NYC Comedy Map: Where To LOLOL For Real
UCBeast Theater
Opened in 2011, UCB's East Village space also offers live comedy every night. Check out long-form improv from the ladies of Doppelganger on Wednesdays, or see Thursday’s Totally J/K, a stand up show hosted by Joe Mande and Noah Garfinkel featuring sets from the likes of Reggie Watts and Nick Kroll. Post show, get liquored up at the theater's wine and beer bar, located in the back.
UCBeast, 153 East 3rd Street (between avenues A and B); 212-366-9231.
Sweet
Another alt room, Seth Herzog's Sweet dazzles East Village audiences every Tuesday for a mere $5. Herzog (the warm-up for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) has been doing the show for seven years and his roster of performers has included Horatio Sanz, Jena Friedman, and Justin Long (yes, that one).
Sweet (at Ella Lounge), 9 Avenue A (at Houston Street); 212-777-2230.
Comic Strip Live
If for nothing else, go to Comic Strip Live for the history. The Upper East Side institution is credited with jump-starting the careers of Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock. Evenings here run showcase style (like the Cellar) and comedians you may see include Sherrod Small and SNL scribe Colin Jost.
Comic Strip Live, 1568 2nd Avenue (between 81st and 82nd streets); 212-861-9386.
The PIT
This comedy hotspot, established in 2002, comes equipped with a full bar (food, too!) and two stages, allowing audiences to maximize the number of shows they see every night. Super Free Wednesdays feature performances from eight of the theater's house teams that are bound to hurt your sides but not your wallet. Also worth checking out: sketch sensations Harvard Sailing Team and veteran improv group, Big Black Car (Saturdays).
The PIT, 123 East 24th Street (between Park and Lexington avenues); 212-563-7488.
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