I've been here for shows and it is pretty much what you would expect from a small comedy club. The two item minimum purchase can be taken care of for about $10 if you go on the cheap side (which I do), as with most bars the food is basic snack food not particularly high caliber but it serves its purpose to soak up the alcohol. The staff is very friendly and they are mindful of the comedians so they try to stay out of the way so you can enjoy the show but still be attentive enough that you don't feel ignored. On the way out each time I got vouchers for cheaper tickets for their regular shows - not sure if I will use them as unknown talent is sometimes unknown for a reason. Overall if you want to see a show its a decent place to go. read more

Zanies opened in 1978. Probably with the same tables, chairs, and layout they still have today. Other reviewers' notes about it feeling like a crowded basement are spot on. There's a nostalgia factor to Zanies though, particularly with the comedy legends' photos that line the walls. It's not hard to envision a young Jay Leno or Jerry Seinfeld on the small stage. Are you really coming for the venue though? Or, are you here because of its location and there's a headliner you're at least moderately interested in seeing? Do you really care what the space is if it's an intimate setting to hear the person you came to see? Pretty sure "...but, do you really care what the venue itself is?" has been Zanies' mission statement for 35+ years now. 2 drink minimum, but prices were what you'd expect in Chicago. We didn't feel completely gouged on prices like other venues. read more

Zanies is an awesome, intimate comedy club off the beat path... The 2 drink minimum is no biggie. Hilarious comics and attentive waitstaff is a plus. I highly recommend Zanies... I am Making my 3rd visit in as many years, always a must do on our list when here!!! read more

I would give negative stars if I could. I bought tickets over a month ago when I planned my vacation to Chicago. When I booked the tickets, the website advertised social distancing. The place was packed with literally seats stacked on top of each other. Nobody was compliant or wearing a mask. I kindly asked if the manager could waive the drink minimum so I could wear a mask. He refused to do so and told me I could relocate to the back even though it was the same one crowded room. He literally tried to explained how COVID does not spread to the back of the room. My friends that stayed informed me that there was a skit making fun of me for wanting to wear a mask during COVID times. Video of comedian mocking me for following covid protocol and will follow soon. Go to Second City! You're guaranteed to have a great time and good laugh without being embarrassed or asked to compromise your health! read more

If you are looking for standup comedy in Chicago this is as good as it gets. The reason is most of the talented standup comedians live in L.A. or New York. Zanies fly out comics from these cities to headline at their club. So for the most part you can expect a funny show. There are the occasional nights when the comedians are not very funny but that is to be expected at any comedy club. The $25 admission price is a bit steep but if you sign up for their e-mail/text message list at the show you may occasionally get invites for free or discounted shows. Also, although the admission price may be a tad high, they make up for it by offering very reasonably priced drinks and food. A standard cocktail will cost you a mere $6 while their specialty cocktails are only $8.50. You can't beat those prices. The Zanies Special is a fabulous drink. Lastly, occasionally you will get a group of hecklers or obnoxious groups who talk a lot during the show. This can be EXTREMELY annoying. However, their management is very good about recognizing these groups early on and addressing the problem. If the group continues to heckle management is good about asking the group to leave so that others can enjoy the show. I would definitely recommend this comedy club to everyone. You will have a great time. read more

NEVER EVER go to the late show (11pm). All the performers were tired and drunk, forgot their stuff, looked to the audience for topics and then they blamed us for not laughing at their so called comedy. I was there last weekend to see Kevin Bozeman. I'm sure he is funny, I've seen him on television. Not that night. I was visiting there from the west coast, so 11 o'clock seemed perfect for me and my guests....not! I'm sorry if we kept you awake To bad I'm only a television producer. read more

First visit here in about 10 years. Hasn't changed. Crowded (cramped really) and pretty expensive. $27 per person + 2 item minimum. $6 per Diet Coke is pricey. We were lucky and we're seated with backs to the exit door. Nice in case of a fire! Seriously, this place would be chaos if a fire broke out! But, you come here for the comedy. MC/Comedian plus an opener and a headliner is the normal schedule. All three were pretty good. Didn't know any of them prior to tonight. Something different than going to a movie. So worthwhile if you're in the mood. We had no tickets or reservations and got in to the 10:30pm show on a Friday no problem. It was 21 and over and my wife didn't bring her ID but they never asked. Of course, we don't look like we're in our twenties anymore anyway. read more

