Housed in Senese's Winery, a family-style Italian restaurant in Oak Lawn, this comedy club operates Wednesday through Sunday nights, with a new talent night on Wednesdays featuring Chicago area up-and-comers. Voted Best Comedy Club 1997 to 2003 by readers of the Daily Southtown, Barrel of Laughs has a two-drink minimum. Showtimes and ticket prices vary according to day of the week.
Barrel of Laughs
10345 S. Central Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
708-499-2969
seneseswinery.com/comedy_club.htm
Located close to Chicago's Loop and to the Indiana border, this popular club is open seven days a week and features an open mic night with no cover charge every Wednesday--check the website for information about how to be featured on the program. Typical shows run Thursday through Sunday, with special deals on ticket prices Thursdays and Sundays. Riddles has partnered with a few nearby restaurants to offer dinner packages that include club admission, dinner, drinks and extras. There is a two-drink minimum for all shows.
Riddles Comedy Club
5055 W. 111th St.
Alsip, IL 60803
708-422-5055
myriddlescomedyclub.com
A small, hip underground club in Dolton that does most of its promotion via social networking sites, Gator Comedy Club features a mix of established comics and new talent. Ticket prices and showtimes vary; look for Gator on Facebook and Twitter to learn about the club's upcoming shows and latest news.
Gator Comedy Club
1515 E. 154th St.
Dolton, IL 60419
708-323-9139
thegatorcomedyclub.com
The Comedy Shrine, in nearby Naperville, hosts shows Thursday through Saturday featuring a troupe of seasoned improv artists who have appeared with organizations like The Second City and Improv Olympics. Ample opportunities for up-and-coming comics are available here, with open mic nights on Mondays (call to get on the program) and improv and comedy-writing classes offered in eight-week sessions. Other features include special family-friendly shows on Saturdays, and The Comedy Shrine is also available to host your private party or corporate event.
The Comedy Shrine
22 E. Chicago Ave #205
Naperville, IL 60540
630-355-2844
comedyshrine.com
Founded by the creators of popular online talk radio show Red Bar Radio, this standup club hosts shows in the Ontourage Night Club in downtown Chicago on Friday and Saturday nights. Red Bar advertises a Las Vegas-style setup with affordable admission, and information about talent bookings is available on the club website. Patrons must be 21 and older.
The Red Bar Comedy Club
157 W. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60654
773-387-8412
redbarcomedy.com
This premier comedy club in Chicago's Bronzeville district presents mostly African-American comedians in a hip, luxurious atmosphere and often offers patrons special bonuses, like discounts at nearby restaurants with a Jokes and Notes ticket stub. Jokes and Notes hosts shows Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the box office open daily Wednesday through Sunday--tickets must be purchased the day of the show. The club is open to patrons 21 and older, with a two-drink minimum.
Jokes and Notes
4641 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL, 60653
773-373-3390
jokesandnotes.com