Best Venues For Comedy In The Baltimore Area

Laughter comes in all shapes and sizes, and so too do the comedians that deliver it. Whether you're looking for the big name acts or fresh comedians who are breaking into the industry, you're guaranteed an amusing night with this top five comedy shows list. Also, many comedy venues offer tasty food and drinks in addition to a comfortable seating area, making these destinations a great choice for first dates or a night away from the kids. No matter which laugh suits you best, take time to check the websites listed below for up-to-date information as shows are prone to be added or changed regularly.

Magooby's Joke House
9603 Deereco Road
Timonium, Md. 21093
(410) 252-2727
www.magoobys.com

Magooby's Joke House is the number one place to catch the best laughs from both up-and-coming comedians and the seasoned stand-up professionals. Names like Ralphie May, Rich Vos and Eddie Griffin are just a few of the well-known comedians that will be gracing the stage in February and March 2014. The club has multi-tiered seating with superb sound and lighting system to ensure no matter where your seat is, you'll feel like you're having an intimate and, of course, hilarious performance take place right before you. Although most shows are 18 years of age and older, younger audiences should check the online schedule for "Kids Comedy Sunday," which is held for all ages. Considered one of the best comedy venues on the East Coast and with only an average $15-$17 ticket price, Magooby's is truly a must-attend comedy club that's just a short distance north of Baltimore. Purchasing or reserving seats in advance is highly recommended to guarantee seating.

Baltimore Comedy Factory
6 Market Place
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 547-7798
www.baltimorecomedy.com

Located at the lively Power Plant Live! complex right by Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the Baltimore Comedy Factory is the only comedy club in Baltimore City and has been bringing big laughs to the community for almost 30 years. Most recent acts in 2014 have been Keith Robinson, Skiba, John Witherspoon, Brad Williams and Iliza Shlesinger, who also holds the title of NBC's "Last Comic Standing." Since the club is constantly booking new acts and updating its events calendar, be sure to visit the website for the latest upcoming laughs. To top it all off, this 21-and-older venue hosts a spacious showroom complete with all of the comforts one could hope for, including a full-size beach-themed bar.

Related: Best Bars For A Blind Date In Baltimore

Illusions Bar & Theater
1025 S. Charles St.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 727-5811
www.illusionsmagicbar.com

Every Friday and Saturday starting at 9 p.m. (unless schedule notes otherwise), this high-end bar in Federal Hill delivers that something extraordinary to Baltimore's comedy crowd. Illusions Bar and Theater combines comedy and magic in an upscale environment for an unforgettable show that the Ringling Brothers would be proud of. The entertainment ranges from ventriloquism to disappearing acts and everything in between, including a touch of wit and mysticism that keeps the audience wide-eyed, laughing and clapping the entire night. Small groups can even request an up-close-and-personal audience with the night's entertainer, when requested in advance. Additionally, be sure to check the online events calendar as some acts require advance reservations when seating is limited.

Related: A Night Out In Baltimore's Federal Hill

Sully's Comedy Cellar
9306 Harford Road
Parkville, Md. 21234
(410) 665-8600
www.sullyscomedycellar.com

Hosting a popular stand-up act that resembles "Who's Line Is It Anyways" until March 22, 2014, Sully's Comedy Cellar has something for everyone without sacrificing class (aka no adult language) for laughs. Past acts have included a host of highly rated comedians seen on Comedy Central, HBO, Letterman and others. Further, this comedy club comes with the whole package when it comes to going out for a show and dinner. Just upstairs is The Bowman Restaurant, which received the best vote for crab cakes in Baltimore Magazine, and has a mouth-watering list of burgers, fries, wings, nachos and more to make your night out both funny and delicious.

Drop Three
817 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(443) 622-3986
www.dropthree.com

Featuring improv and sketch comedy, Drop Three is a new troupe that demands attention as it does more than just make people applaud and laugh – it makes you have to catch your breath. Drop Three performances are down-to-earth, straight-from-the-streets comedy delivered by Baltimore's greatest local talent. Read more about the cast on the website and you'll likely be laughing out loud from their written wit alone. Every show promises something different so you will be pulled back again and again to see something new, something that goes against the norm, but above all, something that is hysterically entertaining. Check the online calendar or follow Drop Three on Twitter to get details on its upcoming acts in 2014.