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The Second City

Comedy Club

Old Town Triangle, Chicago

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The Second City

9.2^/10

959

ratings

Ranked #1 for comedy clubs in Chicago
The experts at Travel + Leisure and CNN recommend this place
"Great place to go to if you want to spend the night laughing."(15 Tips)
"South Side of Heaven is a must see - hilarious!"(10 Tips)
"... the likes of Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell and others, this legendary..."(4 Tips)
"I love the main stage shows."(3 Tips)

149 Tips and reviews

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Allison KaminskiOctober 15, 2015
Been here 10+ times
I love the main stage shows. They test out material after the show so you get an extra half hour of laughs!!! So much history!! You won't stop laughing
AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
Get there early as space is often tight, and peruse the portraits in the lobby of the Second City alumni (and now celebrities) from before they were made famous on the big screen. Read more
Upvoted 1 day ago
Chicago Cultural AllianceSeptember 17, 2012
The facade is a 4 terra cotta busts from the original Shiller Theater depicting famous German figures: Giacomo Meyerbeer, Fritz Reuter, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Gotthold Ephraim Lessing.
Kirk TrotskyNovember 30, 2018
Been here 100+ times
Everything is stellar here! The shows, the training, the professional development and PEOPLE! Where else would you see Tim Meadows on an escalator?
Fodor's TravelJanuary 28, 2016
An institution since 1959, Second City has served as a launching pad for some of the hottest comedians around. Alumni include Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and the late John Belushi. Read more
Cameron WAugust 30, 2017
The main stage show was truly hilarious. I thought it would be funny and a good time overall but I didn't expect to be laughing out load almost constantly. Great show!
CNNAugust 6, 2014
Name almost any SNL breakout star -- John Belushi, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler -- and chances are he or she served a stint at Chicago's Second City. Read more
Travel + LeisureFebruary 21, 2014
The 54-year-old sketch comedy club has been turning out A-list stars—Tina Fey; Steve Carell; Stephen Colbert—for more than 50 years, and is still the place to catch fledgling writers and actors.
Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
You can hit the box office for tickets for a future show or just revel in the collective comedic talent that's performed here over the years, from Dan Aykroyd to Tina Fey to Amy Sedaris. Read more
OkCupid Daters' ChoiceJuly 13, 2017
The Second City was voted the Best Intellectual Date Spot by OkCupid users in the first-ever Daters' Choice Awards! Tap Read more for additional date spot categories in Chicago. #daterschoice Read more
ᴡ HildebrandMarch 29, 2015
Game Night is a really fun, participation-heavy game. Get there early to get good seats so you have a better chance of getting on stage. Or pay the $10 extra for premium seats.
Jim OrganMay 26, 2017
Very talented although very one-sided politically. I like a more balanced approach on political humor. Otherwise outside of the political messages good show.
Tiffany ChungOctober 8, 2013
Get there early for a good seat! They pull audience from the front for impromptu acts! Definitely a good time! Show lasted about 2.5 hours! (The best of second city)
Emilio COctober 3, 2017
The best place for comedy in the city.
Fodor's TravelAugust 21, 2015
Known for sending numerous comedic actors along to successful careers at Saturday Night Live and beyond, you can get all the laughs you want without paying for a ticket.
AshleyJanuary 21, 2013
So funny! Go see a improv show, order a drink for 19.95 so you can keep the glass. And be prepared to possibly get on stage or yell out suggestions.
Noah WeissFebruary 27, 2015
$12 tickets for great Sketch comedy with no minimum drink orders, at the comedy spot that half of SNL came from.
Ryan PaveyMarch 18, 2019
Really good fun. We were near the front and I’m glad we weren’t picked on.
Monica DesaiSeptember 2, 2019
Their showcases are like thematic SNL shows, great for a Saturday night
Kirstie CastaneiraApril 28, 2017
Amazing show!! Such a cool venue and the ETC stage was very intimate. Will definitely return!
Cole TJune 19, 2017
Historic venue; so many greats have passed through here. Saw a great show and had a Three Floyds beer to boot.
Philly Improv TheaterSeptember 23, 2014
