Love Zanies! Great location means you can pick any number of fabulous restaurants to eat at and then head over to Zanies for a hilarious show. They pack you in like sardines and the place could use a remodeling but the laughs keep on coming. I've seen Mitch Fatel and Jeffrey Ross here..they bring in very big names and the intimate atmosphere is the best. Sure you're sharing your neighbors nachos, but hey what are neighbors for right? I went here on a 2nd date with the boyfriend and highly recommend it. I'd never been before that and gave him major props. read more

Go to Zanies! It's an excellent way to spend a gross winter night. My roommate won 8 tickets, and a group of us went to yesterday's show. I haven't laughed that hard since...actually I've never laughed so hard. Adam Ferrara - you are my hero. Side comments: our waitress was nice and super fast, the drinks were reasonably priced and the nachos were basic, but tasty. I also just discovered that shows are free on Tuesdays if you live or work in the area (and can prove it). Thankfully this applies to me. read more

Small venue, get there 45-60 minutes early to pick the seat you want (and only sit in the front if you want to be part of the show!) Two-drink minimum wasn't a problem, and my sister and I really dug the Long Island's (called something else but the name is escaping.) Having come off a couple of bottles of saki, the group needed a little more grub in the tum, so we tried the nachos and the pretzel. The nachos were stale and the cheese artificial, but I suppose we weren't expecting greatness. The pretzel was a soft pretzel - something you'd get on the streets but not as good as the ballpark. The show was amusing, though the emcee might have topped the headliner. Regardless, we grabbed some good laughs. read more

My experience with comedy clubs (and I've only been to one other, mind you) is that this is kinda how they are. They're always sort of mmm... yeah hole-in-the-wall places, reminiscent of the neighborhood pub i lived by in cork, ireland. dark, old looking furnature, as many people as possible seated at tables in a small space. you know. Anyway, my gf and I went to Zanies for the Queer Queens of Comedy show last month -- the headliner was Michelle Balan from Last Comic Standing (well, formerly of LCS -- she lost a couple weeks ago...). It was a good show. Some of her stuff was from LCS but what was really cool was her lesbian comedy -- because she obv. didn't come out on the tv show. Actually, I thought the opening/MC woman was the best comic of them all -- she was hilarious, and she was from New England, so I totally got all her cracks on RI and MA. The service was what I expect from a place like that -- kinda pushy and otherwise minimal (there was a 2 drink minimum, but otherwise they leave you alone -- I don't know if the minimum was because we got our tickets via their Good Neighbor special [if you work in the 60610 zip, you get free tix on Tuesdays] or if that's how it normally is, but it wasn't a huge deal). Anyway, everything was good. I like stand-up but I'm not a huge enthusiast, so I can't properly rave about this place, but I feel like it was absolutely a positive experience, and comparable to the only other comedy club I've been to (Comedy Connection, Portland, ME). I would definitely go again if there was someone I wanted to see. Especially if they were playing on a Tuesday. Hehe!! read more

Tried to walk in w a promo code that was texted to me. Wasn't able to book online, so decided to just walk in. General manager told us no promos at the door. This wasn't written anywhere and showing was empty. If they're going to send you a promo they should honor it. Kind of absurd. read more

Clean, bright, and roomier than the NYC clubs i have been to. Servers were attentive and friendly. Besides white dude in mid 40's who really had no business on stage, the 2 black comedians were very funny, and headliner Graham Elwood made my throat swell from amount of laughing. I paid less at The Comedy Cellat5 in Greenwich Village for superior talent, but ill still be back. Great venue in great neighborhood. read more

Zanies in Old Town is such a great venue. They always get fantastic headliners and the staff is attentive and friendly. One of my favorite Chicago places. Love live comedy. read more

