Stress Factory Comedy Club

4.0 star rating
32 reviews Rating Details
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Garage
Good for Groups:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Music:
DJ
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Very Loud
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
No

Review Highlights   

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"Thats when I met Bill Burr for the first time (sigh." (in 3 reviews)
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"They do a great job at picking out their comedians." (in 10 reviews)
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"Stress Factory was always a good time." (in 3 reviews)
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32 reviews in English

  • Review from danica w.

    Somerville, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    1/1/2012

    every time, without fail that i go to stress factory i have an awesome time. we have been going to their NYE comedy show for several years. despite past years being somewhat disorganized, it was always tons of fun. $100 for all you can eat/drink, comedy and then dancing til 3am. You cannot beat that!!

    This year everything was well executed!!! Vinnie Brand, the owner, is so nice! He will take pictures, crack jokes with you...we actually ran into him way after the show was over while we were at the hyatt and he was super nice...Parking has to be in the deck or street, just an FYI.

  • Review from Tiffany C.

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    • 1 friend
    • 3 reviews

    Bronx, NY

    4.0 star rating
    2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I definitely thought that this place was going to be packed with a bunch of college students since Rutgers is so close.  I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised because this was not the case.  Perhaps it was just this night, but the crowd was a good mix.  The comedians were hysterical and definitely made up for the few things I did not find amusing about this place.

    While our server was really nice he definitely forgot about the app that I ordered and messed up one of my drinks.  Also, the place was PACKED! I didn't expect the tables to be on top of each other, and would have preferred about 2 more inches of space.

    Overall, I had a good time and would go back. At least I'll know what to expect next time!

  • Review from Matty B.

    Durham, NC

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2011

    I've been to the Stress Factory multiple times to see both young, start-up comedians and bigger names like Charlie Murphy and Chris Rock, and the one consistency has been a great experience each and every time. There's a certain charm to this New Jersey comedy gem from the cheesy silly videos that they show to warm up the crowd to Vinnie Brand's prank phone call gag, and it all makes you feel at home in some sort of dysfunctional way.

    It's definitely not a huge club, but it's big enough to pack a decent sized crowd and to pull in some top level stars. There is a two item minimum, which is much better (in my opinion) than other comedy clubs which typically require a two drink minimum (and then charge you outrageous prices for their drinks). At the Stress Factory, you can use this two item minimum requirement towards either food or drink. The food may not be amazing, but it is definitely decent and better than that found at most other comedy clubs, and the drinks are actually pretty reasonably priced. All in all, this is a fantastic comedy club that has always delivered the goods in my experience. As others have mentioned, just don't sit near the front if you don't want to become part of someone's act!

  • Review from Kathy M.

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    • 1 review

    New Brunswick, NJ

    1.0 star rating
    1/20/2012

    Just recently my friends and I went to the Stress Factory Comedy Club to see Bret Ernst. While the show itself was fantastic, the overall experience we had was one that will keep us from ever going back to that establishment again. This was the fourth time at the club, and the fourth time I had to deal with the nightmare of checking in. When you enter, you're greeted by the club owner's mother-in-law (you know this, because she repeatedly tells you) who, in my opinion, is the worst person ever to handle customer service. This woman is incapable of communicating on any rational level and quickly escalates the situation to the point where she threatens to get the owner or some other managerial personal.

    The third time we were at the club (this was about three months ago), one of my girlfriends went out to make a phone call to her babysitter and upon entering the club again was bombarded by this woman who was shouting so loud that we could hear her from across the room. Embarrassed, my friend tried to apologize but to no prevail. This woman kept scolding her for "screwing up the system" of leaving personal items at the door and would not stop berating my friend until she was physically in tears.
    I don't understand why they still have her running the register when it seems that everyone else works around her. if it's not the person who seats us, then it's our server and on one occasion the bartender who come out of their way to apologize for the ordeal that this woman just put us through. After the incident where she made my friend cry, we actually got free tickets because our server felt that bad for us.

