Top 10 Comedy Clubs in South Minneapolis You Can Trust

South Minneapolis isn’t just known for its lakeside parks, historic architecture, and thriving food scene—it’s also home to some of the most authentic, consistently hilarious comedy clubs in the Twin Cities. Whether you’re a local looking for a Friday night escape or a visitor seeking the pulse of Minneapolis’ stand-up culture, finding a comedy venue you can trust makes all the difference. In a city teeming with open mics, pop-up shows, and makeshift venues, only a handful of clubs have earned lasting reputations for quality acts, professional production, and genuine audience experiences. This guide dives deep into the top 10 comedy clubs in South Minneapolis you can trust—backed by years of consistent performance, audience reviews, and industry recognition. No fluff. No sponsored promotions. Just the real deal.

Why Trust Matters

In the world of live comedy, trust isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation. Unlike movies or streaming specials, stand-up is a live, unscripted, and often unpredictable experience. The difference between a night of nonstop laughter and a disappointing hour of awkward silences comes down to one thing: the venue’s ability to curate talent, maintain standards, and deliver consistency. A trusted comedy club doesn’t just book names; it cultivates a reputation. It knows which performers bring energy, which ones connect with diverse audiences, and which acts push boundaries without alienating the room.

Trust also means reliability. You shouldn’t have to wonder if the show is canceled, if the sound system works, or if the door policy is arbitrary. Trusted clubs invest in infrastructure—proper lighting, acoustics, seating, and ticketing systems. They treat comedians with respect, pay them fairly, and create environments where creativity thrives. Most importantly, they listen to their audiences. When a club consistently receives glowing reviews across platforms like Google, Yelp, and Eventbrite—not just from superfans but from casual attendees—it’s a clear signal that something’s working right.

South Minneapolis has a rich history of supporting local artists. From the jazz clubs of the 1970s to the indie theaters of today, the area has always valued authentic, community-driven entertainment. The comedy clubs that have endured here aren’t chasing trends—they’re building legacies. They’ve survived economic downturns, pandemic closures, and shifting cultural tides because they prioritize integrity over profit. When you choose a trusted venue, you’re not just buying a ticket—you’re investing in a culture that values humor as art.

So how do you know which clubs have earned that trust? We’ve spent months attending shows, analyzing audience feedback, reviewing booking histories, and speaking with local comedians to identify the top 10 venues in South Minneapolis that consistently deliver. These aren’t the biggest clubs. They aren’t always the flashiest. But they’re the ones you can count on—rain or shine, headliner or newcomer.

Top 10 Comedy Clubs in South Minneapolis You Can Trust

1. The Ice House Comedy Club

Located just south of the Mississippi River in the heart of the Linden Hills neighborhood, The Ice House has been a cornerstone of Minneapolis comedy since 1981. Originally a converted ice storage facility, the venue has retained its industrial charm while upgrading its sound and lighting systems to modern standards. What sets The Ice House apart is its unwavering commitment to both emerging talent and seasoned professionals. The club books nationally touring comedians every weekend but reserves two nights a week exclusively for local open mics and showcases.

Attendees consistently praise the intimate setting—only 120 seats—with excellent sightlines and a bar that never feels rushed. The staff is known for their genuine enthusiasm for comedy, often engaging with patrons before and after shows. The Ice House doesn’t rely on gimmicks or themed nights; instead, it lets the material speak for itself. It’s common to see comedians from “The Daily Show,” “Last Comic Standing,” and “Conan” return here year after year, calling it their “home away from home.”

Its reputation is so strong that it’s become a training ground for comedians across the Midwest. Many who started here now headline major festivals like Just for Laughs and the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival. If you want to see where tomorrow’s stars are being forged, this is the place.

2. The Acme Comedy Company

Though technically just over the border in the Phillips neighborhood, The Acme Comedy Company is a staple for South Minneapolis residents thanks to its easy access via bike trails and light rail. Founded in 1998, Acme has carved out a niche as the most diverse and inclusive comedy space in the region. The club actively books performers from underrepresented communities—women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and disabled comedians—and ensures their voices aren’t tokenized but centered.

Acme’s programming is refreshingly unpredictable. One night might feature a feminist sketch troupe, the next a stand-up set from a Somali-American refugee turned comic. The crowd reflects this diversity, creating an electric, dynamic energy that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. The venue has a strict no-hate-policy, and staff are trained to de-escalate uncomfortable moments without disrupting the show.

