This was my first visit to The Second City and I can't wait to go back! WHAT IS IT: This Chi town staple is a creative and fun theater that offers a rotation of improv and sketch comedy shows. The roster of well known Second City alumni includes greats like Tina Fey, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Bill Murray and more. We saw Improv Supernova and what's great about this show is that no two performances are ever the same. WHERE IS IT: The Chicago location is in the historic Old Town neighborhood which has cute shops, cafes, and restaurants in the surrounding blocks. They also have locations in Toronto and NYC. PARKING and ACCESSIBILITY: There is a garage attached to Piper's Alley. They do not validate. There is also metered street parking which can be limited depending on the day and time. The building has elevators and escalators and the theater has wheelchair accessible seating. FOOD, DRINK, and MERCH: They offer fun cocktails, mocktails, wine, food items, and a selection of candy and snacks. You can also pick up cute merch such as mugs, glasses, shirts, sweaters, and hats. read more

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First time at an improv show, Second City was a recommendation from a friend. The place is really big & well decorated. We got reasonably priced tickets and headed up to the 3rd floor. The space was small and intimate but it was great being so close to the stage. Very cute little spot and fun activity with friends or a date. read more

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I came for the "this too shall slap" 10 pm show. The cast was funny! It consists of short acts that last 5-10 minutes. The cast looked like the were having fun too! Maybe I was a little tired because it was harder to pay attention near the end. read more

The Second City - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you are in Chicago this is something you need to plan on seeing! They have multiple shows every single day. We went to "The Best of Second City" and it was amazing we were cracking up the whole time. The performers were incredible and hilarious. The jokes were witty and the improv was really creative. They serve drinks and a small food menu - loved that they offered mocktails, the food was more like snacky, I would recommend eating before. The theater was great but it did get chilly so definitely bring a sweater! Also if you do not want to get called on try to avoid front or middle seats! read more

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I've been here a few times over the years. It's such a cool place that has had so many wonderful comedians grace the stages. We were here December 30 for holidazed & amused. It was a fun, holiday sketch show. Over 2 hours of improv & staged comedy. So many hilarious sketches. The seats all had a good view of the stage. Although our chairs were an odd height as my feet didn't touch the ground & no where for feet on the bottom of the chair. Not very comfortable. It's always crowded at comedy shows, so it wasn't bad as I remembered the last time I was here. Highly recommend & can't wait to see another show again. read more

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We had way too much fun at their improv show. They mixed current events with classic bits, and the whole place was literally laughing out loud. The in-theatre menu is on point too--think delicious smash burgers, table snacks, and perfectly mixed drinks like the "Call Back" and "Obvious Song." Perfect for a date night, solo night, or girls' night-all for under $20! read more

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If you want tasteless left wing jokes, go. If you want clever, funny humor don't go to this overpriced garbage.

I think it would have been cheaper to get tickets online, but we paid at the door and I feel as though they were around $50 or in a similar area. I wasn't thrilled about that since it was my first time going, but I was already in a group and committed to going so I paid. Once we sat down we were promptly told there was no flash photography/ no photos whatsoever which is fine and makes sense. So with things going the way they were I was really expecting a good show, and that is exactly what it turned out to be! Since I've never been I was thinking it was going to be some like mom and pops improv show but it was that x10 + sketch comedy and it was hilarious and right up my alley. I had friends who kept getting up to use the bathroom here and there but I didn't want to miss anything that is how much I enjoyed the show. Despite it now being the cheapest show ever I would say it's definitely something I'd see again! read more

My wife and I have been going to second city since 1981. It's grown from one theater to now four that are all housed in the same building. It's important to know which specific theater your comic act is in cause the theater assistants are almost useless with directing you to the multi level theater arrangement. They need more assistants in directing their customers to the proper theaters. Comic acts are not near as good as the comics in the 1980's. They seem to have forgotten that personal appearance and hygiene still matter in comedy. Still we will go back next time we visit once we figure out how to select which of their four theaters have the best comedians. read more