So much history in such a small comedy venue! This spot has been around for decades and helped several starving comedians earn their big time breaks! At the beginning of the show, they showed a short video clip highlighting their history and some of the great comedians that performed on their stage over the years including Kevin Hart, Tim Allen, Jay Leno, Sarah Silverman, and more. I loved the quaint and comfortable feel of the venue and thought the comedians were pretty good, too. We went to see Jermaine 'FunnyMaine' Johnson, and he put on a great show. I loved the host of our show as well, and thought the other two acts were good, too. Tickets to the show we saw were only $20 each for general admission, and we felt that was fair. They do require a two drink minimum, and the drinks were pretty expensive. ($70 after tip for 4 drinks, but we called our vodka which raised the prices.) They offered us free tickets to a future show at the end of the show, and if we lived closer we would probably take advantage of the offer because we had a nice time. read more

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I was just here last night and had such a great, great time! We got there a little early--a little past 8 for an 9 pm show--so we walked around for a bit and by the time we got back (8:25 or so?) a line had formed so we jumped right in. Once we got in, the staff seats you at the first seats available, and we got second row! I was so pleased with the entertainment that I had forgotten that there was an entire room full of people right behind me. After we sat down, we promptly ordered drinks and then planned on getting food as our second item (this rule was hard to understand online--each person must get 2 menu items, not 1 food 1 drink exclusively, as it led me to believe). I thought we had to get food so I didn't eat and was starved--please don't do this, the menu is quite sparse (I think you have a choice between pretzels, chicken fingers, and maybe nachos?). But the chicken fingers were pretty decent! We got our drinks, and the entertainment shortly followed, and was completely incredible! The wait staff was very good at being accommodating but not interruptive, too. Highly recommend for a fun night out! read more

I've seen two shows at zanies, and the comedians were by far funnier than any other comics I've seen. And I mean ROTFL! Well, I didn't actually roll on the floor, that would be weird. Zanies is a hole in the wall, but it resembles a NYC basement comedy club, which is why I love it. It's small, intimate, and always a good time. The tickets are a little expensive, but they are worth it for a good show. read more

If you have been to comedy clubs before, the 2-drink minimum shouldn't be a surprise. We paid $20 each for 3 comedians plus the cost of drinks. Bonus, the drinks were priced fairly reasonable. Fast service, the place is cozy & I liked the photos of past performers. Overall, a fun night out without paying out crazy $. Definitely worth repeat visits. read more

Let me start off by saying the talents that appeared last night were great. Secondly, the two item per person minimum is ridiculous when all they offer is a subpar, over priced menu. The waitress (Hannah B.) was overbearing, and the gritty brownies with the deflated whipped cream were not so great either, to say the least. I'd come again for the jokes and laughs; however, I would not care to return for the service or the menu. If you're reading reviews searching for a good time at a comedy club, I'd recommend Improv Comedy Club in Schaumburg. It's well worth the drive. read more

Went to Zanies for the first time last night to catch the Carl LaBove act ... absolutely hysterical! The club was great! Friendly staff, stiff drinks and just the right amount of grease on the cheapo pizza. Overall I have to say I would go back for any good comic act.. Given the small venue is seems likely that almost any seat in the house is a good seat, but I'd still think about getting in a little early for premium seating. read more

Okay, so this place is only about 3 blocks from us. One night we were looking for a last minute "something different" so we figured what the hell. We'd been in here once before to see Ralphie May (Google it, he's funny) but arrived late and we were stuck all the way in the back. (our bad) We arrived early this time and stood in line with all the other suburbanites. Yes, yes...us locals don't go to places like this but in this economy we (I) really needed a laugh. And a laugh I got! Not only was the main act hysterical, the MC and the opening act were both great. Unlike last time we were seated right up front even though we didn't purchase tickets ahead of time. Don't be afraid Chicago, it's not like you're going to Navy Pier. It's not a bad place. Check out the walls and see all the awesome performers who came out of there!! read more

We went on a $10 for 10 acts night and it was worth much more (even more than the additional 2 drink minimum). All were hilarious (maybe except the first woman who was a little more on the strange side than funny). For $10 and after the first act I was thinking the usual "oh here we go, don't complain, you get what you paid for".... but I couldn't believe how good they all were, it just kept getting better and better. Given it was a week night we just rocked up without having booked and had no problem getting in. Its a small place but we had plenty of space, however I'm assuming on busy nights you'd be nice and intimate to the people sitting next to you. They also said there is free entry Tuesdays nights for locals!! read more

