Atlanta’s Best Comedy Clubs

By Mary Welch and T.J. Jackson

Published July 3, 2018
Last Updated February 7, 2023

Atlanta is one of the best cities in the country for comedy. With great comics like Jeff Foxworthy, Kenan Thompson, Ed Helms, Chris Tucker, Donald Glover, Tyler Perry and more, Atlanta has become an incubator for hilarious artists. And thanks to the comedy clubs and theaters spread across the city, people can enjoy every form of their favorite genre including stand-up, improv and sketch anytime of the week — live. Check out the list below as we’ve broken down by neighborhood each comedy club and venue in the ATL.

DOWNTOWN

The Village Theatre
Type: Improv & Sketch
What’s Special: The venue has two stages with a cozy lobby in between, where guests can enjoy craft beer, local art and available bathrooms.
Our Advice: Attend Ladie’s Night (their misspelling, not ours) on the first Thursday of every month where local sketch teams compete for the best video sketch. The first place prize is non-existent.

BUCKHEAD

The Basement Theatre
Type: Improv
What’s Special: Leave the kids at home or bring them along. Weekly shows are tailored for every type of audience including families, teens and adults-only.
Our Advice: Take advantage of the affordable $4 cocktails.

The Punchline Comedy Club
Type: Stand-up
What’s Special: The city’s longest-running comedy club, which is well-known for hosting celebrity comics including Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle and Jeff Foxworthy.
Our Advice: Enjoy dessert after the show at the Landmark Diner next door where cake is available 24/7.

MIDTOWN

Whole World Improv Theatre
Type: Improv & Sketch
What’s Special: On the first Wednesday of every month, you can catch a free show in Atlantic Station’s Central Park (weather permitting).
Our Advice: Arrive early to provide audience-suggested one-liners.

Laughing Skull Lounge
Type: Stand-up
What’s Special: Located next to one of the best burger joints in town, The Vortex Bar & Grill.
Our Advice: Check the website frequently for well-known comedians booking a last-minute scheduled show.

EASTSIDE

Dad’s Garage Theatre
Type: Improv & Full-Length Scripted Shows
What’s Special: No, you’re not in the wrong place, the theater is in fact a former church and, yes, those are indeed toilet bowl-filled planters greeting you at the front entrance.
Our Advice: Mark your calendar for the annual BaconFest – a sizzling fun event that occurs every spring.

WESTSIDE

Highwire Comedy Co.
Type: Improv & Sketch
What’s Special: The only comedy school that offers courses for all three forms including stand-up, improv and sketch-writing.
Our Advice: If you purchase a ticket for the first show of the night, you can usually attend the next show for free.

Relapse Theatre
Type: Stand-up, Improv, & Sketch
What’s Special: As seen on Netflix twice, Rory Scovel Tries Stand-up for the First Time and Queer Eye Season 1 Episode 7 (Below Average Joe).
Our Advice: Attend open mic night every Thursday at no cost.

AIRPORT AREA

Uptown Comedy Corner
Type: Stand-up
What’s Special: Known for hosting national touring comics including Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, Mo’Nique, Mike Epps, Steve Harvey and Ricky Smiley.
Our Advice: Need a date idea? Enjoy comedy AND live jazz every Thursday night.  

TJ Jackson is a digital marketing specialist at Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau; journalist Mary Welch writes business and lifestyle stories for local and national publications.

Journalist Mary Welch writes business and lifestyle stories for local and national publications. 

T.J. Jackson is a digital marketing specialist at Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.