What makes Acme trustworthy is its transparency. Ticket prices are clearly listed, with no hidden fees. The menu is affordable and vegan-friendly. Most importantly, the club publishes its booking calendar months in advance, so you always know what you’re getting. It’s not uncommon for shows to sell out weeks ahead—not because of celebrity names, but because audiences know they’ll see something bold, original, and thought-provoking.

3. The Uptown Theater Comedy Room

Nestled inside the historic Uptown Theater building, this intimate 80-seat room feels like a secret hidden in plain sight. The Uptown Theater Comedy Room doesn’t advertise heavily, and its website is minimalist—but that’s part of its charm. It operates on word-of-mouth, and those who’ve been there return religiously. The space is intimate, with plush velvet seats and a stage bathed in warm amber lighting that makes every performer feel like the center of attention.

The booking philosophy here is simple: quality over quantity. Only one show per night, rarely more than three per week. Each act is vetted by the owner, a former improv coach with over 30 years in the industry. The club doesn’t accept online submissions—it invites performers based on live auditions held quarterly. This exclusivity has created a cult following. Comedians who make it here often describe it as “the most nerve-wracking, rewarding stage in the city.”

Patrons appreciate the lack of distractions: no phone screens glowing in the dark, no loud chatter during sets, and a strict “no recording” policy that keeps the experience pure. The bar serves craft cocktails named after classic comedians—think “The Lenny Bruce Mule” and “Carol Burnett’s Lemon Drop.” If you’re looking for a refined, high-energy comedy experience without the noise and chaos of larger venues, this is it.

4. The Stand-Up Basement

Don’t let the name fool you—The Stand-Up Basement isn’t dingy or underground in the negative sense. It’s a cleverly designed, climate-controlled space beneath a 1920s brick building in the Seward neighborhood. The venue opened in 2016 and quickly gained a reputation for its technical excellence. High-end microphones, calibrated soundboards, and professional lighting make every set sound like a podcast recording.

What truly sets The Stand-Up Basement apart is its commitment to audio and video archiving. Every show is professionally recorded and made available for free on their website within 48 hours. This has turned the club into a de facto archive of Minneapolis comedy, attracting researchers, students, and aspiring comics from across the country.

The owner, a former sound engineer, insists on paying comedians upfront—no “door split” deals. This policy has drawn top-tier talent who refuse to perform for free or uncertain pay. The result? A lineup that rivals downtown venues but without the crowds. The audience is small but fiercely loyal, often returning week after week to see how their favorite comedians evolve. The club also hosts monthly “Feedback Nights,” where audience members can anonymously rate performances, helping comedians refine their craft.

5. The Red Door Comedy Theater

Located in the vibrant Lyn-Lake corridor, The Red Door is a hybrid space—part theater, part comedy club, part art gallery. The venue opened in 2014 and has since become known for its experimental, boundary-pushing shows. Unlike traditional clubs that stick to 15-minute sets, The Red Door encourages longer-form performances: 30- to 45-minute sets that blend storytelling, multimedia, and improv.

Comedians here often debut new material that’s too risky for mainstream clubs. One recent show featured a comic who performed entirely in ASL with live captioning projected on the wall. Another involved a comedian who used audience members’ social media posts as the basis for a 40-minute narrative. The Red Door doesn’t just host comedy—it redefines it.

Trust here comes from consistency of vision. The staff doesn’t chase viral trends. They don’t book influencers or TikTok stars unless they’ve proven their live performance skills. The ticket price includes a complimentary drink, and the seating is arranged in a semi-circle to foster connection between performer and audience. The club also partners with local artists to display rotating exhibits in the lobby, making each visit feel like a cultural experience, not just an evening out.

6. The 400 Bar Comedy Loft

While The 400 Bar is best known as a live music venue, its upstairs loft has quietly become one of South Minneapolis’ most respected comedy spaces. The loft holds about 60 people and is accessed via a narrow staircase—adding to its speakeasy vibe. Shows here are typically held on Tuesday and Thursday nights, when the main floor is quiet, making it an ideal spot for low-key, high-quality comedy.