This is one of the most nicest clubs I've been to in a long time everyone is so friendly & kind and make you feel so comfortable it rain on my birthday and Rachel help me celebrate the night with laughter and a nice cocktail thank you so much I really appreciate this comedy club I laughed so hard everyone was so funny Great place food and drinks!!!! if you're in the Chicago area this is a must to go and have a great time! read more

Zanies - Me Celebrating my birthday - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have been here a couple times- one better than the other. I have a love/hate relationship with Zanies. The comics are amazing- always funny, they know how to roll with the sometimes heckling crowd. Always a good time, and my cheeks and abdominal hurt from laughing. Now the hate part- I know they have to two drink minimum to make some money- it is a business. The drinks are not that expensive ($6.75 for a well mixed, about a dollar up for every level [call, premium, etc]). Unfortunately the $8 apple pie martini is...well....an $8 martini. Over sweet, yet no distinctive good flavors. The mixed drinks are awefully small though, the beers are regular sized. The seating is very tight- they try to fill every single seat, even if you're hip to hip with a fifty-year old burly man that loves his tea and nachos. Overall, I would never pass up the Zanies- never! read more

I've been here once and it was a blast. The opening act was a little awkward but the main act was SO funny. We were LOLing the entire time which is so fun to do. I like how intimate the space is, that it's dark and they don't change the lighting much, and that the servers are very friendly. As other people have mentioned... they need more bathrooms. Nobody wants to be waiting in line while the performance is going on and with their drink minimum you will definitely be drinking. Would love to go back to see other performers. read more

I freakin LOVED Zanies. Laughed so hard I cried. Every comedian that came on stage had a different humor than the other. This place is consistently a good time since they bring in the best original talent. Not one comedian's act was similar to another. I was with my boyfriend and his family, and everyone at some point could relate to the performances. We came at a decent time, but ended up getting seats in the very far back. We really didn't care, because you could still hear/see everything going on without a problem. The waitress was pretty good at keeping up with drink orders. Their beers and cocktails were OK. The food selection was limited, but the pizza we had was pretty decent. I had a couple Citron Blue Lemonades that were sweet but not bad. They have a food/bev minimum of 2 items per person, which I always find dumb since people pay to see the show, but I understand that servers have to make something if they are waiting on your table. The bathroom situation is a bummer. This is their famous original location that is pretty small, so it's expected... but waiting to go to the bathroom in line outside of the door after 4 drinks was a bit rough. You get a real authentic feel of Chicago here with its old charm and pictures of a zillion comedians all over the walls that are now well-known and famous. Aside from just a couple mehs for being old, I would come back here again and again. This place is perfect for almost any celebration. My group had SUCH an amazing time, and were still laughing about some of the jokes later in the night. Places like Zanies make me truly appreciate my home sweet sweet home. read more

Had a great time here with some girlfriends 1/27/17! Tickets are about $25 each and a 2 drink minimum- stick with the basic beer/wine - drinks are not that great. At least for $8 I had a nice serving of Stella - the wine portions are pretty small for the price. Comedians were funny - apparently a guest had stopped by to open and he was actually the best of the 3. The headliner started off well but didn't end as strong. Overall though some great laughs and a good time for something different to do. read more

We went for a not-so-crowded 11 PM show to see Tiffany Haddish this past weekend while visiting Chicago. With the sparse attendance we didn't have to wait for drinks or worry about being stuck in our row when we had to use the restroom. They do have small tables and a tight space, but considering it is a low-key comedy club and not a ritzy bar I enjoyed the ambiance. I thought the comedians were great - I was definitely impressed by the lineup. If you are looking for something different to do rather than the typical bar scene this is definitely a must-see in Chicago. read more

Great atmosphere, very attentive servers AND amazing cocktails. I would highly recommend going (especially on Tuesdays when admission is free for chicago residents)! always fun ! read more

Very funny! Good drinks and decent food!! Like all comedy clubs, the comedians will pick on you if you draw attention to yourself or are in a large group. The tickets are very cheap and it's good for a chill night. read more

We were here on a Monday night for a comedian whose trailers looked solid, but on stage everyone was unprepared, unable to wing it, and resorting to the easiest form of comedy - making fun of the audience. read more