Get there early, latecomer gets the worst seat in the house. There is one section where you sit that will have the waitstaff brushing against you and stepping on your toes constantly passing in front of you. Even if you sit scrunched in, which you shouldn't have to do, they will still bump against you and step on you. I have a movement and posture disorder so crunching up while sitting actually harms me. I also believe there's no reason a stranger should be repeatedly deliberately brushing against me ever against my wishes. Because it's the serving area for two rows, the waitstaff blocking you will happen at least 2 dozen times plus people going to the bathroom. I actually missed jokes and punchlines. When you complain about it, you will be asked "well what do you want me to do about it?" Really thought about leaving after a joke pondering whether disabled women are worth sleeping with. Left and a girl was crying outside from an exchange with the comedian in which she was wrong, but imo the comedian was harsh. read more

I am in extreme disappointment of how their staff speaks to customers when WE LAUGH AT one of their ACTS !!! " MISSY "THE MANAGER is very inappropriate and bullies the customers who have paid just like everyone else because we laugh to loud. I was approached By her as I laughed at one of the funny jokes one of their acts on stage said and she came to me and asked me if I can laugh a little less. I was embarrassed because I couldn't believe that you would come to a customer of yours that is laughing at one of your act which is a place of laughter. This is called a comedy club. Regardless if I laugh loud or not I am allowed to laugh in my own way and if that is how my laugh is how are you going to tell me to laugh less. I want my money back because I was so upset I couldn't enjoy the rest of the show while she continue to look at me and my friend from a distance and give us dirty looks as we were already in their back of the stage so normal people in the front would not hear us anyways it would just be the staff themselves that would didn't want to hear us laughing which I don't understand because this is a place that you can do that, so I had to ask for my check and she said if I didn't like it then I can leave. I am so disappointed I will never set foot in this place ever again I would rather go to laugh factory or I would rather go to second city or anywhere else but this place. The fact that you have the audacity to come to a customer while in a middle of a show enjoying themselves and bother me as if I'm doing something wrong when I'm sitting in my chair waiting for my food and drinks. And as we were about to leave I'm not sure if this was another manager or the owner of that particular establishment but he tried to give me some tickets to possibly come back again or maybe if some drink tickets and I just looked at him and give them back to him absolutely not so then he snatched him from me as he shut the door in my face you guys are the most despicable establishment of ever cross paths with you will not see me here again and I will make sure that I will let everybody know the type of character your Staff and owners have towards their customers. I wouldn't even read them one star to be quite honest but this is the only thing I can give them. read more

Worth it, worth it, so worth it. I've been living in the area for 6 months now and had Zanies on my list. Finally found a good opportunity to go and check it out. Cash Levy was headlining and my experience was unforgettable. All around, the staff was great and all on stage were fantastic. Not to mention the price is only 25$, which is a steal. My girlfriend and I are definitely going to start spending our time here, and I won't be surprised if more people catch wind of this and prices go up. TL;DR: Night well spent, bringing friends every chance I get. Tip: Catch Cash Levy if you get the chance & order the George Lopez drink (it's off the menu now) read more

We enjoyed our experience at Zanies. Saw Michael Palascak. Don't feel like you have to order alcohol for your two item minimum either. They have hot chocolate and coffee for those of you not interested in drinking, or spending to the money on those alcohol prices. Small nice and friendly atmosphere. Get there early it is first come first seated. read more

