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The Comedy Studio
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Nightlife Comedy Clubs Performing Arts, Comedy Clubs [Edit]
1238 Massachusetts Ave3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood: Harvard Square
(617) 661-6507
- Nearest Transit:
-
Mt Auburn St @ Putnam Ave (1)
Massachusetts Ave @ Trowbridge St (1)
Mt Auburn St @ Dewolfe St (1)
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 8 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
73 reviews for The Comedy Studio
Review Highlights
"The scorpion bowls certainly don't hurt on that end."
(in 20 reviews)
"Rick Jenkins runs the place and knows comedy."
(in 9 reviews)
"Most of the comics were great, all different styles and..."
(in 18 reviews)
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73 reviews in English
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Review from Kelsey C.
Boston, MA
1/23/2012
Fun, funky comedy club. Best in Boston, by far.
The scorpian bowls, fried rice, and comedians are actually HILARIOUS.
Highly reccomend -
Review from Trevor S.
Boston, MA
2/6/2012
This place is raw. This place is dark. This place is bare bones. This place is pretty awesome.
It's basically some guy's passion project where he rents the out-of-the-way function room at a restaurant and brings in comedians. The barren stage is dark and deliciously low fi. They pack the place with as many folding chairs as will fit snaked along collapsable tables and the beer stained walls.
But the comedy itself? This isn't a glossy club that books known acts. Like I said, this is raw.
You might get killed by a big name who wasn't on the bill trying out new material before he goes on tour. You might be checking your watch while a scientist spews awkwardness as he tries to fulfill rock-and-roll dreams (on a comedy stage).
But there's a reason it always sells out. And that reason is raw awesomeness. -
Review from Maja N.
9/14/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
We went on a Thursday night, had a great time, and will definitely be back! Scorpion bowls, per usual at Hong Kong, are great. I always love supporting local comedians (I can't imagine getting on stage like that) and while some were awesome and some were not great, the overall experience was awesome.
Everyone there was super nice, the owner was great and super accomodating and I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to do a birthday party or some other event that isn't just the usual "dinner and drinks" (nothing wrong with that but it can easily get sort of repetitive). -
Review from Rob C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Comedy Studio is an institution. In the past five years I have seen so many great shows at this hidden Harvard Square gem. Tucked up on the third floor of The Hong Kong restaurant doing shows Tuesday to Sunday (Tuesday is the great magic show) it's well worth the climb. Just last year two comedians who started here had Comedy Central Presents, Mike Birbiglia previewed his "Sleepwalk With Me" show here and Todd Barry recorded his album "From Heaven" over the course of a weekend at The Comedy Studio. The Comedy Studio is one of the greater Boston area's best kept secrets.
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Review from April O.
Somerville, MA
1/22/2012
I love stand up comedy and am so excited to have discovered the Comedy Studio. I went last night (a Saturday) and laughed nonstop. Was concerned that so many comedians would make for some choppy acts, but thanks to the great hosting by owner Rick James, the night flowed smoothly from comedian to comedian with no downtime.
I will definitely be back and at this price, there's no need to wait for a special occasion. -
Review from Attitu D.
Cambridge, MA
12/10/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
yo--some comics be funny, most be okay whatever. It's a good scene though. I mean look it's hard to ROFL people... I saw 10 comics. 2 were quite funny--that's what I'm sayin. Dig it? Respek.
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Review from Daniel J.
Brighton, MA
Updated - 8/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Dropped by again on a Thursday for some more fun. Sean Sullivan is the host on Thursdays, and is super funny. This is just such a great spot to check out some new comics that you haven't seen before.
I have to give a special shout to Alex Grubard who easily stole the night for me. He killed it. Hilarious guy with impeccable delivery. I'm keeping my eye on him and so should you.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/29/2011
Came in on a Thursday night not sure what to expect. I dropped off my fiancee to go find parking… Read more »
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Review from Frank W.
Cambridge, MA
8/11/2011
Hillarious. I went on a Saturday night with a friend who used to go to Harvard. I would have had no idea this place was there. 0 clue. SO GLAD I WENT.
Scorpion bowls + funny people + the owner hosting. It was great. I've missed me some good standup for a while. Glad I found a place.
I WILL BE BACK! -
Review from Tony P.
Cambridge, MA
10/1/2011
Not quite as good as let's say the comedy cellar in NYC, but still quite entertaining. Some earlier acts in the night can be hit-or-miss, but the last few acts are as good as it gets.
Would upgrade to 4.5 for its price. -
Review from Rachel F.
