Comedy Cellar

[wucka]

Has anyone ever been?? how is the set-up??? about how long are the shows?? i was thinking of heading over to check out LIL Jimmy's set tonite as well as sink-fuckers. i just want some feed-back to see if its worth the trip Thanks in advance

[neoshinigami]

Its a small club but its really nice. i was there after my prom and was pretty fucked up by the time i got there so i dont remember how long the comics where there till.

[wucka]

thanks

[dropdead]

it's a small room with low ceilings - makes for a really intimate venue. the comics usually only do about 15 min apiece, so don't go thinking you're gonna get a full set like you would at one of their road shows. they also frequently use the time to try out new material, so you may hear bits you've never heard before. other than that, the cellar has the best comics in the city and i've never been disappointed by the show. they do, however, have a 3 drink maximum, so don't expect to get hammered. hope this helps.

as far as the sets go, go to comedycellar.com (http://comedycellar.com) for the schedule.

and ps - there are frequently surprise guests who just drop in and do a set unannounced.

[kevtv]

i think it's a 2 drink/item minimum, but it doesnt matter, beers were 3.50 which is amazing for anywhere in the city, especially a club.

sets are about 15-20 min apice and the show runs about hour and a half. definitely worth it. saw norton a couple weeks ago, he ate his nuts a bit which was actully kinda cool to see, and adam ferrara killed. best comedy club i've ever been too and i can't wait to go back.

kev

[noillim]

Wucka, if you get the chance to check out the place, GO. It's a wonderful comedy club - the best in New York from what I can tell. It's one of the main reasons that I went out to NY for the first time - because I wanted to check out this legendary place and all the fantastic NY comedy that it offers. I wasn't disappointed. I went there 5 times when I was there in November. It may be true that the person or persons you might be going for only perform for about 15 to 20 minutes, but you also get to sample other great people you may have never seen before like Ben Bailey, Steve Byrne, Sharrod Small, Dov Davidoff, etc., etc., etc. These guys may not be as well known as Norton or Bob Kelly, but they still are funny as hell and well worth the money.

Also, some of the greats play there on a regular basis. I all ready mentioned Norton, but Colin Quinn and Dave Attell are also there pretty regularly. Also, as dropdead said, special guests do drop by unannounced sometimes. When I was there, Dave Chapelle came by a couple times. I also heard that Chris Rock did too earlier in the week, but unfortunately, I wasn't there that night.

As far as the two drink minimum, yeah, it can be a bit restrictive, but there are other places around there to go before or after the show. There's a great club called Cafe Wha? right next door. Plus, the restaurant upstairs (the Olive Tree Cafe) is fabulous. It's got really good food at a very reasonable price. The famous "comic's table" is also up there.

Another cool thing about the Comedy Cellar - if you go there Sunday through Thursday, you can print off a coupon online for the cover, so it's free to get in. Also, the wait staff is AWESOME. Some of the greatest people I met on my trips out east worked there.

Dude, just go. You won't regret it.

[mainliner]

on the same street one block towards 6th theres a bar called "off the wagon" without a doubt one of the best bars in all of the city

[Strawman]

Awesome show. I've been there 4 times now and every time is well worth it. On Mon - Thur you pay no cover too if you make an internet reservation. Last night Lil' Jimmy called me angel, it made my night. My most memorable experience there was the night after christmas this year, Dave Chapelle came on stage unannounced and was joined later my Chris Rock, they must've bs'd on stage for about an hour. It bumped back all the other comedians, but i'll never forget how hilarious they were.

P.S. - Colin Quinn is overrated.

[kevtv]

on the same street one block towards 6th theres a bar called "off the wagon" without a doubt one of the best bars in all of the city

this man speaks the truth. they have an awesome micro-brew beer called "beddy ford's amber ale" that rocks. there's all sorts of great bars around that area, bleeker street is nearby and the peculiar pub is one of the many good bars there. the pub is a dive-ish beer bar...150+ beers to choose from.

[Hal]

Anybody ever go to these these places by themself?

Nobody I hang out with has ever even heard of guys like Norton...and usually, whenever I feel like stopping by, it's kind of like a last minute thing. I wouldn't mind just going by myself, but I don't want to feel like an ass if nobody ever does that, ya know?

