Comedy Cellar Classes

I'm from Montreal and I've seen lots of comedy festivals ( which are pretty good actually) and lots of old HBO specials ( Richard Pryor, Georges Carlin, Eddy Murphy, Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Dave Chappelle,... ) , and I must say the comics I've seen there are edgy. It's like they haven't any bounderies! They speak about anything they like... They were 5 comedians, plus the presenter who was very funny himself... The reason I went there in the first place is because of reviews I've seen on the net...I was in N-Y for a week and I have to say; for the atmosphere and the quality of the comics; GO THERE!!! Plus, the neighborhood (the village) is a great place to begin with...Great PUBS, restaurants, ... You'll laugh your pants off !!!!! Stephane Legault Montreal, Canada Pros: Great atmosphere, great comics, good price Cons: Very popular, must make reservations... more

I've groaned my way through many subpar stand-up routines. Not so at the Comedy Cellar. Every comedian was truly superb...I laughed all the way through every single act. Loved the host...he was just as funny as the other comedians which is often not the case. The drinks were really excellent (pricey, but after all it is Manhattan). more

I work in comedy in the UK and New York comedy clubs -despite the city?s comedy heritage- have a terrible reputation for not paying their acts well, enforcing drink minimums and failing to maintain the standard of comedy. Last week I had a amazing night at the Comedy Cellar which seemed to dispel this reputation, though having tried out other clubs in the city I think the Cellar may be the exception. We started off with an outstanding meal in the Olive Tree Cafe, which was friendly, beautifully designed and cheap. We then mozied downstairs to take in the early and then a bit of the late show in the Comedy Cellar. The first few acts (Kurt Metzger, Keith Robinson and Gregg Rogell) were all amazing, each having a couple of real stand out gems and consistently making me laugh. Other acts struggled and the consensus amongst the comics seemed to be that we were a tough crowd. That didn?t matter. The club was wonderfully geared up to facilitate the best comedy possible and discourage drunken heckling which is a major problem in so many British comedy clubs. The drink minimum could be applied to any item on the menu and there was a 3 drink maximum advertised which I have never seen before, since clubs (in the UK at least) generally make their money from the bar. We had a great night and I can?t recommend this club highly enough. It?s no wonder such big name acts would chose to try out new material here. I?ll be back again as soon as I can. Pros: Just wonderful all round Cons: So many comedians on the bill without intervals made the night feel a little relentless. more

So we were visiting from canada with 2 people in out party of three under 21. This club is awsome. they were so accomodating, and they made special arrangements for us to see the show, I couldn't believe they went out of our way. I don't know why people are saying horrible things, the wait staff was wonderful. They were very prompt and did a fantastic job of not getting in the way of the show. This comedy is first rate. This definitley not amateur night, these commedians know what they are doing, and know how to make people laugh, even when their jokes bomb! The 10 $ cover charge was more than welcomed considering the fun we had. I would have paid double. Chris Rock came to our 11pm show, and was a pleasant surprise. Dave Attell left us gasping for air. Even the banter between comics and the emcee was just too much to handle! Frankly I loved the fact that large groups are not admitted with ease. This club is small and intimate. The chatter a large group would create would be too much and ruin the show for others. I can't stress enough how great this place is. We spent 60 dollars including tip cover, and food for 3 people for 4 hours of hilarious laughter. Three people can't even go to the movies in NYC for that price. So I say what have you got to loose? I wouldn't have bothered registering for a membership to write this review if I didn't have the time of my life! I can't wait to go back! Pros: Unique NYC underground ambiance, Great Comedy, Hilarious Time! Cons: Entrance intimidating for tourists more

I saw Chris Rock twice in the same week! What else can I say? I had just seen Dave Attel and Darryl Hammond and Colin Quinn, so I was pretty happy - AND THEN CHRIS ROCK WALKS IN AND PERFORMS FOR AN HOUR. I came back the next night and he came again. more