Want to have a fun night out? Give Zanies a try PSA - If you sit in the front row, EXPECT to get picked on at least once. I sure was! The size of the place is perfect. It is big enough to get a good size crowd in there for a show but small enough to really be close enough to the stage. I can't speak for the acoustics because we were in the front row. Your typical two item minimum per person. Service was fast with the drinks and as friendly as possible as there was s how going on. I had a great time. read more

I went here with a large group of friends to watch one of our favorite comedians while he was in town Mike Palascak. Luckily we got to Zanies somewhat early so we were able to get decent seats toward the back of the room. There were a few comedians who were opening acts for Mike. They were ok, but we could not wait for the main act to start his stand up. The acts were interupted a few times do to overly drunk people, which gets annoying when it happens multiple times for one comedians set. The location is great right in the heart of Old Town. I look forward to seeing Mike Palascak when he is back at Zanies. read more

Good, cheap humor. It was a nice change of venue for my 3 friends and me. After getting tired of the typical bar scene, it gave us an opportunity to sit back in some comfy chairs and sip good drinks. It gave us plenty of conversation fuel for the rest of the night, reminiscing about the good (and not-so-good) comedians that were up on stage. The crowd can have a definite impact on the performance, one drunk guy was causing kind of a disturbance. Might come back if we need another change of pace from the typical bar setting! read more

We love Zanies! Tuesday night neighborhood residents get in free (yay!). Yes it's a tiny comedy club but it feels like a TRUE comedy club to me. We only ever saw one bad act (like so bad we felt like it was a cult brain washing- it wasn't even comedy- I still don't quite understand what it was). But everything else has been awesome. My husband and I recently went to see Ronnie Chieng. We had sort of stumbled upon his comedy while in YC at the Comedy Cellar and we loved him. So when I saw on Instagram that he was going to be at Zanies we had to go! There is a 2 drink or food minimum required and of course the price of the ticket (unless you are a neighborhood resident and it's a Tuesday night). Get there early as seats are not assigned and being a tiny club you don't want a bad seat! read more

When we went here there were comedians from the Blue Collar Comedy tour there.. it was hilarious! They have a 2 drink minimum but thats not a problem! There's no bad seat in the house either and its in a good location to walk around in afterwards! read more

Zanies - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is so touristy it hurts, but so completely dysfunctional it kisses it and makes it all better. Upon first walking in I was reminded of some sort of shady club in Eastern Europe, maybe the glow lighting on the floors? Multi-colored spot lights? Scantily clad waitresses? The strange bleach smell? My friend won tickets and that's the only way I think I would have made it there in the first place. I can't tell you if the acts were actually funny or if I was full of 32 oz Miller Light. Either way, suburb time and nice change of pace for an evening. read more

Let me start by saying that maybe it was the fact that I wasn't drinking that kinda made this an OK place. However, the comedians we're pretty funny. There was a line of different types with lots of funny and non-funny material. I do plan on attending again to experience this place with some booze in my system. The place is rather small but I can get over that. Overall experience was fun and something different to do in Chicago. read more

I went here last year and it was a great night to go. The comedian was this hilarious guy from NC. He had the best jokes about Chicago. He constantly made fun of people here and I still crack the jokes from it. I have yet to go again but I want to soon. I like the raw background. The only con is the 2 drink minimum. Second City is about the same price and doesn't require drink purchases. read more

Last night was our third time here. Although my husband would disagree, it was my favorite of the three visits we've had to Zanies. The Good: Free tickets? Yes please! Went with the hubby and another couple - seated in the front and our server Tina was great. Damon Williams was the main act was hilarious. Both openers were LOL funny , and Damon was a character. All three had their own unique sense of humor and stage presence which kept the show dynamic and enjoyable. In the past the comedians have been hit or miss, but if all shows were this promising, I would come back more often. The Bad: I understand the tickets are free, but the $2 p/ ticket service charge they started doing is kind of cheap. We are already paying for a two item minimum - for overpriced drinks and apps mind you. But who am I to complain - the tickets were free afterall. The Ugly: His comedy was great, but did push the envelope quite a bit. He left no stone un-turned with his borderline racist/discriminatory jokes. All in good fun I can understand- comedy is an open forum to express thoughts etc etc. However, a few times throughout the evening you could sense a level of discomfort among the crowd and you knew he took it a little too far. Aside from that the show was great and I left not regretting sitting through the hour and a half traffic on a weeknight to get to the show. read more

