Black Atlanta Comedy Clubs: Where To Find the City’s Funniest Black Voices

Atlanta has long been a hub for Black comedy, from neighborhood open mics to national headliners taping specials. If you’re looking for Black Atlanta comedy clubs, you’ll find a mix of historic venues, intimate lounges, and multi-use spaces where Black comics, writers, and hosts shape the culture every night.

This guide focuses on where and how to experience Black comedy in Atlanta, Georgia—whether you live here, just moved in, or are planning a visit.

How Black Comedy Shows Work in Atlanta

Before diving into specific spots, it helps to understand how comedy typically runs in the city:

• Most clubs run multiple shows per week, with peak nights on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
• You’ll see a mix of:
  • Stand-up showcases (several comics on one lineup)
  • Headliner weekends (one big name plus openers)
  • Themed shows (ladies’ nights, R&B comedy, battle roasts, etc.)
• Many Black-centered shows happen in:
  • Dedicated comedy clubs
  • Black-owned lounges and bars
  • Multi-purpose venues that host comedy on certain nights
• Some shows have a two-drink minimum or a food/drink spend requirement, even if tickets are cheap or free.

Because lineups and venues change frequently, always check the club’s website or social pages for the latest schedule, dress code, and cover charges.

Core Comedy Clubs With Strong Black Comedy Lineups

These are established clubs and venues in Atlanta where you’ll regularly find Black comics and Black-centered shows on the calendar.

Atlanta Comedy Theater (Norcross & Underground)

While located partly outside the city limits, this club is deeply tied into the Atlanta Black comedy scene and often features Black headliners, urban comedy nights, and special events.

Atlanta Comedy Theater – Norcross

• Address: 4650 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30093
• Typical vibe: Classic comedy club setting with a full menu and bar
• What to expect:
  • Touring Black headliners on weekends
  • Weeknight showcases with up-and-coming local comics
  • Special themed events tied to holidays and culture

Atlanta Comedy Theater at Underground

• Address: In the Underground Atlanta complex, generally around 50 Upper Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Vibe: Downtown energy; easy to pair with bars, music, and late-night food nearby
• What to expect:
  • Strong Black Atlanta lineups
  • Shows that pull in locals, tourists, and college crowds
  • Some nights include live music plus comedy

💡 Tip: Because both locations book popular names, weekend shows often sell out. If you’re targeting a specific comic, buy tickets early.

Uptown Comedy Corner

Uptown Comedy Corner is one of the most recognized names tied to Black comedy in Atlanta, even though its physical location has shifted over the years. It’s known for booking major Black touring acts and being a launchpad for many comics who later hit TV and film.

• Typical area: Historically located in the metro Atlanta area (often in the south or west side vicinity)
• Vibe: Classic “Black comedy club” environment—crowd energy is high, and sets can be raw, fast, and interactive
• What to expect:
  • Weekend lineups with national Black headliners
  • Weekday shows featuring regional talent and host-driven showcases
  • A crowd that is often loud, responsive, and part of the show

Because Uptown has changed venues over time, it’s best to search for their current address and show schedule before heading out.

The Comedy Zone at Mixed-Use Venues

Some spots in and around Atlanta host Comedy Zone–branded shows, often booking a strong mix of Black and Southern comics:

• Venues vary—these might be held inside hotels, event centers, or multipurpose venues.
• Schedules change, so you’ll need to look up the specific Atlanta-area location currently active.

These shows can be a good option if you’re in the suburbs but still want a lineup that often includes Atlanta-based Black comedians.

Black-Owned & Black-Centered Lounges With Comedy Nights

Some of the best Black comedy experiences in Atlanta happen outside traditional comedy clubs—in lounges, bars, and performance spaces that lean into Black culture, music, and food.

Westside & Downtown Lounges

Areas like the Westside, Castleberry Hill, and Downtown often host comedy nights aimed specifically at Black audiences. Experience will vary by venue, but common patterns include:

• Weekly comedy nights in hookah lounges or cocktail bars
• Combos like “Comedy + R&B”, “Brunch & Jokes”, or “Karaoke & Comedy”
• Crowds that arrive later—shows may start after 9:00 p.m., especially on Fridays and Saturdays

What to do:

• Look for lounges advertising:
  • “Urban comedy night”
  • “Black comedy showcase”
  • “ATL local comics”
• Many events are promoted strongly on social media, so checking event pages for Westside and Downtown lounges can help you find the latest lineups.

East Atlanta Village & Edgewood

East Atlanta Village (EAV) and the Edgewood corridor are known for creative, alternative, and indie-focused shows. These neighborhoods often feature:

• Comedy nights in bars and small music venues
• Mixed lineups, but with frequent Black hosts, DJs, and comics rooted in Atlanta’s scene
• Shows that blend comedy with hip-hop, poetry, or DJ sets

If you prefer a less formal setting than a classic club, these areas regularly deliver looser, experimental shows where Black comics work out new material.

Open Mics & Where Black Comics Start Out

If you’re curious about the next generation of Black Atlanta comedians—or you want to try stand-up yourself—open mics are where much of the scene builds.

Types of Open Mics You’ll See

You’ll find:

• Bar and lounge open mics: Short sets, casual crowds, no cover or low cover.
• Showcase-style mics: Pre-booked lineups that mix newer Black comics with more experienced locals.
• Themed mics: Such as “ladies only,” “clean comedy,” or nights pairing comedy with spoken word.