[Suicidebree]

I go to the Cellar every two weeks or so. Its one of my favorite things to do. The only draw back being that it is very cramped. Arrive early so you can find parking and not have to pay the ridiculous price at the only garage around. The sets are ten to fifteen minutes. With the host doing a little something in the beginninga dn between comics. Jay Oakerson was the best host I've seen thus far. Keith Robinso is also keeps things going well. Colin is great and so is Atell when they are there. I've yet to see any unnaounced comics go up. I missed Romano and Kevin James by a day. Patrice is always there. Cool atmosphere. Last week I went they combined the two shows which was awkward because it was unnanounced. SO I got two shows for the price of one, but alot of people left because you couldnt drink anymore after you hit your three drinks. Finding lesser known comics is great. Steve Byrne and Greg Roddel are awesome. One side note: Some of the comics seem to be smashed or stoned alot. Its eiether that or they are just real fucking weird. Kevin Brennan and TIm young in particular. I've seen them both outside of they were good. Both of them came off creepy and very messed up. Not so much a Cellar thing as a note one who to see. If you timeit right you ccan see Norton, Kelly, Quinn, Robinson, Dipaolo, and Giraldo on the same show. Giraldo is the best comic I've ever seen there. check him out. Later...

[Suicidebree]

I've been by myself. Its so cramped, no one notices. You have to sit with strangers no matter how many people you go with. They sit everyone together to accomodate as many people as possible. Ask Patrick at Cringehumor.net is you have any other questions.

[noillim]

Anybody ever go to these these places by themself?

Nobody I hang out with has ever even heard of guys like Norton...and usually, whenever I feel like stopping by, it's kind of like a last minute thing. I wouldn't mind just going by myself, but I don't want to feel like an ass if nobody ever does that, ya know?

I was travelling by myself so for the most part, I had no choice but to go alone. It didn't bother me though. I ended up chatting with the wait staff and actually had some nice conversations with people I met there. I even had a couple good convos with some of the comedians. I definitely don't think you should let going solo stop you from checking the place out. You'll still have a great time.

By the way Suicidebree, I believe the comedian you're referring to is actually Greg Rogell, not Greg Roddel. I'm not correcting you to be a smarty pants. I just really dig him and I want to make sure he gets a proper mention. He's incredibly funny and a hell of a nice guy. He was one of the comedians that I was fortunate enough to have talked with for a bit.

[fatpat]

Ask Patrick at Cringehumor.net is you have any other questions.

yay that's me

the cellar is my mecca. i have been going there regularly for over 3 years now. i spent the past few nights there matter of fact

after you see a few shows, the best part is just sitting upstairs @ the olive tree and watching the comics interact

if the weather is nice out it's also awesome to stand out front and see them all go at it with each other & the patrons

also, be sure to go when bob kelly is scheduled

[GravyMaster]

Why is there a 3 drink maximum? Any reason?

[kevtv]

Why is there a 3 drink maximum? Any reason?

my guess is that not a lot of booze supresses the heckling, and the patrons do not get overly surly. the cellar is very adamant about making sure the show goes smoothly and is not disruptive (which i really really appreciate) and i think limiting booze is one of the things tehy do to try and ensure a good evening (another main thing they do is not allow large groups).

kev

[Pussification]

Why is there a 3 drink maximum? Any reason?

I think there is a 3 drink max because thats all you can really drink in the alloted time, remember your only there for an hr and a half and there is a 2 drink minimum.

If you feel the need that you have to suck back more than 3 drinks in a hour and a half, maybe its AA and not a comedy club you need to be attending.

The idea is to go, have a nice time have some laughs, not be a sloppy drunk annoying all the other patrons.

[dropdead]

If you feel the need that you have to suck back more than 3 drinks in a hour and a half, maybe its AA and not a comedy club you need to be attending.


that, or start upstairs at the olive branch. cause that's what i tend to do. but, maybe i'm just a drunk. :action-sm

[BIV]

"I'd like three quadruple whiskey shots please..."

[judoGTI]

Why is there a 3 drink maximum? Any reason?

I find that hard to believe unless there is an insane cover charge, how do they manage to pay their comics $50.00 a set with only a 3 drink max? There is no way they can cover their expenses.