    Despite how fabulous the shows are and the staff as a whole is great- we will never come back because of how consistently awful the front desk woman is. She single handedly ruined every time we've ever had there.

  • Review from V. N.

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    • 19 reviews

    Somerset, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    1/1/2012

    Lesson Learned: Don't under estimate Central NJ.  I've known about this place for about 20 yrs but never been.  Went on NYE  - it was a blast!  We were in stitches from the laughter.  Rob Kelly, Lenny and Vinnie Brand were very good.  Food was tasty, rolls delicious!

    I've been out on NYE before so I can definitely say Stress Factory was organized: ticket taking, seating, buffet traffic and wait staff  - 2 thumbs up!

    We've added Stress Factory to our list of places to go.  Plan to return over the next 2 mths.  

    Only gave it 4 stars since we went for an event: New Years Eve. I'd like to see it on a regular show and they're regular menu.  Can't beat the parking - they are next door to a parking garage.

  • Review from Linda H.

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    • 6 friends
    • 28 reviews

    North Brunswick Township, NJ

    3.0 star rating
    12/4/2011

    I have been to Stress Factory a few times. Two of the three times were great. Laughed my butt off and the food and service were great. We went with a large group another time and the comics werent too funny and the buffet is not so great. Order off the menu the curly fries are awesome

  • Review from Alison H.

    New Brunswick, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    11/20/2011

    I came here for a work charity function and had a blast. Laughed my ass off. Not the best for older peeps....some of our older agents dipped out after first penis joke. Food sux tho so grab dinner beforehand. Plenty of places within walking distance(Steakhouse 85, Tumultys, Old Man Raferties etc.) It's a comedy club not a restaurant for petes sake.

  • Review from Annamarie T.

    Providence, RI

    5.0 star rating
    7/17/2011

    This is a great comedy club, I always have a great time when I come here.

    The comedians are always great, lots of laughs. Do be warned sit in the front on the stage and you will be apart of the act, but if you can take a joke it just makes the night more fun.

    There is a 2 drink minimum, but the drinks are pretty good here and aren't outrageously priced. If you like rum they have the "Rum DMC", where 4 different rums and juice come together for a delicious drink.

    All in all def worth checking out for a fun night out.

  • Review from Vinnie M.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Milltown, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    9/19/2011

    I never had a bad experience at the Stress Factory.  The staff is always pleasant, the food isn't half bad, and the level of comedians they bring in is top notch.  

    If I would have a complaint, it would be how packed together it can get in this small basement, but it in no way does this take away from the experience.  

    I highly recommend this comedy club.  You will have a good time!

  • Review from Eduardo C.

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    • 27 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Ridgewood, NJ

    3.0 star rating
    3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I love The Stress Factory and I've been going since 2000-2003 when I was in College (Rutgers).  I have gotten to see some great start-up comedians before they got huge, as well as many already well known faces.  Unfortunately, there is a growing trend of drunken RU students who are ruining what the Stress Factory is...

    The club is on the smaller side, and as is to be expected a little snug.  Regardless of where you sit, you will feel uncomfortably close to your neighbors.  Again, this is almost to be expected of any well-known comedy club.  Fortunately, they have worked the layout so that you don't get that claustrophobic feeling you may at other venues.

    Tickets for the most part are a little on the expensive side.  Usually RU students can find ways of getting discounted prices, either from fund-raisers or through Campus Student Activities.  On the plus-side, once you are in, the prices for the items are not as inflated as many other places.

    The staff is almost always very good, and if there are any issues more than willing to help.  It may not be great, but compared to other Comedy Clubs, The Stress Factory has almost always done this very well.

    With all these positive remarks, you may be asking why I only gave it 3 stars?

    2 HUGE REASONS

    1.  The Place is out-dated.  Though they have modernized a lot of it, some key parts are still ancient.  Before the show, the present a video montage of funny videos.  These were old when I first went (over 10 years ago) and are still being played.  There are some other little things I would love to see brought up to speed.

