Standup comedy is everywhere right now. Netflix is churning out more standup comedy specials than any time in history. For me, when standup is good, there's not much better. In Chicago, three places do standup right. If you want to get your giggle on, check out the standup clubs below: Zanies Zanies is the most special standup comedy club in Chicago—bar none. Its intimate setting is tucked into a picturesque location in the Old Town neighborhood and being inside always feels like the beginning of an episode of Seinfeld. More than anywhere else, Zanies consistently gets the best comedians. Up-and-coming comedians, legends, Saturday Night Live stars, and more fill their schedule, and the cozy room makes the experience all the more memorable. Its location is beautiful, and exciting restaurants and bars are scattered throughout N. Wells. The Laugh Factory Just seeing The Laugh Factory's iconic church-like backdrop sometimes makes me giddy. The Laugh Factory has created an incredible comedy brand that consistently features high-level comedians operating at or near their peak. They feature many up-and-coming local comedians, all on the verge of hitting fame while peppering in established stars enjoying the prime period of their careers. Nestled in a beautiful part of the Lakeview neighborhood at the corner of Broadway and Belmont—a short walk from the Belmont red line station—hip restaurants and bars smother the area and provide a fun evening out with friends. Up Comedy Club The Up Comedy Club features high-level comedians—many of whom already have Netflix specials, or are on the verge of making it big. However, Up Comedy Club is located inside The Second City building, and they do not consistently feature comedians, sometimes featuring improv or sketch instead. You have to pay a little more attention to their calendar of events, but when they feature comedians, they will be funny. Instead of turning on a new Netflix special, check out the schedules of Chicago's best comedy clubs and let a comedian make you laugh in-person!
