Rebecca DavisNot all Philly comedy shows are a sure thing. You may sit through a whole set and hardly crack a smile—don’t worry, it’s happened to everyone. With all the clubs surrounding the city, it’s easy to overlook the jewels.
Fortunately, there are places in the city that know how to get the laughs rolling. Whether local talent or high-profile acts, these clubs have the kind of night you’re hoping for.
Below are the best comedy clubs in Philadelphia that are truly worth the ticket.
Helium Comedy Club
Media from heliumcomedyphl
Location: 2031 Sansom Street
Contact: 215-496-9001
Operating hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 5:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Helium Comedy Club in Rittenhouse Square is a popular destination for a night of laughs. With an intimate atmosphere and a good combination of neighborhood talent and name-brand comedians, you’ll find all kinds of comedic styles represented, including stand-up and improv.
The food and drinks are good too. They have a full restaurant bar, so you can get a snack while you laugh through the evening.
What’s cool about Helium is that they have a bunch of different event spaces. A few of my friends have hosted everything from birthday parties to work events in their private lounges, and they always make sure everything runs smoothly for whatever type of group you have.
| Pro tip: Try to arrive early to snag a good seat. The intimate space fills up fast, especially on weekends, and getting in early means you can settle in and enjoy the show without any rush. |
Punch Line Philly
Media from punchlinephilly
Location: 33 E Laurel St
Contact: (215) 606-6555
Operating hours:
- Monday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:45 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:45 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Punch Line Philly in Fishtown is one of those places that just gets comedy right. It’s a cool, modern venue with 300 seats and a vibe that’s both laid-back and full of energy.
They’ve hosted big-name comics like Dave Chapelle and Kevin Hart, along with local favorites, so there’s always something fresh and worth checking out.
The cabaret seating is intimate and makes you feel as if you’re included in the action, and the patio area is great for stopping by for a drink pre-show or post-show.
| Pro tip: Punch line has a two-drink minimum per person, so plan ahead—mocktails or carafes can help you meet it without overspending. Also, check your bill—tip is often added automatically. |
Next In Line Comedy
Media from nextinlinecomedy
Location: 1025 Hamilton St
Contact: (804) 380-2173
Operating hours:
- Fridays & Saturdays: Shows typically start at 7:30 PM
- Wednesdays & Thursdays: Pop-up shows at various venues
Next In Line Comedy is one of my favorite places to catch a show when I’m not in the mood for a big crowd. It’s a small venue in Spring Garden with about 80 seats, so you’re always close to the stage.
They feature up-and-coming talent, including comics like Chanel Ali and Gavin Matts. It has also hosted Jacob Williams, who has appeared on Comedy Central, MTV, and America’s Got Talent.
They also have a little bar setup with craft beer and cocktails, and I think I paid less here than I usually do at bigger clubs.
This is a good spot if you’re into low-key nights with real potential to catch someone before they blow up.
| Pro tip: Follow them on social media for updates on up-and-coming talent. You might get the chance to see a future big name before they blow up! |
Philly Comedy Club
Media from phillycomedyhub
Location: 16 S 2nd St
Contact: (267) 291-4679
Operating hours:
- Operating hours vary based on scheduled events. Please check the club’s official website for the latest showtimes and event details.
Philly Comedy Club is one of those clubs where you just feel the city’s comedy scene. It’s got a cozy, inviting environment that allows it to be a place where you can easily sit back and appreciate the performance.
The talent they bring in is a mix of big names who’ve been featured on big platforms like Comedy Central, The Late Show, or Conan. Some of the familiar faces that have graced their stage include comedians like Giulia Rozzi, James A. Janisse, and Rich Vos.
What I love about this club is that they have some unique events like their regular “Comedy & Cocktails” nights, where they pair stand-ups with craft cocktails.
