Top Spots To See Stand Up Comedy In South Florida

Nothing puts a smile on someone's face faster than seeing his favorite comedian live on stage practicing the basics of the art form—stand up. Stand up is a rite of passage for all comedians. The greats typically go on to get their own television show or a stand up comedy special on HBO or Showtime. Meanwhile, those who are still trying to make a name for themselves are hitting the stand up circuit testing out their new material on willing participants. Depending on where you go in South Florida, you can get a concert worthy performance or a more intimate setting, all in the name of comedy. In either case, you are ensured lots of belly laughs.

The Fort Lauderdale Improv
5700 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
(954) 981-5653
improvftl.com

The Improv was an institution in Coconut Grove for years, hosting a variety of acts from big names to local talent on Open Mic Night. However, times do change and when the Coconut Grove location closed in 2013, stand up comedians turned to the more spacious and updated Fort Lauderdale Improv in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. The two drink minimum rule still applies and guests can expect to hear the likes of Ralphie May, Jon Lovitz and Whitney Cumming. Open Mic Night is now called New Faces of Comedy, and general admission is only $5.

The Comedy Inn
14501 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33176
(786) 683-7999
www.comedyinn.com

Whoever thought of the concept of The Comedy Inn must be a genius. How else do you explain a Quality Inn hotel that doubles as a comedy club? Tickets come in two forms: open bar and cash bar. The cash bar is $15 per person with no drink minimum and the open bar is $35 for unlimited bar access. The comedy is a mixture of big names and local acts and performances are announced via email only, so be sure to sign up for the list online. Usually after performances, complementary pizza is ordered for the audience and those too tipsy to drive can either hitch a ride home with the onsite Uber drivers or get a hotel room at the Inn, making this a full service comedy club.

The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater
1700 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-7300
www.fillmoremb.com

Don't let the name deceive you. The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater is not just a comedy club, despite the fact that its namesake is "Honeymooners'" great, Jackie Gleason. It's an event venue where patrons can find theater performances, concerts and of course, comedy. Only established comedians perform here, including the likes of Margaret Cho and "Monty Python's" John Cleese. The best time to come is during the annual South Beach Comedy Festival, when the Filmore plays host to a convention of the comedic greats.

Related: Best Local Comics In South Florida

Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
(786) 468-2000
www.arshtcenter.com

Like The Fillmore, the Adrienne Arsht Center is a performance venue. It often hosts plays, orchestra performances and ballet, but it frequently has comedic events as well. The talent ranges from big names to D-list comedians. Just last year, the venue featured Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno and more. You just never know what you'll find, but you can be sure it will be hilarious.

The Colony Theater
1040 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 674-1040
www.colonytheatremiamibeach.com<

The Colony Theater is smaller than the Adrienne Arsht Center and The Filmore, seating 415 guests. It also offers a variety of events including comedy acts, but once again, only big names need apply. Patrons can expect a who's who line up of Comedy Central performers testing out their comedic chops and promoting their latest endeavors. Tickets are reasonably priced and available on the website. Reserve early to ensure great seats.

Related: Top Dinner Theater In South Florida

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.