Over the years, Toronto has been home to historic comedy clubs that both attract and develop great comedians within the city. Recognizable institutions like Second City and Yuk Yuk’s will continue to have their place in Toronto’s comedy scene, but pockets of great comedy have also spread to smaller spaces across town. Home to some of the funniest up-and-coming performers around, there’s something for everyone on a comedy stage in Toronto.
Comedy Bar:
It doesn’t take long to figure out why this space is one of Toronto's quintessential comedy hangouts. This west-end downstairs bar houses two theatres featuring some of the best local talent along with big name touring comics. Lined along the walls are show posters signed by top-tier comedy names who’ve performed at the renowned club. The several nightly shows means there’s a bit of everything; great stand-up, improv, and sketch all happen at Comedy Bar. Best of all, you don’t have to go elsewhere to keep the night going after the laughs end.
Bad Dog Theatre Company:
Specializing exclusively in improvisational comedy and performance, the Bad Dog Theatre Company succeeded in bringing a dedicated improv space to Toronto. The snug bar area and comfy theatre perfectly compliments their culture of inclusiveness and community. Bad Dog always delivers on a night out that provides not only laughs, but also with one-of-a-kind theatre and perfomance that leaves you wanting to join in (and you can!). Beginner level classes and drop-ins are filled with people from all walks of life, interested in developing skills in theatre, comedy, public speaking, acting, and more.
Social Capital Theatre:
As another great multifaceted performance space, the Social Capital Theatre lies in the heart of the Danforth. The appropriately nicknamed “SoCap” does it all— great standup, improv, and sketch shows, along with classes and drop-in improv jams to take part yourself. Grab a drink at their bar and take in one of the nightly shows at the SoCap. If you’re more of a hands-on person, this is one of the best places in the city to learn, produce, and create comedy.
The Underground Cafe & Social Club:
This unique spot serves up fantastic local and touring comedians along with a 420 friendly atmosphere. Regular weekly shows several nights a week highlight Toronto’s best, and the Underground has quickly become a favorite stage for noteworthy out-of-towners. And for good reason — the owner takes pride in keeping the talent top-notch while complimenting that with an open-minded, friendly, and low-key atmosphere.
The Corner Comedy Club:
As one of the newer clubs in Toronto, The Corner came out swinging with no-holds-barred standup. Appropriately named after the area’s now-defunct TV video booth “Speaker’s Corner,” the club brings an affordable, independent comedy room to the downtown core. The name isn’t all they inherited from the CityTV booth — The Corner exists to give Torontonians to a place to express their ideas. The difference now is that it’s live and uncensored.
Part-time comedy clubs
While these establishments may not be comedy-centric first and foremost, it would be an injustice not to include them. Although you may not be able to find comedy here every night of the week, it will be worth the wait.
ALTdot Comedy Lounge at The Rivoli:
For over two decades this weekly alternative show has been a mainstay in the Toronto comedy scene. Every Monday, the well known Queen West bar the Rivoli opens its doors to one of Toronto’s most consistently great alt standup showcases, along with an open mic night the first Tuesday of every month.
The Ossington:
This low key bar on the west end has had a history of hosting great comedians, and the good news is they now have a dedicated comedy night. Every Monday, the Ossington puts on a night of great of booked performers, followed by an open mic. To sweeten the deal, it’s always pay-what-you-can so there’s no excuse not to be there.
Drake Underground:
As one of the best and busiest performance spaces in the city, the only issue is squeezing the time in for a comedy show between all the concerts, parties, screenings, and other events hosted here. Luckily the Drake Underground event staff have set aside each Tuesday as Comedy Underground at the Drake Hotel. It’s usually busy here, and it’s no surprise why.
