Comedy Connection
Categories: Comedy Clubs, Restaurants [Edit]
245 Quincy Market Bldg2nd Fl
Boston, MA 02109 (617) 248-9700
- Nearest Transit:
State (Blue, Orange)
Government Center (Blue, Green)
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
30 Reviews for Comedy Connection
The CC is not a bad comedy club, all things considered. I feel like the premises are starting to show their age, somewhat. Drinks are overpriced, but if you can excuse that, there's no reason why you can't have a good time here. I've seen Saget, Norton, and, (heh) Jay Mohr here, back in the day. And yes, I am a veteran viewer of Frank Santos, the R Rated Hypnotist. (Watching hypnotized bros making love to a blowup doll is timeless comedy!). Three stars and a hearty chuckle for the Comedy Connection. Parking in the area stinks and is expensive, but what can you do? Take the T!
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I went to CC a few weeks ago for the first time in my lifetime of living in or around Boston to see Hal Sparks' 10 pm show.
He was VERY funny and that is what I paid for so I guess my complaints are minimum.
As previously stated, chairs and seating are not the best and the service is mediocre at best, but I can't imagine what it is like when the place it packed it this is what it was like 1/2 full.
They really do need their own bathroom, sharing with the place next door takes one star away. If I wanted to be at some girl's 21st birthday party I would just go to one, will never happen.
All and all not a bad experience, but unless someone I want to see is there I can't see myself coming back anytime soon.
The CC is just a bunch of amateur Joes that get supremely sauced up before their set, come up with a similar theme...(tonight was about midgets and mexicans). Insert a chuckle here and there, but nothing memorable. I would accredit the CC for being reasonably priced (free on Sunday night) but the overpriced drinks (that contain a drizzle of alcohol) made it difficult to adjust the beer goggles and inhale the stale jokes.
Mleh...get tossed beforehand and it might be a rewarding experience.
It was better than getting a root canal.
I like to laugh, giggle, chortle, guffaw, chuckle, crack up, tee hee, howl... you get the point.
The two performances I saw at the Comedy Connection provided me those cheek hurting moments that I crave.
First I saw the R-Rated Hypnotist, Frank Santos. I won tickets from the radio and I took my sister. It was a silly show and we both enjoyed it and all the racy antics. We were too chicken to volunteer to be hypnotized, but maybe next time. The second show I saw was Tracey Morgan. The tickets were only 25 bucks. I took a dude, that I thought I was interested in. We had a really good time. Tracey was hilarious and filthy. The dude I was with was flirty and nice during the show, but after he turned into a weirdo and pretty much ran away from me. That ended that.
Okay, so the Comedy Connection is a pretty cool place. The table set up is a little weird and cramped down in the front. Most times you have to turn your chair around to see the stage. You get very cozy with the people sitting at the table with you and if anyone has to get up to use the potty, there is a lot of shuffling and whispering of "sorry, excuse me."
The ticket says there is a two drink minimum, but I didn't order anything and it didn't seem to be a problem. I just said, "no thank you" when the waitress came by and she didn't bite me or anything.
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Thanks to the Comedy Connection, Mike Birbiglia thinks I'm awkward and Bob Saget thinks I'll never have a career in writing. Sigh.. the volume of my laugh/voice plus front row seats plus two-drink-minimum-heckling-Trish = comedian love.
I like the Comedy Connection. I'd probably never randomly walk into this place since some tickets can be $25+.. although, I think it's pretty easy to get free tickets to shows. Comedy festivals frequent this place and you've got a good chance at getting a free night of laughs. I see that most people hate the two item minimum. Meh, I don't really care. I just plan on eating dinner/drinks here instead of feeding money to another expensive Faneuil Hall establishment. The tables/seats are a little snug, but not any snugger than sitting in an auditorium elbow to elbow with someone watching a staged show. I will admit I don't know what it's like to sit in the back because I always sit within small grape tomato throwing distance of the performers.
As for Saget.. Immagetu! Whenever I get fed up and want to give up writing, I think of you and it keeps me going. Plus who you makin' fun of you.. you.. Full House diatribe makin'..voice of monkeys/babies on America's Funniest Home Videos creep? And Birbiglia, well I'm sorry for touching your hands. I had no idea that would be as awkward as it was.
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Not really all that bad of a place to go for some laughs. However, you might want to see who is there before you fork over $25 there are a lot more famous people or at least people that you might see on comedy central that would be worth more to see. You haveto buy at least two drinks per person as well, the beer is actually not that expensive so it's not that bad in the long run. When i went the opening act seemed like he was a little tipsy and got into an argument with some of the people in the crowd, it really wasn't that funny, but the main act was pretty funny despite not having heard of him before.
