Aussies are well-known for being laidback and self-deprecating, as well as adorably weird sometimes (Dame Edna, anyone?), so the best way to get to know our culture is to let us try to make you laugh.
Have a drink or two or ten, and make friends with the locals, at some of the best comedy bars in Sydney.
‘A Mic in Hand’, Glebe
This comedy club is situated in the colourful explosion of quirkiness that is ‘The Friend in Hand’ bar, which is full of - well - stuff. There’s not really a more accurate way to describe it, because there is quite literally everything decorating this place. If you’ve ever lost some keys, or money, or a kayak, or a life-sized firefighter mannequin, or a cockatoo (seriously), then it’s probably here.
The comedy evening is just as varied and entertaining, featuring both up-and-coming and established local comedians, all of whom will probably heckle you, but with that weird Aussie kind of friendliness that makes you like them even more. This quirky venue also offers hearty pub food and enormous, comfy lounges that you could seriously fall asleep in.
Tickets only $10 at the door. Check out who’s headlining this week at amicinhand.com
WHEN: 8pm every Thursday
WHERE: ‘The Friend in Hand’, 58 Cowper St, Glebe
'The Comedy Lounge', Surry Hills
It’s cheap, central and will feed you magnificently with pizza and laughs. Monday nights are comedy night at Cafe Lounge, and for $10 at the door, along with a happy hour beforehand with $5 drinks and $7 pizza, it’s a great place to spend your weeknight.
The stunning venue looks kind of like an eccentric millionaire moved into a cave and decorated it, with its dim golden lighting, nooks and crannies galore, and colourful retro decor. Go here for the cheeky humour, mouth-watering cocktails, and prawn and banana pizza (just trust me).
For more info, check here: www.cafelounge.com.au
WHEN: 7.30pm every Monday
WHERE: ‘Cafe Lounge’, 277 Goulburn St, Surry Hills
‘Happy Endings’, Kings Cross
Don’t be fooled by the name and location - this is actually one of the classiest comedy venues in Sydney. It’s hosted in Australia’s oldest jazz cellar, which has the grungy, intimate feel of an old-style-New-York basement comedy club, and kind of makes you want a scotch and cigar, even if you’ve never wanted those things before in your life.
The situation in one of Sydney’s liveliest neighbourhoods makes it worth checking out before a crazy Kings Cross night, and it’s also a part of the gorgeous El Rocco bar, which once played host to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan. The comedians are generally more established, so come here if you like your comedy (and your drinks) smooth and matured.
Tickets at the door are $30, but the limited space fills up quickly, so pre-bookings are recommended and cheaper at $25. Get them here: happyendingscomedyclub.com.au
WHEN: 8.30pm every Friday and Saturday
WHERE: ‘El Rocco’, 154 Brougham St, Kings Cross
