What are the best comedy clubs in Toronto?

From legendary Second City to underground speakeasy shows, discover the best comedy clubs and entertainment venues in Toronto for 2025.

What is there to do in Toronto at night?

Toronto nightlife includes comedy clubs, live music venues, nightclubs, late-night restaurants, and entertainment districts like King West and Queen West.

The Best Comedy Clubs and Entertainment in Toronto for 2025

Toronto has one of the most vibrant comedy scenes in North America. From the legendary Second City—which launched the careers of Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, and countless Saturday Night Live cast members—to intimate basement shows, the city offers laughs for every taste. Here's your guide to the best comedy clubs and entertainment in Toronto for 2025.

Legendary Comedy Venues

The Second City Toronto

Location: 51 Mercer Street

TTC: Union Station, then walk

Second City is a comedy institution. Since opening in 1973, it has launched the careers of SCTV legends, Schitt's Creek stars, and SNL cast members galore.

What to Expect:

•Professionally produced revue shows (sketch comedy and improv)

•Interactive improv sets after the main show

•Top-tier performers training for the big time

•Classic Chicago-style comedy format

Shows to See:

•Mainstage revue (their flagship show)

•Late-night improvised sets

•Special themed shows and events

Pro tip: The late-night improv sets are often the most spontaneous and fun.

Yuk Yuk's

Location: 224 Richmond Street West

TTC: Osgoode Station (Line 1)

Canada's original comedy club chain started right here in Toronto in 1976.

What to Expect:

•Stand-up comedy from local and touring acts

•Open mic nights for emerging talent

•Headliner weekends with big names

•Classic comedy club atmosphere

Best Nights:

•Amateur Night (watch future stars for cheap)

•Weekend headliner shows

•Industry nights (comedians come to support each other)

Comedy Bar

Location: 945 Bloor Street West

TTC: Ossington Station (Line 2)

The heart of Toronto's alternative comedy scene, featuring everything from stand-up to sketch to variety shows.

What to Expect:

•Nightly shows across multiple performance spaces

•Mix of stand-up, sketch, improv, and variety

•Home to many local comedy troupes

•Intimate venue with great sightlines

Shows to See:

•Stand-up showcases

•Sketch comedy nights

•Themed variety shows

Underground and Alternative Comedy

Backroom Comedy Club

Location: 150 King Street West (inside the restaurant)

TTC: St. Andrew Station (Line 1)

A speakeasy-style comedy club hidden behind a restaurant, offering an intimate experience.

What to Expect:

•Handcrafted cocktails

•Intimate 100-seat venue

•Touring headliners and local favourites

•Upscale atmosphere

Pro tip: Make dinner reservations at the restaurant first for the full experience.

The Rivoli

Location: 334 Queen Street West

TTC: Queen streetcar

A Queen West institution that's hosted comedy, music, and events since 1982.

What to Expect:

•Weekly comedy nights in the back room

•Mix of improv and stand-up

•Iconic venue with history

•Great food and drinks

Social Capital Theatre

Location: 154 Danforth Avenue

TTC: Broadview Station (Line 2)

A multi-level venue dedicated to improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy on the Danforth.

What to Expect:

•Multiple shows per night across different spaces

•Improv jams and showcases

•Sketch comedy nights

•Comedy classes and workshops

Comedy Classes and Open Mics

Want to try comedy yourself? Toronto has options:

Where to Learn:

•Second City Training Centre - The gold standard for improv and sketch

•Bad Dog Theatre - Community-focused improv school

•Comedy Bar - Classes in various comedy disciplines

•Social Capital Theatre - Affordable improv training

Best Open Mics:

•Yuk Yuk's Amateur Night - The proving ground

•Comedy Bar - Various open mic formats

•The Steady - Monday night stand-up open mic

•Bar Cathedral - Supportive comedy community

Beyond Comedy: Toronto Entertainment

Live Music Venues

The Drake Underground

Located beneath the iconic Drake Hotel, featuring indie music, DJ sets, and themed dance parties.

The Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto's most legendary live music venue since 1947, hosting rock, indie, and roots music.

The Cameron House

Queen West institution for roots, country, and indie music in an intimate setting.

Massey Hall

Historic concert hall reopened after extensive renovations—one of the world's best listening rooms.

Nightlife Hotspots

EFS Toronto

High-energy club experience with bottle service and top DJs.

The Fifth Social Club

Multi-floor venue with VIP sections, mixing retro and modern aesthetics.

Sneaky Dee's

Toronto institution known for nachos downstairs and alternative music/dance parties upstairs.

Bar Raval

Stunning Gaudi-inspired interior serving cocktails and Spanish tapas late into the night.

Theatre and Shows

Mirvish Productions

Broadway touring shows and Canadian premieres at multiple venues including the Princess of Wales Theatre and Royal Alexandra Theatre.

Soulpepper Theatre

Resident theatre company in the Distillery District presenting classics and new Canadian work.

Factory Theatre

Home of the Canadian play, showcasing new work from Canadian playwrights.

Planning Your Night Out

Comedy Night Tips:

1.Book ahead - Popular shows sell out, especially weekends

2.Arrive early - Get good seats and have time for drinks

3.Don't sit in front - Unless you want to be part of the show

4.Two-drink minimum - Many clubs have them, so budget accordingly

5.Tip your server - Comedy clubs rely on service staff

Best Nights for Different Vibes:

| Night | Best For |

|-------|----------|

| Monday | Open mics, industry nights |

| Tuesday-Wednesday | Smaller shows, try something new |

| Thursday | Strong lineups, smaller crowds |

| Friday-Saturday | Headliners, big crowds, date nights |

| Sunday | Alternative shows, comedy brunches |

Combine Dinner and Comedy:

Great dinner spots near comedy clubs:

•Near Second City: Pearl Diver, Bar Buca

•Near Yuk Yuk's: Pizzeria Libretto, WVRST

•Near Comedy Bar: The Federal, Holy Schnitzel

Final Thoughts

Toronto's comedy scene punches well above its weight. From legendary institutions that have trained generations of comedy stars to underground rooms showcasing tomorrow's talent, there's no shortage of laughs in this city.

Grab some friends, book some tickets, and prepare to laugh. Toronto's got the comedy covered.

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