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Thu / Jan 21
Party Earth Review One of New York’s most hallowed halls of stand-up, the Comedy Cellar – which has hosted the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chapelle, and Jon Stewart – remains a go-to venue for tourists, groups of giggling college students... ... read full review
117 MacDougal Street
New York, NY 10012
A, B, C, D, E, F, M: West 4th Street-Washington Square-6th Avenue
212-254-3480
Performances Su–Th 9pm and 11pm; F 8pm, 9:45pm, and 11:30pm; Sa 7:30pm, 9:15pm, 11pm, and 12:45am
Greenwich Village / NoHo, New York –
One of New York’s most hallowed halls of stand-up, the Comedy Cellar – which has hosted the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chapelle, and Jon Stewart – remains a go-to venue for tourists, groups of giggling college students, and business types in the market for a few good laughs.
A hallway hung floor to ceiling with headshots of the Cellar’s past performers leads patrons into a wide but intimate cocktail lounge and restaurant, where couples and future comedians grab a bite to eat and peruse the collection of silkscreen posters of famous comedy performances.
The focal point, of course, is the small stage in front of an exposed brick wall, where a zealous MC introduces at least two shows a night featuring up-and-coming comics with resumes that include The Tonight Show and 30 Rock.
Patrons should be aware that the comedians make use of the downtown vibe and intimate space to test out some of their more scandalous material, and those seated next to the stage might find themselves the butt of a joke – much to the delight of the other guests seated a safe distance away.
Despite its modest basement space and slightly out-of-the-way address, Comedy Cellar remains one of the world’s best comedy joints for young comedians and enthusiastic laughers alike.
Out-of-towners, groups of friends, students, aspiring comedians, dates, couples, and business professionals, 20s to 40s.
At least two performances nightly featuring four or five comedians. Ambient music between sets. Stand-up classes offered for hopeful professionals and hobbyists.
Full menu includes wings, salads, wraps, burgers, and desserts. Two-item minimum.
Cover charge $10/M–W, $12/Th and Su, $18/F–Sa. Salads $6+, burgers $10+, entrées $11+, desserts $5+. Beer $4+, wine $7+, cocktails $7+. Comedy lessons $400 for eight three-hour classes, two live performances, and DVDs of each performance.
Nice casual: untucked button-downs, jeans, comfortable dresses, jackets, boots, flats.
Just about any night, though the late shows on Fridays and Saturdays usually feature the biggest-name comics.
The Olive Tree Café upstairs offers a fuller restaurant menu and a coffee shop.
Comedy Cellar User Reviews