Top Five Comedy Clubs in Chicago

Chicago is known as the windy city. Chicago is also known to have some of the best comedy clubs. I had an opportunity to visit a few of these clubs while staying in downtown Chicago. Here's a review of my favorites.

Zanies Comedy Night Club, located on 1548 N. Wells Street, Chicago IL 60610. Stand up clubs may come and go, but Zanies has stood the true test of time since 1978. Many careers have been launched from Zanies stage, and perhaps you will be the one to first catch a glimpse of tomorrow's next star. Today you can still catch big-name talent on the cramped stage from time to time. The Tonight Show starring Jay Leno, among others, still stops by on occasion for a brief visit, I had the opportunity to shake Mr. Leno's hand while at Zanies last year. The hours of operation are: Box Office, Monday. noon-8:00 pm: Tuesday- Thursday 10 am- 9 pm: Saturday 10 am- 11:30 pm. You may try to get on the guest list or purchase tickets. Major Credit Cards accepted.

The ComedySportz Theater, is one of Chicago's best comedy clubs, located on 1548 N. Wells Street, Chicago IL 60610. How about attending a comedy show where the actletes preform on the spot, based on suggestions from the audience? Such kind of interactive and improvisational comedy is the true flavor of the theater group called the ComedySportz. The performers present clean comedy that is anything but boring. When you watch people enact a certain situation at the spur of the moment , the comic timing increases many folds, this is where intelligent comedy ropes in. ComedySportz offers a quality laughter-session every time, with every group that preforms for national events, college shows, and corporate events. I would give the ComedySportz Theater a five star rating. Call for weekly schedule (312)-337-4027.

The Baton Lounge is located on 436 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL 60610. Boys will be boys, girls will be girls, but here, boys will most definitely be girls at least until closing time. For over 27 years, owner Jim Flin has been putting on incredible, Las Vegas-style shows featuring men decked out as various stars and characters, and in this business, no place does it better. You may be surprised to find that most of the crowd is not gay. In fact, Fin estimates that 25% or less of the customers are gay. If you are planning on visiting Chicago in the near future put the Baton Lounge on your list as a must see. Tickets may be purchased by calling (312)-644-5269.

Second City Chicago - Main stage is not only beloved by Chicago natives but it is treasured by the world as well. Many legendary comedy careers began here; perhaps you will catch tomorrows star in tonight's revue. This is the birthplace of sketch comedy, the type of humor that spawned such shows as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Kids in the Hall", in fact many SNL comedians got their start at Second City Chicago. John Belushi, Bill Murray, and Jerry Stiller are just a few that preformed at this club prior to becoming famous. The Drinks are reasonably priced, and the club devotes one wall to celebrity photos. The Second City Chicago will be an unforgettable experience. The club is located on 1616 Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60614, phone- (312)-664-4032 Major Credit Cards accepted.

The Lifeline Theater which is located on 6912 Glenwood Ave, Chicago IL 60626. The Theater was established by Northwestern University in 1982 under the guidance of Meryl Friedman, the theater has been thriving ever since. Some of the famous past productions include "Left hand Of Darkness" and "Pride and Prejudice". Admission to the Theater is between $12-18, tickets can be purchased at the door.

By Pat Rapacchiano