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Disposable income, despite its name, is a precious commodity in New York City. Once you've paid the rent and utilities, and have taken a miniscule dent out of the cautionary tale that is your credit card statement, you can sometimes be left with little cash for entertaining yourself in this city. So, smart decisions must be made to maintain a social status above that of Urban Hermit.
Although entertainment isn't always cheap in this town, there are nooks of economy to be found—and nowhere are there more quality options than in the comedy arena. New York is replete with A-list comedy talent and—unlike in other show business pursuits—many of the great ones are still very accessible locally. Best of all, they come cheap: most can be seen for under $10 (provided you avoid the comedy club vortex near Times Square). Check out these places where affordability and hilarity often meet....
Rififi Cinema Classics in the East Village is a simple bar with a small performance space in the back. In addition to live music and burlesque shows, they host several comedy shows every week. Wednesday's “Invite Them Up", hosted by Eugene Mirman and Bobby Tisdale, often showcases established names (read: people who have had specials on HBO) who are trying out new material. Styles range from skit to stand-up, and most shows are $5. And, in addition to having one of the best names for a venue in New York, nearby Mo Pitkin's House of Satisfaction also hosts several comedy events every month—generally for a five spot or less.
Union Hall in Brooklyn is another bar that has a small space downstairs devoted to performances. Recent shows have included "Tearing the Veil of Maya" with Mirman and Michael Showalter, star of erstwhile TV skit shows The State and Stella. Another recent show included Demetri Martin, a writer for Late Night with Conan O'Brien who will be featured in an upcoming Comedy Central Presents. Prices to these shows hover around $7, and once the show is over you can try your hand at bocce on the indoor courts upstairs—because rolling wooden balls on dirt is fun, too.