Buena Vista, CO
7/23/2011
Diverse, hilarious group of comedians on Friday night. Great value for $12, and service was good too.
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Review from Angel C.
Boston, MA
12/31/2010
I'm impressed: 12 comics, and all of them solid. They even threw in some surprise local semi-famous comedians. Also, super cheap!
And...... GIANT SCORPION BOWLS!!!!! Good thing I shared one with 3 other people. Had I taken on this monster by myself, I would've been on the floor. -
Review from Daniel F.
Philadelphia, PA
9/11/2011
I am partial to comedy shows and have been looking around for a good venue in Boston. I took a date here on a Thursday night . . . At least I've found my new comedy venue. We saw six acts in total and three were very good, two were better than average. Pretty good yield in my opinion.
As for the non-comedy elements of the night? Beer and drinks are reasonably priced here. I would not plan on coming hungry since the appetizer menu is sparse. -
Review from Mai N.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 9/5/2010
returned for the second time tonight, a week from my first visit
the second time always better :)
Despite the fact that I missed the first half, there was a great variety of awesome comedians tonight - higher quality than a week ago (esp the indian comic and the gal with the awesome hair) .
worth the T ride ...
again-friendly staff, funny comic/owner Rick, bouncer who remembered my friend and me...
if i were a resident here, I'd be a regular patron of the comedy studio.
Would definitely add this venue into a must-see/return-visit place whenever I'm in MA again. :D1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/30/2010
Went last night. Havent been back to MA for 16 yrs. What a huge difference. But never been or heard… Read more »
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Review from Kate T.
Somerville, MA
9/3/2010
I visited on a Friday night when they typically have a series of comics do short sets. FYI, the Friday night show actually starts on time and is not interrupted by many people moving, so plan to arrive on time and stay put/quiet while you're in there.
Compared to other stand-up in the area, this was much higher quality. Out of the 8 or so comics we saw, I'd say 2 were awful, 4 were funny, and 2 were truly hilarious. This is a pretty good ratio. This is a great deal for $10 and I plan to go back. -
Review from Lisa S.
11/7/2010
I went to last Friday's show at The Comedy Studio. All of their shows start at 8pm, and tickets range from $8-10 (depending on the day of the week). I'm a huge fan of stand-up, so I was excited to check out The Comedy Studio. A lot of seats were reserved- groups can call ahead and reserve their seats. The space was small, but we walked in around 7:45 and got a table for 3 people in the back without a problem.
We saw about 9 performances over the course of the night. A few were hilarious, a few were pretty good, and one or two bombed pretty bad. Overall, I was laughing for most of the show. For $10, it was a great deal. My friend had gone to a show a few weeks ago, and he said all of the comedians were different.
My one complaint was the service- we had a lot of trouble ordering drinks throughout the show. Our waitress seemed to get orders from one table, meander back to the bar, sit there and wait for the bartender to make the drinks (often texting while waiting), and then meandered back to bring the drinks to the table and slowly move to the next table. We could easily have drank double the drinks that we did, or ordered a bowl.
But I would go back in a heartbeat- it was a great start to my Friday night!! -
Review from Binh L.
7/27/2010
One Tuesday Mystery Lounge (magic+comedy) night, I "shared" a scorpion bowl with a friend. Apparently, drinking the bowl with 3 straws can either be a really great night or a really bad night. Sure, I may have been picked for the magician's act every time to be drunkenly duped (perhaps slightly intoxicatedly swaying). It's true they will give you a dvd of evidence, but damn what a great night that was.
I've been here many nights just to replicate that one night. While they don't come close, it's damn good enough. I love this place. -
Review from Mags R.
Roslindale, MA
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was halarious!!! Would def recommend and wud def go back!!!
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Review from Jennifer N.
Medford, MA
8/19/2011
I went there on Tuesday for Mystery Lounge (magic show and comedy!) It was so good!
I didn't expect the magicians to be comedians but they had me laughing the entire time. Good magic tricks, not just lame card tricks. Plus the actual comedian was hilarious
I will totally go back! -
Review from Jessie Z.
9/6/2010
I can't believe I've never been here before! What rock have I been hiding under? Seriously! This place is hysterical!
The host/owner was great - the comics were great, even the ones who bombed were great (it makes the experience much more entertaining!)
I'll totally be coming back. -
Review from Stephanie M.
