From improv to stand-up, these Chicago comedy clubs guarantee an evening of laughter.
Be prepared for lots of laughs at The Revival.
1. Laugh Factory
Founded by iconic comedian Jamie Masada, the world-famous Laugh Factory has been inspiring belly laughs since 1979. Some of the city’s best stand-up comics and national celebrities congregate at this well-known comedy club. Ellen DeGeneres, Wanda Sykes, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence and Sarah Silverman have performed here. 3175 N. Broadway St., laughfactory.com
2. Second City
The Second City has grown to become the world’s premier comedy venue, theater and school of improvisation, dishing all kinds of laughter from performers such as Dan Aykroyd, Steve Carell, John Belushi, Billy Murray and Jane Lynch, to name a few. The company offers different shows, including The Best of The Second City, which features some of the troupe’s best sketches and songs. 1616 N. Wells St., secondcity.com
3. Zanies
Making audiences guffaw for four decades, this classic comedy nightclub hosts top local and national talent every week in Old Town. Settle in for an evening of laughter with a glass of bubbly or a tall Lakeshore Lemonade cocktail with citron vodka, sweet and sour, and blue curacao. On the radar for this month: SNL star Tim Meadows and Tonight’s Special Guest host Desi Alexander. 1548 N. Wells St., zanies.com
4. Annoyance Theater
The atmosphere of Annoyance Theater is all in the name: cheeky, with a whole lot of fun. This month’s highlights include a legendary performance by Devil’s Daughter, a Chicago-based comedy group with a stellar reputation for unforgettable solo scenes and unique characters. Want to get in on the action? Take to the stage with a class in dramatic improv or Annoyance-style stand-up—you’re sure to be the life of any party. 851 W. Belmont Ave., theannoyance.com
Head to Annoyance Theater for a night of hilariously irreverent comedy.
5. The Revival
With deep roots in Chicago and in the art of comedy itself, this Hyde Park staple is the ultimate destination for stand-up comedy, interactive workshops and music. Stop in for some much-needed laughs and your daily dose of unrivaled artistry. 1160 E. 55th St., the-revival.com
6. The Comedy Clubhouse
Regarded as one of the city's top-rated comedy spots, The Comedy Clubhouse, opened in 2015, is run by the first developing comedians union. Stop by for scripted, stand-up and improvised comedy for a night of laughter. 1462 N. Ashland, thecomedyclubhouse.com
7. The Comedy Bar
With two stages and nightly performances, there are endless laughs to be had at this top-rate downtown comedy club. Hungry patrons can get their fill of pizza as well, with the full Gino’s East menu available from the club’s downstairs pizzeria. 162 E. Superior St., comedybar.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF THE REVIVAL LLC; JENNIFER ESTLIN
