Boston’s Best Comedy Venues

If you like to laugh then you’ve come to the right city.  Boston has one of the best comedy scenes in the country.  Whether it’s legendary comics like Jerry Seinfeld or Beantown native Louis C.K. knocking them dead at the Wang Theater or cutting edge sketch comedy at Improv Asylum, Boston’s comedy clubs will have you rolling in the aisles, busting a gut, and all those other clichés for laughing really hard.

Below, BostonSmarts looks at ten of The Hub’s best comedy clubs.  If you need a night of frivolity, and nowadays who doesn’t, just check out any (or all) of these great laugh factories.

The Comedy Studio
1238 Massachusetts Avenue 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA
617-661-6507

You’ll find the legendary Comedy Studio on the third floor of the Hong Kong restaurant in Harvard Square.  Quality standups grace the club's hallowed stage six nights a week.  Some of the venue's top comics include Brian Kiley (writer for the “The Conan O’Brian Show”), Thom Brown, Rick Jenkins, and Pat O’Shea.  All shows start at 8pm.

Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Vault
124 Boylston Street (Tremont Street)
617-482-0110

Every Friday night in the 1990s, Dick Doherty’s Beantown Comedy Vault hosted a set by the hilarious Dane Cook.  Nowadays, the club features local and nationally renowned comedians seven nights a week.  Enjoy a night of guffaws while enjoying great food and refreshing libations.  The Vault is an 18-and-older establishment. 

Cutler Majestic Theatre
219 Tremont Street
617-824-8000

The Cutler Majestic Theatre isn’t a comedy club but it does host performances by some of the nation’s best standups.  For instance, the insanely funny Lewis Black will delight audiences with his brand of insane humor at the Majestic on Sept. 9 and 10.  The theatre was built in 1903 but underwent major renovations before reopening in 2003.  The Boston landmark seats 1,186.

Improv Asylum
216 Hanover Street
617-263-6887

Often voted as the city’s best comedy club, Improv Asylum treats fans to hilarious improvisation and cutting-edge sketch comedy every Tuesday through Sunday.  To score comedy tickets you can either call their box office or visit their Web site.  If you can’t make it out to the venue located in Boston’s North End, you can always watch their zaniness on television.  Improv Asylum’s Vanity Project debuted July 2 on WCVB TV.

ImprovBoston Theatre
40 Prospect Street
Cambridge, MA
617-576-1253

Widely known for its comedy training program, ImprovBoston Theatre also showcases improvisational comedy, sketch comedy, and standup comedians.  Rather unique for a comedy club, Improv Boston has a show specifically designed for the entire family.  The “Family Show” is Saturdays at 6pm.

Mottley’s Comedy Club at Trinity
61 Chatham Street
877-615-2844

Mottley’s Comedy Club at Trinity boasts itself as a place where “old school meets the new school.”  They mix the best in established comics with the most promising acts in the country.  The club is located downstairs from the Trinity Bar and their shows begin at 8:00pm.  Mottley's is a 21 and over club. 

Nick’s Comedy Stop
100 Warrenton Street
617-438-1068

Nick’s Comedy Stop can be found in Boston’s Theater District, just follow the laughter.  The Comedy Stop tickles Bostonians’ funny bones with the best in well-established standups and the hottest new comedians.  Through the years their stage has hosted sets from luminaries like Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Dane Cook, and Phyllis Diller.  Nick’s is an 18-and-over club that's opened for comedy Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8:30pm.

The Tribe Comedy
67 Stuart Street
617-510-4447

The Tribe Comedy is one of Boston’s newest and funniest clubs. Founded on improvisational theater, the Tribe keeps audiences laughing with their ingenuity, intelligence, and spontaneity.  Better yet, tickets to see The Tribe are relatively inexpensive.  The club also serves delicious eats (try the ultimate nachos).  Don’t let the Tribe’s outside appearance fool you.  It looks a little suspect from the street but once you’re inside this hidden gem does not disappoint.

Wang Theatre
270 Tremont Street
617-482-9393

Built in 1925, the grandiose Wang Theatre welcomes just about every type of entertainment you can imagine and that includes comedy.  For example, Chris Tucker will take to the Wang’s stage on Sept. 10.  Other comedy giants that have performed at this historic venue include Jon Stewart, Daniel Tosh, and Jim Gaffigan.  The Wang is part of the Citi Performing Arts Center along with the Shubert Theatre.

Wilbur Theatre
246 Tremont Street
617-428-9700

Widely known for its top-tier music concerts, the Wilbur Theatre also hosts the comedy world's best acts.  This summer alone fans can partake in sets by Bill Maher, Kathy Griffin, Craig Ferguson, Lisa Lampenelli, Doug Benson, and Bill Burr.  The Wilbur was built in 1914 and then refurbished in 2008 by Comedy Connection owner Bill Blumenreich.  This performance venue is a Boston institution and a great place to come for a chortle.