Comedy Cellar
4.8(8.1K)google
4.0(1.4K)yelp
Date SpotYouth-FriendlyNight-FriendlyIndoorLocal FavoriteReservation RequiredPerformance
Overview
Holding a highly prestigious, world-famous place in contemporary social entertainment history as the absolute premier birthplace for legendary stand-up comedy stars, this historic basement lounge is a cultural icon. Located mysteriously beneath a dark brick entrance in the heart of the vibrant Greenwich Village neighborhood, the cozy venue features its iconic brick wall backdrop accented by a colorful neon logo. Led by expert bookings that consistently feature surprise global comic masterminds night after night, it provides sophisticated late-night evening escape and laugh-filled memories.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-2.5 hours
Best TimeAn iconic year-round nightly indoor experience. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance for a Sunday-Thursday show between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM is highly recommended; weekday lineups are incredible and regularly feature surprise appearances by megastar comics.
Getting ThereSituated in Greenwich Village at 117 MacDougal St. Take the A/C/E/B/D/F/M lines to the W 4th St-Wash Sq station, exit, and walk south down MacDougal Street for just 2 minutes to spot the famous neon lit awning.
Travel Tips
- Every single show enforces a strict two-item minimum purchase per person inside the showroom; this cost is completely separate from your initial ticket reservation fee and excludes mandatory local tax and gratuity.
- Reservations are held strictly until 30 minutes before showtime; missing this window means your seats are unconditionally forfeited and distributed to the standby line outside. Late entry is absolutely not permitted.
- Cell phone usage is completely forbidden; devices must be turned off or locked inside provided secure pouches upon entry. Getting caught with an exposed screen results in immediate ejection from the venue without refund.
Reviews
Positive
- The most legendary underground comedy club in NYC; A-list comedians frequently drop in for surprise sets, making the energy and laughter incredible all night.
- The classic basement brick-wall stage offers amazing immersion and heritage; sitting so close to the performers lets you experience authentic American stand-up comedy.
- Despite the compact space, entry queues and seating are managed with high efficiency, and the staff are incredibly fast with seating and serving orders.
Heads up
- Booking tickets is incredibly difficult; weekend slots often require weeks of advance booking online, and the standby line can take over two hours without a reservation.
- The interior is extremely cramped and tight, making it tough to move. Additionally, there is a strict mandatory two-item minimum purchase per person for drinks or food.
- Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, the surrounding streets remain very noisy and chaotic late at night, which can feel overwhelming for travelers seeking peace.