" the last act could have been funny after his first 2 jokes but he didn't have any help from his predecessors. Again, I love what people do to step out into this forum and bare their souls. However, these people should not have been allowed to perform for paying audiences. I reiterate, it was absolutely horrible and I love, love, love all types of comedy. dark, offbeat, whatever as long as it bears some truth. These were just horrible old recycled racist type jokes. Also, one of the comedians that performed was the person who seated us and one of the comedians that performed was the person that sat outside the venue trying to get people to join the show (unfortunately I was taken in by this. There is nothing wrong with that on the surface, if they are good performers. However, there is nothing about this place that strikes me as a comedy place that gets in new talent from "all over the world". It was the people that work there doing "the comedy". Please, please stay away. From a first time reviewer of almost anything. If this were an actual product, I would ask them for a refund or do a chargeback on my credit card. Since it is a subjective type of thing, I won't. But consider this a warning to those who think you will have a good time. Barf, ugh. Don't know why there isn't an option for 0 stars or negative stars on this website. Actually, I'm editing the end of this. I will ask for a refund or chargeback. I don't need to listen to that crap they put out in that venue. They know exactly the type of racist product they are putting out. I don't need to pay for that. YEAH!!! read more

The only place that I believe I've been drugged. In 2022, i went here... cool show... random night of the week in late september I both ran into some Texas Ranger's wives, because one of their significant others was in the show, and got drugged by someone in the bar before the show.......... read more

The Grisly Pear Comedy Club is a special place in the heart of the West Village, NYC. Not only was it featured on HBO's hit series "Crashing", but it has now become a bit of a comedy Mecca for all the well known comedians in the business, and the best up and coming comics. As a comic, I'm always thrilled to perform there because of A.) Location is fantastic (on MacDougal St off Bleecker) B.) The staff is great and accommodating C.) The audience is always amazing and ready to laugh D.) The new decor and management team of Kenny Warren and Gabe Dorado have really transformed The Grisly Pear. read more

Our first time in NY and we wanted to see a comedy show. I checked the reviews and was sceptical because there weren't a lot for the Midtown location. It is right next door to the hotel so we saw a 7:00 Friday show. We bought tickets from the barker who turned out to be a performer. If you get the chance buy from these guys because they get a cut. We were seated by another performer and the show began. All of the comics were truly funny in various ways. There was a very positive vibe in the place and I would recommend the Grisly Pear for a NY comedy club experience. I would go back in a heartbeat. Thanks to the staff and comics. A great time was had. read more

Have been here when in the City & dying for a comedy show... walking down the street they stop you and hey... When in NYC... Tickets are cheap, service & drinks are GREAT... Comedians are Funny*ish. Some more than others. Bathroom is small but always available which is a plus! Nice place, they seem to run the place well. Def adding to the list of stops when in the City. read more

Absolutely hilarious. Great first comedy show. MC was awesome. We had a blast as a group of 4 and really enjoyed it. No dull moments and each comedian performed for like 15 minutes. Great spot Waitress didn't bring our drinks then got our order wrong then took our drinks away when they were still half full! read more

This place is kind of a hidden gem in the middle of a ton of popular comedy clubs. On our way there we walked past lines and lines of people waiting to get into other bars and clubs and I was expecting the same at the Grisly Pear. However, when we arrived, there were a few people at the bar and some at the tables and I was a little skeptical, but we were immediately served by a friendly bartender. Entry to the show is free with a two drink minimum, but the drinks are very fairly priced -- $14 for a beer and a delicious raspberry mojito (which could've been a little stronger but for the price, it's understandable.) We were directed toward the back, past the curtain where there was a show already going on. The comics were generally very funny with a few exceptions, seems like it's mostly people trying out new material and doing quick sets. It was fun and we stayed for the second show as well. Definitely will be back if I'm in the area. read more

The Grisly Pear - The stage - Pubs Near Me - New York, New York

Very funny! Chris Brown was very funny. I liked how they didn't enforce the two drink minimum.

Recipe for a dry martini: dash of vermouth, 2/3 gin, 1/3 olive brine.

This was our first time in the Grisly Pear today and we absolutely loved hanging out here. Rich is an awesome bartender! He totally took care of us and he was very kind and generous. We greatly appreciate his hospitality and welcoming us into the Pear. We also met Gino and enjoyed celebratory drinks together. The happy hour here is one of the best in the city! Awesome prices and great drinks. We will definitely be back soon for drinks and comedy. Thank you and happy holidays. read more

The Grisly Pear - Holiday decorations and great drinks - Pubs Near Me - New York, New York

It's great for what it is. The have low cost or free tickets comedy shows with good up and coming comedians doing adult humor that touches on sex, race and other normal stuff. Drinks are reasonable and it's a good time. If you want to come laugh with some good NYC comics and enjoy a normally priced beer this is the place to go. Small venue gets you right up close to comics so the overall feel is intimate and fun. read more

We stopped in Saturday really quick for a drink before dinner. Bartenders were really nice and came right over to grab our drink order. Tables near the window which was perfect since it was beautiful out. They had a special which was a plus. Would recommend! read more

Strange to see such mixed reactions to the staff on Yelp. I went tonight to see a friend do some stand up comedy, and wanted to make sure to post here since I had such good interactions with the staff. First, I had a drink at the bar and the bartender helped my friend pick a beer and was super nice about it, which doesn't happen at every bar I go to in the city. Then, in the back, the guy that was serving drinks was super friendly. I paid with card and jokingly told him I was going to tip him an annoying amount. When I asked him what an annoying amount is, he shot back, "A hundred. That's really annoying." Well done, sir! Karaoke filled the room quickly after the comedy ended, and we stuck around to watch a shit show of singers. But it was cute for a bit. Definitely not as gross and divey as some of the bars in the area, at least not in the back room. I'd go back. read more