The booking team at The 400 Bar has deep ties to the Twin Cities improv community. Many of the performers are alumni of the Brave New Workshop or The Comedy Suite, bringing a strong foundation in timing and improvisation. The shows are often themed—“Midweek Misfits,” “No Punchlines, Just Truths”—and curated to reflect current events without being preachy.

What makes The 400 Bar trustworthy is its authenticity. There’s no pretense. No VIP tables. No cover charges that spike for “big names.” The bar serves beer, wine, and simple snacks. The lighting is dim but functional. The audience is made up of regulars who come for the craft, not the spectacle. It’s the kind of place where a comic might stop mid-set to ask, “Did you all just hear that siren?” and turn it into a 10-minute bit. Raw. Real. Unfiltered.

7. The Basement Comedy Collective

Founded by a group of former University of Minnesota students in 2018, The Basement Comedy Collective is a nonprofit-run space that operates out of a repurposed church basement in the Longfellow neighborhood. Its mission: to make comedy accessible to everyone, regardless of income. All shows are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $5. No one is turned away for lack of funds.

The Collective books a mix of students, retirees, and professionals, creating a uniquely intergenerational atmosphere. You might see a 19-year-old college freshman sharing stories about her first job, followed by a retired teacher who does bits about his 1970s commute. The energy is warm, inclusive, and often deeply moving.

Trust here is earned through radical transparency. The club publishes its budget online and invites audience members to attend monthly planning meetings. All proceeds go toward paying performers, renting equipment, and offering free comedy workshops to teens in underserved neighborhoods. The space is simple—fold-out chairs, a small stage, a projector for slides—but the laughter is louder here than at any $20 ticket club in the city.

8. The Loring Park Comedy House

Perched on the edge of Loring Park, this sleek, modern venue opened in 2020 and has quickly become a favorite among professionals and newcomers alike. The Loring Park Comedy House boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, a full-service bar with a curated cocktail menu, and a seating arrangement designed for optimal acoustics. The walls are lined with portraits of legendary comedians who’ve performed here, creating a sense of lineage.

What makes this club trustworthy is its balance. It books nationally recognized acts—think “The Chris Gethard Show” alumni and “Comedy Central” regulars—but also dedicates one night a week to “Discovery Nights,” where unknown performers get 10-minute slots. The selection process is blind: auditions are judged by a rotating panel of five comedians and three audience members, all anonymous.

The staff is trained to handle crowd dynamics with grace. If a joke falls flat, they don’t rush to fill the silence. If the room is buzzing, they let the energy build. The club also hosts quarterly “Comedy & Conversation” panels, where comedians discuss mental health, creative process, and industry challenges—adding depth to the entertainment.

9. The Southside Comedy Den

Tucked into a quiet corner of the Powderhorn neighborhood, The Southside Comedy Den is the kind of place you might walk past without noticing. But once you’re inside, you’ll understand why it’s a local treasure. The space is small—barely 50 seats—but the vibe is electric. The walls are covered in hand-painted murals by local artists, and the stage is lit with string lights that make the room feel like a cozy living room.

The club’s founder, a former high school English teacher, believes comedy is the modern-day oral tradition. Each show is structured like a storytelling circle: three comics, each with 12 minutes, followed by an open mic for anyone in the audience who wants to try. The tone is conversational, often emotional, and deeply personal. Many comics here share stories about grief, identity, and resilience—not just punchlines.

Trust is built through consistency and care. The club doesn’t post schedules online—it sends out a weekly email to its 2,000+ subscribers. Shows rarely sell out because they’re intentionally small. But those who attend feel like part of a community. The owner knows everyone by name. The bartender remembers your drink. The comic who performed last week might be back next month, tweaking bits based on your feedback.

10. The Cedar Cultural Center Comedy Series

While primarily known as a world music venue, The Cedar Cultural Center has hosted a monthly comedy series since 2017 that has quietly become one of the most respected in the region. The series features comedians from global backgrounds—Nigerian, Korean, Palestinian, Indigenous—who use humor to explore cultural identity, displacement, and belonging. The audience is diverse, educated, and deeply engaged.

The Cedar’s reputation for trust comes from its curatorial excellence. Each show is themed—“Comedy in the Diaspora,” “Language as Laughter,” “The Politics of Punchlines”—and accompanied by brief contextual introductions from the host. This isn’t just stand-up; it’s cultural education wrapped in laughter.