The Second City - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

How can you go wrong when in Chicago? Always a great time! We got to the show about :30 before show time. We were seated on the rail and got settled in. Our server came by and got our food/drink order. We were served promptly-amazing feat given the crowd. We took our servers suggestion and nibbled on the Elote Dip. Solid suggestion! The comedy club is a must when you are in town! read more

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Second City Chicago never fails to deliver. Every show I've seen has been genuinely funny on an intelligent, sharp, and expertly crafted level. The cast is consistently brilliant, and the comedy feels effortless while clearly being the result of immense talent, timing, and skill. The food and drinks are also something to note - some places just do the basics, but I like that Second City takes pride in what they serve. I also had the incredible opportunity to take classes here back in 2017 with my husband, which gave me an even deeper appreciation for what happens on stage. The entire concept - how the sketches are written, how they flow seamlessly from one to the next, and how improv is woven throughout - is truly genius. What's especially impressive is how expertly the performers handle audience members who may be a bit too enthusiastic or disruptive. They manage these moments with wit, grace, and humor, turning potential interruptions into laugh-out-loud highlights without ever derailing the show. Second City isn't just a comedy show, it's an institution. Whether you're there as an audience member or fortunate enough to study there, the experience is consistently memorable, inspiring, and endlessly entertaining. A must-see in Chicago, every single time. read more

I love improv, I am in awe of the actors who are so quick and witty.  But to add in singing brings it to another level for respect. I was visiting the city with my girlfriends, and suggested we see this show.  So glad I had pushed for it cuz we all had a blast.  Unlike typical comedy where people put down specific groups, improv creates stories on the spot.  This event was the highlight of all other outings for me.  And I got to share it with my besties! read more

So much fun and knowing many big actors started out at The Second City like Dan Akroyd and Chevy Chase. This is where the big ppl started over 50 years ago! Greatness and the spirit of amazement rests here. We saw the Theory of Chaos today. It was fun. I would say Second City actors are my favorite in Chicago. Smart and well trained. read more

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Fun night out if you're visiting Chicago or have guests visiting you in Chicago. All the seats are good seats, and there are tables for food and drinks. The show was fun, and the performers are solid! read more

We had the best time! We attended the "this too shall slap" and the cast was absolutely hilarious! We laughed the whole time. We ate before hand, but had a waiter making sure we were refreshed on drinks the whole time.... The inside is dark and it's similar to an SNL performance. We had the best time and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! read more

The Second City - Inside - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Chicago institution with decent food, fun drinks, and really killer comedy. I've never had a bad show here, and the comedy hits for everyone. The service is great, and it's kinda like watching the Yankees play, but the comedy version... so many legends read more

The Second City - Cheese curds - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Current MainStage show is a home run. Pandemonium Please Hold is consistently funny and new the whole way through. There isn't a weak spot in the cast, we don't usually see shows twice, but this one we will be back for and bringing friends. read more

Great service, was constantly checked on for drinks, prices were reasonable, bathrooms were clean, and the entertainment was outstanding...... read more

We went to the Chaos Theory of Everything show. The service was great, and the bits were funny. I would echo some of the previous reviews I've read noting that the bits often went on too long, but we had a great time! With so much humor coming from our phones these days, it was fun to attend a comedy show and enjoy the company and the crowd. For everyone commenting on the leftist nature of the show, I would say: This is the birthplace of so many SNL comedians, what did you expect? This is not a rhetorical question. read more

Absolutely hilarious. This was our Second City experience and I'd say I'm hooked. We attended their 49th e.t.c. Revue show The Chaos Theory of Everything and had a great time. It should come as no surprise that Second City's performers are highly talented and I enjoy their variety in sketch types. There's a bit of crowd participation but there's no telling who it will be! The show is unpredictable to say the least but I love their concepts, often blending current day topics. I like to take note of the performers, always rooting for them and hoping their careers continue to grow. Can't wait for the next one we attend! P.S. Great service! We were checked on quite often so I was impressed by this too. read more

