The 7 best comedy clubs in Edinburgh will have you LOL-ing until you drop!
You’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine, of course. But did you know that’s more than just a saying? It’s medically backed! According to Nuvance Health, a good chuckle can boost your immune system, ease stress, and even work as a natural painkiller.
To get a good dose of this medicine, nothing beats the energy of a live show. Comedy clubs serve non-stop giggles and the kind of jokes that leave you gasping for air!
As someone who practically considers comedy clubs in Edinburgh a second home, I’ve rounded up the absolute best spots for a guaranteed night of laughter!
Monkey Barrel Comedy Club
– Media from tiernancomedian
Address: 9 to 12 Blair St
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
Saturday, 4:00 pm to 12:00 am
Sunday, 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
Pricing: ££
Monkey Barrel Comedy Club is hands down one of Edinburgh’s top comedy spots—and trust me, the laughs are guaranteed. I love popping in with my family, especially when international comedians take the stage and bring a bit of global flair to the mix.
This award-winning venue has earned praise from The Telegraph, The Scotsman, and The Metro, so expect only the best from this spot. With themed shows nearly every day, you’ll catch hilarious acts from stars like Reece Kidd, Adam Flood, and Dan Tiernan.
Tips:
- For a full list of their upcoming shows during the week, check out this calendar.
Note that most of their shows get sold out quickly, especially when an international comedian comes to the city. Make sure to book your tickets at least a few days ahead of the show to ensure you get a table!
- The shows are best suited for folks 16 and older. If you’re 16 to 17 years old, you can stay until 11:00 pm, but you’ll need an adult with you.
Anyone under 16 can only attend if the show specifically allows it, and they’ll need to be out by 10:00 pm. Always check the show details for any exceptions!
The Good, The Bad & The Irish!
– Media from comedycellaredinburgh
Address: Cannon Gait Pub, 232 Canongate
Contact Details: +44 735 934 1254
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 am to 10:30 pm
Pricing: £
At The Good, The Bad & The Irish, expect a rollercoaster of comedy that’ll either leave you speechless or clutching your stomach from laughter, especially with their Comedy Cellar series.
With three locations—two tucked away in Edinburgh’s legendary underground pubs and one in Frankfurt—it’s a must-visit, especially if you find yourself near Canon’s Gait. Trust me, it’s a show worth every second of your time!
Tips:
- If you can’t get enough of the club’s hilarious shows, you can actually stay tuned to their podcast and YouTube channel for more hilarious content.
I recommend watching their shows live at least once, but if you simply want to listen to good jokes and witty banter while at home or on the way to work, feel free to browse some of their other content (although shorter) here.
- The club usually hosts some of their bestselling shows on the weekends, so expect a huge crowd and sold-out seats on Fridays and Saturdays.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance to ensure tables during their shows. Luckily, they do show whether tickets are selling out fast on this page.
The Stand Comedy Club
– Media from standcomedyclub
Address: 5 York Pl
Contact Details: +44 131 558 7272
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 am
Pricing: ££
The Stand Comedy is another solid comedy club to visit if you and your friends fancy a night of laughter. They invite dozens of artists, including up-and-coming comedy stars to their stage to showcase their talents and offer a night of loud fun.
What’s great about going to a show here is that some of their shows offer food. Most of their shows support local restaurants, but if you want to grab some grub during the show, you better book your tickets early (because if they run out, they’re gone!).
Tips:
- Planning to bring a big crew? For groups larger than 6, be sure to reach out to the Box Office at [email protected] before booking. Just let them know the show you’re after, your group size, and a bit about your plans, so the venue can confirm they’ve got space for you all.
- For those with minor mobility challenges, there’s level access to a backstage toilet, though it’s not a fully accessible restroom. If you need any extra assistance, feel free to get in touch with the team to arrange a free carer’s ticket and a priority entry option.
Just a heads-up, due to fire regulations, only one wheelchair user can be accommodated on-site at a time.
The Comedy Attic
– Media from rickmolland
Address: 18-20 Grassmarket
Contact Details: +44 131 466 3266
Operating Hours: Friday and Saturday, 8:15 pm to 10:00 pm
Pricing: £
The Comedy Attic may only run shows on Fridays and Saturdays, but their acts will have you chuckling long after the weekend. Trust me, I found myself giggling at my desk days later, and my coworkers genuinely questioned my sanity.