    2.  AND THIS IS MY BIGGEST ISSUE.  Too many College kids go for the wrong reason.  Understandably, it is almost right on the Main Rutgers Campus, so you will have a majority of RU going.  I remember when I was a student going with a large group of friends and enjoying the COMEDIANS.  What a novel idea, right?

    I feel that each time I have gone recently, there are more and more obnoxious drunk students, many probably underage.  The last time I went my friend and I were between a table of drunk (possibly freshman) sorority girls who were talking about guys and some job FOR THE WHOLE TIME, and a group of guys who were hitting on some girls they came with...  THE ENTIRE SHOW.  Yes boys, quoting the Chapelle Show, or  Old School is hilarious... that is EXACTLY what I paid money to see.

    This is really ruining the club.  It used to be great, but allowing these people to stay there, and ruin the show really doesn't say much for the place.

    My friend is really big into comedians and small NYC shows, and even does magic shows of his own.  Anywhere else would have taken care of the drunken hecklers before the show even started.  Some one else pointed out though, that if they kicked out all the obnoxious drunken students, the place would have been nearly empty.

    The Stress Factory is really a great place.  The food is not super pricey, though the tickets can be(depends on the show).  Great location, great acts, and very helpful staff.  Unfortunately, if they don't do something about the drunken students, they WILL lose a lot of their customers and who knows, maybe even some of the acts(recently the comedians have not seemed too pleased with the heckling and talking).

    If they can fix this (they used to not let you in if you were visibly drunk?) I think everyone would thoroughly enjoy going to The Stress Factory.

  • Review from Alexandria A.

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    • 1 review

    Englishtown, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    9/23/2011

    I absolutely love The Stress Factory. I am a big fan of live comedy, and after going to many different venues, this one remains my favorite. It is always such a good time. I choose to sit in the very front when I go, and if you do, you may definitely be spoken to by the comedian. It is a lot of fun if you don't get easily embarrassed. You have to come early if you want to get a seat up there.

    The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the service is very slow. I sat RIGHT next to the bar once, and it still felt like my drinks took forever to come. They also won't let you order another drink until yours is empty, which I think is ridiculous when it takes them 20 minutes to come back to you. With that being said, the food and drinks are very reasonably priced, and unlike most comedy clubs, it is a two-item minimum rather than two-drink. Someone else mentioned the Run DMC, and I highly recommend it as well. It is their most expensive drink, but it's much bigger than the others and is delicious. It's so big and strong that you are only allowed to have two. Overall, this is my favorite place to go for a night out.

  • Review from Robert C.

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    • 30 reviews

    Kenilworth, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    8/31/2010

    I know the Stress Factory gets some huge headliners to pack the crowd, but I enjoy going for the lesser known guys and trying to find a diamond in the rough.

    There is a 2 item minimum, but it can be drinks or food, doesn't matter.  The food is surprisingly good for a comedy club (I've had some real crappy stuff at other places) and the prices are pretty cheap.  If you stick to a soda and appetizer for each person, you can probably get out for $15 including tax and tip.

    The drink menu has some interesting options (I enjoyed the Rootbeer Float) and they are all predicatively priced.  Beers will run you $4-5 and mixed drinks $1 or $2 more depending.

    In my experiences, the opening acts are actually really good, so don't think you can get there late and still get the most for your ticket.  In face, get there early.  They have video of funny bloopers and America's Funniest Video type clips playing.  Also, they have a rotating camera where they stop on people in the crowd and post funny jokes about them, their group, etc.  Don't get annoyed, it's all in good fun.

    On some nights, they will leave sheets on your table to fill out to prank call somebody.  We had ours picked by owner, and really funny man, Vinny Brand and he made our call.  Priceless.  It ended up being the best call I've ever heard there and we will all remember it forever.

