Sometimes the best way to unwind after a long week at work or keeping up with everyday life is to head to a comedy club for a few laughs. Enjoy snacks and drinks with friends while watching comedians and actors point out the ridiculous and hilarious things in life. They say laughter is the best medicine, so head to these places in Cincinnati, Ohio, or reserve a ticket next time you want a good laugh.
Go Bananas Comedy Club
Image via Flickr by savrae
Known as one of the best comedy clubs in Cincinnati, Go Bananas is a must-visit spot for great stand-up on Marketplace Lane. This has been the spot for laughs in the city for over 27 years. Go Bananas will be reopening in February of 2021, so keep an eye out for upcoming shows. You can even visit their website to see the calendar of events and purchase tickets online.
Shows typically run throughout the week from Wednesday through Sunday with start times usually around 8 p.m. If you're hoping to take kids to a show, be careful to take note of the rating for each performance. Some are all ages while others are 18 years and up or 21 years and up.
Come hungry and enjoy dinner from their menu of comfort-food favorites like pizza, mozzarella sticks, nachos, chicken tenders, and more. If you had dinner elsewhere, you can still enjoy drinks, snacks, and dessert. Their brownie with caramel drizzle is always a good choice. Drink options include wine, beer, mixed drinks, and frozen concoctions like margaritas and milkshakes.
The Dinner Detective
Just across the state border in Covington, Kentucky, The Dinner Detective is a hilarious interactive murder mystery dinner show that invites guests to enjoy a great meal and get it on the fun. Enjoy a show and dinner at the Embassy Suites Rivercenter on a Saturday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Performances are only presented two or three Saturdays each month.
Purchase tickets online to be sure you'll get a seat before heading to the venue. Shows sell out quickly, so plan ahead. If you do miss the cut, you can join the waitlist to jump in if any guest cancels.
This is a great comedic experience for a special occasion or celebration. You can book a private show or join with others in a scheduled event. You'll sit down to dinner with other guests and some actors, but you won't know who is who. Actors are hidden in plain sight, so you never know who might be involved in the show. Tickets include dinner, participation in the show, and a prize for the Top Sleuth in the audience. Prices start at $59.95 per person and may go up during peak seasons.
Taft Theatre
The Taft Theatre on East Fifth Street isn't a comedy club, but it's a great place to see stand-up shows. First opening in 1928, the Taft has been a staple in Cincinnati culture for many years. This is a huge performance venue, so comedy acts come from all over to perform here. You can see popular performers like Bill Maher and Jeanne Robertson among many others at the Taft. Most shows are geared toward adult audiences. Check out the event page for information on future shows and access to tickets.
Added in 2013, the Ballroom is a smaller venue within the theatre that holds 500 guests and is general admission only. Watch out for shows in either theatre venue so you never miss out on a great night of comedy. The Taft Theatre doesn't serve food, but there are lots of restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite before or after the show. Check out Prime Cincinnati for a juicy steak or Nada for mouth-watering Mexican fare.
Bogart's
Another concert venue, Bogart's hosts tons of comedy acts throughout the year. See some of your favorite comedy podcasts live on stage at Bogart's as well as stand-up acts. With more than 40 years of performances hosted at this classic venue right across from the University of Cincinnati, you'll recognize plenty of the names that have previously graced the stage, including Billy Crystal.
Check the schedule to see what events are coming up over the next few months and reserve tickets for any shows that spark your interest. Typically, you'll only find big-name acts performing at Bogart's, and shows vary in age-appropriateness. Stop in at one of the nearby local spots for a drink or snacks after the show to wind down from all the laughter. Martino's On Vine is a great spot for Italian dishes and wine, and Ladder 19 offers Fireball Whiskey on tap, darts, a spacious patio, and a gastropub menu.
Aronoff Center for the Arts
Catch a timeless classic like Carol Burnett at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. This performance venue is located on Walnut Street in Downtown Cincinnati and has been supporting the art and performance culture of this city since its beginning in 1992. Comedy acts are typically geared toward adult audiences and feature nationally recognized comedians and performers.
Become a member of the Cincinnati Arts Association for early access to tickets, discounted seats, and more. Sign up for updates on upcoming shows so you never miss out. The Aronoff Center is a massive hall with thousands of seats, so you'll want to get tickets ahead of time to make sure you get the spot you want.
There are several awesome restaurants near the Aronoff Center that are perfect for dinner and drinks before a show. Scene Ultra Lounge, Boca, Nada, Sotto, and Nicholson's Tavern and Pub are all within walking distance of the venue.
Next time you're looking for something fun to do in and around Cincinnati, check out any of these comedy clubs or performance venues recommended by Kings Toyota. You're sure to have a memorable time and maybe even laugh out a few snorts. Have you seen a show at any of these spots? What did you think? Let us know if we failed to mention one of your favorite local comedy spots.
