Christina Mastroeni 
With the greater Montclair area being so close to New York City, there’s bound to be some crossover activities, one of which is visiting comedy clubs. While the city’s comedy scene is something special, Northern NJ has some great clubs to check out popular + aspiring comedians. Keep reading to learn more about comedy clubs in Northern New Jersey.
Bananas | 801 Rutherford Avenue, Rutherford
Bananas Comedy Club is located on Rutherford Avenue and runs parallel with Route 3. The club is typically open Thursday through Saturday. It has featured comics such as Francisco Ramos, who played a recurring role in Netflix’s Gentefied; Vic Dibitetto; and Anthony Rodia. The club is also available for group events such as holiday parties, fundraisers, and corporate outings.
Read More: A Guide to Live Music Spots in Montclair + Essex County
The Barbershop Stand-Up Comedy | 1034 Washington Street, Hoboken
Originally from the East Village, Live at the Barbershop made its way to Hoboken, near the corner of Washington Street and 11th Street. Comedy shows take place in an actual barbershop and feature comedians seen on TV as well as local talent. Featured guests include Sam Morril, Ari Shaffir, Roy Wood Jr, Brett Goldstein, and Hannah Berner, to name a few.
The Basement at Tommy Fox’s | 32 South Washington Street, Bergenfield
The Basement is located inside Tommy Fox’s Public House. The club has comedy shows and showcases of a variety of comedians. A busy venue, with 125 shows this past year alone, The Basement keeps the good times rolling with other types of events like Paint + Sips and comedy classes. The Basement also hosts an open mic night on Tuesdays. To get on the list, reach out to Chip (his information can be found on the website).
Dojo of Comedy | 232 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains
The Dojo of Comedy is located near the corner of Speedwell Avenue and Gregory Avenue. The venue is primarily open Wednesday through Saturday, with the exception of special events. The venue has events including “Bucket of Chaos hosted by Joey Diaz,” as well as comedians like Joe List and Paul Virzi. The venue also has open mics on Monday evenings. Sign up is at 7PM and the show starts at 7:30PM.
The Gathering | 209 Rivervale Road Suite 2, River Vale
Unlike other venues on this list, The Gathering is open seven days a week in the evenings. The venue itself is available for events like social events, holiday parties, reunions, showers, and birthdays. The Gathering will have shows with multiple comedians as well as shows with one feature comic.
Howdy Stranger | (Sidebar Gastropub) 45 Main Street, Hackensack
If looking for something slightly outside of the realm of stand-up comedy, Howdy Stranger brings improv comedy shows to the New Jersey area. The troupe consists of seven professionals and its director. In addition to comedy shows, Howdy Stranger also has improv classes, private lessons, + an improv jam, which is open to the public.
The Laugh Tour Comedy Club | 555 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City
The Laugh Tour Comedy Club is located near the Newport section of Jersey City. Owner and founder, Rich Kiamco, reopened this club during the pandemic. After losing his partner during COVID, Rich wanted to find another way to grieve that didn’t just involve grief meetings. He thought it was time to share laughter and kindness with the world around him. The Laugh Tour has designated space in Dorrian’s Restaurant and features comics who’ve made appearances on America’s Got Talent + The Late Show. The club also has an open mic on Sundays at 3:30PM.
Meadowlands Comedy Club | 40 Wood Avenue, Secaucus
Meadowlands Comedy Club holds comedy shows and festivals for those looking to perform and those looking to be entertained. The comedy club hosted events such as a Comedy Food Truck Night as well as the Meadowlands Comedy Festival. The venue also specializes in events like birthdays, graduations, and charity fundraisers.
Central Jersey Honorable Mentions
Gemini Comedy Entertainment | 6 Commerce Street Suite 5C, Somerville
Gemini Comedy Entertainment began with John “Gemini” Lombardi, who is a Brooklyn native. The shows consist of Gemini as a comedian, ventriloquist, and magician. Gemini also takes the show on the road for fans to catch at The Royal Bar in Branchburg and Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mt. Pocono.
See More: Where to See Comedy Shows in Hoboken + Jersey City
Stress Factory | 90 Church Street, New Brunswick
Vinnie Brand’s Stress Factory Comedy Club is a well-known comedy club located in New Brunswick. Although it’s not technically Northern NJ territory, to leave it off this list felt wrong, as Stress Factory has been a home away from home for many comedians on tour. Comics include Dave Attell, Michael Rapaport, Tony Rock, + Joey “CoCo” Diaz, to name a few. The venue also purchased a restaurant. Victoria’s Tratta Italiano, also located in New Brunswick, has an option for guests to have The Ultimate Night Out, including two tickets with priority seating, a shared appetizer with two entrees, and a bottle of wine.
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