Lin NormanWhen you think of Nashville, you probably picture country music and honky-tonk bars, but the city is also home to some fantastic comedy clubs.
I’ll never forget my first time at a comedy club in Nashville — I was just looking for something different to do, and I ended up laughing non-stop all night. The comedians here are top-notch!
If you’re looking for a fun night out, comedy clubs in Nashville are the perfect place to enjoy some good laughs. Let’s check out some of the best comedy spots in the city!
1. Zanies Comedy Night Club
Media Credit: zaniesnashville
Website: https://nashville.zanies.com/
Address: : 2025 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-269-0221
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 9 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 12 to 9 PM
Price Range: $$
Zanies Nashville is just a few blocks from the honky-tonks, and it’s where the city goes to laugh. This comedy club has been around for over 40 years—and it’s easy to see why once you step inside.
Monday nights are the best time to visit. There are two shows in a row: New Material Mondays and Nateland Live. They don’t post who’s performing, so it’s a bit of a surprise!
(Big names have walked out on stage like they just wandered in from the parking lot. Needless to say, the crowd lost its mind!)
The club is small, which means you’re up close to the stage—and maybe a little too close to the people next to you (we hope you don’t mind a little elbow contact). The shows usually run on time, and the staff is friendly—even when things get hectic.
As for the food, keep your expectations reasonable. This isn’t fine dining—it’s fried dining. But the chicken tenders and onion rings get a thumbs-up, and the drinks are decent, especially if you go for a pitcher to share.
Pro Tip:
If you wear a Zanies shirt or hat on a Monday, you might get in free—as long as the show’s not sold out. It’s a cool little perk for showing some love (and it makes you look like a regular).
2. Third Coast Comedy Club
Media Credit: thirdcoastcomedyclub
Website: https://www.thirdcoastcomedy.club/
Address: 1310 Clinton St #121, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-745-1009
Operating Hours: Sunday – 5 to 10 PM; Monday – 6 AM to 12 AM; Tuesday to Wednesday – Closed; Thursday to Saturday – 6 PM to 12 AM
Price Range: $
Third Coast Comedy Club is one of the best places in Nashville to see live shows. It’s a comedy club that focuses on improv. Located inside Marathon Village, this spot offers something for every kind of comedy fan—improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy, and more!
The signature show, the Third Coast Comedy Show, is kind of like a greatest hits album performed live. The cast trained in places like LA, New York, and Chicago, but they still know how to keep it Nashville.
There are shows happening almost every night of the week, and each visit may bring something new, thanks to a mix of local talent and traveling performers.
The bar has a full drink menu, and we’ve tried a few favorites. A cocktail and a comedy show just work well together. You can grab a drink before the show, during intermission, or after—when you’re still smiling and wondering what it’s like to try improv yourself.
Speaking of trying, they offer classes too—everything from beginner courses to more advanced workshops for folks who want to get serious about it. It’s easy to join in, even if the last time you were on stage was back in middle school.
Pro Tip:
The club is a great spot for private events—birthdays, team outings, or even corporate workshops. They’ll work with you to make it fun, easy, and memorable.
3. Nashville Improv
Media Credit: nashvilleimprov
Website: https://www.nashvilleimprov.com/
Address: 2007 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-544-5386
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 to 9:30 PM
Price Range: $
Nashville Improv is a local comedy group that puts on live shows where everything is made up on the spot. The crowd gives ideas, and the cast turns them into funny scenes, games, and jokes. It’s full of laughs and surprises, and no two shows are ever the same!
The performers are seriously talented, but also feel super down-to-earth. Even though some have worked with big names from Whose Line Is It Anyway and Comedy Central, the vibe is local, cozy, and fun—like your funniest friends just happen to be comedy pros.
Their shows are clean, high-energy, and completely safe for our mom, our nephew, and that one friend who doesn’t like mean jokes. Nobody was picked on. Nobody had to get up on stage (thankfully—we are not stage people). But we all got to throw out ideas and feel like part of the fun.