I have gone to the "Comedy Cellar" many times in the past four years since I've discovered it. I can't believe anyone would give this place two stars or less for a rating. First of all, the male manager on the phone who books the reservations blatantly says, "No more than 8 people." And if you are late or too drunk, of course they are going to give your seats away, did you all honestly believe you are special??? Do me a favor, when you turn 21, go somewhere else that is made for young, immature adolescents like yourselves who don't listen or pay attention. Let the real adults enjoy our nights out peacefully without inexperienced alcholics ruining it by needing more than three drinks. Again, this is called reading, if you learned how to read back in grammar school as well as listening, you would know that you can only get three drinks. They probably would give more than three drinks if you could hold your liquior. Obviously, management is a good judge of character. Get a life you dumb a@@ trust fund babies!!!! Pros: Good food and famous people bump in's Cons: The bathroom more

Read it again, perv. The Cellar was the first place I saw live stand-up comedy. To this day, it remains one of my favorites. Always a good time with good people - and a lot of times they have free admission. The Comedy Cellar is definitely a place for anyone looking to have fun to check out. Even if you're not such a follower of stand-up, you'll recognize some big names. I got to see Dave Attell last week - be jealous, or just go see him yourself. Pros: Who doesn't like laughing? Cons: Two drink minimum doesn't always make for a thrifty night more

My girlfriends and I arrived on a Saturday night, with reservations for my friends birthday. After we waited on line for 30 minutes, the NASTY women at the door would not let us in because we were all friends. When questioned, she was very rude and annoyed that we would question her and told us that there policy is not to let large groups of friends in. We explained to her that we made the reservation for a large group and if that was not allowed why would they have let us make the reservation. She did find it necessary to talk to us like a normal human being and started yelling and cursing. In Short - DON?T GO!!!!!!! Don?t WASTE your TIME or MONEY!!!!!! (I wonder if the comics know what?s going on at the door??) Pros: NONE Cons: EVERYTHING more

Two weeks ago on a Saturday night, I was with a friend. There were two of us. First I was not givin a chose where to sit, and when i ask the male server if i could swith he ask me to wait and he had to ask the host. We he came back he said the show was sold-out. I went to talk to the host. The "old mean women" Looked at me and said," with those evil eyes. and said " sorry" . That was all. I live in D.C and came up here knowing that this was a showcase for the best comedy in NYC. Well even though that is the case, don't expect the hospitaliy to be the same. " My server was great , but the nasty old women needs to go. more

Let me start by saying that the show is good. The poor rating that I am giving the club is because of their reservation policy. Last night I drove two hours to see a show and have a night in NYC. When I got to the club the doorman told me that they were sold out. That was ok i thought because I made reservations through their website. No. I was informed that they had sold my tickets because I wasn't standing at the door when they started letting people into the show. Two hour drive, reservations and they sell my tickets? Let me also mention that I arrived at the club an hour early. When I got there they were not letting anyone in because the previous show was still in progress. So I went to get something to eat and returned about ten minutes before my show was to begin. The moral of the story is that you don't need reservations, only perfect timing to go see a show. I will never go there again. Pros: Locatoin is conveniet. Cons: Reservation policy is a joke. more

I went with friends to see the show on more than one occasion and I love the comedians, however it is always so Freezing!! I asked to have the air conditioner turned off (which was blowing directly on my neck) and the waiter said that they have to keep it on because the comedians get hot on stage!!! The temperature in the room forced me to order hot tea, and now I will think twice about going back. Pros: Great fun, great service Cons: too cold more

My boyfriend and I went to the 9:00 show the other night (3/29) and we had a blast. The comedians were awesome and the atmosphere was wonderful. The drinks were AMAZING and the food was great too. We only had wings.. The best time we've had in a loooong time and we plan on going again, making it our tradition. The laughter was the best medicine after a long, work filled, kid filled, bill paying week! My sweetie laughed so hard we were both crying. I recommend this place for any couple, new, old, even the ones about to break up.. :) The staff was quick and accurate and the show was full of fun! Definitely an experience you MUST have! Pros: Laughter, Two Item Minimun was Anything on Menu! Cons: Seating Arrangements more

I have been a regular at the Comedy Cellar since my days at NYU and took my parents last weekend who were in from out of town. This is the only place I know of where you can see Colin Quinn, Darrel Hammond and Louie CK all in the same lineup. Yes, the line and wait are a little long at times but the show is well worth it! My parents had a great time (haven't seen my dad laugh that hard in a while :) and I got to eat my favorite Mid-East Combo. If you wanna see the best comedians and not get hassled and overcharged, this is your spot. Well, done again Cellar. See you soon. Pros: intimate setting, good food, comedians, comedians, comedians Cons: need reservations more