This place gets three stars because there was nothing so bad that I wouldn't come back if there was someone I wanted to see, but nothing so good that I'll be trying to find a reason to go back there. So in short, nothing special, nothing horrific, if there is an act you want to see don't hesitate to go, if there isn't, you're not missing anything.
The specifics: Faneuil Hall, obviously, isn't the ideal spot for locals but a great place to get tourists to pick up tickets. So even though it's a pretty big room for a comedy place, seating is maximized by elementary school cafeteria style tables in the whole front half of the room. You're definitely sardine canned in there which sucks but isn't really a big deal. The drinks weren't as bad as I was expecting, I had a banana colada and a midori delight, but you can always be safe and get a beer. The price was norm for the area. I didn't get food but it looked like convenience store quality to me. And yes, service is slow. Like others have said, order your next drink while your first is being dropped off.
I had a nice night there, seeing 4 rejects, one really good guy, and one EXEPTIONAL comedian: Jimmy Dunn. What a hoot, this guy!
WIsh the room had been a little more packed, but being a weeknight, the crowd just wasn't that big or enthusiastic.
The service was slow.
I had some nachos, which were 7-11 quality, or Taco Bell at best. But they filled my tummy with salt and imitation cheese food product, which is always nice.
This place lost a star from me mainly because we were so intimate with others around us, while the rest of the place still had empty tables open. I'm surprised this place didn't seat people in various areas only until they get packed do they start putting people together at a table. They had plenty of open seats/tables!
Other than that one gripe, I had to say I had a blast. My boyfriend and I laughed our asses off. Henry Cho was great!
Our drinks were pretty decent, and I don't blame this place for requiring a 2 min. item per person. It's the only way they can really make some money after they pay their comedians.
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First off, this place is located in touristy Fanuiel Hall, as a Boston resident, I typically don't frequent the area's nightlife--but if you're in town for the evening and doing the whole fanuiel hall thing--this was a good thing to do--go to the Early show then hit up the bars around 10pm.
However, it was nearly sold out when we got to the place around 6:30pm for their 8pm show. For that, I have to give the Comedy Connection a real round of applause. However, they do get a big thumbs down for their accommodations. The seats were uncomfortable. The tables are tiny. The drinks were Fanuiel Hall expensive, which would be more understandable if you were given more comfortable accommodations. The area isn't tiered so I think a lot of people might have had trouble seeing on the floor area. Also, I guess there were people who were a bit upset that they were being sat at tables with other couples and groups. They do have food, but it's mostly low-quality fast food type stuff.
However, the two comedians who were there were ACTUALLY funny. That was pretty refreshing considering the accommodations weren't exactly the most ...well, accomodating. Russ's Uncle and Aunt had a great time though, and I guess the real charm of this place is that it IS so approachable and sort of uncomfy in that--well we're all uncomfortable TOGETHER sort of way. It really leveled out the clientel which seemed mostly like out-of-towners, suburban visitors--out in Boston for the night.
The real sucky thing is that though you have table service, the waitresses have to wait on about 100 other people each in a cafeteria like-setting so it takes awhile to A.) Order B.) Get Your Drink I recommend ordering a new drink as soon as you recieve the one you order.
They do try to get you to go to the club next door by tricking you if you haven't finished your beer to "go out the back way" but then you find out you have to pay a cover once you get to the "club" for the after party. So, just be wary of that. This (and the slow service) cost them a total star in my book. I hate it when places mislead people.
However, despite all these grievances, the commedians WERE funny, so I would probably go again if only because one of my friends or family needed a laugh.
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There are a lot of harsh reviews on here, so I am gonna try to be nice. My overall experience was nice enough. There is some room for improvements though. Since it is located in Quincy Market you have to make your way through the throngs of people chowing down on fatty foods. And it kinda annoyed me that they don't have their own bathroom and you have to go to the general Quincy Market bathroom which inevitably involves a wait.
I was lucky enough to get the closest seat to the stage!!! We were there to see Charlie Murphy and it was pretty cool to be sitting basically on the stage. Yay! The set up inside is fine. A little cramped but fine. And it appeared that everybody, even those in the back, should have a pretty good view of the stage. The stage itself though is really small and not that high up. The Comedy Connection is a little run down. The wall trim and decorations looked beat up, the chairs and tables looked old, and the stage was carpeted and looked like it was the same carpet that was there 20 years ago. I read some other reviews that said that the chairs were really uncomfortable. I thought they were fine. They weren't the most comfortable things, but they were just as good as any other comedy club I have been to. Plus, I am there to be entertained, not to sit in lush seats.