Cambridge, MA
4/14/2010
OH. MY. GOD. WOW. just WOW.
first off:
2 words: SCORPiON BOWL(S) (as per the suggestion of fellow yelpers)
you can't even taste the alcohol, but be assured there sure is SOMETHiNG in there. I am hardly ever the type to jump up on stage to participate in antics, but after a few sips out of scorpion bowl #1 I was already up on stage acting a fooL!
I went for the Tuesday Night MYSTERY LOUNGE. And by time you stumble out of there you'd swear it was a Friday night!!
I HAVE NEVER had so much fun on a TUESDAY night. The vibe was beyond excellent.
I almost don't even want to go back because I'm pretty sure I can't recreate the awesomeness of last night. And they even gave DVDs out to the people who participated on stage!! I HAVE NEVER gotten more BANG for my BUCK!!
THANKS to GROUPON I brought all of my friends. Go with a group. . .makes it even more hystericaL!
only 1 con: the 3 flights of stairs are a bit daunting after 2 scorpion bowls. . . -
Review from Documentarian C.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 6/23/2009
Going to attend tonight!!!
Happy B-day to Mr Rick Jenkins
and
Happy B-day to me tomorrow:)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/22/2008
My favorite Comedy Club and I am impressed with the dedication of the owner and founder Rick… Read more »
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Review from Kevin W.
4/1/2010
The Scorpion bowls were awesome, tasted like jungle juice and is in a large bowl. We ordered our tickets through the ETix site and had VIP seating up front. There were supposed to be 10 comedians but there were a couple additional special guests which made the show run a little longer. Overall the comedians were good, but its still a 50/50 hit or miss. Some were really bad, but others were very good.
The place also sits atop Hong Kong restaurant, which is comedic in itself, but also very convenient if you are running late and need some food. I recommend the Beef Chow fun, pretty good stuff. -
Review from GJ N.
East Watertown, MA
11/22/2009
I heard about this place, and wanted to learn more about it, so I did some research on the Internet - and you know what I learned?
There's A LOT of porn on the Internet! -
Review from Baratunde T.
New York, NY
11/25/2006 1 photo
The Comedy Studio is one of the coolest, smartest standup comedy venues in the country. It's definitely one of my favorite places to perform.
It's been run by Rick Jenkins for over 10 years now, and is the place to go if you like to laugh at more than penis jokes. Plus you get to enjoy yourself more with a scorpion bowl in front of you.
Major talent scouts recruit from here including: Comedy Central, The HBO Comedy Festival, The Montreal Comedy Festival and Conan O'Brien, whose producers call it "the greatest comedy club on Earth."
Comedy shows run Wednesday through Sunday, 8pm-10pm, and there's magic on Tuesdays at the same time. -
Review from Lauren R.
Morristown, NJ
4/3/2011
Ah, the Comedy Studio at the Hong Kong. It's relatively small, could be considered to be in the attic of a Chinese restaurant, and is chock full of comedic talent. When one of my former co-workers invited me to come see him do stand up, I balked. The promise of a magic show (Tuesdays, I think) did not exactly sweeten the deal for me. "What if my friend's a hack? He seems funny, but what if he's not? What if they're all hacks?" I needn't have worried. My friend - and most of the comedians I've seen perform at the Studio over the last two years - was/is/are really funny. Performers and performances vary, but it's a rare set here that doesn't leave me in stitches. (The scorpion bowls certainly don't hurt on that end.) I've been here at least half a dozen times, and have been impressed every time - especially when big timers like Eugene Merman and Letterman's talent scout are in the audience and hop up on stage.
If you strip away the comedy, which you shouldn't, you might not be so wowed. In terms of refreshments, the food menu consists of tasty (greasy) Chinese food that will seem like a great idea at the time, but, well, to put it gently, will almost definitely upset your stomach. The wait staff can also bring you tasty beverages; I normally order a super cheap Shock Top or a super large Scorpion Bowl to share with friends. The Comedy Studio may not be the best bar or restaurant, but it's THE place to laugh your ass off and get drunk with your friends. -
Review from Cleopatra P.
Allston, MA
1/7/2009
Improbably located upstairs from the Hong Kong Restaurant, the Comedy Studio makes for one of the best nights out in Harvard Square. For a very reasonable fee (admission varies between $8 and $10) you'll be able to see a diverse lineup of up-and-coming stand-up acts, some of which are likely on their way to being famous on the national stage.
The comics here are seriously funny (I don't think I've ever seen an act that was a dud during my visits). The material can be quite edgy, but the overall vibe is pretty laid back. The audience heckling that does go on is good-natured, and the performers, staff, and Rick Jenkins, the host and owner, are all very friendly and seem to really enjoy what they're doing.
