Sure stand up is great, but often times the shows can be overpriced and the clubs flashy and overcrowded. What’s fantastic about improv and sketch comedy shows is that the venues are intimate and there is an air of unpridicability, teetering on the edge of chaos, and it’s usually dirt cheap. Also, many of the clubs offer classes and open mic nights in case you think you have what it takes to make a room full of half-drunk people laugh.

1.

The Original Improv

318 W 53rd St
New York, NY 10019

One of the original comedy clubs in Manhattan.  Mostly showcases stand-up comedians, but also offers some great improv nights.    Past performers include Dave Chapele and Adam Sandler.  Two drink minimum.

2.

Upright Citizen’s Brigade

307 W 26th St.
New York, NY 10001
My favorite spot in the city to go to for cheap laughs.  Extremely intimate setting and you never know exactly what your going to get.  Tickets usually run $5-8 and they sell $3 Budlights.  Buy tickets ahead of time or get there early as weekend shows usually sell out.

3.

Gotham City Improv

48 W 21st St
New York, NY 10010

Known as the best improv comedy club in the city they also offer classes and certain shows are available for hire.  Like UCB tickets are dirt cheap ($5-8)

4.

The Pit

145 W 29th St
New York, NY 10001

The People’s Improv Theater has variety of hilarous student-created shows 7 nights a week.  Check their calender for the occasional free show.

5.

Comedy Celler

117 MacDougal St,
New York, NY 10012

A favorite comedy club in the West Village.  It offers a full dinner menu and group reservations for 8 people or less.  The also is a two item (food or drink) minimum in addition to the cover charge.