I loved it here when I went! I went to see "Uncle Larry".....he was too freakin funny. I couldn't stop laughing the whole time. On a bad note, the waitress we had KEPT asking us if we needed anything....it's like, can we finish what we have first? Besides, we're trying to watch the show....?? But other than that, the show itself was great. :) read more

The historic and original Chicago location is in a very narrow building with the stage alongside the entrance in the front. If you come early, you are more likely to be seated in front which has its advantages and drawbacks. Great seats, but remember comedians like to interact with their audience. Back when this first Chicago comedy club opened in the late 70's, the area was still on the rough side. If it wasn't a pit then, it certainly has become one. Didn't the fake lodge look go out in the 70's? The dust and grime has collected on the textured plaster walls, the aging pictures and paintings of the comedians and that dark woodwork. Most of the tables butt up to one another so you'll probably be sitting right next to at least one person that you didn't know before arriving. I don't know if comedians are getting worse or my idea of a decent comedian has improved. Well, I do know, comedians are not as good and I expect more from them. When I did frequent Zanies often my favorite was Uncle Lar, he always delivered. Seriously, the last few times that I've gone, had to sit through a bunch of lame openers or the openers were better than the headliner. Tuesday night is free for those that live within certain zip codes that are in proximity to Zanies and if you get on their mailing list they have been know to send out free tickets to fill the seats. Still, two drink minimum and the pizza is surprisingly not bad. If you have never been to a Zanies or a comedy club in general, two or more comedians before the headliner and the host is one of those comedians. When you go back to the club to see a different show and have the same host, you'll get his same routine and you'll just have to put up it. The opener/host will have the shortest of the sets with the headliner having the longest. read more

Don't get me wrong, the comedy is great. Top notch. The 3 star review is really a consequence of the overall Zanie's experience. While some have pointed out that the 2 Drink minimum is "no big deal" it is rather superflous when you have spent $30 per person to walk in the door. In fact I would go so far as to say I would pay $50 per person for most /all weekend headliners and still would have ordered drinks, but not have felt aggravated because I had to buy something. Somehow Second City, IO, Sports and Annoyance have found a way to have a no-pressure-to-buy-crappy-drinks show unlike Zanies. I hope someone at Zanies studies these models. I would venture to say this might actually increase revenue. Aside from my main complaint they pack 'em in tight here, but that is not any different than Second City, IO or Annoyance. On the week days you can often find free entry tix or use the locals discount for those in neighboring zip codes (not I) to help avoid the cover, however you still have the drink minimum. Again, these are minor, yet constant annoyances. Not enough to stop me from going to see my favorite comedians, but enough to make me have a second thought. read more

This was my first time at this comedy club. We came to Chicago for the weekend and wanted to see a comedy show. It was for my birthday weekend and we saw a very funny comedian Dan Soder. I order the Mitch Hedberg good drink with Cruzan coconut rum crème de cacao and Coke. We had dinner before the show so we didn't eat. I would recommend this place for a date just not the first one haha. read more

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A pretty cool place! Visited today to support family Tone Bell was the headliner. Awesome comedian....and he's super funny!!! It's a small space with tight seating and tables! Low key and laid back but the service was really good at the 7:30 show. Be prepared to pay for an 2 item minimum which will run you on avg $3-$6 per food item or $7-$9 for drinks. Pinot Grigio wasn't bad! I'd definitely go back for more laughs and cool staff! read more

Best place for comedy, never saw a bad show, always entertaining . Food is ok "bar food " usually getting cider there , great time always

An awesome establishment with a lively atmosphere and an extremely friendly, accommodating staff. Also, @SteveRannazzisi was absolutely hysterical in his recent appearance! I cannot wait for my next show here. read more

Zanies - Yobogoya! #KevinDraftedAaron - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois