No Excuses – You Need to Laugh More at Comedy Clubs in San Francisco
Comedy Clubs in San Francisco
…and Upcoming Shows, Too!
San Francisco is well known for its comedy clubs. While many other cities have one or two, San Francisco has a few dozen. It’s great news for comedy fans, as it means there’s always something new and exciting to check out, regardless of whether you’re willing to spend $40 or $50 or just a few bucks.
Two of the most popular comedy clubs in San Francisco include the Punch Line and Cobb’s Comedy Club. These are the venues with national and international headliners, as well as up-and-coming comics becoming household names.
In addition to the big clubs, there are also several smaller, more intimate venues. These can be a great option if you want to see newer comics or enjoy a more personal experience. So whether you’re a comedy fan or just looking for a fun night out, San Francisco’s comedy clubs are definitely worth checking out.
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San Francisco Area Comedy Calendar
Step Inside a Few San Francisco Comedy Clubs
In the next section, we’ve got a list of San Francisco area comedy clubs and shows. But, we thought we’d take a peek at a few of the best.
The Punch Line
The Punch Line is one of the oldest and most well-known comedy clubs in San Francisco. It has been hosting world-renowned comedians since 1978. Some of the biggest headliners, like Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Rosie O’Donnell, and Drew Carey, have played to downtown audiences in a semi-intimate environment.
The Punch Line seats just over 180 in the main room. So, a bad seat isn’t possible. (sorry if you want to hide in the corner!)
Cobb’s Comedy Club
We said that San Francisco is filled with laughs, and Cobb’s Comedy Club is another prominent and popular comedy club in San Francisco. Like The Punchline, Cobb’s Comedy Club has been hosting some of the biggest names in the business since its opening in 1982.
Cobb’s, located in North Beach, offers a full line-up of cocktails, wine, beer, and a bar menu with appetizers, sandwiches, and salads. The showroom holds up to 400, so you can find a place in the back if you want to avoid the spotlight.
Cheaper Than Therapy
Union Square is the place to go for stand-up comedy. That’s because Cheaper Than Therapy performs Wednesdays through Sundays at the Shelton Theater.
Each show features about five or six comics, equating to 70 to 90 minutes of non-stop laughs. Tickets are in the $25 range, which IS cheaper than therapy. And, 18, 19, and 20-year-olds are welcome, too!
Comedy Clubs in San Francisco
| Comedy Clubs & Shows in San Francisco | Address | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bats Improv | 2 Marina Blvd | https://www.improv.org |
| Best Of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy | 582 Market St | https://www.bestofsfstandup.com |
| Comedy at Bimbo's 365 Club | 1025 Columbus Ave | https://bimbos365club.com |
| Cheaper Than Therapy | 533 Sutter St | https://cttcomedy.com |
| Comedy at Club Fugazi | 678 Green St | https://www.clubfugazisf.com |
| Cobb's Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave | https://www.cobbscomedy.com/ |
| Comedy Celebration Day, Inc | 1036 Pacheco St | http://comedyday.org |
| Comedy at DNA Lounge | 375 11th St | https://www.dnalounge.com |
| Do What You Love Comedy Series | 1161 Mission St | http://dwylcomedy.com |
| Endgames Improv | 446 Valencia St | http://endgamesimprov.com |
| Killing My Lobster | 2101 Folsom St | https://www.killingmylobster.com |
| Marrakech Magic Theater | 419 Ofarrell St | https://www.sanfranciscomagictheater.com/location |
| Omg Club - Sunday comedy | 43 6th St | http://www.clubomgsf.com/ |
| Punch Line San Francisco | 444 Battery St | https://www.punchlinecomedyclub.com |
| Safe Words | 398 12th St | https://www.safewordscomedy.net |
| San Francisco Comedy College - Classes Only | 868 Kearny St | https://www.sfcomedycollege.com/contact.html |
| Secret Improv Society | 533 Sutter St | https://secretimprov.com |
| SF Eagle - Open Mic Comedy Nights | 398 12TH ST | https://thesfeagle.com |
| SF Sketchfest | 215 Jackson St | http://www.sfsketchfest.com |
| Speechless | 345 Spear St | https://www.speechlessinc.com |
| Stage Werx | 446 Valencia St | https://www.stagewerx.org |
| The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show | 333 Battery St | http://www.thedinnerdetective.com |
| The Marsh | 1062 Valencia St | https://themarsh.org |
| The Morning After: A Comedy Brunch | 1123 Folsom St | https://www.facebook.com/morningaftercomedybrunch/ |
| The Setup | 222 Hyde St | https://setupcomedy.com |
| The Valencia Room | 647 Valencia St | https://www.thevalenciaroom.com |
| Un-Scripted Theater Company | 533 Sutter St | https://www.un-scripted.com |
Did we leave your club or troupe off the list? Send us the info and we’ll be sure to add it.
8 Reasons Why You Should Visit an Bay Area Comedy Club Now
- A Great Way to Relieve Stress
- Ideal Place for a First (or 40th) Date
- Affordable Night Out
- Laughter is the Best Medicine
- You Can Catch Up-and-Coming Comics Before They Make it Big (and Charge More!)
- Fun Alternative to a Group Happy Hour
- Many Clubs Offer Dinner and a Show
- It’s Probably Been a Long Time Since You’ve Been to One
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Frequently Asked Questions
Although there are dozens of places to catch top-notch comedy shows in San Francisco, two prominent comedy clubs stand out (or stand up!). Cobb’s Comedy Club and The Punch Line are not only two of the biggest, but the longest-lasting clubs in the Bay area.
Yes and no – depending on the club. Larger comedy clubs with the big headliners, like Cobb’s and The Punch Line, are primarily 21 and over venues. But some spots, like Cheaper Than Therapy, allow 18-year-olds to attend.
We think a good comedy show is a must every now and then. So, here at OTL City Guides, we’ve devoted an entire page to comedy in the San Francisco Bay Area. You’ll find upcoming comedy shows and links to buy tickets and a complete list of comedy clubs, including non-traditional ones, in San Francisco.
Yes. We’ll let you in on the secret to claiming free comedy tickets, as well as theater, music, sports, and more – be a seat filler in the Bay area through OTL Seat Fillers. For less than the price of one movie ticket each month, you can reserve free pairs of tickets to live entertainment.