Shows tend to sell out very quickly on the weekends and holidays, so I would suggest booking your ticket online in advance to get a table and a $1 discount on your admission fee. If the tables are all booked, do not fear, you can get there early in person and snag one of the seats available along the wall--this setup however, is not terribly conducive to enjoying Chinese food and scorpion bowls while watching the show ;-) -
Review from Emily F.
Newton, MA
3/15/2008
The RA of my floor organized a "group outing" to The Comedy Studio on a Wednesday night. The comedians seemed to try to cater towards the undergrad lifestyle (since we essentially had all the tables reserved, comprising roughly 60-70% of the crowd), which was a mistake. Jokes about drinking, facebook, random hookups are old and kind of insulting to my intelligence. I can't blame it all on them, as many of others in "my group" (ugh) were there mostly to get drunk off their cheap scorpion bowls. Also the "smarter, socially aware" comedy seemed to make a lot of my fellow BCers uncomfortable, especially some race jokes (which were really fantasically on-target). I loved the intimate space and think it would be much more enjoyable with a different/better audience.
The plastic monkeys in the scorpion bowls are fun :) -
Review from Shawn F.
Boston, MA
7/7/2008
This place is a good stop for anyone feeling down and in the dump. There are usually a handful of solid comedians that are here each night. The host is usually entertaining and tries to involve the crowd in some of his corny jokes. He has a tendency to reuse some stuff, but you can either laugh with him or you can laugh at him. He goes for the perve act and tries to hit on the younger girls in the place, but it is all in good fun.
This place not only has comedy, but it also has a fantastic drink, the scorpion bowl. Beware of these though. They may not taste like alcohol, but there is plenty in one of these to get you going. Before you know it, you will be up on stage doing the macarena with the creepy host.
It is a bit small in here, so on the busy nights you should probably get here early to get a good seat, or a seat at all. There have been times where there was plenty of seating and there have been times where we had to sit on each others laps because there was no other place. This is a must stop when in Harvard square with some free time or if you don't have anything else to do. -
Review from Trish F.
Boston, MA
7/31/2007
For my sketch comedy final a couple years ago, we had to put on a show at the Comedy Studio. The fact that the audience/friends had access to scorpion bowls while watching the show was pretty awesome/helpful. hah
I've been to the studio on different nights and the magic shows on Tuesdays are always pretty funny (what can I say, I'm a fan of Dr. Magogo). I've been randomly chosen (after a friend in front of me backed out) to get up on stage to put cards under my tuckus so that they can be magically removed and stowed under some other person's tuckus.. so that's always great after a couple of Buds. You definitely get a lot of bang for your buck on weekdays because you generally get to see not just one or two comics.. but several people.
I dig the camp-style tables that have pictures of comics that have passed on through. The cover changes...although I remember getting in free as a student because my teacher did stand up there. Check the website for more details. Be careful what you say in the bathroom..if the studio is in between sets.. the people outside just might hear you. Oh and don't sit up front if you don't want to be chosen/picked on.Listed in: Hi, I'm Trish the Dish. You…
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Review from Laura G.
7/14/2009
This place is truly the definition of a hidden gem.
Seriously, it's hidden above a Chinese restaurant and one of the rowdiest bars in Harvard Square. They also don't advertise.
I've been to improv in San Francisco, cracked up with Nick Swardson in Chicago, rolled my eyes at Jay Leno in Coronado, and heckled several comedians coming through Covington so I like to think I know my comedy. I laughed my hardest and was most impressed on Saturday night at The Comedy Studio.
The best part is that there are several comedians and they were ALL funny. Every single one. Most of them have been or will be on Comedy Central or The Late Show so see them now while you can.
The host gets major points for mentioning Yelp, making the birthday girl feel special (he ripped her a bit and she loved it), and just being an all-around friendly guy.
This is by far the best entertainment venue I've found since I've lived in Boston and better yet, I can walk (crawl) home after a few scorpion bowls. -
Review from Matt W.
6/28/2010
This is the only stand-up venue in town worth going to.
Reasonable price, good mix of comics, famous folks showing up from time to time.
Go here if you like comedy. Go somewhere else if you like drink minimums. -
Review from Haley S.
Cambridge, MA
9/16/2008
This place is a hidden gem for the Boston newcomer. When was the last time you saw hilarious comedy in Boston for 10 bucks? I've been here at least half a dozen times and noticed that the main performer usually has the same jokes...but that doesn't make them any less funny. If you're at least a semi-attractive woman, just know that you might get hit on as part of the act.
