It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address117 MacDougal St, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
I understand that not everyone is a fan of comedy clubs (like yours truly). But even I’ll admit that visiting the Comedy Cellar in the West Village is a great thing to do in NYC on a rainy day. Rather than headliners, this comedy club offers 5-7 performers a night, each performing a 20-minute skit.
As such, you never know who to expect on stage, but you’re guaranteed to have a good time because the Comedy Cellar always attracts top-notch talent to this day. The roster of past comedians includes some big names, like Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, John Stewart, and Kevin Hart. Shows sell out nightly, so book tickets in advance.
I’ve been here in every season. My favorite? Fall, when the light hits just right.
You go to the Comedy Cellar for the vibes and as much as the unpredictable lineup. Big names drop in often, but the real draw is how tight the sets are and how seriously everyone takes the craft. The Cellar doesn’t baby its audience. If a joke lands, the room erupts. If it doesn’t, the silence is deafening. And afterward, you spill out into MacDougal Street for great food and even better drinks.
The Comedy Cellar has been visited by nearly every popular comedian currently performing. Opened in 1980, it’s one of the most iconic comedy clubs in NYC, and best things to do in New York City at night.
They don’t have headliners, unlike most comedy clubs, rather they have 5 to 7 comics perform 15-20 minute skits per night. Guests never fully know who to expect on stage, famous comedians are known to drop by unannounced to try out their new material.