Explore Long Island

The comedy clubs of Long Island

Walk in any given neighborhood in Manhattan and you're bound to stumble upon a comedy club. But Long Island is home to a number of comedians such as Massapequa's Jerry Seinfeld, Long Beach's Billy Crystal and Commack's Rosie O'Donnell, just to name a few.

And, the area even hosts it's own regional comedy festival. There are a few clubs scattered among Nassau and Suffolk Counties and other places to catch new talent on open mic nights.

Two new jokester joints - one in Farmingdale, the other in Plainview - are aiming to give Governor's, the Brokerage and McGuire's a run for their cackles, beginning in June.

Here's a list of where to go to laugh.

NATIONAL LAMPOON'S COMEDY HOUSE
At Dave & Buster's
261 Airport Plaza Blvd.
Farmingdale
631-371-9710
nationallampooncomedyhouse.com
Cost: $20, plus two-drink minimum

On Friday and Saturday nights, NLCH is promising nationally known comics from the late-night talk shows with David Letterman and Jay Leno, as well as local jokers from Long Island. The Dave & Buster's location is the first NLCH, which is being marketed by comedy maestro Marty Fischer - who helped launch the career of Kevin James and organizes the Las Vegas and Big Apple comedy festivals.

THE LAST LAFF COMEDY CLUB
At the Four Points by Sheraton
333 S. Service Road
Plainview
888-751-LAFF (5233)
thelastlaff.net
Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door (includes two drinks and gratuity)

A retired New York City police officer has booked a 100-seat room at the Four Points by Sheraton in Plainview for six alternating weekend nights, beginning June 14. Ralph Murphy of Huntington, who patrolled Crown Heights for 17 years, says his goal is to offer an upscale club where guests can have a round of cocktails and see quality comedians.

BAY STREET THEATRE COMEDY CLUB
Main Street, Long Wharf
Sag Harbor
631-725-9500
Impressive headliners on the mainstage of this 299-seat, not-for-profit theatre. Mostly Monday shows, but check schedule for some Saturdays. Price is on the expensive side at $50 per ticket. That does not include food or drink, but does include the lovely East End atmosphere.
http://www.baystreet.org

BROKERAGE COMEDY CLUB
2797 Merrick Road
Bellmore
516-785-8655
Look at schedule for various shows on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. This club is under new ownership, but still serves food in the club area. The bar area is separate from the club side.
http://www.brokeragecomedy.com

CINCO DE MAYO RESTAURANT
650 Route 112
(just north of the Rt. 347 border)
Port Jefferson Station
516-359-8456
Booked open mic night every Tuesday
Starts at 7:30 PM
It's a nice venue with clean comedy and good Mexican food. Free chips and salsa at the bar area and no cover charge.
www.myspace.com/sundayfunnysunday

MCGUIRE'S COMEDY CLUB
1627 Smithtown Ave.
Bohemia
(631) 467-5413
Thursday nights are booked open mics that start at 8:30 p.m. The menu is a decent one for a comedy club. The bar is separate from the club side.

GATEWAY TO COMEDY
The Comfort Inn
2695 Route 112
Medford
(631) 790-4046
Comedy showcases featuring new talent, local favorites and a headliner every Saturday night. $20 cover.
http://www.gatewaytocomedy.com

GOVERNOR'S COMEDY CLUB
90 Division Ave.
Levittown
(516) 731-3358
Governor's is open Thursday through Sunday. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7:30 on Sundays. (Special event show times may vary). The basic cover charge is $12.00 on Thursday & Sunday and $15.00 on Friday & Saturdays. The cover charge is generally higher for Special Event Shows. There is a two-beverage minimum at all shows. The club is not popular for its menu, but it is the club on Long Island to see nationally renowned headliners.
http://www.govs.com

THE MIC CLUB AT KATIES
145 W. Main Street
Smithtown
(631) 360-8556
This is a new Saturday show that runs every few months and features some of Long Island's best new talent as well as a pro headliner. While Katies doesn't serve food, the bar is cozy with high tables and booths as well as the usual bar stools in the back. In the warm weather the backyard (with barbeque) is also open. There is an $8 cover, but no drink minimum.
www.myspace.com/mathpresentsmicclub

THE COMEDY CLUB AT THEATER THREE
412 Main Street
Port Jefferson
(631) 928-9100
This is a new monthly showcase from the producers of the Long Island Comedy Festival. The theater is an intimate 90-seat room with a $15 cover and two-beverage minimum.
www.longislandcomedyclub.com