First - Great Location: Zanies is located in the Old Town neighborhood off the Sedgwick brown line stop or Clark or Broadway bus stops at North Ave/Clark street. Lots of great bars and restaurants in the area as well. Second - The Venue: It's clear that Zanies has been around for awhile, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Unfortunately, it means that seating is very cramped and isn't arranged in a way that allows for easy viewing of the comedians. We arrived approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of the show, and our party of two was seated at a small table with another couple we didn't know. This wouldn't have normally been a problem, but as there is a minimum purchase of two food/beverage items per person, we were left with no table space once our food and drinks arrived. Thankfully the other duo at our table only ordered drinks, but we had to keep one of our plates in our laps and the other on the table which made it difficult to eat. Third - The performance: I have to say that for the ticket price and two item minimum purchase, we were overcharged for our night at Zanies. While the drinks were good (strawberry daiquiris for $8.50 apiece), and nachos were great ($4.50 for a heaping pile of nachos with cheese, salsa, and peppers), the comedy was a bit underwhelming. I do have to commend the host for the evening, as he was always able to lift the energy of the audience when it started to fall flat, and he kept us laughing more than the two opening comedians combined. Also, Carl Labove delivered a roaring performance, although it was a bit disappointing to see some of the same bits that you've seen before on television or in promos. Unfortunately, the host and Carl were unable to completely make up for the disgust I felt after seeing the two opening comedians who were, simply put, terrible. I don't think I exaggerate when I say that not even one funny comment was made by either of these two performers. The first spent his set retelling the story of his evening prior to the performance, which included him getting high and wasted with friends, and then deciding it would be smart to ride his skateboard home. He even showed off his lovely chin wound from wiping out on his board when he blacked out; not funny, just pathetic. The second spent her set sharing her life of getting high, drunk, and coming out of the cupboard (instead of closet) as a lesbian. While I have nothing to say against her lifestyle, I struggled to find anything she said to be funny, as did most of the audience which she realized when she'd say "man, I thought I'd get more laughs out of that." Overall, the location was great, the venue was good, and the comedians ranged from great to worse than mediocre. If you're looking for a fun night out with low expectations, you may be surprised. If you're expecting a top notch comedic performance in a comfortable venue, I think you'll likely be a little disappointed. read more

Went to Zanies last night for the first time and I can't say enough good things!!! First, it's a small space so you feel intimate with the performers which is the perfect way to watch standup. Second, the service was outstanding. Even with a sold out pop up show we didn't wait long for what we ordered. The people running the place seem to really care about the guest experience. Special shoutout to Bert. I'll be coming back many many more times read more

If you loved being pandered to in the midst of a sea of howling mouth breathing suburbanites, then this is the perfect destination for you. If this doesn't sound appealing to you, make sure you have an interest in the comedian on the venue, don't just drop in blind. The club is a time capsule of 80's comedy clubs (I'm talking about the decor), which also has its charm. read more

The comedy here was pretty funny last night. I'd give this location zero stars if the review were based solely on service. The host was a bit of a jerk, and our waitress didn't appear to have an elevator that went all the way to the top. I won't be back, solely based on service. read more

So disappointed. We live in the neighborhood and come here all the time. We were emailed a promo for free tickets. We reserved our tickets and showed up right at the time of the show. We were turned away at the door saying that we had to be the a half hour before and that the email stated that. We went home and reread both the initial email and the confirmation email and neither stated that! I called back to tell them and they were so dismissive and nonchalant. Way to treat your loyal local customers. read more

Got free tickets through our hotel. The two item minimum wasn't too bad a deal. The cannoli was tasty. Service was decent. Comedy was ok.

Wish the servers were more attentive. Really poorly organized. Couldn't get our waitresses attention and when we got another ones attention she told us to wait. I respect the grind of the serving industry but it was really poorly managed. read more

Came here the other night because my friend won some free tickets. I hear they are $25 usually, which really isn't that bad - I would pay it. There is a 2 item purchase minimum per person (food or drink), so that's another $20-$30 you should expect to spend. Parking isn't too hard to find - there are a bunch of places to park along the street. The night we went (it was a weeknight), there wasn't valet available. I think it may be available on the weekends. The first two comedians were not that great, but the main comedian was awesome. She alone was worth going for. I think any comedy place is going to be hit or miss as far as comedians - it really depends on your sense of humor. They do not have a very extensive menu as far as food and drink go. The food was borderline terrible - it was like something a teenager would throw together for cheap. The pizza was not very good, and the nachos don't have anything on them (it's just cheese). If I HAVE to spend more money on food and drink just to be there, I would like it to be better quality. The service was great up until the end. They were very attentive and brought the food/drinks quickly. We asked to have our check split, and they said they would. At the end of the night they brought it all in one check with the amount circled and written in huge black marker (we didn't even see that gratuity was added because of that). We ended up being there about 20 more minutes just to get our check figured out. I would come back still, but I'm just a little disappointed with the service and the food. If that improved, it would be a 4-5 star place. read more

Ok, I'm going to ruin a friend's "game" here, but this place is kind of perfect for an early date, if you're a guy. You take a girl here, she has to drink (2 drink minimum!), she spends the whole night laughing, and you get all the credit. read more

