Bar shows and open mics are looser and cheaper in spirit, and you might catch a seasoned comic working out a new bit right before a first-timer finds their footing. Think about the neighborhood too, since the rooms are spread across Capitol Hill, the U District, downtown, Belltown and the south end. Browse our guide to Seattle neighborhoods to line up dinner or drinks close to the show.
Stand-Up Clubs and Comedy Rooms
Emerald City Comedy Club
On Broadway East in Capitol Hill, this club keeps a steady calendar of stand-up headliners. Bring valid ID, since shows are 21 and over unless a listing says otherwise. Plan on a two-item minimum per person in the showroom, which you can fill with food or any drink, alcoholic or not.
Arrive on time, because seats are only held until showtime and the best reserved seats go first. Tickets are nonrefundable and tend to cost more at the door, so book ahead. Policies can change, so check the club's site before you head out.
Laughs Comedy Club
A longtime fixture of the University District on Roosevelt Way NE, Laughs fills up with a mix of college students and dedicated comedy fans. Settle in for a lineup that blends local talent with touring stand-ups. Comics such as Tig Notaro, Hari Kondabolu and Hannibal Buress have played this stage, which helps explain its strong reputation in the local scene.
Jewelbox Theater at The Rendezvous
Step inside The Rendezvous on 2nd Avenue in Belltown to find the Jewelbox, a small theater in a building dating to 1926. Comedy shares the calendar with live music and film screenings. Its intimate size is perfect if you like sitting close to the stage, and Janeane Garofalo is among the comics who have performed here.
Improv at Pike Place Market
Unexpected Productions
Seattle's best-known improv company performs in the Market Theater on Post Alley, right beside the Gum Wall. Every show is spontaneous and interactive, shaped by whatever the audience throws at the performers. The theater has hosted improv festivals with performers from around the world, and Joel McHale counts among its alumni.
Make a day of it by wandering the market first, then taking in nearby sights from our list of Seattle landmarks before the curtain goes up.
Weeknight Showcases and Open Mics
Joketellers Union at Clock-Out Lounge
Spend your Wednesday at Clock-Out Lounge on Beacon Avenue South, where stand-up veterans Brett Hamil and Emmett Montgomery lead this weekly show with an eye toward diverse lineups. Expect a twist on standard stand-up, with sets that can stretch into odd poetry, offbeat slideshows, sharp political humor and long-form storytelling.
Jai Thai
Grab a seat in the back bar of this Capitol Hill restaurant on Broadway East, which hosts open mics and showcases several nights a week. Established comics drop in to test new material while newcomers try out their first sets. The results vary, and that unpredictability is half the fun. Showcases often feature strong regional talent, and the crowd tends to be lively and well lubricated.
Big-Name Comics at the Historic Theaters
When major touring comedians come through, they often skip the clubs for larger stages. Watch the Paramount, Moore and Neptune theaters, which book top comics from time to time and have hosted Maria Bamford, David Cross and Jimmy Carr. These dates sell differently from club nights, so keep an eye on each theater's calendar and buy early for well-known names.
Tips Before You Go
- Check the age policy. Many club shows are 21 and over, so bring valid ID.
- Book ahead. Door prices can run higher, and popular shows may sell out.
- Budget for food and drinks. Some rooms require a minimum purchase per person.
- Confirm showtimes. Schedules change often, so verify on the venue's own site the day you go.
Ready to build a full evening around the laughs? Explore our roundup of things to do in Seattle for ideas before or after the show.
Check each venue's own website for current lineups, policies and showtimes.