The one thing that really bothered me is the 2 item minimum per person. I hate it when business force you to buy things or to buy a certain price minimum (I am talking to you Cuchi Cuchi). Because we are cheap and not really drinkers, we ordered a non-alcoholic juice drink. And, although we were supposed to order 2 things, we actually only ordered one a piece. (when I realized that to go to the bathroom I would have to get up in front of the whole audience as I was right up front, I didn't drink my drink). We just didn't drink our drinks and ignored the waitress. Yay! Only $6 spent! The people across from us paid $15 for 2 drinks, so I am guessing that the drinks are fairly reasonably priced. The food menu was just fried food and more fried food. French fries, chicken fingers, cake, etc....
No thanks!
The show itself was great. Super funny. I would go back to the Comedy Connection. It was a good time!
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Performances aside (Comedy Connection draws good name comics), this place was meh. The tables are all facing the wrong way, so you need to turn to the left (or right) all night which is not comfortable at all. Don't bother with the mixed drinks, stick to beers to kind of get your money's worth. The food looked shitty, but I didn't try it, and no one enforced the two-drink minimum that they advertise.
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The heat wave in July 2003
No Air Conditioning, I mean really! not even non-fresh air recirculating without additional oxygen. Maybe I should have been suspicious when the windows were open, and some large industrial standing fans were put in place.
As the club filled up, they seat you slave ship lower deck style,
once you are in your berth you are not going anywhere. You are in fact unable to see the person next to you, as you are seated skewed and at an angle to them, you can not turn to see behind you because of the chair back. Your ability to view anything besides half of the body of the person in front of you and half of the stage is dependent upon your intrinsic Linda Blair capabilities.
Once the act started the windows were closed, the fans turned off and the doors sealed. Add to that the appearance of the largest bouncers in the world in front of the doors...as wide as small sumo. It was so hot the Comedian kept asking the house for water several times, and joked that he might ask that they call an ambulance soon!
I was also uncomfortable because even with the limited visibility I figured out I was One Of Three non Caucasians in the room....an Indian student, one of the enormous bouncers and little 'ole Heinz 57 me. I began to hear the twang of someone playing a comb and slapping a moonshine jug, then the whistle from a spaghetti western...of course I was just hallucinating from the heat.
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I saw Pablo Francisco this weekend and it was pretty entertaining. I gotta admit that the drinks are not cheap and it is a 2 Item Minimum, so come prepared. The comedians were pretty funny, but if I sat any closer to the guy behind me, I think we might have touched bums... ehhww!
All in all, a good time.
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I've been here four or five times and enjoyed myself each time. I've seen both big name acts and local guys on their way up. I'd recommend it to anyone. The prices aren't too bad and they get some really big names in there.
But like everyone said, the two item minimum is more than annoying, the food is not good, neither are the drinks, and they are too expensive. And the seating, although the room is small enough that most everyone can see, is not good. The last time we were there, we got squished at the very end of a row near a banister. In other words, we were up against a banister and there were about ten people blocking us in. Good thing we didn't have to use the bathroom. They are DEFINITELY breaking some fire codes in there.
I dunno if the spot deserves the 5 star rating... The food sucks, the drinks suck, the staff is ok, the room sucks and its full of massholes, BUT THERE IS NOTHING that is so cleansing as laughing your ASS off to stand up comedy for 2 straight hours. The amount of endorphins (sp?) i released during the Pablo Francisco show was unimaginable. MY face ached... I needed a nap, immediately.. I was crying it was too f'ing good.
I guess it really takes a genius comic to set it off, but Stand up is truely a fine art.
Great place to go with a date too... Nice to have someone else be the comic for a change...
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I went here on a Tuesday night when Paul Nardizzi was headlining. Ohmygod, I laughed my ass off. Radon in your basement? Hilarious.
Went there to see the "R-Rated Hypnotist". It wasn't that crowded, but it was definitely hilarious. Especially if you can get one of your friends to go on stage to be hypnotize. They will do some funny stuff!!
The show is on every Thursday, 8:30pm, $15.
http://www.symfonee.co...{c172a4a6-d5fa-4cf7-9e5a-3a5b62247735}
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In theory, this place is a great idea. The execution, however, leaves something to be desired.
