“Do you like comedy?” Usually these words mean “Do you like to feel uncomfortable while a terrible and slightly offensive ‘up and coming’ comedian tries to make jokes at your expense while you guzzle expensive watered down drinks?” At least… that’s in Manhattan. Here in Brooklyn, you’re actually going to enjoy what’s about to happen—no two-drink minimum, no bull… just laughs. Here are some of Brooklyn’s top venues for a comedic night out: most free, a few pretty damn cheap, all HILARIOUS.
Belleville Lounge
Known first and foremost for their French food, the Belleville Restaurant also doubles as a lounge. Home to Open Mic nights and hip hop shows, every Thursday, there’s stand-up comedy storytelling. These free shows rotate every week—first and third of the month are stand-up and storytelling from The Third Wheel; the second of every week is My Bad!, where embarrassing stories come to life; and the fourth Thursday of every month is for Fireside, hosted by Jen and Ash, with great guests of their own. Every Thursday, 7:30 pm. Free.
330-332 5th St. at Fifth Ave., Park Slope
The Sackett
As you probably know, we love The Sackett. Our very own Beth Hoyt hosts NutSackett here, where, on the third Wednesday of every month, storytellers (from Upright Citizen’s Brigade, The Moth, and more) are given a theme and 10 minutes. And in exchange, they give us something to laugh about. They’re taking July off, but catch them in August at 8pm. More details here. Free.
661 Sackett St. between Fourth & Fifth Aves., Park Slope
Legion Bar
We have a love for all things Legion—from the super awesome Spoons, Toons and Booze to the Sing-Alongs, and we have an even deeper appreciation for all things coupled with cheap drinks. On the second Sunday of every month (the next one is on Aug. 8), you can enjoy Nice!, hosted by comedians Dan Chamberlain and Halle Kiefer, to be joined by comedians from the Onion, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, SNL and some great indie comics. Second Sunday of every month, 8 pm. Free.
790 Metropolitan Ave. between Graham Ave. & Humboldt St., East Williamsburg
Coco 66
From book readings to dance parties to CD release parties, Coco 66 has a full calendar of events—something for everyone. On the first and third Fridays of every month is Too Cool for School. Nick Turner and Jason Saenz play host to writers from Jimmy Kimmel Live! and SNL, comedians from Last Comic Standing and more. First and Third Fridays, 8 pm. Free.
66 Greenpoint Ave. at Franklin St., Greenpoint
The Knitting Factory
Home to concerts, sing-alongs and more, The Knitting Factory also hosts SNL writer and hilarious comedian Hannibal Buress for Comedy at the Knitting Factory, every Sunday with different weekly guests. Past guests have included Chris Rock, Judah Friedlander, and most recently Charlyne Yi (love her). Sundays, 9 pm. Free.
361 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer St., Williamsburg
Brooklyn Lyceum
This spot, with its handy café, is home to a variety of events, including conventions/markets, plays, dance shows, music shows and of course, comedy. Catch Gentrify! Brooklyn here. Hosted by MADCAR—a mash-up of improv teams M.A.D. and SideCar—the gig includes an accompanying slew of hilarious guest improv teams from all over, stand up comedians, and more. The next Gentrify! Brooklyn is this Friday, Jul. 23 at 10 pm. Then they’re going on a little hiatus and moving to Saturdays at 10 pm starting on August 14. $5.
227 Fourth Ave. at President St., Park Slope
Brick Theater
This Williamsburg theater, once an auto-body shop, is now a performance space for plays, shorts, and more. The next comedy show is Cash Test Dummies, where longform improvisers compete for a cash prize, and you choosethe winner. Wednesday, Aug. 11, 9 pm. $6.
575 Metropolitan Ave. at Lorimer, Williamsburg
Union Hall
This bocce-ball-throwing, book-reading venue in Park Slope has a ton of comedy going on—some cheap and some not. On the cheaper side, check out The Rejection Show: I Lost on a Game Show, where former game show contestants share their embarrassing stories of losing on national television. Hosted by comedian Jon Friedman, author of Rejected: Tales of the Failed, Dumped and Canceled, the show will include former contestants from America’s Got Talent and Wheel of Fortune. This Saturday, Jul. 24, 8 pm. $5. Be sure to check their calendar for other upcoming events.
702 Union St. between Fourth Ave. & Fifth Aves., Park Slope
All right, not a bad starter list, but Brooklyn’s gotta have more hilarity going on than this. Where do you laugh for free?
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There is great comedy at the Brooklyn Lyceum on Fridays at 10 – it’s called “Gentrify Brooklyn” – I think they are moving to Saturday nights starting in mid August though. http://www.facebook.com/pages/GENTRIFY-BROOKLYN/78032907308?ref=ts
Are you a comedianne?
thanks dana! we got it up there though – check out the third to last entry!
We do a free comedy show at Coco 66 as well called Crappy Cinema Council, it’s the last Sunday of every month. Our next show is this Sunday 7/25:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4775008822_af8784f275.jpg
crappycinemacouncil.com
There’s also a great monthly show at Bruar Falls called Giggles, run by Don Stahl. Usually the second Tuesday of the month, I believe.
great article!
Big Terrific at Cameo in Wburg! Hosted by Max Silverstri. Always hilarious.
There is a comedy show this Friday night (23rd) at Bar 4 (it kicks off with Wylie Toms at 8). It’s called Sack Lunch, hosted by Sagar Bhatt, with guests who’ve been on the Daily Show & worked with Will Ferrel. It’s free, and there is no drink minimum.
oooh yeah good call, Meghan
Duh, I can’t read. :)
awesome article! its nice to have them all listed out, thanks so much Jennifer for the sweet shout out to our show at belleville, and what’s up beth hoyt!! one of my all time favorite ladies.
this is a great article and listing!
xoxo
jenna
Great, everyone! Thanks so much for including more!!!
Can’t wait to check them all out!
There is a great show of standup at Bar 4 on Sundays at 9pm, it’s free. Yiannis Pappas hosts.
I just posted my own comedy round up of sorts over here http://bit.ly/bXjyjG
the Royal Oak in williamsburg has a great variety show called The Moon, 1st and 3rd tuesdays, 8pm. it’s free. they have had comedians like Reggie Watts, Todd Barry, John Mulaney, Tom Shillue, Leo Allen, Hannibal Buress, Adira Amram, Kumail Nanjiani, Andrea Rosen, Kurt Braunohler..
have a cast of recurring characters, musical guests, house musicians, an ongoing video series, a lot of stuff. it’s fun.
littlefield in Gowanus has Kristen Schaal’s Hot Tub show on Mondays for only 5 bucks!
Hey Brooklyn – there’s a new kid in town!
Tickle Me Brooklyn is a free comedy show that kicks off on Thursday, September 16th 2010 at Linger Cafe & Lounge at 533 Atlantic Avenue between 3rd and 4th Avenues. It’ll be every third Thursday after that.