Cocktails & Comedy: NYC’s Best Bars for a Laugh & a Drink
New York City is famous for its world-class cocktail culture and legendary comedy scene—so why not enjoy both at once? Whether you’re sipping an expertly crafted Old Fashioned while watching the next big stand-up star or enjoying an offbeat improv show with a Negroni in hand, NYC’s cocktail-comedy venues offer the perfect mix of booze and belly laughs.
From Greenwich Village’s historic comedy clubs to Brooklyn’s indie bar stages, here’s where to find the best cocktails paired with unforgettable performances.
1. The Comedy Cellar (Greenwich Village) – The Classic Comedy & Cocktail Experience
The Comedy Cellar isn’t just any comedy club—it’s an NYC institution. This legendary basement venue has hosted everyone from Dave Chappelle to Amy Schumer, with surprise drop-ins by A-listers like Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld.
While the main attraction is the world-class stand-up, the cocktails at Olive Tree Café (the bar & restaurant above the Cellar) are unexpectedly great.
What to Order:
The Seinfeld Spritz – A bubbly Prosecco cocktail with elderflower and citrus, named for the comedian who made NYC his stage.
The Heckler’s Old Fashioned – Bourbon, smoked honey, and bitters—because nothing shuts down a bad heckler like a stiff drink.
Best For: Comedy purists who want top-tier laughs and a classic Village cocktail experience.
Where: 117 MacDougal St, Greenwich Village
2. Caveat (Lower East Side) – Smart Comedy, Inventive Cocktails
If you like your comedy with a side of intellect, Caveat is the place. This Lower East Side venue specializes in smart, thought-provoking humor, with shows blending stand-up, storytelling, and even science lectures.
And the cocktails? Surprisingly stellar. The menu rotates, but expect drinks infused with unique ingredients like chai, saffron, and smoked tea.
What to Order:
The Punchline Punch – A rotating rum punch special, because every good joke deserves a strong finish.
The Intellectual Spritz – A low-ABV blend of amaro, Prosecco, and orange bitters, perfect for sipping during a live philosophy-comedy show.
Best For: Comedy lovers who enjoy wit, wordplay, and a well-balanced cocktail.
Where: 21A Clinton St, Lower East Side
3. Union Hall (Park Slope) – Brooklyn’s Indie Comedy & Cocktail Vibes
This Brooklyn bar-meets-performance venue is where you’ll find rising comedy stars before they hit the big time. With its book-lined walls, vintage leather couches, and a cocktail list that punches above its weight, Union Hall offers laid-back luxury with a side of laugh-out-loud stand-up.
What to Order:
The Brooklyn Bitter – A Negroni variation with local Brooklyn gin and house-made vermouth.
The Hipster Highball – Apple-infused bourbon, ginger beer, and a splash of absinthe.
Best For: Casual, indie comedy fans who want a cocktail in one hand and a bocce ball in the other.
Where: 702 Union St, Park Slope
4. The Stand (Gramercy) – High-End Comedy with Craft Cocktails
Unlike most comedy clubs, The Stand isn’t just a venue—it’s a full-fledged craft cocktail bar and restaurant. This Gramercy hotspot pairs NYC’s best new comedians with an upscale food & drink experience.
With a cocktail menu created by top-tier NYC mixologists, this is the rare comedy club where the drinks are just as impressive as the laughs.
What to Order:
The Headliner Collins – A sharp, refreshing Tom Collins variation with gin, yuzu, and black pepper syrup.
The Roasted Manhattan – A twist on the classic, featuring charred vanilla and toasted coconut bitters.
Best For: Comedy fans who like their humor high-end and their drinks top-shelf.
Where: 116 E 16th St, Gramercy
5. Friends & Lovers (Crown Heights) – Cocktails, Comedy & Dance Parties
Part craft cocktail bar, part underground comedy club, and part late-night dance spot, Friends & Lovers in Crown Heights is the place to go when you want an unpretentious but wildly fun night.
This bar regularly hosts alternative comedy showcases—think weirder, riskier humor than the typical stand-up club.
What to Order:
The Spiked Seltzer Slam – A rotating house-made seltzer spiked with seasonal fruit-infused rum.
The Espresso Yourself Martini – A bold espresso martini with a hint of Mexican chocolate.
Best For: Comedy fans who like their jokes edgy and their cocktails playful.
Where: 641 Classon Ave, Crown Heights
How to Plan the Perfect Cocktails & Comedy Night in NYC
Want to experience the best of both worlds in one night? Here’s how to do it:
Start at a Speakeasy: Grab a pre-show cocktail at Attaboy or Raines Law Room for a classic NYC mixology experience.
Book Comedy Tickets in Advance: The Comedy Cellar, The Stand, and Caveat sell out fast—plan ahead!
End at a Late-Night Cocktail Bar: Finish your night at a rooftop lounge or jazz bar for a more relaxed post-show drink.
For those looking to recreate the experience at home, Art of the Cocktail offers private mixology events featuring:
✔ Custom cocktails inspired by NYC’s comedy scene
✔ Themed mixology classes for improv nights & comedy lovers
✔ A hands-on approach to making drinks that bring the laughs
Because the best punchlines deserve the best punch.
Final Thoughts: Why Cocktails & Comedy Are the Perfect Pair
Comedy is all about timing, delivery, and the perfect setup—and so is a great cocktail. Whether you’re enjoying a smoky Old Fashioned with sharp stand-up or sipping a spritz at an experimental improv show, NYC’s comedy bars offer an experience that’s equal parts refined and ridiculous.
So, next time you’re planning a night out, skip the usual bar and head to one of NYC’s best comedy-cocktail destinations—where the drinks are strong, and the punchlines are even stronger.