So I went to go see a great comedy show on October 17, 2008 (friday). First of all, the comedians were great. If I could just go back to see the comedians and not have deal with the ESTABLISHMENT it would be wonderful. But unfortunately you have to deal with the Zanies staff and the Zanies STUPID and backwards policies. The price is kind of steep it was $22.00 per person but I really didn't mind paying since you got 3 acts for that price. When the doors open about 25-30 minutes before the show starts they ask your last name and quickly usher you to a table, without asking you if you want to sit with friends or how many people are in your group. So we were basically seated two times, before I stood up and asked the main guy if we could just sit at a big table and sit with our friends when they came in. He told me no, that I needed to know the last name, so I did tell him my friends last name and then he did finally seat me at a bigger table, but he was SO clearly exasperated with my request it was an awful ordeal. Then we are told (with NO warning at all anywhere and no signs posted and no information on the ticket) that there is a 2 drink minimum. Fine, most comedy clubs have some kind of minimum. Now mind you we're at a big table of like 10-12 people. So our waitress brings us a beer and I try to pay her right away and she doesn't accept my cash at all for a beer like most bars do, she tells me I have to wait to get a big tab at the end for everyone. Fine. Whatever. The comedy show starts and it was wonderful. The comedy show ends and it turns out they will not let you LEAVE the place until you show a receipt that you paid. This would be fine if every person or couple got a receipt and you could just show it and walk out like when you leave Costco with your shopping cart. But remember most people are in bigger groups so you have to wait until the entire table has settled the tab, until the credit card has gone through and somehow you have to leave and walk out with the entire table and one receipt and then you can leave???? It basically turns into a big screaming mess with people yelling across the club to friends to see if they have paid, and where the receipt is? how many people were in the group? etc. It was HORRIBLE. And then people are pushing around you trying to get out because they HAVE been cleared to exit, so there is even more commotion This is the STUPIDEST way ever to handle business at a comedy club. My fiance and I just wanted to LEAVE and they wouldn't let us until the one guy at the table who was holding the receipt went to the bathroom, talked on the phone, gathered his friends, etc. I was NOT having that at all so I got mad and just said look, WE PAID already! The guy is just holding the receipt in the corner! And the lady did not want to let us leave! this is the TACKIEST and most disguting manner to treat people who have just paid over $60 a person at your establishment. If they were trying to regulate big groups of people and wanted to make sure big groups didn't ditch the tab then figure out a BETTER way of collecting money, or something. BUT you cannot make a big group all try to leave at the same time and show one receipt to exit ,when mind you OTHER big groups of people are trying to all jam out of one exit. And then some guys in front of us who had been told they were ok to leave were trying to let some girls exit first in front of them, (like they had manners and were being nice) and the lady at the door wouldn't let them do that, and it was a HORRIBLE mess. Anyway, I'm not sure I'm emphasizing how awful and tacky it is when a place will not let you EXIT without proof that you have paid. It is a risk that they take as a comedy club, a bar, a resturant, whatever, that people will leave without paying. Their manner of dealing with that potential problem is atrocious. Anyway if you go with a group of people over say 4 people it is going to SUCK. Other than that I suppose it would be fine. All I know is that I will NEVER go back in a large or even medium sized group. read more

Came here the other night with a few friends to see Laurie Kilmartin. Vince the emcee was amazing- should have had his own set IMO as the two other openers paled in comparison to him and Laurie. Funny enough, we ran into Laurie and Vince outside waiting for our uber and they were just as delightful off the stage as they were on. read more

As a lifelong Chicagoan and a comedy nerd, it's kind of surprising that I've never been here before last night. What can I say? It's a comedy club. A lot of huge names have played there over the years and still continue to play there along with hard working road comics and up-and-comers. The problem with this place is it's location: Old Town. Not as bad as, say, Lincoln Park or the Gold Coast. But there's enough suburban/touristy d-bags to make me realize why I've never been here before. The two-drink minimum and the super close, knee-to-knee seating has easily turn into an annoying experience, if the comic is no good. The comedy club is really a dying breed. But I suppose if you're going to see a comic you really like, this small, intimate room would be the place to do it. I'm thinking it's probably better to go during the week. read more

There is a two-drink minimum, as with most comedy clubs. With me, I always try to supersede the minimum, but for some people, it stinks to pay for more drinks when you already paid to be there. And, if you love being crammed into small spaces with a bunch of people where you're not sure if there's really enough oxygen to supply the population of the small town that they have managed to squeeze in there, then this place is perfect! It is a very tight squeeze, I loved falling over everyone to make it to the one toilet bathroom all the way in the back. It made it seem more intimate when I fell into some strange man's lap. I'm sure he loved it too! The only thing they have really going for them, is the one time that I went to their Chicago location, I loved the comedy stand up. It was up-an-comers night, and the majority of them had a lot of talent. The servers are very nice as well, and attentive as they can be in the tight spots they are in. The only reason I'm giving them 3 stars, is at least they can pick a good bunch of comedians to make the night worthwhile! read more