Second city theater was our first experience with comedy in chicago. They did improv and some skits. They even had crowd work. We absolutely loved the smash burger!!! Definitely recommend it with the caramelized onions on it. The fries were seasoned well and maybe beer battered. Hard to tell in the dark theater. We also liked the trio of cookies. Friends liked the skits. Prob would only be back for the food. Jake, kevin, d, mark read more

Just a good time. Food and drinks are expensive, but service is swift. Overall, the atmosphere was a lot of fun. I was struggling to hear at times as our seats were off to the side. . read more

I guess i was expecting more from the famed Second City. I would give it a B at best..... The DEI content is worn out..... as is the political garbage.....people want entertainment.....not editorial skits.... read more

A Chicago institution! Comedy, improv and community. Food and drink served. Service is excellent - organized and efficient. read more

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Service was fast, prices were high even by Chicago standards. Theater is quaint and nicely tiered. The comedy was not great. They stated that this is the 65th anniversary with material written by the great alumni, but some things were very topical. Improv would have been better. The cast was real talented, too bad "The Second City" sold out to a hedge fund. Won't be seeing me again. I saw a couple of TSC alumni in Iowa six months ago and they were fantastic. Leads me to believe it's not the talent that's broken read more

House Old Fashioned - ice cubes and lots of liquid watered down the bourbon flavor (which is my favorite part of an old-fashioned) Service - on point. Friendly and accommodating. When the menu wouldn't load on my phone, she quickly accommodated with a laminated menu. The show - this was TERRIFIC! Funny, puntastic. All over the place so one is never bored with the content. The check in process and move between floors is easy. Seating might be a little tight, but not overpowering. The show is long enough that I felt we definitely got more than our money's worth. Can't waist to see if some these performer/comedians end up on SNL and beyond! read more

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My friend and I attended the Best of the Second City: 65 Years of Funny at 3pm on a Saturday. We got a free upgrade and were able to sit closer to the stage! We had a table too. It was my first show at Second City and I had some good laughs here and there. It was a combo of sketches and improv. I enjoyed both, but improv is funnier. Service is great and they are very attentive to your needs. The entrance is very confusing. You will have to enter from Wells street side, not on North Ave. read more

The Second City - Not the entrance - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I thought it was odd that they don't allow you to take pictures or video even at the end of the show during bows. Who are these people that we can't do that? Even Broadway allows you to do that. I didn't like that I got scolded for that but, all in all the experience was fantastic! The chicken kfc wrap definitely was way too dry. It needed some kind of sauce but it was hearty. Drinks were good. Got the old fashioned. Service was impeccable and organized and the show was unique. This was the tour so while improvised, there were scripted parts but, I appreciated its fluidity. You got a good bang for your buck! The theater was really nice. I did feel bad they all were not mic'd! Why? Definitely should invest in that so they aren't tearing their voices all night. Handhelds were offered at times.:) all in all, the merch, the cleanliness of the venue and bathrooms was all lively. The talent was excellent! read more

The Second City - Outside- there is another entrance around the corner - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First time seeing The Second City perform and it was a treat! The cast was super talented and I enjoyed most of the sketches. My friend and I ordered the nachos as a snack to eat during the performance. Heed my warning: don't! Why? Because the nachos are a menace. And at first glance, we knew we were in trouble. The dish we got contained a giant pile of lettuce, pickled onions, and pickled jalapeños. Where were the chips? We pulled out a phone flashlight to dig through the jungle on our plate to discover at the very bottom were 10 soggy chips. While these portions were greatly disproportionate, it did taste good. But also due to the messy nature of the snack, we will be avoiding this selection entirely in the future. read more

We heard nothing but good things about The Second City's comedy experience. After moving to Chicago our friends got us a gift card to this place. We had a blast and are already looking for our next show to attend. I love that they have different themes and you can get a small bite and drinks. The seating is perfect and I love the crowd interaction that comes from the comedians. When ordering drinks at your table it is perfectly time to check on you when you enter and one time during the show. read more

