Six of the best comedy clubs in Toronto
Natalie Norman, a seasoned comedian and local show producer, shares her insights into Toronto's comedy landscape. With its diverse voices and eclectic performances, the city offers a wide array of comedic styles, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for audiences. Norman's own comedic repertoire has garnered attention from outlets such as CBC, Vice, and The Globe and Mail, reflecting the city's thriving comedy culture.
Here are Natalie Norman's top picks for experiencing the best of Toronto's comedy scene.
1. Best for catching local comedians: Comedy Bar, Bloor
Natalie Norman highly recommends Comedy Bar on Bloor, a renowned basement venue in West Toronto celebrated for its diverse lineup of comedic voices and styles. Established as the original location, Comedy Bar now boasts two distinct venues, both endorsed by Norman.
Comedy Bar, Bloor prioritizes comedy, offering a well-stocked bar and light snacks to complement its entertainment offerings. The venue hosts a variety of comedy genres, including sketch, stand-up, alternative, and improv, ensuring something for every comedic taste.
Norman emphasizes the intimate and Toronto-centric atmosphere of Comedy Bar, noting its popularity among local comedians. The venue's endorsement by comedians speaks volumes about its quality and support for the local comedy scene.
Website: Comedy Bar
Address: 945 Bloor Street West Toronto, Canada M6H 1L5
Phone: (416) 551-6540
Instagram: @comedybarTO
2. Best for world-renowned sketch comedy: The Second City, Toronto
According to Norman, The Second City offers the best live sketch comedy in Canada, representing a longstanding institution in the country's comedic landscape.
Recognized as a launching pad for renowned Canadian comedians like John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Catherine O'Hara, The Second City is celebrated for its sketch comedy performances, distinct from improvisational comedy. Comedians at The Second City craft and perform long-form sketches, with shows running for six months before refreshing their material.
While The Second City Toronto stands as an established venue, it is part of the broader The Second City brand, which includes locations in New York City and Chicago.
Norman highlights Toronto's political atmosphere, which often influences the humor showcased at The Second City. With notable alumni like Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara from "Schitt's Creek," the venue upholds a tradition of delivering sharp, comedic commentary.
Website: The Second City Toronto
Address: One York Street, 110 Harbour St, Toronto, Canada M5J 0B6
Phone: (416) 343-0011
Instagram: @secondcityTO
3. Best intimate comedy venue: The Corner Comedy Club
Natalie Norman describes The Corner Comedy Club as a hidden gem nestled in Toronto's downtown area, offering an intimate stand-up comedy experience that transports visitors to a more secluded setting despite being in the heart of the city. Accessed through a discreet back alley, the club exudes a speakeasy-like ambiance that adds to its allure.
With a capacity of approximately 50 guests, The Corner provides an intimate setting for comedy performances, creating a unique and exclusive atmosphere. The club hosts a variety of events, including weekend and weeknight comedy headliners, as well as a popular pre-booked open mic night.
Norman emphasizes the importance of smaller venues for comedy, noting that they provide a more conducive environment for audience engagement and concentration. In her experience, lower ceilings contribute to a cozy ambiance, minimizing distractions and enhancing the overall comedic experience.
Website: The Corner Comedy Club
Address: 243 Queen St West, Toronto, Canada M5V 1Z4
Phone: (647) 228-4084
Instagram: @thecornercomedyclub
4. Best for discovering the next "it" comedian: Comedy Bar, Danforth
Natalie Norman highlights the distinct atmosphere of the second Comedy Bar location, situated across the city from the original venue.
One notable difference is the weekend lineup, which often features professional comedians from out of town, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy top-tier performances at a reasonable price. The new venue boasts modern and attractive facilities, providing a welcoming environment for comedy enthusiasts.
Comedy Bar, Danforth, located on the east side of the city, features two stages - one on the main floor and another in the basement, accessible via lift. The venue also offers a full-service bar and a food menu.
Norman recommends arriving hungry, particularly for their renowned deep pan pizza, which she describes as exceptional.
Website: Comedy Bar
Address: 2800 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, Canada M4C 1M1
Phone: (416) 551-6540
Instagram: @comedybardanforth
5. Best comedy pop-up: Don't Tell Comedy, Toronto
For those seeking a unique comedy experience in Toronto, Natalie Norman suggests exploring Don't Tell Comedy's pop-up shows, known for their intimate "house-party vibe".
Norman explains that these shows are characterized by secret locations and undisclosed line-ups, adding an element of excitement and mystery for attendees. Often held in unconventional venues like vintage stores, the atmosphere is described as youthful and playful, departing from the traditional club setting.
Previous Don't Tell venues in Toronto have included a boxing gym, an underground bunker, a warehouse, and an art gallery. Despite its limited online presence, Don't Tell Comedy Toronto is dedicated to showcasing a diverse lineup of emerging comedians who represent the next generation of talent.
For those interested in attending, Norman recommends subscribing to email updates through the Don't Tell Comedy website.
Website: Don't Tell Comedy Toronto
6. Best for alternative comedy: Wenona Craft Beer Lodge
Natalie Norman favors Wenona Craft Beer Lodge on Bloor Street for its unique and offbeat atmosphere, featuring dark interiors and pool tables. Describing it as "very indie," Norman appreciates the venue's alternative approach to comedy, offering local acts that are funny and unconventional compared to classical stand-up.
The lodge hosts local comedy shows from Monday to Thursday nights, with Norman particularly recommending "The Disaster Show," a cult comedy event that has maintained its popularity for over a decade. She describes the show as anything but traditional, showcasing a super bizarre yet captivating performance style.
Despite its unconventional nature, "The Disaster Show" stands out as one of the few long-running comedy events in Toronto, offering audiences an intriguing and entertaining experience.
Website: Wenona Craft Beer Lodge
Address: 1069 Bloor St West, Toronto, Canada M6H 1M3
Phone: (647) 344-6444
Instagram: @wenonalodge