If you’re into live podcasts or enjoy catching comedians in a more intimate setting, they’ve got you covered there too.
| Pro tip: Bring a valid ID–shows are usually 21+, and they are strict on checking IDs at the door. |
CSz Philadelphia – Home of ComedySportz
Media from cszphilly
Location: 2030 Sansom Street
Contact: (484) 450-8089
Operating hours:
- CSz Philadelphia hosts various shows and events throughout the week. For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit their official website
ComedySportz at CSz Philly is a different kind of comedy show. It’s all improv, but the twist is that the two teams compete in quick games while a referee keeps things moving. The audience gets to vote, which makes it more interactive than your usual comedy night.
What I enjoy about this place is that it’s BYOB, so no need to worry about pricey drinks—you’re free to bring your own and just enjoy the show.
They also offer improv classes, which I’ve been tempted to try. And if you’re planning something like a birthday or team event, they rent out the space too.
| Pro tip: They offer both family-friendly and adult-themed shows. For a G-rated experience, go for earlier shows. Check out the late-night “Blue Show” for something more mature. |
The N Crowd
Media from phillyncrowd
Location: 1935 E Passyunk Avenue
Contact:
- Contact them here
Operating hours:
- Fridays at 8:00 PM (Doors typically open at 7:30 PM)
For a night of giggles, The N Crowd is where you need to be. They’ve been an improv group since 2005, and they’re experts at all things unscripted. The audience is heavily involved, with their suggestions guiding the action on stage.
I’ve gone a few times, and every night has been different. It’s really interactive, so you’ll for sure be laughing with the comedians.
Plus, they offer team-building workshops if you’re looking to learn a thing or two while having fun.
| Pro tip: The N Crowd occasionally hosts special events, such as double features or guest performances. Review their schedule in advance to catch these unique shows. |
Philly Improv Theater
Media from phitcomedy
Location: 2030 Sansom Street
Contact: (267) 233-1556
Operating hours:
- Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday – Saturday: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
If you’re in Philly and need some good comedy, you’ve gotta come to the Philly Improv Theater (PHIT). They have terrific long-term improv and sketch comedy productions.
I have been a couple of times, and each show is just wild and hilarious. They take inspiration from outfits like Chicago’s Second City and New York’s UCB, so you can be sure the humor’s among the best.
What’s also wonderful about PHIT is its emphasis on building new talent. They have an entire training facility for improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy.
| Pro tip: Before the performance starts, turn off your phone or keep it on silent. They are strict about phone use during shows, and they may even confiscate it if you’re caught using it. |
Brownies Pub
Location: 46 S 2nd St
Contact: (215) 238-1222
Operating hours:
- Daily, 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
For a more laid-back outing, Brownie’s Pub is the place to be. The vibe is easygoing, and they offer good food and drinks, so you can grab something to eat before the show kicks off.
They offer Close Quarters Comedy on occasional Saturdays, which features comedians from Philly and New York that have been featured on Comedy Central and HBO—it’s an opportunity to see some good talent up close in an intimate environment.
If you’re free on a Tuesday night, you’ve got to check out the open mic. It’s a no-cost way to see a mix of newbies and veterans working through fresh material.
Also, don’t miss Funhouse—this monthly show has a casual vibe but always delivers some unexpected comedy gems.
| Pro tip: Buy your food before the show starts—once it gets going, the space fills up, and it can be tough to grab another bite without weaving through a crowd. |
Tattooed Mom
Media from tmoms
Location: 530 South Street
Contact: (215) 238-9880
Operating hours:
- Open daily from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
If you’ve never been to Tattooed Mom, you should check it out—especially if you’re into weird bars with character. The place is covered in graffiti and stickers, there’s a bumper car sitting upstairs, and it feels more like an art project than a typical bar.
They host comedy shows upstairs. I’ve been to Tattooed Momedy a couple of times—it’s free and usually on the last Tuesday of the month. The atmosphere is totally chill, and the comics are always a great blend.
For grub, it’s got decent choices. I’m a pierogi or veggie corn dog kind of girl (yes, they’re really good; don’t knock it till you try it), and they have these cute cocktails named after candies like Pop Rocket and Pickletini. And happy hour drafts for four dollars never hurt.
| Pro tip: Take a few minutes to wander upstairs and snap some pics—the place is so nice and Instagrammable so you might want to consider showing up early before the crowd rolls in. |