What a great venue! What talent! And what a great show! This is a great way to spend an evening with friends, a perfect date night, it's great for groups, and frankly - great for any outing. Table service is highly attentive. We didn't have any food, but the drinks were good. read more

The Second City - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sooo many choices in which show, stage and time to see performances! We saw, "oh, the places you'll glow" scripted + improv. They added on a bonus 3rd act that night! Total show about 2hrs with a break in between--so if ya have to run to the bathroom to avoid the lined. read more

The Second City - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Another peak life experience at Second City while watching This Too Shall Slap - I cannot find adequate words to express how powerful this was. Some of the top experiences of my entire lifetime have occurred at Second City while- this show was no different. The cast is just so amazing - it's like watching a magic act with their supernatural talents! read more

The Second City - This Too Shall Slap - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've heard so much about Second City Theatre from friends, particularly about their amazing improv shows, so I finally decided to give it a try for a friend's birthday. She picked an incredible show called "Oh, the Places You'll Glow," and it was everything we hoped for and more. We ordered a couple of drinks and food. These items were decently prized. During the show, they usually ask the audience couple of questions and a key word based on which they also perform an impromptu set. During our show the word was clogging. lol. And the artist were so amazing that came up with an amazing set of laughter. The performance was hilarious from start to finish, keeping us on our toes and laughing the entire time. The cast was sharp, quick-witted, and absolutely nailed every scene. If you're looking for a night of non-stop laughter and top-notch improv, Second City is the place to be. Highly recommended! read more

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The comedy skits had some funny scenes. The comedians were ok and they definitely like working there. The improve part after the show was ok but every skit I saw seemed that it was already pre planned to move in some type of motion particularly the improv didn't seem as random as improv would be normally. The room is filled with chairs all facing forward and periodically placed tables to be able to have a table in front or next to a seat. The food was reasonably priced. The popcorn shrimp was not like a normal popcorn shrimp not fried or crispy but was in like a buffalo sauce and I personally think it tasted horrible and we sent it back and got the smash burger which was great. It comes with fries so definitely worth the $12. They have full food and drink service through out the show. read more

The Second City - Smash burger - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow. It's been nearly 20 years since I've been to the Second City MainStage review. This season's This Too Shall Slap, was wonderful. First, the club hasn't changed a bit since I was here last. It's much smaller than one would expect. The drinks are good and the snacks are about what you'd expect from a comedy club, but reasonably alright. However, it's the show that is the star. Several of the cast were wonderful but the breakout star was clearly Bill Letz. All the cast were fearless but his work was A+. Everyone in our party loved all 90 minutes of it. read more

As good or better than what I remembered. We came by for the 65th anniversary show and left fully entertained, with good laughter hormones activated, and eager to return for another show soon. The theater we were in was quite large, with different seating styles. Seats are not assigned at the time of purchasing tickets but the hostess assigns them as they seat each party queued up. Though we had already had dinner, not realizing they have a full menu here, service was still friendly and attentive. read more

What a fantastic night full of laughter at Second City. My friends and I went and saw The Chaos Of Everything and we could not stop laughing. Brilliant performances, don't hesitate to go to a show! read more

The Second City - Show name - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We stopped by Second City on a whim on Friday night and ended up watching The Devil is in the Detours! I've never been an improv person but this show had us laughing for 2 hrs straight. Didn't know improv could be so funny. A must watch! Tip: if the bar is crowded, just order a drink from your seat. read more

What a wonderful venue! In the lobby they have photos of the Second City alumni for every decade going back to the 1950's. It was fun to peruse those, seeing familiar faces and names. The main stage theater is small enough so that everyone is close enough to see what's going on. Every staff member we encountered was friendly and helpful, which set the tone for our evening. The cocktails were good and seemed to have the right amount of alcohol. The show itself was excellent! We laughed the whole time. Super creative, super talented performers. A great night at a great venue! read more