Cathy MerrittPeople say that laughter is the best medicine, and I do agree to some extent. I mean, laughter can’t really cure illnesses, but it’s a wonderful stress reliever. Every time I laugh at a good joke, my whole body relaxes.
Usually, I get my regular dose of laughter from watching sitcoms, but lately, I’ve been attending live comedy shows at the behest of my friend.
If you’d like to attend a comedy show in Toronto like me, check out the following comedy clubs.
Comedy Bar
– From: comedybarto
Address: 945 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—6 pm to 12 am
- Friday to Sunday—6 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165516540
If you can only visit one comedy club in Toronto, let it be Comedy Bar. It has two locations in the city (one on Bloor Street West and another on Danforth Avenue), and both are filled with so much fun, so you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
This comedy club features a wide variety of shows. There are sketches, improv performances, stand-up comedy, and even alternative comedy shows. Both Canadian and international comedians perform here!
| Pro Tips: Are you an aspiring comedian? You might want to attend any of the comedy classes here. You can host a special event at this club. |
Absolute Comedy Toronto
– From: absolute_toronto
Address: 2335 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—7 to 10 pm
- Friday—7:30 to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—6:30 pm to 12:15 am
- Sunday—6:30 to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14164867700
What I love about Absolute Comedy Toronto is that it also serves as a restaurant. So while the comedians are dropping their best jokes, I’m eating while laughing my head off.
The shows usually feature well-known comedians, but sometimes there are comedy contests as well that let the audience participate. No matter what the show, I tend to treat myself to chicken parmesan because it’s such an indulgent dish.
| Pro Tip: Planning a special party with your loved ones? You can hire a comedian from this club! |
Bad Dog Comedy Studio
– From: baddogtheatre
Address: 392 Spadina Ave. Unit 2
Contact Number: +14164277519
Bad Dog Theatre Company has been operational since 1982, and in that time, they have won awards and the hearts of locals. If you’re a big fan of unscripted comedy and improvised performances, this is the place to go.
Since the shows here are unscripted and improvised, you’re always at the edge of your seat, filled with so much anticipation because you don’t know what to expect. There was a time when I attended a show here every day of the week, and all shows were distinct!
| Pro Tip: Improve your improv comedy skills by attending any of the classes here. |
The Corner Comedy Club
– From: davemerheje
Address: 243 Queen St W, Floor 1 CID City Business Center
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—7:30 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16472284084
True to its name, The Corner Comedy Club is located in a corner, so it has a small space inside. The small space is actually a good thing because it allows for an intimate atmosphere, almost like the comedians are my friends sharing stories.
My favorite shows here are the marathon-style ones. In this particular type of show, established pros and rising stars take the stage one after the other, so you’ll be laughing nonstop!
| Pro Tip: Sometimes this club hosts open mics for budding comedians in the audience. If you want to show off your comedic chops, be sure to participate! |
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club Toronto
– From: yukyukstoronto
Address: 224 Richmond St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—6:30 to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—6:30 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169676431
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club started out from humble beginnings in the 1970s, but now it’s a beloved spot among locals. Some visitors even travel to Toronto just to watch the club’s roster of comedians!
My favorite thing about this club is that the comedians don’t shy away from talking about politics and other serious things happening in the world. These shows always remind me that humor can be a weapon used against oppressors, and it can also empower normal people like you and me.
| Pro Tips: This club regularly holds promotions. One such that you shouldn’t miss is the Bucket of Beer, which lets you buy more beer for a discounted price! Hire a comedian to perform at your special event. |
Key’s Stand Up Comedy Club
– From: keyepic
Address: 1425 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14165581523
I’ve always wanted to check out Key’s Stand Up Comedy Club for a long time, but I only managed to snag tickets recently. This club tends to sell out fast, and now I understand why.
The comedians here are very friendly and outgoing, so it feels like I’m hanging out with a friend. I also love that sometimes there are freestyle battles and improv performances among the comedians, so you’ll be laughing until tears are streaming from your eyes!
| Pro Tip: Heads up, aspiring comedians! This club hosts open mics every Thursday. |
Backroom Comedy Club
– From: backroomcomedyclub
Address: 814 Bloor St W Basement Unit, Christie Pits Pub
Operating Hours:
- Monday—7 pm to 12 am
- Wednesday to Saturday—6 pm to 2 am
- Sunday—7 pm 2 am
Contact Number: +14165790940
Backroom Comedy Club combines comedy and the vibes of a speakeasy bar. It’s a laid-back space where you can sit back and relax while laughing like there’s no tomorrow.
This club often hosts the Headliner Series, in which shows are stacked with crazy talents (both pros and up-and-comers) from Canada and the US. I’ve attended a few Headliner shows, and they were all such bangers. I’ve discovered some of my favorite comedians through these shows.
| Pro Tip: Give a fellow comedy lover a gift card from this club. |
SoCap Comedy (The Social Capital)
– From: socapcomedy
Address: 154 Danforth Ave 2nd floor
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—7:30 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—7:30 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169035388
SoCap Comedy is a very laid-back comedy club, making it a perfect spot after a long day at work. This place also offers drinks, so I can always be refreshed while watching the performances.
My favorite things to watch here are the improv shows because they’re always so much fun. I’m so in awe of the talent and charisma of the comedians here.
| Pro Tip: If you’re serious about pursuing a career in comedy, you might be interested in attending the classes here. |
The Second City Toronto
– From: secondcityto
Address: 110 Harbour St, One York Street
Contact Number: +14163430011
The Second City has been around for over 60 years, making it one of the longest-running improv stages in Canada. Many of its alumni have gone on to become household names in the industry, which is an impressive feat if you ask me.
While watching comedians perform their sets, I treat myself to delicious food from the in-house menu. My go-to order is the mac and cheese with smoked brisket, then I pair it with a cocktail. Sunset Over Love Park is my favorite because it tastes sweet and refreshing.
| Pro Tips: This club offers comedy classes. Host a special event here for a memorable time with your loved ones. |
Jokers Theatre and Comedy Club
– From: jokers905club
Address: 115 York Blvd Unit 9, Richmond Hill
Operating Hours:
- Thursday—6 pm to 2 am
- Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—1 pm to 12 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +19058815653
At Jokers Theatre and Comedy Club, you can expect a wide variety of live entertainment. Of course, comedy shows are the main highlights, but you can also participate in karaoke with other patrons!
My favorite event to attend here is Mic Drop Fridays because the performances are always so funny that I laugh like a dad in his 50s, slapping my knees. This event also has a dance party after the show, which makes it even more fun!
| Pro Tips: If you’re planning an event, you can hire a comedian from this club. You can book a private party here. It already includes a dinner menu and a comedian to entertain you! |
The Comedy Lab
– From: dantonlamar
Address: 298 Brunswick Ave
Operating Hours:
- Thursday—6:30 pm to 12:30 am
- Friday—6:30 pm to 1 am
- Saturday—6:30 to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +16474474830
Tired of lineups featuring cis white male comedians? Then you should check out The Comedy Lab. It’s the first black-owned comedy club in Toronto, and they take diversity seriously here. So the comedians come from various ethnicities and walks of life!
As a result, the show lineup is always so interesting. There are some shows that feel like a series because they build upon the previous ones, while other shows are more like a marathon of the best comedians.
| Pro Tips: If you want to perform during an open mic, you need to fill out this form. Book a class at this club! |
