Best Comedy Club in Hodgkins Area

"An absurd amount of comic talent has come out of Chicago over the last 60 years, and one of the reasons for that is Second City. This fabled comedy club and improv company on Wells Street counts Steve Carell, Billy Murray, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi and John Candy among its alumni. There are three stages at Second City, “Mainstage” and “e.t.c."

"Chicago is the place where comedians Steve Carell, Tina Fey and John Belushi all launched their careers. So, as you can imagine, there’s a thriving comedy scene here. If you love improv and sketch comedy, then one of the best places to visit is The Second City."

"How long has it been since you’ve enjoyed a real, honest-to-God belly laugh?. If you can’t remember the last time that you cracked up, Second City Chicago can help. It’s more than just a comedy club."

"If you’re looking for a comedy club in Chicago with rich, long-standing history, Zanie’s Comedy Night Club is the place to go. Located on North Wells, this comedy club is for the 21 and over crowd and hosts nationally-known headliners on a weekly basis. Listen and laugh with the likes of Jeff Garlin, Doug Benson, Josh Blue and more when stopping in at Zanie’s Comedy Night Club."

"If you’re a big fan of stand-up, this just might be the club for you. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Zanies was Chicago’s first establishment dedicated to stand-up, making it a mainstay on the city’s comedy scene. It features touring headline acts every night of the week, so no matter when you’re in town, you should be able to squeeze a show into your travel plans."

"A post shared by Mandy & Morgan (@bacon_wrappeddates) on Oct 16, 2018 at 7:44pm PDT. Zanies Comedy Night Club might be small (patrons literally sit beside each other), but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in humor. Do note that there’s a minimum two-drink and food policy here."

"Located on North LaSalle Drive in downtown, The Comedy Bar is a popular Chicago comedy club that brings the laughs to you on a nightly basis. Featuring an upper-level stage and a main-level stage, this popular Chicago attraction overlooks Gino’s Brewing company and each stage seats more than 100 people. Enjoy a cocktail, a few laughs and a casual night out in downtown with a trip to this venue, known as one of the best comedy clubs in Chicago."

"This club has a lot going for it: no drink minimum; no age requirements; pizzas, snacks, and drinks for purchase; and tons of stand-up comedians. Open-mic nights are free, but with relatively inexpensive tickets available for other shows, you might want to consider going to a headlining act — either on the main or B stage. The shows run every night of the week, attracting some of the funniest talent in the city."

"Jim Belushi has teamed up with The Comedy Bar to make it one of Chicago’s premiere venues for laughs. With its location in the heart of downtown, it makes it a convenient stop for people seeking out a night of entertainment. The venue is modern with no drink minimum so your tipsiness can be determined at your own pace."

"A post shared by K.Cal (@therealkatiecal) on Nov 4, 2016 at 11:10pm PDT. The name of this establishment is quite apt, as it seems to take pains in bringing its brand of service and humor to another level. A buffet is served here and features a variety of food options."

"The Annoyance Theatre is (proudly) edgier than the other comedy bars in the Windy City — think buckets of fake blood, actors stripping down to their underwear, and wacky premises for improv shows. The theater’s first big hit was its original musical, “Coed Prison Sluts,” which ran for 11 straight years, and then came back to the stage in the late 2000s. Although the musical isn’t currently being performed, you don’t need to fret — the theater has replaced it with plenty of other bawdy shows."

"The Annoyance Theatre & Bar is in the process of moving their venue, but it is well worth following their updates to see when they reopen. They focus strictly on improv shows, from all out themed shows to witty comedians doing their best one-offs. They usually enter the night with the mentality of ‘there are no rules’, but the rule of ‘no comedian can refuse a drink’ comes into play on occasion to transform an already hilarious comedian into a hot-mess that entertains like no other."

"The Laugh Factory is a small yet cozy establishment that has an intimate ambiance. The biggest highlight of this comedy bar would probably be its occasional open mic nights, which give guests the opportunity to realize their dream of being stand-up comics, even for just one night. Be aware that there’s a two drinks minimum policy here, but even non-drinkers can go around this, as non-alcoholic beverages are sold here as well."

"According to stories, The Revival was the birthplace of improv comedy. In fact, it got its name to indicate the intent of bringing it back to its glory days. As a comedy club, The Revival features a mix of acts and performances, ranging from stand-up and improv comedies to skits and musical acts with a humorous twist."

"If you’re looking for fresh comedy or considering doing a 5-minute set yourself, the Gallery Cabaret is perfect for you. Located in Bucktown, just north of downtown, the Gallery Cabaret is a fun dive bar with comedy open-mic nights. They offer decent food, great cocktails, beer, and everything you need for making the nightlife in Chicago fun for you and your friends."

"Restaurants Indian West Ridge. Carnivores seem to think that without meat on their plates they’d starve. But this 100 percent vegetarian South Indian spot puts an end to that theory with its famous dosa—a gigantic cumin-, potato- and onion-filled rice and lentil crêpe that comes in a dozen varieties."

"Roots is known for Quad Cities pizza, a unique style cut into strips. Shortly after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg died, Roots owners at the Fifty/50 Restaurant Group came up with a plan to honor the liberal feminist icon. Ruth’s Panmade Pizza runs out of the Printer’s Row location and serves Chicago-style deep-dish."

"The founders, former tech co-workers turned brewers, rehabbed much of the 19th-century industrial building themselves. The result is a soaring but cozy space that features brick walls, a 40-foot-long oak bar, a patio, and picnic tables that encourage mingling. They also encourage you to bring your everything, including food, games, darts, kids, and dogs — but they’re got the beer covered."

"Lo Rez has spent the last year posting snapshots of their great events so we're so excited that they have reopened their space (with precautions!). They are also offering cheap home delivery throughout the Chicago area."

"Taste some of the best craft beers from all around Chicago at Grand Central’s taproom, located in the West Loop. This contract brewery, which helps brewery clients with their production, also turns out its own small batch beers. Choose from 24 craft beer on taps, including local favorites include the Free Bird American pale ale from Begyle Brewing Company and Maplewood’s award-winning Charlatan APA. Great Central’s own offerings (available on draft and in cans) include a German-style Helles lager and citrusy hefeweizen."

"Every restaurant in Chicago seems to be doing fried chicken these days but Belly Q serves it up Thai style with sweet chili and lime. Belly Q is known for its Asian bbq but also for its fusion of different flavors to create tastes that are uniquely its own. Chef Billy Kim invites diners into his industrial-chic restaurant, which formerly housed a pickle factory, that easily seats 200."

"House of Fortune is a super casual Chinese eatery that serves modern takes on classic dishes including Peking duck, seafood egg drop soup, and Singapore noodles. They also have a list of steamed and boiled items for a healthier meal option. Chi Town is a true Chinese Food Town."