A Local’s Guide to the 12 Best Comedy Clubs in Atlanta

As the capital of Georgia and commonly referred to as the capital of the South, Atlanta is where Southerners go to see big names and up-and-comers in comedy. Comedians such as Jeff Foxworthy, Donald Glover, Chris Tucker, David Cross, and Heather McMahan have all performed relatively early in their careers in their hometown of Atlanta.

You can catch acts at big venues like The Fox Theatre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and Buckhead Theatre, but sometimes a more intimate venue is just what the laugh doctor ordered. While many comedy clubs like Basement Theatre and Relapse were unfortunate victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still clubs or recurring live comedy series at bars and restaurants that you can visit for improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy, both in the city and the suburbs.

Here are a few to consider for your next night out, including:

1. Village Theatre
2. Dad’s Garage
3. Whole World Improv Theatre
4. Dynamic El Dorado
5. Rotnee PResents Monday Night Comedy
6. Atlanta Comedy Theater
7. The Punchline Comedy Club
8. A-List Comedy at Role Call Theater
9. Laughing Skull Lounge
10. Fifth Place Comedy
11. 1UP Comedy
12. Sketchworks Comedy

Let’s get started!

The best comedy clubs in Atlanta for improv

1. Village Theatre

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, the funniest people in Atlanta put on an improv comedy show at Village Theatre in the popular Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Self-described as “a bunch of weirdos who just like to create good comedy,” show themes include “Very Harry PotterProv,” a Harry Potter-themed improvised murder mystery show, and “Improvised Clue,” based on the popular board game. For only $10, you’ll be in stitches, and if you like what they do, there are classes available as well.

Bonus: Village Theatre claims it has the cleanest bathrooms on Decatur St., which is actually worth noting.

2. Dad’s Garage

For almost 30 years, Dad’s Garage has been offering Atlantans laughs at its renowned comedy show. The nonprofit does scripted plays but is known for its laugh-out-loud improv, which is available Wednesday through Saturday evenings all year.

Located in Old Fourth Ward, Dad’s Garage is a comedy club with a variety of improv shows and themes, such as murder mystery, improv competitions, rising stars, and a show called Office Hours, where rising stars join Dad’s Garage veterans.

Event tickets range from $10 to $35 and can be purchased in advance online.

3. Whole World Improv Theatre

Whole World Improv Theatre is centrally located in Midtown and has been steadily providing comedy to the city since the mid-’90s. Every Friday and Saturday, you can get your laugh on thanks to over a dozen performers. While you can’t purchase tickets in advance online, the box office is open daily, and tickets are available in single, table, or VIP tickets. For one-off shows and events, such as a recent “Multiverse of Laughter” show, check the theatre’s Instagram account.

4. Dynamic El Dorado

Dynamic El Dorado, located in East Atlanta, was founded right before the pandemic by Miguel Figueroa, an Atlanta comedy fixture. It’s a mixed-use space supporting artists of all kinds, including filmmakers, visual artists, and comedy. Four nights a week, you can find improv and stand-up shows such as “Mind Bruises,” where comedians tell their funniest true stories ($10–$15), and “Taylor’s Riff Raft,” a showcase of comedian Taylor Neely that is all improvised or riffed ($10).

Looking for more ways to explore Atlanta after dark? Check out our blog post, “The 18 Best Music Venues in Atlanta.”

The best comedy clubs in Atlanta for standup comedy

1. Rotnee Presents Monday Night Comedy

Every Monday night from 9:30 p.m. to midnight, you can catch emcee Rotnee of Rotnee Presents Monday Night Comedy introducing some of Atlanta’s up-and-coming comedians to an audience at the Little Five Points stalwart venue Star Community Bar. The show is free, which helps balance out any floor stickiness (Star Bar, as it’s affectionately known, is a dive bar). Get there early to see if you can get a glimpse of the ever-changing, ever-surprising lineup—trust us, you’re in for quite the laugh.

2. Atlanta Comedy Theater

Just outside the perimeter in Norcross is a comedy club called Atlanta Comedy Theater, which has seen the likes of Michael Rapaport, Cedric the Entertainer, and hometown guy Kenan Thompson come through recently. Featuring stand-up, improv, and dinner theater Thursday nights through Sunday nights, it’s one of the most well-respected comedy clubs in Atlanta, and one of the only with an executive chef dishing out meals on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ticket prices range and there is a minimum purchase per table. Peep the seating chart and buy tickets online for various events.

3. The Punchline Comedy Club

The Punchline has been captivating Atlantans for decades, having showcased comedy legends like Jay Leno, Richard Prior, Jerry Seinfeld, and more. If you’re confused when you walk up to The Landmark Diner, don’t be—the Punchline, once located in Sandy Springs, is now inside one of Buckhead’s most iconic diners—and yes, you can order from the diner’s enormous menu if you feel so inclined.

Ticket prices range based on acts and events and can be reserved online, or by calling the iconic phone line at (404) 252-LAFF.

4. A-List Comedy at Role Call Theater

Ponce City Market, one of Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks, has a venue featuring all sorts of performing arts like musicals, plays, sketch comedy, and more. Playing select dates only, A-List Comedy at Role Call Theater has up-and-comers like Zain Sharif and Tamar Rubin, who will have you in stitches.

Comedy show tickets can be purchased online ($15–$25), and with proximity to some of Atlanta’s most iconic clubs and restaurants, you can really make a night of it.

5. Laughing Skull Lounge

An intimate theatre called Laughing Skull Lounge is hidden inside Midtown’s Vortex. With only 74 seats, this lounge has been showcasing comedians for over 30 years and has been known to have celebrity comedians such as Jeff Foxworthy and Dave Chapelle just “drop by.” There are open mic events, showcase nights called Best of Atlanta Comedy, and even solo comedian shows.

Pro tip for those on a budget: While the venue says there’s a two-drink minimum, it’s rarely enforced at comedy shows.

6. Fifth Place Comedy

Fifth Place Comedy takes place at Joystick Gamebar in East Atlanta every Saturday evening. Expect funny up-and-comers, surprise guests, and a much-enjoyed karaoke after-party, all in the middle of Joystick Gamebar, which offers games ranging from pinball to foosball to board games. Previously featured comics have appeared on “Adult Swim,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, and more. It’s one of Atlanta’s best-kept secret venues, which will make you feel like an insider immediately.

7. 1UP Comedy

A roving comedy showcase, 1UP Comedy can be found at some of Atlanta’s hottest places, like ASW Whiskey Exchange, Battle & Brew, and its long-running show at SweetWater Brewing Company simply called “Beer and Comedy.” The SweetWater show bills itself as the longest-running brewery show in the world and has been posting up weekly at Atlanta’s best-known brewery for over 10 years.

Tickets to this comedy show range from free to $20, so what do you really have to lose?

The best comedy clubs in Atlanta for sketch comedy

1. Sketchworks Comedy

As the only sketch comedy club in Atlanta, Sketchworks Comedy has been churning out hilarious sketches since 2001. Located just east of downtown, it offers a treasure trove of comedic gold in the form of live shows, classes, and performances like “Vape: The Musical,” a riff on Grease, with music and everything. Check the website to stay up-to-date on live shows and other performances.

Want to explore Atlanta’s comedy scene?

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