It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- SubwayF, G to 7 Av, 2 min
- Address149 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
The Bell House is a Brooklyn staple that leans more alt-comedy than classic stand-up, but that’s exactly why I love it. It’s in Gowanus, in a big warehouse-y space with high ceilings, great acoustics, and a casual crowd that’s usually up for anything. You’ll see a mix of comics, musical acts, live podcasts, and shows that feel more like weird theater than straight comedy.
It’s not the kind of place you randomly stumble into (you usually go for a specific event) but it’s always a good time. There’s a bar in the front, plenty of standing room in the back, and seating if you get there early. It’s the kind of venue where performers feel free to try stuff, and you never quite know what you’re going to get.
The kind of place you’ll tell friends about, and then wish you hadn’t.