Every seat felt close to the action, it was one of the best nights out we’ve had in Nashville. It’s great for families, date nights, or just trying out something new!
Pro Tip:
Check the schedule before you go—shows don’t happen every weekend. It’s a good idea to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on a fun night because of a special event or break in their usual shows.
4. The Lab at Zanies
Website: https://nashville.zanies.com/
Address: 2019 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-269-0221
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM; Sunday – 12 to 9 PM
The Lab at Zanies is a must-visit for anyone in Nashville looking for top-notch comedy in an intimate setting. Located right next door to its larger counterpart, Zanies Nashville, this intimate venue opened in Spring 2024 and has quickly become a favorite for comedy lovers in town.
With its 100-seat theater, The Lab offers a more personal, up-close comedy experience that you won’t find in larger clubs.
This spot is perfect for a variety of shows, from stand-up comedy to improv and sketch performances. The smaller space creates a lively, interactive atmosphere, making it easy to connect with the comedians. You never know when a surprise guest might jump on stage for an impromptu set, so it’s always exciting with each visit!
Food is another reason to check out The Lab. Their menu features dishes like the must-try Lab Nachos with short rib, the pulled pork sandwich, and flavorful short rib tacos. These dishes pair perfectly with one of their craft cocktails!
But what makes this place special is that it’s not just a comedy venue—it’s also a place to learn. They offer classes for people who want to become comedians or for companies looking to add more fun to their work culture.
Pro Tip:
If you can’t attend a show, you can still get a feel for The Lab through the Zanies Podcast Network. It’s a fun way to stay connected to Nashville’s comedy scene and hear from the comedians themselves.
5. The East Room
Media Credit: theeastroom
Website: https://www.theeastroomnashville.com/
Address: 2412 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-678-4936
Price Range: $
If you’re looking for a laid-back spot with great comedy, we found it at The East Room in East Nashville. This place has been around since 2012, and it’s a local favorite!
It’s a small venue that feels like a special secret. We’ve been there a few times, and it never disappoints!
The East Room is all about feeling comfortable and having fun. It’s got a main floor, a balcony, and even an outage. It’s always clean, and there’s cool art to check out in the hallways. Plus, the staff is super friendly, so we always feel right at home.
Tuesday nights are comedy nights! The open mic sign-up runs from 7 to 7:30 PM, and it’s worth showing up early.
Local comics take the stage, and there’s always a good mix of jokes, improv, and—let’s be honest—a few awkward moments. It’s part of the charm. We’ve seen some hilarious moments and some…”experimental” jokes. Either way, you’ll laugh!
If you’re not in the mood for comedy, the East Room also hosts Fascination Street, a monthly dance night. They also have live music, from soul to indie, jazz to rock, and funk to blues.
Pro Tip:
The East Room has a solid beer lineup, from local craft brews to easy-drinkers. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs or something lighter, grabbing a cold one here just feels right—especially during a live set or comedy night!
6. Backyard Comedy
Media Credit: backyardcomedy_nashville
Website: https://backyardcomedy.com/
Address: 1322 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN
Operating Hours: Thursday – 7 to 10 PM; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Closed
If you’re looking for a fun and different night out in Nashville, check out Backyard Comedy. It started in a backyard during the pandemic and has become one of the city’s best independent comedy shows.
Now, you can catch it every Thursday night at the Clubhouse at Sonny’s Patio & Refuge!
The show was created in 2020 by three comedians who wanted to keep people laughing during tough times. Since then, they’ve taken their shows to parks, bars, boats, and more in both San Diego and Nashville.
Every week, there’s a new group of comedians—some local, some up-and-coming. The crowd is always into it, and people really love regulars like Ryan McComb. The small venue feels lively and fun, and the audience gets to connect with the comics in a real way.
Pro Tip:
Seating is first-come, first-served, and the room fills up fast—especially on nights with a strong lineup! Arriving 30–45 minutes early gives you time to grab a drink, find a good spot, and settle in before the show starts.
