What Stand Up NY is and where to find it
Stand Up NY is a comedy club located at 236 West 78th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. The venue has operated since 1989 and hosts live stand-up comedy performances most nights of the week. Unlike some comedy clubs that require a two-drink minimum or charge a cover fee, Stand Up NY operates on a pay-what-you-wish model for most shows, meaning you can watch a full performance and pay whatever amount you choose at the end.
The club seats roughly 150 people in a room with a single stage and bar. Because of its size and location in a residential neighborhood, the venue tends to attract both established comedians and performers working on new material. The club is accessible by the 1, 2, and 3 subway lines at 79th Street, or by the B and C lines at 81st Street.
Key Takeaways
- Stand Up NY uses a pay-what-you-wish model for most shows, so you decide what to pay after the performance rather than paying a set cover charge upfront.
- The club is located on the Upper West Side at 236 West 78th Street and seats about 150 people per show.
- Shows typically run nightly, with multiple time slots, though the exact schedule and which shows are pay-what-you-wish versus ticketed varies by night.
- You can check the club's website or call ahead to confirm the night's lineup, show times, and whether a particular show has a cover charge or is pay-what-you-wish.
- The venue is small and intimate, so arriving early is common practice to find seating, especially on weekends.
Show schedule and how to find what's playing
Stand Up NY typically hosts multiple shows each evening, with performances starting in the early evening and running into late night. The exact number of shows and their start times change based on the day of the week and the season. Weekends generally have more shows and draw larger crowds than weekday performances.
To find the current schedule, you can visit the club's website directly or call the venue at their main number. The website usually lists the comedians performing on each night and the show times. Some shows are listed as pay-what-you-wish, while others may have a cover charge or be ticketed through a third-party platform. Calling ahead is the most reliable way to confirm whether a specific show you're interested in has a cover charge, what that charge is, and whether seating is first-come, first-served or reserved.
Pay-what-you-wish shows versus ticketed performances
Most shows at Stand Up NY operate on a pay-what-you-wish basis, meaning there is no upfront cover charge. You watch the full show and then decide what to pay when you leave or at the end of the performance. This model makes the club accessible if you want to try stand-up comedy without committing to a set ticket price. However, the club does occasionally host ticketed shows or shows with a set cover charge, particularly when featuring headlining comedians or special events.
The difference between a pay-what-you-wish show and a ticketed show is usually listed on the club's schedule. For ticketed shows, you typically purchase your ticket in advance through the club's website or a ticketing platform. For pay-what-you-wish shows, you straightforward show up, watch, and pay what you think the show was worth. Neither model requires you to buy drinks, though the club has a full bar and many people order beverages during the show.
Seating, capacity, and what to expect when you arrive
The club holds approximately 150 people, which makes it an intimate venue compared to larger comedy clubs in the city. Seating is typically first-come, first-served for pay-what-you-wish shows, so arriving early—especially on Friday and Saturday nights—increases your chances of getting a good seat. The room fills up quickly on weekends, and latecomers may end up standing or sitting at the bar if the main seating area is full.
The stage is close to the audience, which is part of the appeal of smaller comedy clubs. Comedians often interact with the crowd, and you may be asked questions or become part of a joke. If you prefer to watch without being called on, sitting toward the back or sides of the room is a common strategy. The bar is open throughout the show, so you can order drinks before the performance starts or during the show itself.
What to bring and how to pay
For pay-what-you-wish shows, bring cash if possible. While some venues now accept card payments, cash makes the pay-what-you-wish process simpler and faster at the end of the show. You can typically tip the comedians directly or leave payment with the staff. If you're attending a ticketed show, check the club's website to see what payment methods are accepted for advance ticket purchases.
There is no dress code at Stand Up NY, though the Upper West Side neighborhood tends to be casual. The club is in a residential building, so keep in mind that noise carries—the venue is respectful of neighbors, and the club staff may ask loud groups to keep the volume down between shows or during breaks.
Getting there and nearby options
Stand Up NY is located at 236 West 78th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The nearest subway stops are the 1, 2, or 3 trains at 79th Street, or the B or C trains at 81st Street. Street parking in the neighborhood is available but can be difficult on weekends, so public transportation or a car service is often more practical.
The Upper West Side has many restaurants and bars within walking distance, so you can make an evening of it by eating dinner before or after the show. The American Museum of Natural History is also nearby if you're planning a full day in the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy drinks at Stand Up NY?
No. The club has a full bar, but there is no drink minimum for pay-what-you-wish shows. You can watch the entire performance without ordering anything. For ticketed shows, check the club's website or call to confirm whether a drink minimum applies.
What if I arrive late to a show?
Late arrivals are usually seated if space is available, but you may not get a prime seat. On busy nights, the room fills up quickly, so arriving 15 to 20 minutes before showtime is common practice. Call ahead if you're running late and want to confirm that seating will still be available.
Can I make a reservation at Stand Up NY?
For pay-what-you-wish shows, reservations are typically not available—seating is first-come, first-served. For ticketed shows, you usually purchase tickets in advance through the club's website, which reserves your seat. Call the club directly to ask about reservation options for specific shows.
How long do shows usually last?
Most shows run 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the night and the number of comedians performing. The club's website or a phone call can confirm the expected length for a specific show you're interested in attending.
Is Stand Up NY accessible by public transportation?
Yes. The 1, 2, and 3 subway lines stop at 79th Street, and the B and C lines stop at 81st Street, both within a short walk of the club. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, and the club is on a main street.