How does the Comedy Cellar reservation process work?
The Comedy Cellar runs entirely on advance reservations made through its website, comedycellar.com. Walk-ups are possible but unreliable, especially on weekends. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Go to comedycellar.com and click “Reservations.”
- Select your date. Showtimes are listed by venue room: the Original Room at 117 MacDougal Street, the Village Underground at 130 W 3rd Street, or the Fat Black Pussycat at 130 W 3rd Street.
- Pick a showtime. Most nights have multiple shows, often at 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM, and 11:00 PM (sometimes later on Fridays and Saturdays).
- Enter your party size and provide a name, email, and phone number.
- Confirm. You will receive a confirmation email. No payment is taken online.
That is it. The reservation itself is free. You pay the cover charge and drink minimum when you arrive.
How much do Comedy Cellar tickets cost?
The Comedy Cellar does not sell traditional “tickets.” You reserve a spot, then pay a cover charge at the door:
- Sunday through Thursday: typically $24 per person
- Friday and Saturday: typically $28 to $35 per person, depending on the showtime
- Two-drink minimum per person is required on top of the cover. Drinks run about $8 to $15 each.
So budget roughly $50 to $65 per person for the full experience (cover plus two drinks). Cash and cards are accepted.
Can I walk in without a reservation?
You can try. The Comedy Cellar keeps a standby line outside the Original Room on MacDougal Street. If reserved guests do not show, standby guests fill those seats. Your odds are better on weeknights and for late shows (11 PM or later). On a Friday or Saturday 9 PM show, the standby line is a long shot. Make a reservation.
When is the best time to visit the Comedy Cellar to see the top lineups?
The Comedy Cellar does not announce its lineups in advance. That is the whole point. Any given night could feature a surprise drop-in from a headliner. That said:
- Weekend late shows (Friday and Saturday, 9 PM and 11 PM) have the highest probability of big-name comics stopping in to work out material.
- The Original Room is the most iconic space and tends to draw the biggest names. It is the small, low-ceilinged basement room you have seen on TV.
- Weeknight shows are less crowded, easier to reserve, and still feature strong lineups of working comics. Tuesday and Wednesday are underrated.
Follow @comedycellar on Instagram for occasional same-day hints about who is performing.
What should a first-time visitor know before attending a show?
- Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Check-in is at street level. You will be walked downstairs and seated. If you are late, your reservation may be released.
- Seating is assigned by the staff, not by you. Smaller parties are more likely to get front-row seats. If you do not want to be in the front row, mention it politely at check-in, but no guarantees.
- No photography, no recording, no phones. This is strictly enforced. Comics test new material here. Respect the room.
- The two-drink minimum is non-negotiable. Non-alcoholic options count.
- Shows run about 90 minutes with multiple comics rotating through short sets.
- The Original Room entrance is at 117 MacDougal Street, between West 3rd Street and Minetta Lane. The nearest subway stop is West 4th Street-Washington Square (A, B, C, D, E, F, M trains), a two-minute walk.
What are some fun group dinner and drink spots near the comedy clubs in the Village?
MacDougal Street and the surrounding blocks are packed with options. A few worth knowing:
- Olive Tree Cafe (directly above the Original Room at 117 MacDougal Street): The Comedy Cellar’s own restaurant. Solid Mediterranean food. Convenient for pre-show dinner.
- Mamoun’s Falafel (119 MacDougal Street): A Greenwich Village institution since 1971. Cheap, fast, perfect for a pre-show bite.
- Minetta Tavern (113 MacDougal Street): Upscale French bistro. The Black Label Burger is famous. Reserve well ahead.
- Dante (79-81 MacDougal Street): World-class cocktail bar. The Negroni menu is legendary. Great for a post-show drink.
- Caffe Reggio (119 MacDougal Street): One of the oldest coffeehouses in the Village, open since 1927. Good for a quieter nightcap.
How can I combine comedy with jazz and nightlife in the Village?
Greenwich Village invented the template. A strong evening itinerary:
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Olive Tree Cafe or Minetta Tavern.
- 9:00 PM: Comedy Cellar show (Original Room).
- 10:45 PM: Walk three minutes to Blue Note Jazz Club at 131 W 3rd Street for a late set, or head to Smalls Jazz Club at 183 W 10th Street for a more intimate, underground vibe (Smalls has a $20 cover and stays open past midnight).
- Late night: End at Employees Only (510 Hudson Street) for cocktails, or grab a slice at Joe’s Pizza (7 Carmine Street).
Everything listed above is within a 10-minute walk of the Comedy Cellar.
Turn this guide into a personalized plan.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I reserve at the Comedy Cellar?
- Reservations typically open about a week in advance. For Friday and Saturday shows, book as soon as slots open. Weeknight shows are easier to get, sometimes even a day or two before.
- Does the Comedy Cellar announce which comedians are performing?
- No. The Comedy Cellar intentionally does not publish lineups in advance. Part of the experience is not knowing who will take the stage. Surprise drop-ins from nationally known comics are common, especially on weekend nights.
- What is the difference between the Original Room, Village Underground, and Fat Black Pussycat?
- The Original Room at 117 MacDougal Street is the iconic basement space seating about 115 people. The Village Underground at 130 W 3rd Street is a larger room with a slightly different feel. The Fat Black Pussycat, at the same address, is the smallest and most intimate of the three. All three feature strong lineups.
- Is there an age requirement for Comedy Cellar shows?
- You must be 21 or older to attend Comedy Cellar shows due to the two-drink minimum and venue liquor license. A valid photo ID is required at the door.
- Can I buy Comedy Cellar tickets as a gift?
- The Comedy Cellar does not sell traditional tickets or gift cards through its website. To gift the experience, make a reservation under the recipient's name and let them know the date, time, and venue room.