Their host, Rick Molland, is an absolute riot, easily stealing the spotlight alongside the headliners. If you’re looking for a fun date night, this is the place to share some laughs—and who knows, you might even end up as part of the show’s interactive skits!
Tips:
- The club is one of the few comedy bars that actually allow stag/hen parties and even corporate events. They offer group packages that can be customised according to your event preferences.
Just note that they may not allow any guests below 18 years old to participate. So make sure to inform them about minors in case you plan to invite some.
- If you suddenly can’t make it to the show, you have at least 3 days before the show date to cancel your booking and get a refund. However, if you book too close to the show date, transactions are considered final. So, to avoid disappointment, please book ahead of time!
Cabaret Voltaire
– Media from pleasureedinburgh
Address: 36-38 Blair St
Contact Details: +44 131 247 4704
Operating Hours:
Friday and Saturday, 7:00 pm to 3:00 am (Club)
Wednesday to Saturday, 6:00 pm to 3:00 am (Cafe)
Pricing: ££
Once an underground vault, Cabaret Voltaire is now a hotspot for top-tier comedy. Hosting touring comedians year-round, it truly comes alive during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, when it transforms into a must-visit stop for stand-up lovers.
The club is also known as a nightclub where touring DJs take up the stage and blast out pulsating tunes. You can choose to visit the club for both of these types of events, but I highly recommend catching a comedy show while you’re there (it’s so worth it).
Tips:
- If you’re looking for a place to catch your breath, you can head over to the Cabaret Cafe located within the club. There, the vibe is different and a little more chill.
You can still order cocktails and beers there! Just remember that it will most likely be full towards midnight, so if you want to check it out while you’re in the club, I recommend dropping by as soon as they open at 6:00 pm!
- Download the Scotsman Rewards App and score free shots at the club! Plus, flash your app registration at the bar for exclusive discounts on select drinks. A few taps on your phone, and you’re sipping on savings!
The King’s Theatre
– Media from thekingskirkcaldy
Address: 9 Esplanade
Contact Details: +44 159 256 4481
Operating Hours:
Thursday, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday, 4:00 pm to 1:00 am
Saturday, 1:00 pm to 1:00 am
Sunday, 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Pricing: ££
Hear me out—The King’s Theatre has been the stage for some of the funniest, most unforgettable comedy shows I’ve seen this year. This cosy live lounge hosts everything from plays to live music, but when it comes to comedy, it absolutely steals the show!
Bearfoot Comedy takes over the stage every first Saturday of the month, and trust me, seats vanish fast. With limited capacity and just one show a month, you’ll want to jump on tickets as soon as they drop.
Tips:
- Heads up! Tickets are non-refundable unless the event gets cancelled.
However, if you can’t make it, drop them a message. Some of the hottest shows have waitlists, and they might be able to pass your ticket on to someone eager to snag a spot.
- It’s not only Bearfoot Comedy that they feature. They also host Comedy Cabaret shows and other theatrical acts that may pique your interest after watching a comedy show here.
- Although limited, parking is available right outside the club. It’s free parking if you drop by past 5:00 pm!
Good Egg Comedy
– Media from goodeggcom
Address: 52 West Port
Contact Details: +44 788 211 6277
Operating Hours: Thursday, 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Pricing: ££
Good Egg Company may be the new kid on the comedy block, but don’t let its age fool you. This family-run club has been serving up laughs since 2021.
At the helm is Ross Leslie, a seasoned stand-up veteran with over a decade of experience, proving that comedy (and good taste) runs in the family.
From sharp-witted sets to downright absurd skits, Ross knows how to keep an audience hooked. Plus, he regularly hosts charity fundraisers, so you can crack up while giving back—now that’s what I call a win-win!
Tip:
- Comedy’s a mixed bag. What has one person in stitches might leave another scratching their head. If a set isn’t quite your cup of tea, no worries! Sip your drink, step outside for some fresh air, or just sit tight and let the next act take the stage.
The lineup is carefully curated to keep the laughs rolling, so odds are, there’s a comedian coming up who’ll have you grinning in no time.