[highfive]

I find that hard to believe unless there is an insane cover charge, how do they manage to pay their comics $50.00 a set with only a 3 drink max? There is no way they can cover their expenses.
do you know how much they charge for a drink in NY? it is ridiculous.

[judoGTI]

Doesnt matter you are going to cover your comics if they do 15 minute spots, they easily run through a few comics each night @ $50.00 a spot. It doesn't make business sense.

[JhaxShucksChock]

Doesnt matter you are going to cover your comics if they do 15 minute spots, they easily run through a few comics each night @ $50.00 a spot. It doesn't make business sense.

Well somehow someway they've managed to stay in business.

I've been there and I know there was a maximum, don't remember what it was but three does sound about right.

[judoGTI]

Well somehow someway they've managed to stay in business.

I've been there and I know there was a maximum, don't remember what it was but three does sound about right.

Weird, maybe Jimmy can comment on it. Or maybe the celebs in the VIP section contribute something when lounging? Or maybe there is illegal activity going on in the back? Poker where the house takes a cut or something, with all those celebs Im sure they could keep the place in business taking a 1% cut.

[PSYCHOMARKFAN]

I went to the cellar last summer just on a whim, and it was packed but the comics were great, the headliner was Godfrey and he killed. I was lucky to get a reservation on a Saturday but it was the last show around midnight. I was by myself, and was seated near the kitchen but i didn't mind although some J.A.P.S were acting up and left before the show started because they allege their reservations were wrong, but it's first come, first serve and they were late. Bob Kelly came out and was one of the funniest guys there. Godfrey was the best one that night. I suggest you get there as early as possible if you want to see the early show. Overall, it was a great time :clap:

[Suicidebree]

The Cellar has to make pretty good money. I think the comics get 75 weeknight and 85 weekend. Around 150 people per show, ten dollar cover, minimum ten dollars in drinks, food, plus the restaurant upstairs benefits from cellar. They have to make several hundred thouand dollars year profit. I'm sure they do very well.

[fatpat]

cellar makes insane loot, top showcase club in the city

noam dworman owns the cellar, olive tree cafe, & cafe wha?

they give out free passes to get asses in seats and they make their $$$ in food & drink. even if they get half the room to pay cover alone that's still a ton of profit each show

the prices for the comics went up thanks to the coalition but they still pay out next to nothing

they will be around forever using the same formula

carolines makes a ton also, but they are a headlining club that ***** you on ticket & food prices

[judoGTI]

Thats what Im saying you'd think a place that packs out with only a $10 cover wouldnt have a 3 drink max... I dunno. I just want a happy place like that to have a 30 drink max...

I dont know what I care, but I jsut care....

[sclone]

do you know how much they charge for a drink in NY? it is ridiculous.

Not at the cellar. Food and drinks are more than reasonable. Pitchers of beer are under $20, I believe...

And to answer any questions about how they stay in business - $15 per person, two drinks - roughly $25 a person, maybe a little more... 150 people... somewhere around $3750... not to mention people who get a third drink and food...

[gss84]

The comedy cellar is awesome.
you can get in for free throught the website.
Saw norton there a while ago he just killed

[Nogerelli]

The Cellar really is the best comedy club I've ever been to. Whenever I'm in NYC, I spend most of my time there. Plus, their mozzerella sticks and milkshakes are awesome.

[Chain Rink]

I used to live in the bronx, and I have been to the cellar 4 times. I have seen jimmy there 3 times, and one time he was bumped, because Robin Williams ran in looking like a homeless guy, and did about 40 minutes. He was working out some shit for the HBO special that he did a few years ago.

The place is great, and you can talk to the comics, when it is nice out, they hang out in front of the place. The whole area near the cellar is pretty good, especially in the warm weather.

You can't get free passes for the weekend shows, so, they get 15 bucks a head, plus 2 drinks. The place usually has a lot of girls in it, and the drinks that they drink are expensive, so they make a bunch on them. Plus, for some reason, the chicks that go there are pretty fucking hot most of the time, tends to be many couples though.

Very intimate place, you can sit right in front of the stage if you want to get attacked. You are in and out in an hour and a half, the place is very efficient