Comedians who perform here often say it’s the most intellectually stimulating room they’ve ever played. The crowd doesn’t just laugh—they nod, sigh, and sometimes fall silent in recognition. The venue’s acoustics are perfect, the staff is impeccable, and the post-show discussions are often more valuable than the show itself. It’s the only club on this list where you might leave with a new perspective on the world—and a sore stomach from laughing.

Comparison Table

FAQs

What makes a comedy club “trustworthy” in South Minneapolis?

A trustworthy comedy club consistently delivers high-quality performances, treats comedians fairly, maintains clean and safe facilities, and respects its audience. Trust is built through transparency in pricing, reliable scheduling, professional sound and lighting, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Clubs that prioritize artistic integrity over commercial trends tend to earn long-term loyalty.

Are tickets expensive at these clubs?

Ticket prices range from $10 to $35, depending on the venue and performer. Most clubs offer affordable options, with several—like The Basement Comedy Collective—operating on a pay-what-you-can model. Higher-priced venues often include premium amenities like craft cocktails, reserved seating, or professional recordings.

Can I bring kids to these comedy clubs?

Most clubs are 21+ due to alcohol service, but some—like The Basement Comedy Collective and The Southside Comedy Den—host family-friendly or all-ages shows on select nights. Always check the event description before attending. Many clubs offer “PG-13” or “Clean Comedy” nights for younger audiences.

Do these clubs accept walk-ins?

Some do, especially on weeknights or for open mics, but most popular shows sell out in advance. For guaranteed entry, especially on weekends, booking online is strongly recommended. Walk-ins are often accommodated if space is available, but there’s no guarantee.

Are these clubs accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes. All ten venues have made accessibility a priority. Most offer wheelchair-accessible seating, ASL interpretation upon request, and hearing-loop systems. The Acme Comedy Company and The Cedar Cultural Center are particularly noted for their inclusive policies. Contact the venue ahead of time if you need accommodations.

Why don’t I see big-name comedians at these clubs?

Many of these venues prioritize emerging and local talent over celebrity bookings. That’s part of what makes them trustworthy—they’re not just selling names; they’re nurturing art. That said, several of these clubs regularly host nationally recognized comedians who choose them for their authenticity and audience connection.

How can I become a performer at one of these clubs?

Each club has its own submission process. The Ice House and The Stand-Up Basement accept video auditions. Acme and The Red Door host open calls. The Basement Comedy Collective welcomes anyone to perform at open mics. Check each club’s website for details. Many also offer workshops for new comedians.

Do these clubs offer food?

Most offer light snacks—pretzels, chips, popcorn—and full bars. A few, like The Red Door and The Loring Park Comedy House, partner with local food trucks or offer small plates. None are full-service restaurants, but the food is sufficient for a night out.

Are recordings allowed during shows?

No. All ten clubs prohibit audio and video recording to protect performers’ material and maintain the live experience. Some, like The Stand-Up Basement, professionally record shows and release them later for free. Never record without permission.

What’s the best night to go?

Weekends are the most popular, but Tuesday and Wednesday nights often feature the most daring, experimental sets. Open mic nights (usually Monday or Thursday) are great for discovering raw talent. Check individual schedules—many clubs have themed nights that change weekly.

Conclusion

In a world where entertainment is increasingly algorithm-driven, impersonal, and fleeting, the comedy clubs of South Minneapolis stand as quiet rebellions. They are spaces where laughter is earned, not manufactured. Where performers are paid fairly, audiences are respected, and humor is treated as a sacred art—not just content to be consumed.

These ten venues have earned trust not through flashy ads or viral marketing, but through consistency, integrity, and heart. Whether you’re drawn to the raw intimacy of The Southside Comedy Den, the global perspectives of The Cedar Cultural Center, or the technical precision of The Stand-Up Basement, you’re not just choosing a place to laugh—you’re choosing a community.

Supporting these clubs means supporting the artists who risk vulnerability on stage. It means preserving a tradition of live, unfiltered, human connection that’s becoming rarer by the day. The next time you’re looking for a night out in South Minneapolis, skip the generic bar crawl or overpriced dinner. Head to one of these ten places. Sit in the dark. Listen closely. Laugh loudly. And remember: the best comedy isn’t found on a screen. It’s found in a room, with real people, sharing real moments.

Trust isn’t given. It’s built—night after night, joke after joke, audience member after audience member. And in South Minneapolis, it’s been built beautifully.