Don't Miss These Amazing Comedy Clubs Near Oak Park

Comedy Plex

1128 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL

What to expect: Stand-up comedy, national headliners, open mic nights, comedy classes and special events.

Comedy Plex Comedy Club continues to attract big names and local talent to its vibrant, intimate 150-seat club with a sleek design, state-of-the-art sound system, and a separate lounge. Every seat in this well-designed space—built specifically for comedy rather than a repurposed bar or club—feels close to the action.

The four founders—Christopher Bell, Marz Timms, Sherman Edwards and Paul Cary—are Oak Park residents with experience in comedy. The group wanted to satisfy the area’s demand for culture and community events and hoped to revitalize downtown Oak Park’s nightlife scene with an elevated stand-up experience. Chicago is a comedy hub where talented performers practice their skills, and Comedy Plex successfully brings that energy and expertise to Oak Park.

Ensuring fresh, top-tier entertainment, Comedy Plex showcases everything from emerging local talent to nationally recognized stand-up performers with headliners on Friday and Saturday nights, up-and-coming comics testing their material at Open Mic Night every Wednesday at 8 p.m., and the Thursday Night Laugh Lounge featuring a rotating lineup of comedians beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Comedy Plex offers stand-up comedy and improv classes for folks hoping to try their hand at on-stage comedy and acting. It also inspires the next generation of comics and comedic actors with classes and workshops for kids.

Additional interactive experiences include comedy workshops, Q&A sessions with comedians, fan meet-and-greets, and themed comedy nights, as well as special events like roast battles, improv showcases, and storytelling nights. Comedy Plex offers a full-service bar, craft cocktails, and small bites to enjoy during the show.

Located in a windowless lower-level space at 1128 Lake Street, Comedy Plex offers the look, feel, and character of New York’s best comedy clubs, like the city’s famous Comedy Cellar. The alley entrance gives it a speakeasy vibe. Get to Comedy Plex from Chicago via the CTA Green Line (the Harlem/Lake stop is an easy 5-minute walk) or I-290 West (20 minutes from the Chicago Loop). Parking is available at 1125 Ontario Street.

Check Comedy Plex's upcoming shows and event calendar for tickets, showtimes and comedy classes. Ticket prices vary by performance, and Wednesday open mic nights offer free admission. All shows require a two-drink minimum per person, including nonalcoholic beverages. The venue is cashless and welcomes outside food from nearby restaurants.

BABS Comedy Club

7316 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL

What to expect: Stand-up showcases, improv, sketch comedy, open mic nights, comedy classes and family-friendly performances.

BABS Comedy Club is a cozy, intimate venue known for its underground comedy vibe, irreverent sketch comedy shows, and unexpected lineups. It’s a fun date night spot or a place to let loose after a nice dinner, offering a mix of improv comedy, musical improv, standup, and sketch comedy. Using her years of production and performance experience, founder Emily Ramirez creates a positive and professional experience for the audience and the performers.

She is passionate about nurturing a joyful, supportive, equitable environment for artists to laugh and grow.

The Local Laughs Standup Showcase, held every Friday at 8:00 p.m., features favorite comedians from all over Chicagoland, and locals take the stage at Standup Open Mic at 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Have a blast while honing your own skills at Wednesday’s Open Improv Jam when a BABS house team player leads the room in short-form and long-form improv comedy games.

BABS also makes it easy to enjoy comedy on a budget. Wednesday improv jams and Thursday stand-up open mics are free to attend, and the club does not require a minimum drink purchase for its regular Friday showcases. Guests can also bring food from nearby Forest Park restaurants.

All skill and experience levels are welcome, and it's free to watch if you're looking for a fun, informal night of comedy where anything can happen. The fun begins at 8:00 p.m. New events every month feature BABS regulars in outrageous comedy, variety, and improv shows.

High-energy KID-PROV! offers family-friendly fun with professional comedians who create a different comic adventure show every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. The show is recommended for kids aged 4–12 and their parents. Plus, the bar is open and, as usual, serves beer, wine, ready-to-drink cocktails, and sodas.

BABS also offers an array of classes and workshops for aspiring performers and writers. Learn more about BABS Comedy Club shows, classes, and auditions at babscomedyclub.com

BABS Comedy Club is located at 7316 Madison Street, between Circle Avenue and Marengo, in Forest Park, just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, off I-290 West. Easily accessible by public transportation, the club is a short walk from the CTA Harlem Blue Line Station or the CTA Harlem/Lake Green Line Station and Metra commuter rail Oak Park Station from Ogilvy Transportation Center.

More Comedy and Storytelling Near Oak Park

Dedicated comedy clubs aren't the only places to enjoy a live performance near Oak Park. Restaurants and music venues throughout the western suburbs also host stand-up showcases, storytelling events and occasional comedy nights. These performances offer another way to experience local entertainment, whether you're looking for a traditional comedy show or something a little different.

The Elm

23 W Harris Ave, La Grange, IL

What to expect: All That Good Stuff, a recurring stand-up comedy showcase featuring Chicago-area comedians.

Get ready for a night of laughter at The Elm, where All That Good Stuff brings in five hilarious Chicago comedians for an unforgettable pop-up comedy experience. This monthly show (7:30 p.m.) features a fresh lineup, ensuring a unique night every time. If you plan to dine before the show, reserve a table 1.5–2 hours in advance to enjoy The Elm’s elevated American fare, craft cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of downtown La Grange.

The comedy showcase takes place in The Elm’s Madison Room on the second floor, with elevator access available. Seating is first-come, first-served at club-style tables and chairs, and drinks are available throughout the performance. If you’re making a full night of it, plan to have dinner in the restaurant before heading upstairs for the show.

Great Laughs Outside of Chicago

With a growing demand for live entertainment beyond Chicago’s city limits, Oak Park and the surrounding areas have become a hub for comedy and nightlife. Whether it’s stand-up at a dedicated comedy club, improv at a local venue, or a pop-up showcase at a neighborhood bar, comedy lovers don’t have to head downtown to find a night of hilarious entertainment.

From Comedy Plex’s high-energy shows to Forest Park’s BABS Comedy nights and rotating pop-up performances, there’s always something to keep you laughing. No matter your comedic taste, you can find a fun and affordable night out filled with plenty of laughs—just due west of Chicago.