The Very Best Of Toronto

Best Comedy Clubs in Toronto

You have likely heard of Just For Laughs, the Montreal-based comedy festival that is often featured on the CBC. While Toronto cannot compete with juste pour rire, the Six definately has our share of solid comedy clubs, for both amateur and professionals. Whether you are looking at crafting your own stand up routine-or looking for a fun night out-this page will give you the scoop on our local comedy scene, a central element of Canadian Culture.

Yes, Just For Laughs do occasionally come to Toronto, despite having their base in Montreal.

Bad Dog Comedy Theatre

bad dog comedy theatre, best comedy clubs in toronto, toronto comedy clubs, best comedy shows in toronto
Upstairs, 392 Spadina Ave. Unit 2, Toronto, ON M5T 0G5
Snug, contemporary venue for unscripted sketch & improv performances, plus classes & workshops.

In 2003, three friends (Kerry Griffin, Marcel St. Pierre & Ralph MacLeod) – hot off a game-changing improv road trip – decided that improv needed a dedicated, full-time, pedal-to-the-metal home in this city.

And so, building on the 20-year tradition of Theatresports Toronto (est. 1983), the Bad Dog Theatre Company was born… and with it, an honest-to-goodness bricks-and-mortar theatre space, 138 Danforth Ave, dedicated exclusively to unscripted performance. Cue a decade of excellent, affordable classes; critically acclaimed and award-nominated unscripted comedy revues; signature improvised parodies and genre send-ups; boundary-pushing experimental formats; festivals, first-times, foolishness, fun … and most of all, the most fantastic, supportive creative community you could ever hope to find!

best comedy clubs in toronto, toronto comedy clubs, best comedy shows in toronto
They offer formal comedy classes in additional to professionals shows, held in their intimate auditorium. They have hosted some talented performers, going on to tour internationally.

Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club Toronto

yuk yuks, best comedy clubs in toronto, toronto comedy clubs, best comedy shows in toronto
224 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1V6
Long-time stand-up comedy club that boasts many famous alumni, hosting rising & established stars. The Show Menu as well as full bar service are available starting one hour before showtime and during the show.
yuk yuks toronto, best comedy clubs in toronto, toronto comedy clubs, best comedy shows in toronto
Their logo is well known to all seasoned Canadians, perhaps invited to a show sometime over the years. Some of the performers are awesome but others resort to crude (or filthy language). While some enjoy this type of humour, I find it lazy and passe. While some performers do bomb on occasion, Canadian patrons refrain from booing them. Rather than try to throw shade at the person on stage, they will talk quickly behind their back and move on. After writing this paragraph, I almost framed Canadians as being kind, yet passive aggressive. Well….lol
best comedy clubs in toronto, toronto comedy clubs, best comedy shows in toronto
This is a typical view from the audience section of the threatre. There are no bad spots in the house. In additional to providing solid entertainment, they also have a solid food and beverage offering. I mean, if you find yourself “not laughing” you can always see if having another drink will change that. While I am not promoting alcoholism, there is nothing that says having a pint or two will be “life or death”. Bottoms up!
If you are looking to side to the side, you can always want the performance from the bar. The rail is well stocked, offering all of the premium spirits, wines, and drinks. Seating is comfortable yet intimate, giving you a little space to chill from the excitement of centre stage. You are going to have a good time!

There are quite a few other options in the city. Some have changed locations during the pandemic, with the listing being updated as of December 2022. Not all of these places are explicit comedy clubs, with some offering quality open mic nights. Some of the best comedy that I have ever heard has been from amateurs, unsure of how their material would be recieved. In fact, you might end up seeing a future superstar! I mean, how many people went on from Second City to have successful careers in Hollywood?

How many Canadian comedians can you name?

the piston, best comedy clubs in toronto, toronto comedy clubs, best comedy shows in toronto
The Piston
937 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L4
A main bar with cozy booths & a hopping back room for live acts, plus tapas & gourmet sandwiches.
rivoli, best comedy clubs in toronto, toronto comedy clubs, best comedy shows in toronto
Rivoli Toronto
334 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A2
Lively landmark offering a nightclub, pool, live music & an eclectic, creative bar food menu.
best comedy clubs in toronto, toronto comedy clubs, best comedy shows in toronto
About Absolute Comedy Toronto
Classic comedy bar atmosphere that pairs laughs with a small entree menu or buffet dinner.
2335 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C8
%d bloggers like this: