Planning a trip to Chicago?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

The Second City

The Second City

Comedy Club
Old Town Triangle, Chicago
Save
Share
9.0/10
962
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at CNN and Travel + Leisure recommend this place
    • CNN
    • Travel + Leisure
  • Tips
    Anamaria H.
    "Great place to go to if you want to spend the night laughing."(15 Tips)
    Jon B.
    "South Side of Heaven is a must see - hilarious!"(10 Tips)
    Amy C.
    "Gaslight City put on an outstanding improv show."(3 Tips)
    Fodor's Travel
    "... Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and the late John Belushi."(4 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon149 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • laugh
  • comedy
  • hilarious
  • comedy clubs
  • improv show
User icon
Log in to leave a tip here.

Sort:
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • AFAR Media
    AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
    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
    Upvoted Aug 18
  • Allison K.heart icon on user image
    Allison KaminskiOctober 15, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    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
    Chicago Cultural AllianceSeptember 17, 2012
    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.
    Upvoted Aug 16
  • Kirk T.heart icon on user image
    Kirk TrotskyNovember 30, 2018
    Been here 100+ times
    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
    Fodor's TravelJanuary 28, 2016
    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.heart icon on user image
    Cameron WAugust 30, 2017
    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
    CNNAugust 6, 2014
    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
    Travel + LeisureFebruary 21, 2014
    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
    Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
    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 H.heart icon on user image
    ᴡ HildebrandMarch 29, 2015
    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 O.
    Jim OrganMay 26, 2017
    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 C.
    Tiffany ChungOctober 8, 2013
    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.
    Emilio COctober 3, 2017
    The best place for comedy in the city.
  • Fodor's Travel
    Fodor's TravelAugust 21, 2015
    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
    AshleyJanuary 21, 2013
    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 P.heart icon on user image
    Ryan PaveyMarch 18, 2019
    Really good fun. We were near the front and I’m glad we weren’t picked on.
  • Noah W.heart icon on user image
    Noah WeissFebruary 27, 2015
    $12 tickets for great Sketch comedy with no minimum drink orders, at the comedy spot that half of SNL came from.
  • Monica D.heart icon on user image
    Monica DesaiSeptember 2, 2019
    Their showcases are like thematic SNL shows, great for a Saturday night
  • Kellen T.heart icon on user image
    Kellen TerrettAugust 8, 2014
    Classic for a reason. Every show adds something new to the long list of amazing pieces the building has produced.
  • Kirstie C.heart icon on user image
    Kirstie CastaneiraApril 28, 2017
    Amazing show!! Such a cool venue and the ETC stage was very intimate. Will definitely return!
  • Cole T.heart icon on user image
    Cole TJune 19, 2017
    Historic venue; so many greats have passed through here. Saw a great show and had a Three Floyds beer to boot.
  • Philly Improv Theater
    Philly Improv TheaterSeptember 23, 2014
    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.
  • Renaissance Hotels
    Renaissance HotelsMay 22, 2012
    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 www.renhotels.com.
  • Jenny P.
    Jenny PollockJuly 7, 2013
    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.heart icon on user image
    Simon KFebruary 24, 2015
    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
    VegNews MagazineOctober 30, 2012
    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
    Travel + LeisureMay 29, 2012
    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 M.heart icon on user image
    Greg MacekDecember 13, 2019
    The etc stage was amazing. The best comedy in America is here in Chicago.
  • Lawrence M.
    Lawrence MillerMarch 13, 2013
    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!
  • Katey F.heart icon on user image
    Katey FagianoJuly 6, 2015
    Great atmosphere, great shows, great beer options during the show with servers to get you food & drink
  • Julia S.
    Julia StylesOctober 11, 2011
    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 A.
    American AirlinesJune 27, 2013
    Open since 1959, Second City has offered the best in improv comedy for years. Be ready: you might get the chance to participate!
  • Jennifer S.
    Jennifer StraubMarch 21, 2012
    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.
  • Ashley S.heart icon on user image
    Ashley StarkNovember 2, 2015
    Great time out. Probably more fun with a large group of friends because seating in the floor area is very tight.
  • Chase J.
    Chase JJuly 31, 2013
    Try the Drink: Chicago River its like a Long Island Ice Tea on steroids. Then sit back and enjoy the show!
  • Jordan K.
    Jordan KDecember 25, 2009
    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 S.heart icon on user image
    Josh SciannaNovember 20, 2017
    Saw the 11PM show on Saturday, didn’t disappoint. Cast was hilarious and the the drinks were very well made.
  • Bob K.
    Bob KApril 27, 2014
    When in Chicago don't miss it.. Order a pitcher and stay for the improv at the end.
  • GFour P.
    GFour ProductionsApril 19, 2012
    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 S.
    Andrew SchefferOctober 15, 2013
    The Best of Second City is the perfect chance to see the soon be celebrities in their grassroots element.
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneFebruary 7, 2012
    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
  • Venu T.
    Venu ThangalapallyDecember 15, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Here for Improv classes - best and more like meditation time - living in the moment
  • Jinna W.
    Jinna WJanuary 27, 2015
    Great show! Whatever you do, don‘t check your coat it takes so long since there's only one guy working at coat check
  • Explore Chicago
    Explore ChicagoSeptember 20, 2011
    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.
  • Travel Channel
    Travel ChannelDecember 7, 2010
    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
  • Thompson Hotels
    Thompson HotelsJune 20, 2011
    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
    YvonneJune 3, 2013
    Will B taking voice over classes here.... I am so excited!!! Squeeeee!!! #MyDreamsAreFinallyBeingRealized. :-)
  • Skip S.heart icon on user image
    Skip SuggJanuary 27, 2017
    Amazing live talent.
  • Showtime Network
    Showtime NetworkJune 4, 2010
    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
Photos791 Photos

Related Searches

  • the second city chicago •
  • the second city chicago photos •
  • the second city chicago location •
  • the second city chicago address •
  • the second city chicago •
  • 312 second city chicago •
  • second city chicago •
  • second city (piper's alley) chicago •
  • second city pipers alley chicago •
  • second city chicago chicago •
  • second city comedy chicago •
  • second city e.t.c chicago •
  • second city e.t.c. chicago •
  • second city main stage chicago •
  • second city skybox theater chicago •
  • the second city old town triangle chicago

Foursquare © 2024  Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA