The Second City

The Second City is a comedy club Old Town Triangle Chicago located in United States.

9 / 10
960
ratings
  • Phone

    (312) 337-3992

  • Website

    secondcity.com

  • Instagram

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  • X (Twitter)

    thesecondcity

  • Facebook

    thesecondcity

  • Type

    Comedy Club

Address

1616 N Wells St (btwn Concord Ln & North Ave) Chicago , IL 60614 United States

Reservations Yes
Credit Cards Yes

Comments / 148


Keywords:

laugh comedy hilarious comedy clubs improv show good for dates city tours beer performances classes music trains theaters country well events instructors loud radio
AFAR Media

Get there early as space is often tight, and peruse the portraits in the lobby of the Second City alumni (and now celebrities) from before they were made famous on the big screen . Read more

Allison Kaminski

I love the main stage shows . They test out material after the show so you get an extra half hour of laughs !!! So much history!! You won't stop laughing

Chicago Cultural Alliance

The facade is a 4 terra cotta busts from the original Shiller Theater depicting famous German figures: Giacomo Meyerbeer, Fritz Reuter, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Gotthold Ephraim Lessing.

Kirk Trotsky

Everything is stellar here! The shows, the training , the professional development and PEOPLE! Where else would you see Tim Meadows on an escalator?

Fodor's Travel

An institution since 1959, Second City has served as a launching pad for some of the hottest comedians around. Alumni include Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler , and the late John Belushi. Read more

Cameron W

The main stage show was truly hilarious . I thought it would be funny and a good time overall but I didn't expect to be laughing out load almost constantly. Great show!

CNN

Name almost any SNL breakout star -- John Belushi, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler -- and chances are he or she served a stint at Chicago's Second City . Read more

Travel + Leisure

The 54-year-old sketch comedy club has been turning out A-list stars—Tina Fey; Steve Carell; Stephen Colbert—for more than 50 years, and is still the place to catch fledgling writers and actors.

Redeye Chicago

You can hit the box office for tickets for a future show or just revel in the collective comedic talent that's performed here over the years, from Dan Aykroyd to Tina Fey to Amy Sedaris. Read more

OkCupid Daters' Choice

The Second City was voted the Best Intellectual Date Spot by OkCupid users in the first-ever Daters' Choice Awards! Tap Read more for additional date spot categories in Chicago. #daterschoice Read more

ᴡ Hildebrand

Game Night is a really fun, participation-heavy game. Get there early to get good seats so you have a better chance of getting on stage. Or pay the $10 extra for premium seats.

Jim Organ

Very talented although very one-sided politically. I like a more balanced approach on political humor. Otherwise outside of the political messages good show.

Tiffany Chung

Get there early for a good seat! They pull audience from the front for impromptu acts! Definitely a good time! Show lasted about 2.5 hours! (The best of second city )

Emilio C

The best place for comedy in the city .

Fodor's Travel

Known for sending numerous comedic actors along to successful careers at Saturday Night Live and beyond, you can get all the laughs you want without paying for a ticket.

Ashley

So funny! Go see a improv show , order a drink for 19.95 so you can keep the glass. And be prepared to possibly get on stage or yell out suggestions.

Ryan Pavey

Really good fun. We were near the front and I’m glad we weren’t picked on.

Noah Weiss

$12 tickets for great Sketch comedy with no minimum drink orders, at the comedy spot that half of SNL came from.

Monica Desai

Their showcases are like thematic SNL shows, great for a Saturday night

Kirstie Castaneira

Amazing show!! Such a cool venue and the ETC stage was very intimate . Will definitely return!

Cole T

Historic venue; so many greats have passed through here. Saw a great show and had a Three Floyds beer to boot.

Philly Improv Theater

This is a comedy mecca! Make sure you take the time to look at photos of old cast members - you will see A LOT of famous faces.

Kellen Terrett

Classic for a reason. Every show adds something new to the long list of amazing pieces the building has produced.