There are a few pros to this place: Ticket prices are low. They get big-name acts, and even the average weeknight guys are funny. It can be a fun night out with friends.
The con side of the scale, however, is not insignificant. The two item minimum is irritating. The drinks are overpriced for the venue, and not particularly impressive. The food is so-so to bad. Items on the menu may not necessarily be available. The seating is crowded and in some places it's difficult to see the stage. With a full house, the room gets too warm.
If you want to enjoy your experience here, you can - with a few tips. Eat before you go - don't expect to get food at the show. You may be able to avoid the two item minimum, but if you have to give in, get something cheap. Above all else, go with a group of friends and try for your own table. If you're able to pull this off, it's smooth sailing through a night of laughs. Especially since having a group of friends gives you a chance that one of your mates will get singled out by a comedian and you'll have something to tease him about forever.
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One of the few places to see real top notch comedians (though Steve Sweeney and Dick Doherty just opened up a joint.. we'll see what they does with it). Comfortable seating, average drink minimums, and the option to sit at a distance if you don't want to chance becoming the butt of the jokes.
(If you are traversing the area during the day and need to go to the little girls or boys room.. there is one outside the doors of CC that make for an easy in and out usually away from the crowds)
Go if you really want to see the act. The seating is cramped, you even have a chance of facing away from the stage. The best part is you can have your parking validated for the garages near the venue.
The four star rating assumes you enjoy the talent. I saw Steve Sweeney on a Saturday night. I was glad I was a Mass native so I could appreciate all the local humor! Not a show for out-of-towners, that's for sure.
Seating is COZY. I swear it must be a fire code violation, the way they pack so many people so tightly in there... Kind of annoying when the people on the inside need to scoot by to hit the restrooms.
Officially, there is a two-item minimum, but it wasn't enforced when I was there. This was a relief to me, since the ticket alone was 30 bucks!
Overall, a fun time.
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Depending on who is performing that night, this place can be great or a bomb. I have been here on numerous occassionas, and the shows are usually very good. Ticket prices are reasonable, but the two drink minimum is a bit ridiculous. Luckily, waitstaff does not enforce this rule, but you are highly pushed to order at least one. They are strong, but almost too strong. The food is pretty good for the under 21 crowd.
If your in for a great laugh, visit the Comedy Connection. They have a variety of halarious comedians including famous ones. It is a great time for all.
The comedy connection has some regular routinue acts and some featured comedians that are only there for a day or two. I've heard great things about the R- rated (X-rated? i dont know!) hypnotist they have once a week, however I've never seen him myself. The two drink minimum is usually not a problem as they have a huge selection of cocktails and blended drinks in addition to a decent list of beers. I had the jalapeno poppers here awhile back and they were good as well. The seating is definetly one-on-top-of-another, but it kind of adds to the intimate feeling of the place. I think this is a good idea for a "different" date when youre sick of just doing dinner and a movie....
This is a great night out but you better like your neighbor. The quarters are very tight and it can get a little warm inside but it is well worth because the acts are always great. Stay away from the frozen drinks though they are expensive and pretty watered down.
A fun, cheap way to spend a Friday night. With a variety of different acts form all over the comedy connection is great for a date, a night out with some friends, or for a small function as I went to for a fraternity social. Best part is, since it is so cheap, you can proceed or preceed it with dinner out on the town.
The Comedy Connection is a great night out, and a nice change from the bar scene. Located upstairs inside Quincy Market in Faneuil Hall, they do get great comedians. So keep an eye out on their schedule at the website: http://www.comedyconne.... Seating is assigned on the order people place ticket orders, so the sooner you're in, the closer your seats. HOWEVER, if you get a front seat, be prepared- you will basically be sitting ON the stage (and will likely be interacting with the comedians). There is a 2-item minimum beyond the ticket price, but if you're not into drinking, those items also include bottled water, soft drinks, appetizers and desserts. I wasn't overly impressed by the food, however. Service was pretty slow at the tables, and all guests are shoved against each other at long tables.
Tired of just going to bars? This is a good place to change up your social life a bit. Ive seen the R rated hyptonist and those guys from last comic standing. All have been great shows. The two drink minimum is kinda annoying, but the drinks are good. Food is ehhh, and not really worth the prices. Since you are right in Fanuiel Hall, you can just get right back into your regular routine after the show at any of the bars down there.
This is one of the highlights of Boston. Since different people perform at the comedy connection, it's difficult to give an accurate review, but they don't invite not funny people to a place like this. Generally it's a real safe bet. I saw the x-rated hypnotist there and it was great.
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