The famed nest of comic granddaddy’s Jerry Seinfeld, Sandra Bernhert, and Jay Leno, Carolines is legendary throwback New York. Long before websites held claim to the depressing majority of our attention and days, and back when New York was, how can we say, unplugged—nightlife revolved around the stage. It was the 80’s, an era responsible for our modern definition of diva, pop star, meth, and the standup comedian. Caroline’s has grown out of its once grungy aesthetic, as with most relics from the emergent New York glory days, into “America’s” mature “Premier Comedy Nightclub,”—an honorable mention on any City Sights tour. History is fluid, but funny stays the same.
Improv:
Just ask Larry David, the best comedy is born off the script! Though not comedy clubs by definition or tradition, improv theaters are the way to go for unpredictable, side-splitting laughs… to say nothing of the unmatched potential to volunteer your boyfriend/girlfriend to the stage! Perhaps improv is so addictive because in a way, it mirrors real life. The shticks are ever-changing, the plots make little sense, the collective anticipation for a response is often palpable. For a night of off-the-cuff comedy and fly away scenes that hark us back the awkwardness of home, check out the PIT, Upright Citizens Brigade, and The Magnet Theaterfor and --- all of which hold shows nightly.
The Comedy Cellar is the Health & Racquet club for comedy—for it’s a well-established that fact that this is where comedians workout. Regularly called the best comedy club in New York City, with headlining comedians like Dave Attel, Louis CK, and Chris Rock who all make regular appearances, it’s not hard to see why. The interior is intimate, the drinks are priced right, and the showcase style setup guarantees an evening kind to both performers and attention-span. In the eye of Greenwich Village, just below the Olive Tree Café and just adjacent to the historic Café Wa’, The Comedy Cellar is must-stop for fans of the city basement laugh.
If you’re like me, and have high standards but a low budget, then Dangerfields is for you. You need no more than access to a printer to reap the Friday, Saturday and Sunday 2 for the price of 1 special, or with a reservation and web print out, you can leave your wallet behind during any Monday through Thursday. Dangerfield purports itself to be the longest running comedy club in the world, which may or may not be the case—but to sit penniless before the stage that’s hosted Jim Carrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Jay Leno, Chris Rock and more, go ahead and call it whatever it is you want. Dangerfields--, timeless, guiltless, and childless (No amateur night, they promise with passion) is so welcoming it’s… laughable.
Or go local… (not eponymous)
Want to buck against the coat-check, bathroom attendant, and 2 drink minimum that is nearly requisite to Manhattan nightlife? We can’t blame you, which is why some border crossing might be in order. With the homespun feel of those ‘bridge and tunnel people’ and a little road trip out of your comfort zone, and off the grid, just might be worth it.
Here are some notables: Littlefields, performance and art space at 622 Degree St in Park Slope, Brooklyn holds a weekly variety show which features sketch comedy, standup comedy and the interspersing mix bag of oddities. Hosted by the infectiously affable Kristen Schaal of SNL, Flight of the Conchords, and The Daily Show and Kurt Braunohler, of his work with Kristen Schaal (kidding!—NYC comedian and improv instructor), Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen goes down Mondays for the pleasing price of $8.00 at the door.
CSO or Casual Sex Offenders as it’s ironed out, is a new New York based improve troupe. Students of the Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City, IO, The Annoyance Theater and Improv Boston, CSO has touched down in the castaway hip land of Long Island City. Sandwiched in between comedic acts before and after, CSO will perform free shows every Monday at LIC’s The Creek and The Cave at 9:30 p.m.
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