Renaissance Hotels

Few know that seat are first-come first-serve here — show up 30 minutes early for great seats at the main stage. For more local tips, follow us on 4sq or check out <aclass="entity url"rel="nofollow" href="http://www.renhotels.com"target="_blank" data-sig="0CvmUze/zy60tYBryuQAjJq1D5E=" onmousedown="fourSq.ui.OutgoingLink.mousedown($(this), event)" data-source="tip-text">www.renhotels.com</a>.

Jenny Pollock

A must do for anyone visiting Chicago. The main stage shows are always good! Be ready for pricy drinks, but they are strong!

Simon K

Great sketch based evening, some hit, some miss. As a Brit it surprised me how much casual racism there was in the show.

VegNews Magazine

Why not finish the night bent over laughing at this famous comedy club where Tina Fey, Chris Farley, and Bill Murray all got started? The renowned house of comedy provides first-class entertainment.

Travel + Leisure

Shows are general admission, so arrive early and grab a seat at one of the tables in front of the stage or by the railing on the second level. Read more

Greg Macek

The etc stage was amazing. The best comedy in America is here in Chicago.

Katey Fagiano

Great atmosphere, great shows, great beer options during the show with servers to get you food & drink

Lawrence Miller

I have been to The Second City about five times over 20 years. This was probably the best performance ever. My sides hurt from laughter!

Julia Styles

Everyone should see Second City at least once. It is one of the best sketch comedy venues in the country . Go to Adobo for margaritas and dinner beforehand.

American Airlines

Open since 1959, Second City has offered the best in improv comedy for years. Be ready: you might get the chance to participate!

Ashley Stark

Great time out. Probably more fun with a large group of friends because seating in the floor area is very tight.

Jennifer Straub

If you purchase the tickets on-site, you won't incur the ridiculous transaction fee from ordering them online. But, you'll need to purchase days ahead of time, as the shows will sell out.

Chase J

Try the Drink: Chicago River its like a Long Island Ice Tea on steroids. Then sit back and enjoy the show!

Jordan K

If your visiting the city , Second City is a must see! So many famous comedians have checked in and out of Second City ! Small theater & atmosphere makes for a personal comedic experience

Josh Scianna

Saw the 11PM show on Saturday, didn’t disappoint. Cast was hilarious and the the drinks were very well made.

Bob K

When in Chicago don't miss it.. Order a pitcher and stay for the improv at the end.

GFour Productions

Motherhood the Musical is playing down the street at the Royal George Theatre . Use the code OTB5 for $5 off your ticket at the box office or online

Andrew Scheffer

The Best of Second City is the perfect chance to see the soon be celebrities in their grassroots element.

Venu Thangalapally

Here for Improv classes - best and more like meditation time - living in the moment

Chicago Tribune

Thursdays at 6 p.m.: Chicago Live!, a weekly stage and radio show produced by Chicago Tribune with The Second City. Hosted by Chicago Tribune's Rick Kogan. Tickets, podcasts: http://trib.in/cR4ZBm

Jinna W

Great show! Whatever you do, don‘t check your coat it takes so long since there's only one guy working at coat check

Travel Channel

I performed improv on stage and I was so nervous. I think I held my own, but I won’t be going on Second City ’s professional stage anytime soon. Instead, I’ll let them do all the work. – Samantha Brown Read more

Explore Chicago

The world famous Second City , launched the careers of numerous SNL alumni, such improv greats as John Belushi, Bill Murray, Steve Carell, and Tina Fey.

Thompson Hotels

Our concierge Samantha at Sax Chicago says, "You *will* laugh at Second City . It's twisted, in a good way. Don’t miss 'South Side of Heaven.'"

Yvonne

Will B taking voice over classes here.... I am so excited!!! Squeeeee!!! #MyDreamsAreFinallyBeingRealized. :-)

Skip Sugg

Amazing live talent.

Showtime Network

If you’re up for laughs , you must stop into Second City . It’s one of the best comedy clubs in the country and always a fun night. - Nikki

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