I've only been to Zanie's once with a group of friends. But it was really a great experience. We saw 2 comics and both of them were hilarious. The place is kind of cramped, so if you go with a large group you might want to get there early to claim tables next to each other. The show we went to was open seating, but I'm not sure if all of the shows are handled that way. The only downside was the drinks weren't that great. They were pretty weak. So get buzzed before you leave or bring a flask! read more

Really, really not what I expected for one of the best-known comedy clubs in Chicago. If it weren't for the names they somehow attract, this would be a solid one-star review. First, the seating. If you are one of the lucky people to get sat along the wall (stage right), well, then you're king... comfortable seating and there're so many tables almost everyone gets their own. The rest of the audience, however, are screwed. As for us, we got the worst lot: We were sat in two uncomfortable chairs in the middle of the floor. At first it wasn't so bad... we moved our chair back a little bit, and it was alright... but then a waitress came along and made us move our chairs forward so that our knees were touching the chairs in front of us. And that's how we sat for the entire night. You get more space on an airplane. This is also when we realized another flaw in the seating plan: We didn't have a table. Now, that's bad enough, but remember: Zanies has a two item minimum. So they made us buy drinks and food, but didn't give us any place to actually put them. The people sitting in front of us were kind enough to let us use a few inches of the back of their table, but (and this is not their fault) because of the positioning of their seats, any time they moved, their arms were in danger of knocking over our drinks. Even with the kind gesture from the people in front of us, my partner had to put his drink on the floor. I was using one hand to eat my pretzel (which was sitting on my lap) and the other hand spent the evening holding down my wine glass for fear of having to go home wearing my cabernet sauvignon. I would like to pause here to say a little bit about their menu: There's about five beer, wine, and cocktail choices each (no cider), and the food menu is basically nachos or a pretzel. The warm-up act, as they tend to be, was pretty awful: Recycled jokes that you've heard on every comedy special since the 70s. To make matters worse, there was a couple by the door who were already very drunk. They kept interrupting the act but management did nothing about this, even when the headliner came on. Then, the AC kicked in, and we had been sat right under a row of industrial-sized vents. Now, keep in mind, it's 40 degrees outside. The room was perfectly comfortable temperature-wise at the time, and now we've got arctic air blowing on us. Everyone in our row donned their sweaters and jackets and sat there shivering. I had to sit on my hands (risking the life of my wine) to keep them warm. Now, the headline act was HILARIOUS. I felt kind of bad for the guy, though, on two fronts: First, he had to deal with the ridiculously-intoxicated couple by the front door whom management apparently didn't think were an issue, and secondly because he's a huge name in the UK, with his own TV show, and had just played a show in New York in a proper multi-tiered theater to a crowd of hundreds and hundreds and hundreds, and he comes to Chicago and gets stuck in this dinky little club. But anyways, the show itself was fantastic and we laughed so hard we cried. Then, the show was over and the waitresses flooded out to collect money. Why they wait until the show is over instead of handling it just after last call is beyond me. The waitress was inattentive and people had to chase her down to pay her. They were checking receipts at the door, too, and you were not allowed to leave if you didn't present it. I watched one poor guy who wanted to get out to get some air (as did I) be turned away and told to go back to his seat. Even after he explained that his partner was paying the bill, they still wouldn't let him step outside. On top of this, they had situated a disabled man by the exit and put his wheelchair right in front of the door (this door was also the fire exit, mind you). I can't understand how this place became so famous. The service is unimpressive, the food and drinks are mediocre, the seating is not just cramped but inadequate, and the management doesn't control the crowd. There are so many better clubs in Chicago. Honestly, if someone I really wanted to see came to town and they were only performing at Zanies, I would consider driving to the next city instead. Update: Zanies called my partner today and told him that we won free tickets. Which is funny, because they were already giving out free tickets to everyone as they exited, and most people were just throwing them away. My partner, probably not very politely given our experience, turned the tickets down. I wouldn't go back even if it was free. read more

Was a good night out. Recently checked out Zanies and we had a good time laughing at the comedians. Small intimate spot...cozy. Local talent was very funny. Will be back to check out another headliner and local talent. read more

