The best comedy clubs in Miami to make you laugh 'til you cry

Doral is full of surprises these days, and Miami Improv is proof. This classic brick-walled comedy club boasts a steady flow of big-name acts and local talent, with recent stand-up sets by Craig Robinson, Jon Lovitz, Donnell Rawlings and Miami’s own Carlos Hernández. Get there early for craft cocktails and a solid selection of bar snacks, salads, sandwiches and more. 

Just The Funny is one of South Florida’s longest-running improv theater companies with a cozy black box theater on Coral Way. It’s conveniently close to Coral Gables’ best restaurants, so why not make it a date night? Check them out on Fridays and Saturdays, when training comedians perform a mix of sketches and “Whose Line Is It Anyway”-style improv.

Tucked inside of Gramps’ beloved dive bar is Shirley’s Theater, an intimate venue known for weirdly wonderful events, including synth battles, “gender blender” parties, and yes, comedy shows. You’ll mostly catch local acts here, though famous comedians like Eric Andre, Ilana Glazer, Julio Torres and Hannibal Buress are known to drop in for surprise sets.

Hard Rock Live is where the Jerry Seinfelds of the world go to perform. It’s a massive venue, located in the even-more-massive Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which comes with its perks: multiple bars with top-shelf liquor, comfortable seats and a glittering, Vegas-style casino to keep the party going. 

This charming theater in Little Haiti plays host to a number of local performers eager to showcase their titillating talents. Along with sketch comedy, Villain Theater hosts “RuPaul's Drag Race” viewing parties (with local drag queens, of course), women’s comedy showcases and a weekly “Saturday Gigantic” improv show inspired by your abuela’s favorite TV program.

Protect Taurus at all costs. This local tavern in Coconut Grove is one of the oldest bars in Miami with a chill, friendly atmosphere to boot. Pop in on Thursdays for delicious bar food and excellent whiskey, then kick back for Taurus’ weekly comedy show and open mic night, presented in partnership with Coconut Grove Comedy. 

The Comedy Inn feels like a closely kept secret for the true comedy lovers (our apologies for spilling the beans). You’ll have to join their newsletter for lineups and tickets, but if past performers are any indication—Brazilian comedian Maurício Meirelles, Def Jam Comedy’s Tony Woods and the legendary 69 Boyz—you’re in for a treat. Even more fun? There’s no two-drink minimum, no parking fees and you can sleep over in one of the poolside hotel rooms for $99 a night. That’s a steal in this economy.

Faena Hotel's glamorous Art Deco theater plays host to a range of artists, from Dita Von Teese to Jazzmeia Horn, to cirque performers from Kansas City. This season, Faena Theater adds comedy to its ever-evolving roster with a new "Masters of Comedy" showcase. Catch some laughs on the last Wednesday of the month, when famous comedians like Brad Williams and Adam Ray light up the stage.