I made reservations in advance for a party of 7 for a Saturday 11pm show days in advance. My reservation was confirmed. My guest and I arrived for the show at 10:57pm and were turned away by the nasty woman and man standing at the door. The best explanation they gave us was that our seats were given to another party because we did not have the white index card with our seating number on it and we arrived late. As we stood on the line that wraps around the block, no one ever came around handing out the cards which apparently work as their tracking system. Making reservations is useless at this place and there is no reasoning with the "management" staff. Unless you want to feel disrespected and frustrated please do not do this to yourself. Cons: Very tight space, nasty staff, making reservations is useless more

I've been here in the past and always had a good time. However, I went there (or tried to go there) two weeks ago and had one of the worst / ridiculous event experiences of my life. Basically, I had some friends in town and I wanted to take them to a comedy club in NYC. There was 14 of us so we made two reservations under two different names for 7 each. When we got there, a person was walking down the line and asking the groups if they had reservations. When they got to us, I told them that we had two reservations under different names, and we were all here. She promptly pulled us from the line, brought us to the Manager, who told us we couldn't get in because they don't except parties larger than 8. I've never heard of this before but in any case, I tried to explaining that we had two reservations under two different names and we were okay sitting apart. I have never heard of business that doesn't want large groups of peoples attending their restaurant / event. He still refused, was rude about it, and told us we should know better. Absolutely ridiculous and would have ruined our night if we didn't find some cool bars to hang out in. As I said before, the comedy here is great. But the service / management is horrible. If you're going to go, just know what you're getting into. I sent an email to their management and their response will determine if I ever go back again. Pros: Good Comedy Cons: Everything else. Horrible management! more

This used to be one of my favorite spots in NYC. I had visited it over a dozen times without problems, until two nights ago. My girlfriend had friends visiting from out of town. She made reservations a week in advance. When we arrived online, the man at the door pulled two people from out of our group. We were told that they were "too intoxicated" to come in. True, we did have a few drinks at the bar upstairs, but we were in no way being loud or inappropriate, just standing online minding out own business like everyone else. We falsely were told that they have a 3-drink maximum that is documented on their website; this is nowhere to be found. When I went to try to reason with the doorman, he told me that I was not allowed to enter either for questioning him. The accusations were completely ridiculous and unfounded! We all left, very upset by this experience; it ruined the night. As a result, I vow never to return to this club, and will dissuade others from attending. more

A group of us have been going to the Comedy Cellar since the 90's and it's always a good night. The website is key to find out who will be performing that week as well. Before the show, either get the great Armenian / Lebanese food next door or get drinks at Minetta's Tavern. The history in that bar is awesome, including the final scene in Sleepers. Pros: Awesome comics, proximity to the comic, reservations more

I have been to this club several times with my fiancee. We always had a great time and were there on a night when Chris Rock dropped in to do some new material. I highly recommend this club for anyone who enjoys having a few drinks and seeing some top notch comedians. Pros: great talent, close to subway more

I'm not a huge fan of stand-up. I've been through some painfully boring shows. But, this show has convinced me to re-visit this form of entertainment as a regular outing! 4 our 5 comics were great. 1 out of 5 comics was not funny at all. I felt bad for him. TIGHT seating. If you sit up front, it's good for viewing, but be prepared to pull your seat out completely from the table, in order to seat yourself. After seating, replace it just as tightly as it was originally. Food is offered, but -- I found it (seated within a 12" of the performers) wise to finish my falafel before the show started. Two items off the menu is required (drink and/or food) but 3 drinks is the max (warding off drunken hecklers). Good for first dates or friends. NOT FOR CROWDS! RESERVE AHEAD OF TIME! ARRIVE EARLY. Pros: fun, unique, laughs Cons: tight space, rush to exit, OK service more

I was at the Comedy Cellar on Sat. night with a few friends. All the comedians were absolutely hysterical, but the kicker was when they announced a special guest. The host said please welcome Robin Williams and nobody believed him until we saw him run onto stage. He was so funny and nice. We had a great time and plan to go often. You never know who might stop by there but you will never be disappointed with any of the acts. Pros: good service, inexpensive, funny more