How to find them in Atlanta:

• Search for terms like “Atlanta comedy open mic”, “Black comedy open mic Atlanta”, or “urban open mic ATL.”
• Check the weekly calendars of bars and lounges in:
  • Midtown
  • Downtown / Castleberry Hill
  • West End / Westside
  • East Atlanta Village & Edgewood

Most mics are first-come, first-served for performers. If you plan to go up:

• Arrive 30–60 minutes early to sign up.
• Be ready for short sets (3–5 minutes).
• Expect a mix of beginners, semi-pros, and occasionally a well-known comic dropping in.

What to Expect at a Black Comedy Show in Atlanta

Knowing the culture of Black Atlanta comedy clubs makes it easier to choose the right night—and to avoid surprises.

Typical Atmosphere

• Crowd energy is high. Call-and-response, laughing loud, and talking back to the stage are common.
• Hosts play a big role. The host might roast the crowd, pick on late arrivals, and set the tone.
• Music is important—expect R&B, hip-hop, and old-school classics before and between sets.

This is part of the fun for many people, but if you prefer quiet, low-interaction shows, you may want an early show or a club that advertises a more traditional format.

Common Policies: Tickets, Seating, and Minimums

Here’s a simplified view of what many Atlanta comedy venues do:

Always confirm age restrictions and dress code, especially if you’re heading to a more upscale Black-owned lounge or late-night club.

Neighborhood Breakdown: Where Black Comedy Lives in Atlanta

Here’s how different parts of the city typically line up with Black comedy experiences:

• Downtown / Underground Atlanta

  • Mix of locals, tourists, and students
  • Bigger-name club shows plus special events
  • Near MARTA rail, walkable to hotels and attractions

• Midtown

  • More mixed and diverse lineups, with strong LGBTQ+ presence
  • Guests from nearby universities and office workers

• Westside / West End / Cascade area

  • Lounges and bars with strong Black neighborhood crowds
  • Shows that feel like a local hangout rather than a tourist attraction

• East Atlanta Village / Edgewood

  • Indie and alternative Black comics testing new styles
  • Events that blend comedy with local music and art scenes

• Suburbs like Norcross, Marietta, and College Park

  • Clubs and event spaces that draw Black families and groups from across the metro
  • Good if you’re driving and want parking plus more spacious seating

Tips for Choosing the Right Black Comedy Night in Atlanta

To pick the best experience for you:

1. Decide your energy level.

   • Want wild, interactive shows? Look for late Friday/Saturday sets at established clubs or busy lounges.
   • Want something milder? Try an early show, weekday event, or a mixed-lineup club.

2. Check who’s on the bill.

   • Search the headliner’s name online to understand their style (clean vs. raw, storytelling vs. roast-heavy).

3. Plan your transportation.

   • Downtown & Midtown: Often easier by MARTA or rideshare, especially on weekends.
   • Suburbs & Westside: Usually more parking, better for driving groups.

4. Budget realistically.

   • Consider ticket price + taxes/fees + food/drink minimum. A “cheap” ticket can still turn into a full night out.

5. Comfort with being part of the show.

   • In many Black Atlanta comedy rooms, sitting in the front row can mean being playfully roasted. If that’s not your thing, choose seats farther back.

How Visitors vs. Locals Can Use the Comedy Scene

If You Live in Atlanta

• Use comedy nights as a regular outing—many clubs offer:
  • Weekly industry nights
  • Discounted weekday shows
  • Local showcases that highlight up-and-coming Black comics
• Explore different neighborhoods: rotate between a classic club one week and a lounge show in another part of town the next.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

• Combine comedy with other nightlife:
  • Downtown: Pair a club show with a walk through Centennial Olympic Park or a restaurant in the area.
  • Midtown: Eat along Peachtree or in the Arts District, then hit a comedy show.
  • Suburbs: Use hotels near Norcross or College Park if your main plan is a specific club out there.

Plan your night with travel time and parking in mind—weekend traffic can be heavy near major venues and stadiums.

Safety, Respect, and Local Norms

• Comedy in Atlanta—especially in Black rooms—can be very unfiltered. Expect adult language and sensitive topics.
• If you’re not from the area, it helps to:
  • Listen and read the room before reacting loudly.
  • Respect that some material is grounded in local or cultural experiences you may be new to.
• Most venues have security at the door, bag checks, and ID checks for age-restricted events. Follow staff instructions if there’s assigned seating or a specific entrance line.

Quick Checklist Before You Go

Use this short list before heading to any Black Atlanta comedy club or lounge:

• ✅ Checked date, time, and location (some venues have multiple sites)
• ✅ Verified age limits and dress code
• ✅ Bought tickets in advance if a major headliner is booked
• ✅ Accounted for food/drink minimums in your budget
• ✅ Planned parking, MARTA, or rideshare
• ✅ Decided where you want to sit (front row = higher chance of interaction)

Exploring Black Atlanta comedy clubs is one of the most direct ways to plug into the city’s personality—its humor, its rhythm, and its community. Whether you’re catching a national headliner at a major club or a rising star at a late-night lounge, Atlanta offers plenty of stages where Black comedy is front and center.