I'm fortunate to get to spend a decent amount of time each year in New York City. While there I’ll usually see as much standup as I feasibly can without pissing off my girlfriend too much. I’m occasionally asked for comedy club recommendations by friends who are visiting so I’ve tried to record the salient points across these pages. I can’t claim to have been to every single venue in the city, but I’ve visited a good many and have split the info across three categories –
All opinions expressed are my own.
If you want recommendations of where to visit, I'd suggest it depends on where your priorities lie.
If you're pushed for time, just go to the Comedy Cellar's MacDougal Street location. It's not the best comedy experience out there, the crowd can be annoying and the seating is uncomfortable, but you'll be able to say you've been to "that famous place".
If you're short of cash, consider Frantic at Stand NYC (Mon 9pm) or Ambush at EBBS (Wed 7:30pm). Sesh Comedy runs two rooms which are both BYOB.
If you're a comedy nerd, you're going to want to see a show at the Fat Black Pussycat (either Lounge or Bar) and maybe try something outside Manhattan like Comedians You Should Know at The Gutter in Williamsburg or anything at The Tiny Cupboard in Bushwick (if you're feeling very brave).