We will be visiting NY for a long weekend and are considering going to a comedy club one night. Which clubs are the best all around to attend - that is, which ones are known for being consistently funny. Since we'll be in town for only one weekend - we need to find a place that we can just choose and attend...rather than waiting for a good comic!

Gotham or Comic Strip

Gotham is more upscale and cozy compared to CS. I usually find that the last show of the night is less rushed and better as the time isn't limited.

I looked at the websites for both Gotham and Comic Strip...any input on Caroline's on Broadway?

We did Caroline's 5-6 years ago and it was fun. I can't compare it to the others as it's the only one in NYC I've been to. I think it was probably pricey, and probably had a drink minimum, but I'm sure you can find that info on their web site. I think we saw 3 comedians, and at least one of them was funny because we still remember stuff from his portion of the show.

We did the bit where you eat dinner there before, then have prime seats for the show. The dinner was overpriced, and really not that good of food, but we did end up with front-row seats which was fun. Still, if I were to do it again I'd forego the dinner with so many other great options to choose from in the city.

It was fun, though.

There's no guarantee of anyone being funny at any of them. It depends on the night of the week, the luck of the draw and what you think is funny. Have been to all of them when most performers were distinctly unfunny. It's strictly caveat emptor.

I personally don't like Caroline's. It's bigger than others and their motto is "go out and get more tourist $$$$ into the club" (they have club promoters all over the Times Square handing out 2 for 1 specials, etc.).
The other clubs fill up with locals by word of mouth.

www.comedycellar.com

3 shows on a Friday, 4 shows on a Saturday. A 2 drink mimimum but we found the drinks weren't overpriced.

Funny, I lived near Comic Strip Live for 10 years and have worked across the street from Gotham as long as it's been open, but I've never been to either. I go to Comedy Cellar.