Best Comedy Club in Chicago River Area

"Chicago is the place where comedians Steve Carell, Tina Fey and John Belushi all launched their careers. So, as you can imagine, there’s a thriving comedy scene here. If you love improv and sketch comedy, then one of the best places to visit is The Second City."

"Who doesn't need a few laughs during the cultural chaos that is life in the USA?. The world's premier comedy theatre and school of improvisation, Second City, pokes fun at boomers, millennials, media, and the *&%#@!"

"After dinner, enjoy some classic Chicago nightlife with either a live jazz performance at Buddy Guy’s Legends, or a comedy show at Second City. Chicago Itinerary Day 3"

"If you’re looking for a comedy club in Chicago with rich, long-standing history, Zanie’s Comedy Night Club is the place to go. Located on North Wells, this comedy club is for the 21 and over crowd and hosts nationally-known headliners on a weekly basis. Listen and laugh with the likes of Jeff Garlin, Doug Benson, Josh Blue and more when stopping in at Zanie’s Comedy Night Club."

"If you’re a big fan of stand-up, this just might be the club for you. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Zanies was Chicago’s first establishment dedicated to stand-up, making it a mainstay on the city’s comedy scene. It features touring headline acts every night of the week, so no matter when you’re in town, you should be able to squeeze a show into your travel plans."

"Zanies has been a Chi-Town comedy staple since 1978 and have been the stage of many famous comedians throughout the years. It has excellent service, good grub, good drinks, and of course, some of Chi-Town’s finest comedians each evening. If you’re looking to get a good laugh, Zanies is among the better bars and clubs in Chicago."

"Located on North LaSalle Drive in downtown, The Comedy Bar is a popular Chicago comedy club that brings the laughs to you on a nightly basis. Featuring an upper-level stage and a main-level stage, this popular Chicago attraction overlooks Gino’s Brewing company and each stage seats more than 100 people. Enjoy a cocktail, a few laughs and a casual night out in downtown with a trip to this venue, known as one of the best comedy clubs in Chicago."

"This club has a lot going for it: no drink minimum; no age requirements; pizzas, snacks, and drinks for purchase; and tons of stand-up comedians. Open-mic nights are free, but with relatively inexpensive tickets available for other shows, you might want to consider going to a headlining act — either on the main or B stage. The shows run every night of the week, attracting some of the funniest talent in the city."

"A post shared by Chris and Kerry Walker (@thewalkertwiins) on Oct 3, 2018 at 8:25am PDT. Guests can enjoy good food and drinks while they watch the acts on stage. Besides comedy shows, burlesque shows are also held here, so check the schedule and plan accordingly if you wish to watch a specific performance."

"A post shared by K.Cal (@therealkatiecal) on Nov 4, 2016 at 11:10pm PDT. The name of this establishment is quite apt, as it seems to take pains in bringing its brand of service and humor to another level. A buffet is served here and features a variety of food options."

"The Annoyance Theatre is (proudly) edgier than the other comedy bars in the Windy City — think buckets of fake blood, actors stripping down to their underwear, and wacky premises for improv shows. The theater’s first big hit was its original musical, “Coed Prison Sluts,” which ran for 11 straight years, and then came back to the stage in the late 2000s. Although the musical isn’t currently being performed, you don’t need to fret — the theater has replaced it with plenty of other bawdy shows."

"The Annoyance Theatre & Bar is in the process of moving their venue, but it is well worth following their updates to see when they reopen. They focus strictly on improv shows, from all out themed shows to witty comedians doing their best one-offs. They usually enter the night with the mentality of ‘there are no rules’, but the rule of ‘no comedian can refuse a drink’ comes into play on occasion to transform an already hilarious comedian into a hot-mess that entertains like no other."

"According to stories, The Revival was the birthplace of improv comedy. In fact, it got its name to indicate the intent of bringing it back to its glory days. As a comedy club, The Revival features a mix of acts and performances, ranging from stand-up and improv comedies to skits and musical acts with a humorous twist."