I really cannot believe that this venue has 4 stars, I can only assume it's for the performers and not the venue itself. My review is strictly about the venue. In terns of the venue itself, I'm not sure that they get anything right: The seating is cramped and uncomfortable (my seat was actually not even facing the stage!) and impossible if anyone has to use the restroom during the show. My feet got stepped on four times (no matter where I put them, they were apparently in the way)...the host also tripped pretty terribly and pretty much wiped out when going up to the stage (not sure what obstructed his path but i'm fairly certain it had something to do with the cramped space), if was such a bad fall that I was convinced for a moment that it was a part of the show. The AC was turned up so high, it was FREEZING (I had my arms glued underneath my arm pits so tightly I did not even want to take them out to clap). They also pretty much lock you in until you comply with the two drink/item minimum policy. It was just bad all around. I don't think I'll be back. read more

Probably won't ever go back here. We waited outside for a show and were one of the first ones. We finally get inside and the host (very rude old guy) tries seating us in the back! When we tried to explain we wanted closer seats (because that's what first come, first serve means to me) he yelled at us "what's the issue!?" Such a jerk. Also, the overpriced food was so BORING and even the comedian said it looks like a basement in there. This place needs a total makeover. read more

This was my first comedy club experience and it was a riot! The show was hilarious- the opening acts were good too. The only complaint I have is that all the drink prices aren't listed.. we thought we were getting $4 beers the whole night only to get our bill and realize they were $7. I think the prices for all the drinks should be listed so you know what you're getting into! Overall though we had a great time- so funny and a great, unique place too. read more

Awesome. Hilarious. Drinks aren't that expensive actually. Its a more intimate comedy club then second city. The bathroom had a big old duke in the toilet the whole night thogh and was never cleaned so that's the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars from me. read more

Zanies is a nice way to spend a night. It's in a great neighborhood with lots of restaurants to hit before and bars to hit afterward. I went last night and there were three acts. The middle guy was hysterical, the other two were decent. The place was full and seating is a little tight, especially if you are in the path of a server...who are great by the way, very attentive. The walls are covered by autographed head shots of stars you could spend hours reading. It lasts a little under 2 hours. There's a two drink minimum which is more than easy to do, prices are reasonable. I didn't eat there, but the only options were trail mix and nachos so I definitely suggest grabbing something beforehand. My friend won the tickets, but I think prices are around $25 and the show is free on Tuesdays if you live in certain zip codes. Overall, a fun and different way to spend an evening. read more

I went last weekend and have to say I was somewhat satisfied. Yes, I know...how funny the comedian is determines the experience you will have. The first comedian fell completely flat, BUT thankfully the next comedian turned it all around! He was hilarious! The drinks were good, and the waitress was great with getting our orders. The downside, the chairs are very uncomfortable. And, I have to agree with Andrea W. Granted, I sat towards the back, but I was freezing b/c I sat under a vent, too. There was also another drawback. Tickets were $21 and there was a 2 drink minimum. On the upside, free tickets were given after the show to come back. (but now I'm wondering if it's b/c of the first comedian...) read more

Zanies is the best comedy club in Chicago. A great venue, and exactly what a comedy club should be. Lots of people, a small(er) cozy space, lots of pictures up on the walls, and great comedians. Keep in mind that the tickets are cheap, but there is a 2-item minimum per person . The cocktails and beer are cold and well mixed, but the food is only mediocre. But if you're coming to Zanies for the food, you're getting the night all wrong. Go out to eat and drink at any of the number of fantastic restaurants within a 1-block walking distance, and then go to Zanies to enjoy the comedy. You'll have a great time, and you'll definitely want to go back. read more

I really like this place. Comedy clubs are always very unimpressive decor wise but I've been to the best ones in L.A. and they're all the same on the inside. Small tables and getting cozy with some new people are always expected. This place gets some great acts and the prices are awesome. Generally around $25 but they have neighborhood appreciation days too and other days during the week that are super cheap for more unknown acts. Don't go for the food, chips and salsa and microwaved pizzas but the drinks (and there is a 2 drink minimum just as it is at all comedy clubs) are pretty stiff. Nice service and if you want to meet one of the comedians usually they hang around for a bit. I love how this place is very intimate, it kind of feels like you're going over to someone's house to watch some very funny stand up. 4 stars for great acts and friendly staff read more

