Went there a couple weeks ago to support a friend. I've been to the one in St. Charles located in the Pheasant Run In, so I knew what to expect. Yes it's a little whole in the wall, but it's the perfect atmosphere for a fun night out. There were not any featured performers the night we went. More like a amature night for locals to try out their stuff. We got a great seat off to the side but still up close. There is no smoking, so if you're a smoker, such as myself, make sure you have one before you go in. My boyfriend and friend were hungry so they got one of the mini pizza's which I was told by them was actually good. The thing I didn't like were the dixie cup sized drinks. I have no problem paying $7 for a captain and coke, but when it's served in a thimble, I kind of feel ripped off. The show was fun but ran quite long. And on hard chairs, my butt was feeling the effects. I'd still go back again. It's something different to do, and if you catch someone really good, I'm sure it would be a really awesome time. read more

Great place to see any Comedy act. I have been to Zanies countless times and have not seen a show I didn't enjoy. The venue is nothing spectacular, but seems to make the experience even more entertaining. The tickets are cheap, but there is a two drink minimum. I would recommend getting there early as a line starts to form outside. They seat people according to where you are in line. The last row of seats are stools and very uncomfortable. Highly recommend read more

This place is the real deal. You get to see some very funny people that may become stars... and some that already are stars. You also get to see some people struggle..... even when they're "good". People are cutting their teeth at this place even though it's a big break for them. It truly is a nice way to get some "real" live entertainment. read more

Ok, Zanies is great, but of course your experience will be completely dictated by how good (or bad) the show is that night. Thankfully I've only seen great shows (both Aaron Karo and Karen Rontowski were fantastic). Anyway, the place is a total dump, but the comedian's head shots adorning the walls provide amusement before the lights go out. And the location is great: Old Town has some fun pre- (or post-) drinking spots! read more

I really enjoyed the comedy. Very good performers. The stupid drink minimum is almost fascist-like especially considering a miller light is $5.50. That is insane. However, there is a chance I would go back, but maybe if someone else pays for me. read more

i loved it. We went with another couple on friday night to see kevin hart. He was amazing. It was a soldout show- -- the line to get in was around the block. luckily we were the last group to get in, everyone else had to leave because there were no seats left. read more

I've been to Zanies a few times-usually with nothing to do that night and turning to local comedy. Cant go wrong with that, right? Larry Reeb is a hoot and Patti Vazquez had her funny moments. Both had great opening acts and the emcees are just alright-really nothing too memorable. Any place that has a drink MINIMUM is a winner in my book. Just a few tips for Zanies virgins: There are some great restaurants in the area so dinner and a show can make for a nice night out. Also, a line beings before the show outside--so get there before the doors open for a decent seat; the venue is quite "cozy." read more

i came here during my last night in chicago and loved it. we watched dr. miller and he had a show called "doctors are people, too." coming from a desi background, i could completely relate to a lot of his stories. i enjoyed his show and liked the venue, but wish their food was of better quality. it sucks that there is a 2 item minimum. i ordered a virgin drink called a "cheap date" and it was fantastic. it's pina colada mixed with fruit juices. i also ordered a brownie, which was not good. it did not taste like they had baked it. read more

I have fond memories of Chicago's stand-up comedy "boom" several years ago, when there seemed to be a comedy club on every corner. So many clubs, however, meant too many outlets for really lame acts, which is why most of these places are long gone. Zanies has survived by continuing to book quality & bigger-name acts. The club is smallish & often tightly packed, and the admission is somewhat steep - $20 per person minimum, with higher cover for bigger-name acts - plus 2-drink minimum, but I've never seen a bad act here. read more

Small, local comedy spot with lesser known/up and coming comedians. They have constant deals going on with online coupon sites which I feel is worth it. But paying full price on a Saturday seems a bit much. They also enforce a 2 item minimum per person. Forewarning: Eat before you come here! I was thinking they might serve "real" food like they do at Improv in Schaumburg, but they only have cheese nachos, pretzels, microwave pizza, and a nuked brownie that came out of a plastic container. read more

Something fun to do if you want a diversion, but drinks and food suck. The commedy is fine, yet not inspiring or side splitting. Parking is also a hassle. A night with tip is around $100 once you pay for your four drinks (required) and parking read more

2-drink minimum is never a bad thing. The walls are filled with pictures of people that did stand-up at one point in their career. I found Tim Allen, Jay Leno, Carrot Top... to name a few. Fun experience with friends. read more

I've always found the acts to be very funny which is the most important part. The site itself leaves much to be desired. Not very comfortable. Its sort of a dump to be honest, but I'm sure some people find that to be part of the charm. read more