"The Laugh Factory is a small yet cozy establishment that has an intimate ambiance. The biggest highlight of this comedy bar would probably be its occasional open mic nights, which give guests the opportunity to realize their dream of being stand-up comics, even for just one night. Be aware that there’s a two drinks minimum policy here, but even non-drinkers can go around this, as non-alcoholic beverages are sold here as well."

"Enjoy vegetarian and vegan Thai food in Chicago, IL through a fusion of traditional methods and modern interpretation. Just like its name, I’m Vegan and Vegetarian is indeed a fully vegan and veggie restaurant with beautiful dishes you’ll Thai for (are you tired of the puns yet?)!. Location: 2907 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657"

"This Ravenswood gem takes traditional Thai dishes and remakes them using seitan and other meat substitutes. The result is the Asian flavors you love, with none of the meat products. At Urban Vegan, you’ll find almost everything you could order at a typical Thai restaurants: chicken satay (made with soy chicken), steamed dumplings (packed with vegetables), tons of flavorful curries, noodle dishes, stir-fried veggies with rice, and more."

"With a broad selection of Thai and Asian dishes such as tofu satay, grilled vegetable dumplings and papaya salad, Urban Vegan is fully vegan, using soy shrimp and chicken substitutes to capture the full flavor and texture profile of the original meat-friendly recipes. A blend of vegan and Asian flavors is a must in the best restaurants in Chicago. Urban Vegan | 1603 W."

"Load up on veggie dumplings and then hit the main course with the soy orange chicken dinner to get your fix."

"The huge, globally inspired menu of this Albany Park spot is filled with craveable items, like the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, Fried Mac-and-Cheese Balls, and the Caesar Avocado Wrap. It’s all about vegetarian comfort food here, and there are many vegan (and gluten-free) options as well. Never tried jackfruit, touted as a great meat substitute?"

"With menu sections called, “I’m not really hungry but I’m gonna eat anyway” to “Wrap it up”, “Side chick”, and “It’s Mexico somewhere” you know you’re in for a treat. Location: 3300 W Montrose Ave, Chicago IL 60618"

"Such a sweet respite in the middle of our on-going saga of the pandemic; in the middle of a neighborhood; in the middle of the city (Chicago;) in the mid..."

"This new kid on the South Side block has officially stepped into recently-departed neighborhood institution Monnie Burke’s shoes as Pilsen’s latest Latin-inspired charmer. The patio is even more welcoming this time, a mass of exposed brick, soft lighting, and rustic exposed beams setting the tone while the poured cement floor radiates heat beneath diners’ feet. Food-wise, you’re looking at equally warm and cozy options like concha toast jazzed up with tres leches cream and strawberry-mezcal compote, nachos laced with cheddar and mango-braised beef, and steak and eggs topped with snappy chimichurri.How to order: Head to OpenTable for patio and indoor dining reservations or grab pick-up via Toast."

"When Pilsen restaurant Monnie Burke's closed last year, its owners weren't quite ready to leave the neighborhood. That's why they put their heads together and conceived Pilsen Yards—a new Mexican casual fare restaurant that's built for outdoor winter dining. In addition to bites like ceviche and carne asada and an exquisite cocktail menu, Pilsen Yards boasted a beautiful patio complete with a firepit and radiant-heat concrete floor."

"Unveiling a restaurant that’s seen as a destination is a tall order during a pandemic, but that’s what Pilsen Yards is thanks to a patio that has safety and comfort in mind. It’s not how ownership, the same that have run Pizza Capri for decades, envisioned it would debut the new restaurant. Pilsen Yards is a reboot of Monnie Burke’s featuring street tacos and cocktails."

"A South Side breakfast staple has been reborn have a two-year hiatus. Ms. Biscuit has an illustrious history that started in Woodlawn before moving to Washington Park. Ms. Biscuit reopened in early March and while Chicago isn’t known for its biscuits, this neighborhood stalwart serves biscuits that would make a southerner blush."

"After a two-year hiatus, this popular South Side eatery has returned. Now run by the family of the original owners, Bob and Juanita Johnson, Ms. Biscuit serves terrific buttery biscuits and a host of breakfast staples like skillets, omelets, waffles, pancakes, and more. View this post on Instagram"