Looking for a change of pace after a long day of meetings?
Toronto’s comedy clubs are perfect for relaxing and unwinding while exploring the city’s historic neighbourhoods. Stop in at one of these locations for a beer, a bite and the best stand-up comedy in Toronto.
This popular comedy club, theatre and improv school has been going strong since its first location opened in Chicago in 1959. Now with live shows every night in Toronto, Chicago and Hollywood, it is one of the best places to take in a Toronto comedy show. Famous alumni like Eugene Levi, Tina Fey and Bill Murray give the operation additional star power. The Mainstage Theatre is located on Mercer Street, in the heart of the entertainment district and a 10-minute walk from the Strathcona Hotel. The club also operates a successful professional development arm, with offerings like corporate events with themed menus and branded cocktails; professional training programs centred on improv and stage skills; and content creation, for internal campaigns and videos. Partnerships with tech giants like Facebook and Uber and a popular podcast featuring top names in the self-development sphere, like Marcus Buckingham and Brené Brown, prove that The Second City has a finger in every pie.
This classic Toronto comedy bar serves up good food and reasonably priced drinks while you laugh the night away. From Thursday to Sunday, the show features two or three acts with a feature and headliner, and Wednesday’s Pro/Am night has talented emerging local comics fighting for a coveted five-minute spot. Jokes often run on the risqué side and all shows may contain adult content. For dinner, drinks and a show under one roof it’s an unbeatable deal – on weeknights just $29.00 will get you your ticket plus the buffet featuring roast beef au jus, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, mixed veggies, chicken-sausage jambalaya, veggie lasagna, two salads, bread and butter, dessert, and coffee or tea. Reservations are required, so be sure to get your ticket in advance.
This popular club with locations in over a dozen Canadian cities started out as a haphazard weekly open stage in a basement on Church Street. Founder Mark Breslin, a Toronto native, has been involved in comedy since the 1970s and continues to be a mainstay in Canadian comedy, publishing and broadcasting. Often referred to as “The Birthplace of Canadian Comedy,” Yuk Yuks never fails to deliver with top-of-the-line performers and timely, innovative shows. With its atmosphere of laughter and great desserts, it is the perfect choice for a fun, easy and inexpensive night out. Be prepared for some lighthearted heckling by the performers if you are seated close to the stage.
Enjoy exceptional stand-up talent all year round in Toronto, and the fantastic clubs that host them.