5 Best Comedy Clubs in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city known for its grit and endless personality, and thankfully our comedy scene is no exception. When it comes to finding laughs in Philly, there are a variety of different clubs offering a multitude of options. Looking for a more underground scene? There are plenty of spots filled with exciting up-and-comers. Into bigger names? There’s no shortage of iconic venues where you can find comedy legends. Philly offers something for every sense of humor, in every part of the city, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Here we’re going to give you our favorite comedy clubs in the city so you can decide what suits you best!

1. Punch Line Philly

Punch Line opened in San Francisco in the late 1970s and over time grew to be one of the most popular comedy clubs in the country, opening its location in Philadelphia in 2016. Located at 33 E. Laurel Street (right across from The Fillmore), Punch Line is 21+ and has a two-drink minimum for most of their shows, which you can grab at their Callback Bar (with an outdoor patio!) or off their full-service food and drink menu during the show. The venue holds 300 seats in an intimate setting, adding to the allure of this spot. They’ve hosted comedians like Kevin Hart, Ilana Glazer, and Wanda Sykes. You can also head to the Callback Bar for their Open Mic Nights on select Mondays. Punch Line is a great spot hosting amazing comics, whether they are local or straight from the late-night circuit.

2. Helium Comedy Club

Located near Rittenhouse Square at 2031 Sansom Street, Helium Comedy Club is a classic spot and has been here for years. Home to an intimate theater, you can enjoy live comedy from no more than 60 feet away, with shows featuring an opener, a feature, and a headliner. Helium also boasts a wide variety of food and drinks, including appetizers to snack on during the shows, entrees, desserts, craft beers on tap, and handcrafted cocktails. The best part about Helium is that they don’t stop at traditional standup shows. You can also grab tickets to live podcast recordings, open mic nights, or showcase events. Hosting household names and local talents alike, you can always count on Helium for a great night out in the city.

3. ComedySportz

A bit of a different experience than the previous two, ComedySportz is a comedy troupe specializing in improv comedy. They’ve been bringing laughs to Philadelphia at the Adrienne Theater at 2030 Sansom Street for over 25 years. Everything about the shows are unique and you’ll never see the same one twice: the improvists face off in a number of different “matches” while a referee governs fouls and keeps things moving. ComedySportz also offers a variety of different shows throughout the year including TV and movie-inspired skits, interactive game shows, and even improv classes. They are BYOB, which means no markup on drinks, and shows vary in age minimum, making (some shows) a great spot for a family night out. ComedySportz is a great choice if you’re looking for something a little different, and it’s always sure to end in hysterics!

4. Next In Line Comedy

Next In Line is a rookie to the Philly comic scene, but it’s already making waves. While the club only opened in January of 2024, two Philadelphia-native comedians named Manny Brown and Tyler Wolf started the Next In Line comedy collective in 2021. Located in Spring Garden at 1025 Hamilton Street, the club seats 80 with shows every Friday and Saturday night. They feature a pop-up bar serving up cold drinks on site, and there’s no drink minimum, so you’re free to enjoy as you please. Next In Line also offers special events such as classes and shows at other locations around the city. If you’re looking for a smaller, intimate venue to watch up-and-coming names, this is your place.

5. The Met

The Met is a veteran in the Philadelphia entertainment scene and hosts live music, comedy, performance troupes, and more. Opening in 1908 after being built by Oscar Hammerstein I, the Metropolitan Opera House stands at 858 N Broad Street and has hosted over a hundred years of incredible performances. They’ve previously held shows from comedians like Dave Chappelle, Jim Gaffigan, Kevin Hart, and plenty more. With almost 4,000 seats to choose from you can get up close and personal, or save a couple bucks and sit a little farther back. No matter where you choose, you’ll have access to several bars serving food and drink. The Met is a Philly must-see and an amazing spot to see one of your favorite bigger names in the comedy scene!