This is a comedy mecca! Make sure you take the time to look at photos of old cast members - you will see A LOT of famous faces.
Kellen TerrettAugust 8, 2014
Classic for a reason. Every show adds something new to the long list of amazing pieces the building has produced.
Renaissance HotelsMay 22, 2012
Few know that seat are first-come first-serve here — show up 30 minutes early for great seats at the main stage. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out www.renhotels.com.
Jenny PollockJuly 7, 2013
A must do for anyone visiting Chicago. The main stage shows are always good! Be ready for pricy drinks, but they are strong!
Simon KFebruary 24, 2015
Great sketch based evening, some hit, some miss. As a Brit it surprised me how much casual racism there was in the show.
VegNews MagazineOctober 30, 2012
Why not finish the night bent over laughing at this famous comedy club where Tina Fey, Chris Farley, and Bill Murray all got started? The renowned house of comedy provides first-class entertainment.
Travel + LeisureMay 29, 2012
Shows are general admission, so arrive early and grab a seat at one of the tables in front of the stage or by the railing on the second level. Read more
Lawrence MillerMarch 13, 2013
I have been to The Second City about five times over 20 years. This was probably the best performance ever. My sides hurt from laughter!
Greg MacekDecember 13, 2019
The etc stage was amazing. The best comedy in America is here in Chicago.
Katey FagianoJuly 6, 2015
Great atmosphere, great shows, great beer options during the show with servers to get you food & drink
Julia StylesOctober 11, 2011
Everyone should see Second City at least once. It is one of the best sketch comedy venues in the country. Go to Adobo for margaritas and dinner beforehand.
American AirlinesJune 27, 2013
Open since 1959, Second City has offered the best in improv comedy for years. Be ready: you might get the chance to participate!
Jennifer StraubMarch 21, 2012
If you purchase the tickets on-site, you won't incur the ridiculous transaction fee from ordering them online. But, you'll need to purchase days ahead of time, as the shows will sell out.
Ashley StarkNovember 2, 2015
Great time out. Probably more fun with a large group of friends because seating in the floor area is very tight.
Chase JJuly 31, 2013
Try the Drink: Chicago River its like a Long Island Ice Tea on steroids. Then sit back and enjoy the show!
Jordan KDecember 25, 2009
If your visiting the city, Second City is a must see! So many famous comedians have checked in and out of Second City! Small theater & atmosphere makes for a personal comedic experience
Bob KApril 27, 2014
When in Chicago don't miss it.. Order a pitcher and stay for the improv at the end.
Josh SciannaNovember 20, 2017
Saw the 11PM show on Saturday, didn’t disappoint. Cast was hilarious and the the drinks were very well made.
GFour ProductionsApril 19, 2012
Motherhood the Musical is playing down the street at the Royal George Theatre. Use the code OTB5 for $5 off your ticket at the box office or online
Chicago TribuneFebruary 7, 2012
Thursdays at 6 p.m.: Chicago Live!, a weekly stage and radio show produced by Chicago Tribune with The Second City. Hosted by Chicago Tribune's Rick Kogan. Tickets, podcasts: http://trib.in/cR4ZBm
Andrew SchefferOctober 15, 2013
The Best of Second City is the perfect chance to see the soon be celebrities in their grassroots element.
Venu ThangalapallyDecember 15, 2018
Been here 5+ times
Here for Improv classes - best and more like meditation time - living in the moment
Explore ChicagoSeptember 20, 2011
The world famous Second City, launched the careers of numerous SNL alumni, such improv greats as John Belushi, Bill Murray, Steve Carell, and Tina Fey.
Jinna WJanuary 27, 2015
Great show! Whatever you do, don‘t check your coat it takes so long since there's only one guy working at coat check
Travel ChannelDecember 7, 2010
I performed improv on stage and I was so nervous. I think I held my own, but I won’t be going on Second City’s professional stage anytime soon. Instead, I’ll let them do all the work. – Samantha Brown Read more
Thompson HotelsJune 20, 2011
Our concierge Samantha at Sax Chicago says, "You *will* laugh at Second City. It's twisted, in a good way. Don’t miss 'South Side of Heaven.'"
YvonneJune 3, 2013
Will B taking voice over classes here.... I am so excited!!! Squeeeee!!! #MyDreamsAreFinallyBeingRealized. :-)
Showtime NetworkJune 4, 2010
If you’re up for laughs, you must stop into Second City. It’s one of the best comedy clubs in the country and always a fun night. - Nikki
Skip SuggJanuary 27, 2017
Amazing live talent.

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