    Finally, when you're getting ready to leave, the waitress will leave your check and give you a red raffle-type ticket that you must hand at the door in order to leave.  Don't leave your table without your ticket!  Also, we always try to have an exact total in cash because the waitress usually has 8+ tables and it takes forever to get change.

    Parking: you can park on some of the side streets, but my suggestion is to go past Church street and turn down Patterson (I think) and park in the Church Street lot.  Sometimes they charge by time and sometimes it's a flat $5.  Either way it's usually the same cost for 2-3 hours you'll be there.

  • Review from John O.

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    • 80 reviews

    Somerset, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    My wife and I went here to see Lil' Jimmy Norton perform a few months back. I was pleasantly surprised. The drinks were large, strong, and well priced. I had a goblet-sized Sapphire Martini, and I think it was $7. We didn't eat the food there, but it looked good (We just came from a large and mediocre meal from the Sapporo Japanese steakhouse around the corner http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Pricing was also very low, when compared to NYC comedy club pricing.

    Ambiance was typical comedy club. Everyone is in close quarters, but the vibe was good. Service could have been a bit better, IMHO, hence the four-star review. Even so, it's probably the best comedy joint in Jersey.

    Jimmy was great, however, Ted Sheckler stole the show.

  • Review from Crissy H.

    Warwick, NY

    3.0 star rating
    9/16/2010

    Okay - Not really sure how to rate this place. Each aspect of the Stress Factory would get a different star rating.

    If I had to rate the comedy alone - It would get a five! From the time you sit down to the time the last comic has ended his skit you are rolling on the floor laughing. They do a great job at picking out their comedians.

    If I had to rate the food along - It would get a three. Since I was there for a work event, we had a buffet filled with pasta, chicken, roasted beef, salad, green beans, potatoes, rolls, etc. Everything was good, but it's more of a bar food type of place.

    If I had to rate the service - I honestly don't know. The girls were super sweet and friendly, but they kept on forgetting our drink and dessert orders. I would think that they would know how to handle a crowd like ours, especially since there was only around 100 people and the place get triple as packed, but they kept on running around in circles.

    Guess after reading my review, I will have to give it a three. It's the average star rating.

  • Review from Diana A.

    North Brunswick, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    9/9/2009

    I had lots of fun during my first visit to the Stress Factory...got tickets online to see Matt Iseman from Clean House (who knew he actually did standup?)...

    Anyhow, doors opened at 6pm for the 8pm show.  My date thought we should get there early...and that we did.  In fact, we got seated in the very first row, directly in front of the stage!!  If you want a front row table, it too can be all yours!  I was frankly a little nervous that we'd get heckled the whole night, but somehow we didn't.  (Jumping ahead for a minute, when we left, there was a huge line to get in for the 10pm show, which definitely wasn't going to get started on time.  Go for the 8pm show if available.)

    The Stress Factory has a 2-item minimum per person, which is really no big deal...get a soda or a beer and an appetizer (or even dessert!) and you're good to go.  The prices are pretty low for New Brunswick.  Plus, it'll give you something to do if you show up early for that front row seat!  Our waitress was very sweet and took good care of us.  

    At around 8pm, a bunch of funny video clips were played to warm the crowd up, then owner Vinnie Brand took the stage for a bit.  He did the prank phonecall thing after choosing a scenario submitted by the audience.  With this, the opening act and the main event, we got a lot of laughs for our $15 ticket.  After the show, Vinnie shook our hands and asked if we'd enjoyed ourselves.  There's also a short survey/questionnaire on every table that asks the crowd what comedians they'd like to see in the future @ the Stress Factory.  

    Although this is the first and only comedy club I've visited (and so I can't really compare it to anything), I had a good time and didn't break the bank!  So I'll probably go back.

  • Review from Nick C.

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    • 9 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Springfield, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    9/1/2008

    This is far and away the best comedy club in NJ.