You can order a scorpion bowl and a chinese app. platter and watch the show. No seat is a bad seat as it's a small place. But, you do kind of feel like you're part of a group up there. I'd recommend it!! -
Review from C P.
Boston, MA
7/6/2011
Pretty much always a great time. I've been a few times and have always had an amazing time. I've seen a range of talent levels, certainly, but I am always pleasantly surprised at the caliber performer I see there. And it's true: you cannot beat the atmosphere of a comedy club over a Chinese restaurant.
It's a Cambridge/Boston institution, and much more interesting than a duck boat tour, so bring your visiting relatives here instead. -
Review from Beck N.
3/31/2008
Was just there this past Friday night because a good friend told me an Emerson alum was headlining. The environment is great, save for the 3 flights of very steep stairs you have to climb to get there. If you order your tickets online (http://etix.com), there is an extra $2.44 service charge per ticket, but when you arrive, you will have seats reserved at a table (instead of having to sit in chairs against the wall). & something I noticed is that even if you don't purchase your tickets together, they somehow manage to still get friends sitting together.
Unaware that they serve the full menu upstairs, hubby & I ate downstairs before arriving. Next time, we'll know better. The food & drink service is a bit slow at times, but drinking scorpion bowls while watching comedy is totally worth a couple minute wait.
There were about 8 comedians when we were there - some funny & some incredibly not so funny (mostly these are the college undergrads so they just need work). The show started about 20 minutes late, which meant that everyone had to rush through their sets a bit, but it kept the more seasoned comedians on their toes. -
Review from Bruno A.
Chicago, IL
5/24/2007
This is the best place for the budding stand up or the novice audience member. It's small, cramped but not uncomfortable. There are enough comedians to keep the flow going and if you're (un)lucky you may see a comedian go on completely bombed. Always a good show. You're guaranteed one great act and one act so bad it makes you cringe.
Rick Jenkins runs the place and knows comedy. He's served as a mentor to tons of new comics and knows how to encourage their talents.
You can hear anything from celebrity jokes, crude sex talk, child molestation jokes (for some reason that is a recurring theme) and tons of jabs at Boston.
Oh yeah, there's free candy too. Good deal.Listed in: Best of the Best
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Review from Elise V.
Boston College, MA
6/23/2009
I've been here twice, so this review is for a Friday night show and a Saturday night show. The Saturday night show was HILARIOUS. One of the best. Rick Jenkins (the owner) hosted that night, and he was the man.
That being said, I went to a Friday night show, and it was a real let down. I was excited to bring my little brother here after a real positive experience the first time, but ugh. Maybe it's just that I could NOT stand the host (Renata Tutko) who ironically performed at the first show I went to and was the worst part of the whole thing.
The venue is tiny, but doesn't feel like it. I love how you can order chinese too, if desired. The beef chow foon is great.
Bottom line: an amazing time, but go on Saturday. -
Review from Alayna J.
New York, NY
11/13/2009
This place can be hit or miss. It's more often hit, but there are definitely some misses. I've seen some really good shows here with some very funny performers, but I have also seen a couple of shows that had very awkward hosts and some comedians simply are not so funny.
I would've given it 3 stars, but one of the times I was there, Bill Burr stopped in as a special guest and was so funny. That right there gives it an extra star. -
Review from Robert J.
Brighton, MA
9/8/2008
$10 + an array of great comedians = a no brainer!
There was a good variety of comedic styles, pretty much something for every taste. Often some great comedic talent you've never heard of either.
You may want to purchase tickets in advance as seating is tight. Located upstairs from the Chinese joint.
Shhhhh, keep it quiet, the chinese don't know they're up there! -
Review from susan h.
Quincy, MA
5/17/2011
Had a great time thanks to fellow yelpers. A nice cheap night out. Scorpion bowls. YUM
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Review from Shelly A.
Los Angeles, CA
7/25/2009
I had pretty low expectations for this place since it's in Hong Kong. (Nothing against Hong Kong but it's not really a shining beacon of fine evening entertainment.) It turned out to be REALLY FUNNY! For I think six bucks I saw six or seven comedians (there were more but I had to leave early). Probably four were hysterical, another one or two were quite funny, and probably only one was a real miss.
Admission does vary, or so I've heard, but I still wouldn't hesitate to pay the full $10. Hell, I think it's good enough to be worth even more than that, but I'm not gonna go giving them any ideas...
