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Best Places To See Stand Up Comedy In Baltimore

Laughter has been shown to be good for the mind, body and soul. It is a great stress reliever and helps to release the endorphins within the brain. There are several places in the Baltimore area which provide a healthy dosage of laughter, which could be just what the doctor ordered. Here is a listing of places to help you get your lol's (laughing out loud) on.
Baltimore Comedy Factory
5625 O'Donnell St.
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 547-7798
www.baltimorecomedy.com

Baltimore Comedy Factory is host to some of the country's most renowned jokesters. Some comedians who have appeared here include Bill Bellamy, DeRay Davis and Mark Curry. This venue, has been in business for 30 years and recently moved from downtown Baltimore to the old Toby's Dinner Theater space on O'Donnell Street. Seating is on a first come, first served basis with a two drink minimum. The Baltimore Comedy Factory is also available for rental and fundraising. The hours of operation are usually Thursday - Fridays from 8 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Magooby's Joke House
9603 Deereco Road
Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 252-2727
magoobys.com

According to its website, Magooby's is considered to be one of the top comedy clubs in the country. Magooby's Joke House is a draw for the amateur as well as the experienced comic. The comedic atmosphere takes place in a theater setting with good seats all around. This venue is also available for rentals and features other live performances, in addition to comedy. In addition to comedy shows, Magooby's sometimes offers classes in comedic storytelling. VIP memberships and gift cards are available. There is even an open mic comedy contest twice a month on Thursdays.

The Sidebar
218 E. Lexington St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 659-4130
www.sidebarbaltimore.com

Every Monday at 8:45 p.m. sharp, comedian Mark Joyner hosts the comedy spot at The Sidebar. According to Joyner, this venue is convenient because of its downtown location. He said there is a full range of everything you could want or expect in comedy. The Sidebar features a huge lineup along with a coveted brick wall. Joyner says the corner of Lexington and Guilford in Baltimore is the melting pot for comedy. Sign-up for anyone wanting to step to the mic begins at 8 p.m.

Related: Best Comedy Clubs In The DC Area

Platform Arts Center
116 W. Mulberry St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(443) 717-1099
www.platformartscenter.com

Comedian Ivan Martin, the host, describes this venue as amazing. Twice a month, on Friday or Saturday, beginning at 8:30 p.m., Platform Arts Center becomes the hottest point or place to be for comedy. The professionally-run establishment offers free drinks and admission. According to Martin, there are nine comics featured for every show. He said Platform Arts Center is a space, located in an old unassuming 1830's row house, devoted to emerging artists as they display and/or perform their talents to enlighten the masses.

Sully's Comedy Cellar
9306 Harford Road
Parkville, MD 21234
(410) 665-8600
sullyscomedycellar.com

This newly-renovated restaurant and pub provides free parking for patrons, in additon to large TV's and a raw seafood bar. Comedy is the draw as well-known comedians come from all over the country to share their talents. Located downstairs from Bowman's Restaurant and Pub, the venue touts clean comedy while enabling patrons to have dinner and a show "all under one roof." The website boasts the motto: "Bringing big laughs without sacrificing class." Comedy shows are featured Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m., with an additional show at 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Related: Best Comedy Clubs In Baltimore

Vickie Lawson is a freelance writer whose work can be found on Examiner.com.
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