    I went this past weekend to see Bill Burr, but I have seen some huge names here like Brian Regan, Chris Rock, Jim Norton. They usually have a great comedian on the weekends.

    The service this time was MUCH better then in the past. it was a less packed show then the others that I mentioned above, and I was able to drink more then the 2 drink minimum because the waiter was always around.

    Parking is really easy, there is a Deck right next door that is like 3 bucks to park at. Also there are some great bars and restaurants in the area.

    If you are looking for something to do on the weekend that is a little different, this should be on your list.

  • Review from Tony F.

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    • 30 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Huntington, NY

    4.0 star rating
    6/14/2008

    The Stress Factory is one of my favorite comedy clubs in the tri-state area, it is run by Vinnie Brand who is also a comic in his own right. The club gets many well known and popular comics to come perform and it is always a good time. Comedians like Bill Burr, Jim Norton and Rich Vos, Patrice Oneal, Jim Florentine, just to name a few have come and put on great shows.

    In addition to the comedians this club is just a great atmosphere with a friendly staff, owner Vinnie Brand will personally say hi and check that you are okay and they make sure you are well taken care of. The quality of food they serve is very good also, from Buffalo chicken to burgers, sandwiches and delicious fries, it's basically bar food that is done well. One of my favorites is the Philly cheese steak sandwiches they make. Between shows there is lots of fun to be had from opening acts, to funny videos they play, and also the roaming camera that searches the audience to find people to make fun of on screen. NO ONE IS SAFE!!

  • Review from Nikko C.

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    • 4 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Union, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Not bad for the only show in town. Gets very crowded so be prepared to wait for your drinks and the food is terrible but you have to order something as per your ticket agreement. But everybody loves laughter so it's a wash

  • Review from Jaylene S.

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    • 46 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Hoboken, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    4/27/2011

    my fiRst time there was saturday night, great palce with lOt's of laughs.
    hilaRious comedians, i would NOT suggest cherry bomb pop drink it was horrible.
    line to get in was ridiculous but worth the wait. Lots of college kids2, but what is expected in that area.

  • Review from Amy S.

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    • 13 friends
    • 68 reviews

    South Amboy, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    6/14/2008

    I love the Stress Factory.

    They always have an amazing selection of comics and I've never had a bad time there.  Usually Vinny Brand (the owner) will open up with a bit of his own stand up and he may even ask for friend's/familie's phone numbers and a prank call idea and they will call that person right there on stage as the call is broadcasted throughout the club for everyone to listen to and enjoy.

    The food isn't bad either.  I reccomend the cheese steak and fries.  You just cant beat good food and good comedy.  

    The staff is friendly and attentive.  I believe there is a two drink minimum.  They say in the beginning of the show not to talk during a comedian's set and that rule is definately enforced.  

    The tables are a little on top of each other but then again what comedy club isn't like that?

  • Review from Danielle P.

    Charlotte, NC

    4.0 star rating
    2/12/2009

    Before I even attempt to write a review of the Stress Factory, let me say that, yes, I did think the show was a 5 star show, but that can't be all that goes into a review of a comedy club, now can it?

    We came here for a friend's bachelorette party.  Because, for some unknown reason, the matron of honor thought we should arrive 2 hours before the show, we got excellent seats and had plenty of time to eat.  The food was pretty good, but nothing special (I had the portabello sandwich).  Drinks were pretty affordable (under 7 for a basic mixed drink or a glass of wine).  As I said, the show was great and the servers were attentive.  When some of our order would be delayed they came out and explained instead of letting us just wonder in hunger.

    Overall, it was a good night and a fine deal.

  • Review from leslie b.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    10/1/2009

    The Stress Factory is a gem for new brunswick!  The prices are reasonable and they are up-front about the two drink minimum. The staff was always attentive and I never felt abandoned by them. Our seats were great (just get there early).

    I haven't eaten their food so my rating isn't taking that into affect.

  • Review from Jeff M.