Pros = Amazing comedy acts perform here regularly, awesome part of chicago, intimate venue. Cons = hefty cover price, expensive drinks (2 bev or food item minimum per person), difficult parking, LOUD speakers. Overall, its a great place for every Chicagoan to come at least once. That being said, all tourists should try to catch one of Chicago's famous comedy shows at Zanie's, Second City, Improv Olympic, etc... Service was good, but as a fella with a limited amount of moolah to spend, this really put a dent on me. BIG cover price (compared to other venues around chicago), and then the drink minimums. Basically, it would be a awesome spot with lower prices. But hey, its business. :-) read more

This review is for the staff not for the performers. I called and made a reservation for 12 people, i was told that each of my individuals could call in and pay for their tickets seperately under a confirmaiton number i was given. The day of the show came and some of my party tried to call and pay for the ticket and was told the show was sold out! so needless to say at Zanies, reservation does not me to them what it means to the rest of the world and the people were so RUDE on the phone. I had to celebrate my birthday with 1/2 of my friends cuz of course everyone who had already paid, the ticket is non-refundable! read more

Got to see Emo Phillips here. Friendly people. Beer prices a bit on the expensive side.

I probably won't ever go again. Yesterday, I went to Zanies with a couple of friends. As I had never been there before (or to any comedy club ever, even) I checked the Zanies website first to get some details. The website recommended coming early, as seating is "first come first serve". I also checked out the menu. The drink prices seemed a little on the high end, but not ridiculously priced. They do force you to make two purchases while you are there, which is clearly stated at the time you buy tickets, and all over their website. Personally, I think this is kind of tacky. While I would probably order a couple of drinks anyway, the thought of it being a requirement is kind of a turn-off to me. If the establishment wanted to ensure a certain level of profitability, they should just roll the extra profit margin from those 2 menu/drink items into the price of the ticket. So after my friends made the suggestion to go, I went online to order two tickets (for myself and my friend.) The show tickets supposed to be $25 each (plus the two menu item purchase requirement.) Well, another price surprise... Nope, it isn't $25 because there is an $8.50 convenience charge to buy the tickets! (This isn't mentioned until you actually click-through the order process, and it shows on the final screen before completing the order.) Ridiculous. Furthermore, the website insisted that I print out a paper-copy of the receive to bring to the venue. Ridiculous in this age of smart-phones and such. (They actually didn't request to see the paper copy at the door -- as they had all of our names on a list... But still...) The biggest issue: My friend and I arrived promptly at 6:00 (a full hour before the show) and we were only the second group of people to arrive. Yet they seated us in the VERY BACK of the place! We asked our server if we could sit closer, and she told us the only other option was to sit in the very first row of seats (basically right up against the stage!) Not sure I wanted my first comedy-club experience to be that up-close and personal, we settled for the back-of-the-room-seating. (I guess the lesson to learn here is, make sure your expected party is an even number of people -- a multiple of 2. Otherwise, you get the shaft. If your party is 3, sorry, you get to sit in the back, no matter if you arrive an hour early. This is contrary to the website which says "first come first serve!") As we were seated, (and mind-you, the seats in the place are NOT very comfortable. Thank goodness the entire show only lasted a little over an hour...) the server was very insistent on us ordering right away (again, 2 item minimum per person!) So I mused over the menu, expecting to see something similar to the menu that is posted on Zanies website. Nope. Several of the items listed on the web were NOT present on the menu inside the comedy club. No healthy option of a trail mix snack. Additionally, everything on the menu was a few dollars MORE EXPENSIVE than the website had indicated. $8 for a draft beer? Come on. As for the comedy - I enjoyed the first person on stage (the "MC") and I enjoyed the opening comedian (Emily from Phoenix?). The main performer was not as good (in my opinion), however my friends enjoyed his act. All in all with everything included, expect to spend on the order of $60 per person for about an hour of mediocre entertainment. (YMMV.) I suppose the comedy would be a lot more funny if you were drunk or high. Me personally, I'd rather just go to a movie or grab a couple drinks with friends at a cocktail lounge somewhere. read more

Tonight was a blast! Pretty good drinks selection, good service. Hilarious comedians. Only negative is say is the layout. It's very narrow, so you sit having to turn your head to face the stage. Only way you don't have to turn is if you sit in chairs without a table. Overall, it was a great experience. I would definitely go back for more laughs and drinks. Also in a great location, so you can hang out before it afterwards to grab another drink or some food. read more