You go in on a Tuesday night and it is amateur night they have a two drink minimum and terrible acts. It's gonna be a long time before I go back to this place. read more

I have been to at least 4 shows at this place. It does get a bit expensive in terms of the drink and food minimum and you are probably looking at around $80-90 for a couples night out. The people make the experience and if you sit with a bunch of d-bags it is much less fun. Check out the comedian and plan on coming when you have a act you will really enjoy. The last time I was there I was not very impressed with the headliner. He was sort of all hype. One suggestion to avoid the processing charge is to call the box office instead of buying online. They don't charge you the extra service fee when you do it over the phone :) read more

What a cool little joint!! My friend bought tickets for us for our Saturday night city extravaganza. Zanie's did not disappoint! All four of us were seated together literally right in front of the stage. As in, all of our drinks were sitting ON the stage. The opening acts were funny, and the headliner was hilarious as well. There's the two item minimum, but that's pretty much on par with a lot of places in the city, so that didn't bother me. However, when you only have two women's bathroom stalls in a room full of women, and one of them is broken, you're not going to get a five-star review. One stall for all of those women does not cut it, my friend!! Also, as we were leaving, we got two passes for free tickets at any of their locations--score!! I will be back...fix your toilet... read more

I had such a great time here! The waitstaff was very attentive and the comedians kept us laughing the whole night. I will definitely be back. read more

My husband and I have been coming for years. We love the acts every single time. A total good time. You can't miss. Zanies is where it is at. read more

I love stand up comedy but b/c i've seen a ton of good comedians, I guess my standards are a bit higher --it wasn't bad but nothing spectacular..there were moments of good laughter but good comedians are like seasoned boxers going for a knockout..they'll slowly warm up, get in a few jabs (jokes), sense weakness and go for the knockout (punchlines)...I got jabbed a few times but never close to being knocked out in laughter read more

Came back again for Patt Mcgann- never heard of him prior- but was blown away by his jokes and his delivery. He had my girlfriend and I both laughing on each and every beat. Like a midwestern Greg Fitzsimmons- this guy's got a serious future in Comedy. Zanies is my go to club and Patt set the bar high- thanks again. read more

Small place but worth going to. The comedians are hilarious and the drink are good and come quick unlike other places I have been to. I can't wait to return! read more

Very good stand up comedy. Probably the best in the city.

Tried to go to Second City for a show but they were sold out...thank goodness! We happen to run into Zanies on our first night in Chicago. We had the best time. Great, cozy atmosphere and the comedians were hilarious. Would def go back! read more

Never in my life have a walked out of a comedy show, but I did last night! Ugh the comedy was horrible. Our server, Zarah (spelling??) was fantastic. Service was quick and she was very friendly. The venue is small and cramped but serves its purpose, I guess. It's kind of like the dive bars of comedy clubs. I'd probably give the venue one more star but the comedy left no room for that. I wouldn't visit again. read more

laid back funny fun... i'm a patron of second city and have never really thought about going to zanies. my friend had won some tickets so on a whim, we decided to see a show right after an evening run. we got great seats (thankfully not the ones RIGHT up against the stage). the food offered is much like that of a ballpark: pretzels, nachos, individual (small) pizzas... had the pretzel that came with generous sides of mustard and cheese. i'm used to the 2-drink minimum (most other venues of the kind follow this) but i guess i also wasn't as reluctant given entry was free. what's interesting though is it's a 2-ITEM minimum so my pretzel and glass of cab sufficed. i loved that we could come in our running clothes and not feel underdressed. i feel like this is a more easygoing version of second city. 3 out of the 4 comedians were good. they characterized our team of comedians as "clean" and appropriate for corporate events. it was a bit annoying though that the usual schtick of "anyone from out of town" and "oh those suburbs" was overplayed. even though it's a tiny place, the single stall ladies room could be a problem (i got lucky with timing, lol). read more

Pretty good time but not enough acts. I would like to see shorter sets and more variety. Great place to go with a small group to laugh and have a few drinks. Stay away from the blended drinks...those things are sooo sweet and not even good. read more

Have not been in awhile, but when I did go, I usually saw a great show! The drinks were moderately priced, the service was not intrusive, and the ambiance was, well, funny! My one complaint is that when your show is done, you feel like you have to rush out of there because people rush out to allow the next group to come in. I did not like that. But it's ok, because it's a great place to switch up your routine! read more

I've yet to go to Second City, but this place is a great comedy club. Be prepared for a drink minimum on top of your ticket price, but hey that's most comedy clubs. We went on an open mic night and it was hilarious for many reasons. read more