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    • 529 reviews

    Jersey City, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    9/22/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    Two guys from SNL did stand up here.   Good place to scout out new young talents.  One of my friends did stand up here.  Nice little place.  No cover from what I remember as long as you buy drinks inside.  Damon wayan was doing standup tonite.

  • Review from moe M.

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    • 44 reviews

    Piscataway, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    11/6/2010

    highly acclaimed comedy club in central jersey.. i'm fortunate enough to live around and visit the place more than once. the entrance fee is $23 which i thought was steep at first, but then this was actually a bargain since larger venues like Atlantic City charge an arm and a leg for comedy shows.

    the second time i came here they were having Ben Bailey from cash cab. be sure to come early for well known acts because the place gets packed rapidly. he was funnier than i thought but i'd seen better performances.

    you have to order minimum of two drinks so i ordered a halana marion off of their special drink menu..tasty but might be a little light on the alcohol for some. i also ordered the factory burger which i thought was kinda bland.

    MOST NOTABLE though was that because our food came out pretty late, they were noble enough to hand each one in our group a free ticket for a future show. that was commendable.

  • Review from delanie p.

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    • 37 reviews

    Elizabeth, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    11/16/2008

    Ive been here 3 times and liked it a lot.

    First time was for a co-workers bday party. Thats when I met Bill Burr for the first time (sigh). Second time was yrs later for my bday. Hurricane (or was it Earthquake? lol) performed that night. He was ok. Third time was just a night out with friends and we saw Charlie Murphy. He was pretty funny.

    Theres a 2 drink minimum and the prices arent too bad. I had the Run DMC and on their menu it says limit 2 per person...now I know why. I mean, I wasnt drunk off my a** but I was feeling REALLY nice :)

    I dont know if they do it during every show but theres this thing where they ask the audience for ph numbers to prank people, live! Its pretty entertaining.

    Theres plenty of parking and lots of fun!

  • Review from Daniel R.

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    • 22 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    11/28/2010

    Shows can be a hit or miss, depends a lot on who you're seeing. Drinks are reasonably priced, food is... meh. Get a nice dinner before or after in one of the many good restaurants in the neighborhood.

  • Review from Rachael W.

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    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Colonia, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    11/7/2011

    I love this place.  I've probably been here 10 times, and I'll probably never stop going.  The owner, Vinnie Brand, is awesome.  Sometimes he is the opening comedian, and he is hilarious.  Other times they have a couple other random opening comedians.  This place is a lot of fun, and I've never heard anyone say anything bad about it.  You have to get 2 items [drinks or food], but that is the rule at most comedy clubs.  The food is decent and it's pretty cheap [most things under $10].  There is a parking garage right next door, so you don't have to walk far.  You do have to pay to park, but it's under $5.  The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars [and all of this was mentioned below] is that it is VERY crowded and cramped together [to the point where you can't move your chair even an inch], but it's so much fun that it's worth it.  Also, they do need to update their videos in the beginning.  Yes, they are funny.  But they need to change it up a little.  They've had the same thing for years.

  • Review from Dan E.

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    • 290 reviews

    Basking Ridge, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    7/11/2010

    Let me start by saying that I feel extremely lucky to live by a place like this.  This is a gem for the Central NJ area.  You can watch a great comic and not have to travel all the way into NYC or down to Philly.  I am going to break my review up into 3 parts: the show, food and service.

    The Show - obviously the show will depend on who you are seeing, but they get the best of the best there.  I recently saw Jim Breuer and it was a great show.  I think Vinnie Brand (the owner and host) is just as funny, if not funnier, than a lot of the people who perform there.  He is great.

    The Food - food is OK, not great.  The menu is pretty standard with typical bar food.  I didn't have anything that was great, but nothing was bad either.  

    The Service - depending on who your server is, the service can be hit or miss.  I have had great servers and some not so great.  They definitely are working very hard throughout the show, but we had a lot of messed up drink orders the last time we were there.

