The Toronto comedy scene is one of the best in the world. That said, comics know their best chance to make money is outside Canada. Yup, that means we lose a lot of the greats… But the talent here rivals New York, LA, and London at generally a fraction of the price. See the up-and-coming comics behind your favorite sitcoms before they hit it big-ger. Some of the writers from Letterkenny frequent these Toronto hot spots.
Before we go any further, this article is about “indy comedy” here in the 6ix. (Gross, I just did that, I know.) There are some clubs we will not talk about that have clubs across the country. They exist, they have shows and funny comics. But I have no doubt you’ll see better shows at the venues below than the comedy conglomerates. Get ready for comedy in small basements, packed laughing audiences, and comics you’ll want to remember! And to be even more specific, we’re only talking about the West end.
After the pandemic, there was an explosion of comedy clubs on the Toronto scene. In February and March of 2022, five new clubs opened. All battling against established giants of the scene, the indy clubs push for more variety among ownership, producers, and comedians.
Comedy clubs like the Comedy Lab, Backroom Comedy, and Nothing Fancy all push the envelope in their own ways. Spaces like Tall Boys, Wenona, and Tonight Bar have been integral in helping young comics and producers grow their voices in appreciative surroundings.
Be warned, not every show is your cup of tea but I’ll tell you what you can expect from our list of indy comedy clubs and spaces.
Clubs
These are our favorite clubs dedicated to standup comedy.
The Comedy Lab
Toronto’s only black-owned and entirely minority-run comedy club. Reminiscent of a small NYC club, the Comedy Lab puts together some of the hottest lineups of local and touring acts. Creating a fun and safe atmosphere for challenging yet thoughtful comedy. As the home of the next generation of minority comics, the Lab focuses on elevating minority voices in a friendly and supportive environment. Produced by Werd Entertainment, and sponsored by Street2Ivy as well as Amsterdam Brewery, this club works to make sure comedians from all backgrounds have somewhere to call home. They have brought the NYC cellar comedy scene to Toronto, with their hype shows and tucked-away speakeasy basement space. Low ceilings and big laughs make you feel like you’re in the biggest club in the city.
Location:
298 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7
Show Days:
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday @ 8 & 10 pm
Open Mics:
Thursday & Friday (Saturdays June-August) @ 10 pm - Sign up @ 9:30
Backroom Comedy
Run by Bubbie’s Boys, this club is another cozy basement laugh factory. Serving speakeasy vibes this club has quickly become a local institution. Putting on great shows 5 nights a week featuring the cream of Canada’s crop. Described as a “Comedy Club and Content Machine run by comedians,” each show is a uniquely funny experience. From their crowd work shows to Turkish and Mandarin language comedy nights, Brandon Sobel and Ariel Kagan pull out all the stops to make their shows fun and engaging for everyone who comes. A small club but big fun any night of the week!
Location:
814 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L9
Show Days:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday @ 8 & 10 pm
Open Mics:
None
Comedy Bar
A fun and inexpensive hub for indy comedy producers to grow their skills and audience. Unlike The Comedy Lab and Backroom Comedy, Comedy Bar is a comedy club, that exclusively provides space to different producers. Management of the club chooses who has shows when, but does not choose the lineups. I make this distinction because each show is truly different. There is always something happening there and big names do drop in from time to time. With two locations, be sure to check to which one you’re supposed to head.
Location:
945 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L5
East: 2800 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1M1
Show Days:
Monday - Sunday @ Various times
Open Mics:
Bucket Mics Sunday & Tuesday
The Corner
It’s “so small it’s funny.” This club has been a Toronto comedy institution since 2015. Formerly the smallest club in the city, its hilarious shows have made its huge presence known. Originally setting the bar for indy comedy clubs in the city many clubs owe the owner Joe a debt of gratitude. From day one, this club has been a home for local rising stars and veteran comics looking to flex or work out new material. The Corner has been the place showcasing the wealth of local talent for nearly a decade. Their roster of killer comics will always leave you in stitches.
Location:
243 Queen St. W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4
Show Days:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday @ 8 & 10 pm
Open Mics:
Tuesdays - Sign up in advance - see their site for details
Spaces
These are great places to go watch comedy though they are not clubs dedicated to our favorite craft.
Tall Boys
Named after everyone’s favorite beer can, this gastropub has an awesome little comedy cellar. Owned by a pair of brothers who grew up in the area, Tall Boys is a fun place to grab a drink and a bite with friends. Some of Toronto’s funniest comics produce their shows here. Local legends like Dave Merheje have produced shows there, and it continues to be a fun home for rising stars.
Location:
838 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M2
Show Days:
Monday - Sunday @ Different times
Open Mics:
None ATM
Wenona
The Wenona Craft Beer Lodge is a cozy bar towards the western edge of the Bloor West comedy stretch. Run by the same brothers as Tall Boys, this place is all about comfort and fun. With a cozy cabin feel upstairs and a kool basement performance space, it’s a great spot for whatever your night needs.
Location:
838 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M2
Show Days:
Sunday - Thursday @ Different times
Open Mics:
None ATM
Tonight Bar
The koolest stage in Toronto! A home for performance, the owner Clamp took his love for live music and created the dopest boutique bar and stage in the city. The cozy shotgun space also has a back patio with a live feed of the performance inside. You’ll love this perfectly unpretentious space. There’s always something kool happening here, lots of traveling musical acts will slay Tonight Bar’s tiny stage.
Location:
1704 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1B3
Show Days:
Sunday - Thursday @ Different times
Open Mics:
Wednesday & Thursday @ 10 pm
In the interest of full disclosure, this is not an exhaustive list of the clubs and comedy spaces in Toronto. It’s a great place to start if you’re new to the scene. Whether you’re a comedy lover, a comic, or an occasional mic’er these are good places to check out.
Feel like your favorite place was snubbed? Let me know if I left out your favorite club or space, and I’ll consider adding them to my next list.