This was a great place! It's a rather small place, so everything else is pretty small (tables/chairs). My boyfriend and I came here on a Tuesday for their 10 comedians for $10. It was a great deal. The comedians were funny and the snacks were cheap! We sat in the front row, and everything sounded good. At times, it was loud, but not unbearable. Their 2 item minimum per person is a little silly though, but then again, I'm used to 1 item minimum per person. We ordered their nachos - simple tortilla chips with nacho cheese, salsa and pickled jalapenos. It was only $5 and lasted me the ENTIRE show with some chips left over. The drinks are decently priced. I ordered some girly drink that tasted like chocolate milk with alcohol in it. It was in a big glass for $8. Drinks are no more than $10. I would definitely take people here. read more

Years ago, this was THE place to see comedy. It may still be...on the weekends. Went on a Wed. Yes, the crowd was small, but it was 3 Male "comedians". If your jokes are all about hitting on women, your dick, or living with your parents, you are NOT funny. Do NOT give up the day job or move out of the basement. As to food...not even worth a put down. Drinks? Stick to beer, wine, or soda, but keep in mind service can be difficult at best. I am not likely to go back. read more

Went to Zanies for Gilbert Gottfried. It was as expected. He reused years old jokes and just seemed to think that cussing was so novel that it was hilarious. Kind of like Eddie Murphy and Dice Clay used to do. It's not Zanie's fault. The club seating was very tight as usual, but our server did a good job. Thankfully, talent like Gilbert is a much needed step up from "Uncle Lar" and some of the bums they were presenting over the last few years. For that reason I'm glad to give them an updated and improved rating. read more

I was here a while ago and the biggest bummer was that it was a two drink minimum and I decided to have a soda for one of my drinks....however, it cost MORE than an alcoholic drink...WTF? The performer ( forgot his name) was decently funny but I didn't like the seating. I was seated sideways to the stage and got a crank in my neck from turning my head for an hour. I would go here again just cuz it's a well known (if not famous) comedy club so I assume they have some good acts. read more

Zanies is the best! Small, intimate venue for comedy featuring not only local up and coming comics, but big names as well. Went and saw Gilbert Gottfried last thursday and was in tears almost the whole time. It was really cool because at the end of the show he stood right by the door and shook hands and took pictures with fans as they were leaving. Where else can you go and do that? 2 drink minimum, which is cool because it gets the blood flowing and the crowd into it. Most shows range from $20 to $30 which is very reasonable for comedy in Chicago. Rising Stars showcase is on Mondays and features a dozen or so local comics and that was only 10 bucks and well worth it. If you are sick of the traditional sports bar scene and wanna do something different, go to Zanies! read more

Really enjoyed this intimate (tiny) venue. We decided to head here on the recommendation of a friend from the nearby hood. The entertainers were good, especially the host and the headliner, who was Andi Smith on this occasion. Seating was less than comfortable...but the performers shined. Can recommend! read more

I went to Zanie's on my birthday last friday and for the fact that I had a great time I will give it 3 stars. The comedians were hilarious and I was with good comapany so it was all fluid fun. I liked every square inch of the walls being covered in past performers head shots and autographs. Now to the negatives: They leave everyone lined up on the street until only a few minutes before the show starts. This leaves a rushed atmosphere as every one piles in. Once inside you are seated at tables that can be hidden underneath pizza boxes crowded on top of one another. Our cocktail server was hating life and it showed (Considering the cramped quarters I can't say that I blamed her) but it is hard to get around your own good time when this chick is sneering at you. If you intended to catch a decent bite to eat here-don't. I wouldn't enter a comedy club expecting filet, but one member of our party was famished and had a choice of: nachos, stuffed pretzel, or crappy individual pizza. I offered a menu even keel to this out of my college dorm room. All things considered, I would definitley go back. The comedy is good and that's really what the place is about. If you don't go in expecting all the frills and aren't finicky high maintenance then you should check this joint out. read more

I've been to a lot of comedy spots in the country and this gets four stars because the show was amazing. The atmosphere is full of culture, the sound was dead on. The opener was a little dry but the main act was one if the best I've seen. I would give five stars but the food was laughably bad. I wasn't drinking that night so went with the two food minimum which was my mistake. Great place but don't order the food. read more

Some of the past few shows I've been to have not been stellar but last night, my friends and I saw Brian Scott McFadden and we were laughing so hard we couldn't breathe, a great show. "Oh yeah!" haha read more

Love this place. Saw Jake Johannson there and loved him.

Saturday I feel is a better show. Ricky Velez was great. With every penny. Go comedy vs Club night. read more

Zanies is a great place to go, some of the jokes might be slightly offensive to some people! Not as a much poking fun at the crowd as some comedy clubs, and more than a handful of "amateur" comedians perform in a given night vs. a few on regular nights! Was definitely a hit! read more