9 best places for a good laugh in Atlanta

Having a good laugh provides more than a moment of merriment. It actually boosts your oxygen intake, stimulates your lungs and heart, and releases a large number of endorphins in your brain, which boost your mood. Therefore, not only is spending a night laughing with your friends good for your soul, but it’s also good for your mental and physical health. Here’s where you can get a good laugh in Atlanta.

Laughing Skull Lounge

A comedic mainstay in Midtown in the back of The Vortex Midtown, the Laughing Skull Lounge hosts comedy shows all week long. Featured comedians such as Kevin Hart and Jeff Foxworthy share the same stage as many of Atlanta’s best local comedians, who perform during the club’s Best of Atlanta Comedy Showcase. If you think you have what it takes, you can take your shot during open mic night.

Location: Downtown/Midtown - 878 Peachtree St. NE; Website: laughingskulllounge.com; Contact: 678-701-6114

The Punchline Comedy Club

Since 1982, The Punchline has been the place to be for a night of laughs. From local boy Jeff Foxworthy to Jerry Seinfeld to Chris Tucker to many more, The Punchline continues to welcome some of the most notable comedians in the business. And with a full menu, you can enjoy dinner before the show starts. It’s a full evening of entertainment for that first date, a night out with friends or spending date night with your significant other.

Location: Buckhead/Northeast - 3652 Roswell Road; Website: punchline.com; Contact: 404-252-5233

Village Theatre

Fans of improv can get their fill at Village Theatre in the Old Fourth Ward every Thursday through Sunday. You can even enjoy your favorite libations during the show, but beware: You could find yourself spitting it out while laughing. Village Theatre also offers improv classes for those who want to master the art. Classes start with Level One (The Basics) and go through Level Four (Long Form Techniques).

Location: East Atlanta - 349 Decatur St. SE; Website: villagecomedy.com; Contact: 404-688-8858

Whole World Improv Theatre

Hosting four shows every Friday and Saturday, Whole World Improv Theatre features an ensemble of performers who routinely crafts new shows that will have you laughing until you cry. While the regular shows cater to an adult audience, Whole World Improv Theatre holds an “all ages welcome” performance featuring kids on the first Saturday of every month each November through May.

Location: Downtown/Midtown - 1216 Spring St. NW; Website: wholeworldtheatre.com; Contact: 404-817-7529

Dad’s Garage

A comedy improv theatre, Dad’s Garage welcomes you to spend the evening with its cast of performers who put together both scripted and improvised works that will tickle your funny bone. These include TheatreSports (billed as “if theatre and pro wrestling had an ugly baby) and Scandal!, the theatre’s improvised soap opera. In addition, you can sign up for improv classes, which are available to adults, teens and kids.

Location: East Atlanta - 569 Ezzard St.; Website: dadsgarage.com; Contact: 404-523-3141

Uptown Comedy Corner

When it comes to the best in urban comedy, Uptown Comedy Corner delivers. From some of the biggest names in comedy—think Damon Wayans, Dave Chappell, Mo’Nique and Steve Harvey—to new faces just breaking into the spotlight, you’re guaranteed to spend the evening laughing. Make the evening complete by ordering something from the full menu (everything from chicken wings to salmon and much more).

Location: College Park - 1155 Virginia Ave., Hapeville; Website: uptowncomedy.net; Contact: 404-768-0483

1Up Comedy

Named one of the “Five Cool Things to Discover in Atlanta” by Rolling Stone, 1Up Comedy hosts shows at venues all around the city. Popular venues include ASW Whiskey Exchange, Battle & Brew, Sweetwater Brewing Company and Slabtown Public House. You’ll find a full calendar of events listed on the website and 1Up Comedy’s Facebook page.

Location: Southwest - 1000 White St. SW; Website: 1upcomedy.com; Contact: 770-895-7137

Atlanta Comedy Theater

While it may be OTP, Atlanta Comedy Theater offers a full range of comedic action that will keep you laughing all night long. This includes improv, stand-up, dinner theater and murder mystery dinners. In addition, the venue offers a full bar and restaurant menu, making this your one-stop-has-all date night destination. You can even sign up for comedy classes with national comedian Josh Harris.

Location: Norcross - 4650 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross; Website: atlcomedytheater.com; Contact: 770-724-6400

Dynamic El Dorado

When it comes to all things improv, Dynamic El Dorado delivers laughs week in and week out. From open mic nights to performances by local improv teams to workshops and much more, you’re likely to leave this venue with a stomach sore from laughing. Check out the website calendar for upcoming shows, and go ahead and purchase your tickets so you don’t miss out on the shows you just have to see.

Location: East Atlanta - 572 Edgewood Ave. SE, #116; Website: dynamiceldorado.square.site; Contact: 678-826-9634