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The Best Comedy Clubs for Live Stand-Up Shows Near You

If laughter has a home, it’s on the stages of the country’s most iconic comedy venues. The Punch Line family – San Francisco’s flagship, Sacramento, Philly, and the newest outpost in Houston – has long been a launchpad for rising stars and a homecoming stage for seasoned legends. At Punch Line San Francisco, the beloved Sunday Showcase has helped shape the city’s comedy scene for decades. Since 1982, the sharp wit echoing through Cobb’s Comedy Club has made it a staple of San Francisco’s comedy culture. The Bell House, known for its eclectic lineups in Brooklyn, has been a fan favorite for nearly two decades. These clubs aren’t just great places to catch a show; they’re where comedy history is made night after night.

Whether you’re looking to laugh with your favorite comedian again, or see them for the very first time, check out our upcoming calendar and grab your seat—because the best laughs are always live. 

Punch Line Philly

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Punch Line Philly promises a unique comedy experience for both audiences and performers in its 300-seat venue, featuring intimate seating, a lobby bar with an outdoor patio, and a full-service food and beverage program. Comedy is the sport at Punch Line, where pros may not lift weights heavier than 16 ounces, but they train like athletes—honing their timing and cadence to ensure every joke lands with expert precision.

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Punch Line Sacramento

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Punch Line Sacramento has been a cornerstone of the city's comedy scene since opening its doors in 1991, bringing some of the biggest names in stand-up to Northern California. Over the years, its stage has hosted comedic powerhouses like D.L. Hughley, Chelsea Handler, Russell Peters, Hasan Minhaj, and Jo Koy, solidifying its reputation as a must-stop venue for rising stars and established acts alike. As part of the legendary Punch Line family, Sacramento’s club continues to be a proving ground for comics perfecting their craft, delivering unforgettable performances in an intimate setting. With a rich history of laughter and a commitment to showcasing top-tier talent, Punch Line Sacramento remains a premier destination for comedy lovers in the region.

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Cobb’s Comedy Club

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Cobb's Comedy Club has presented the finest comedy talent in the industry since its founding in 1982. Located in San Francisco's famous North Beach, Cobb's offers a taste of old San Francisco and the city's ever-changing nightlife.

This 400-seat venue offers a full dinner menu and full-service bar. Headliners who perform at Cobb's Comedy Club are regular guests on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Many have their own comedy specials on Netflix, Hulu and HBO and can be seen starring in movies and on television.

Notable acts featured at the club include: Dave Attell, Donnell Rawlings, Shane Gilis, Godfrey, Michelle Wolf, Andrew Santino, Frankie Quinones and more.

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Punch Line San Francisco

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It all started in 1978 when Punch Line San Francisco opened in what was originally a dressing room for The Old Waldorf, an adjacent rock club. Originally founded by Jonathan and Anne Fox along with Jeffrey and Patricia Pollack, the venue was sold to Bill Graham in 1980. With the help of House MC Bobby Slayton, the Punch Line quickly established itself as a premier comedy club for performers and audiences alike.

It's impossible to list all of the comedic greats who have performed here… Stars like Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Ellen Degeneres, Wanda Sykes, Drew Carey and Chris Rock all took the first steps of their show biz journeys on the Punch Line stage.

Jokes can be told anywhere, but Punch Line's dedication to the craft of comedy and the intimate setting it creates for performers and audiences, helped it become the San Francisco Examiner and San Francisco Chronicle's readers' choices for Best Comedy Club.

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Punch Line Houston

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Punch Line Houston, the fourth location of the legendary comedy club brand, opened its doors in September 2024. With a mission to become a central hub in the Texas comedy scene, it strives to help local comedians rise to prominence while making the city a key stop on national comedy tours. Known for showcasing both local talent and well-known comedians, Punch Line Houston offers a lively, intimate setting where comedy fans can enjoy unforgettable live performances.

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Bell House

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The Bell House is a celebrated live comedy and music venue located in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Converted from a 1920s printing press, the venue has a rich history dating back to its opening in September 2008. Known for its eclectic mix of performances, The Bell House hosts a wide variety of events, including comedy shows, podcast tapings, and private events.

The venue’s commitment to showcasing diverse talent and creating unique experiences has earned itself a loyal following, solidifying its place as one of Brooklyn's most beloved performance spaces.

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Great comedy isn’t just something to watch — it’s something to share and feel, live and in the moment. There’s nothing like the energy of a packed house, the crackle of a mic, and the sensation of seeing a show that can never be repeated. 

Ready for a laugh? Check out all the comedy shows headed your way, and get your tickets now!

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