    Overall, the place is great and most people will have a blast when they go.

  • Review from Dee G.

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    • 133 reviews

    New York, NY

    3.0 star rating
    7/28/2009

    I went here during a hosted event and I thought it was okay. Part of it was the fact that I was in New Brunswick and it felt a little out of place. But it's cozy-grungy, very spacious, and has a lot of potential. Decent food and drinks. Staff was friendly while I was there too. Definitely not bad if you're a college student, but for a better experience jump on the train and head into the city.

  • Review from Devin S.

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    • 44 reviews

    Hackettstown, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    4/11/2010 1 photo

    Where do  I start? The food? The show? The area? Well I assume everyone comes here for the show so I suppose I will start there. The quality really depends on who you go to see. I have been about five times now and have enjoyed myself each time, though I knew who I was  going to see each time. Really though, with the Stress Factory, they rarely have a bad act there. The crowd is always good and the opening acts are generally a nice surprise. There is also Vinnie Brandt who owns the place and does a quick set at the beginning. He is a nice guy and funny in and of himself. Also as some other posters have mentioned they sometimes do crank calls which is always a good time. If you're wondering what show to go to 8 or 10 it really depends on your age. The earlier show tends to be an older crowd focused more on dinner and a show while the later crowd is generally more focused on after dinner drinks and some laughs. The 10 o'clock crowd is usually the twenty somethings. Also the comedian (depending on who you're going to see) may be drunk by the second show which can provide for an entirely different experience.

    Then there is the food, which is okay and I say that with the highest regard for what the word okay can mean. The appetizers are very good.The most recent time we ordered chicken wings and fries to be shared, both were very good. Everyone also ordered a sandwich which seemed to be generally well liked. Though I can only speak from my experience. I ordered a Cajun chicken sandwich and it was good. Not great but good. The positive is  that the prices are fairly reasonable especially considering it's in the heart of a college town know for is exorbitant prices, as others have pointed out.  There is a two  item minimum per person but it's not that bad if you get a couple drinks or an appetizer or dinner.

    The Stress Factory really is a great place to see a show and not a bad place at all to grab some dinner while you're there.  Their website has a list of the upcoming shows most of which have had appearances on Comedy Central or one of the many late night shows. They never have a shortage of talented comedians. Also parking is very convenient with a parking garage a block up the street providing plenty of spaces for either of the shows.

  • Review from Brigitte b.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 102 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    8/17/2009

    Stress Factory was always a good time. For more popular headliners, definitely make reservations! There is a 2 drink minimum, but I like to call it a 2 drink maximum...because the wait staff cannot accommodate a full house. You'll sit there for atleast a half an hour with an empty glass before they come by to offer you another round. If you can get in 3 drinks, consider yourself lucky. On the comedy side - this place is a hoot! very funny and always entertaining!

  • Review from Kina A.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Wayne, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    4/18/2010

    I went for a friend's birthday and overall, it was very enjoyable.  The comedian is obviously the main attraction which is what made up for some of the negative aspects of the place.  
    First off, we got placed in the back area and from where I sat, a large obnoxious pole directly blocked my view of the stage.  Granted we were one of the last to arrive, I was kind of disappointed because I had to strain my neck and watch the TV screen most of the time.  I watched Tom Papa and he was amazing.  Sort of expensive for a college student's wallet but by the end of the show, the 25 bucks were well worth it.  The food was not bad, I had a chicken Cesare salad which had a bit too much dressing.  My friend's order got messed up though, and didn't bother to change it because the wait staff was hard to catch.  For dessert we had this cookie thing which was basically store-bough cookies laid out with 3 scoops of ice cream with whip cream and chocolate sauce.  So the food was just...doable, if you know what I mean.  
    However, the show was so great that none of that really mattered in the end.  And the decor was great! I reccomend this place to anyone who is looking for a good place to hang out with friends.

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