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Carolines on Broadway is New York’s finest Comedy Club

by Mike Cohen

For years I have walked by Carolines on Broadway promising myself that I would one day check out this world famous 300 seat comedy club. Well I finally did so, booking a dinner and show package on a Saturday evening.

I arrived at 5:45 pm, checked in and was shown to a nice table in the club where veteran server Alfred took my order – some crispy fresh cut zucchini chips to start and a main course of grilled salmon and roasted potatoes. The menu has a nice variety of choices; appetizers such as calamari, nachos, shrimp cocktail and onion rings to a selection of salads and sandwiches, pastas, chicken and steaks. For dessert you can chose from strawberry shortcake, apple tart and chocolate cake, all served with ice cream. Of course there is a full liquor and cocktail menu.

Carolines first opened as a small cabaret club in the New York’s Chelsea neighborhood in 1982. Owner Caroline Hirsch, a lifelong comedy fan, soon began booking comedians. The comedy acts – which included now legendary performers like Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Billy Crystal, Rosie O’Donnell and Jay Leno – were a tremendous success.

Located in the heart of Times Square, Carolines on Broadway presents the very best live comedy entertainment seven nights a week. Just steps from many of Broadway’s most well-known theatres, Carolines on Broadway provides the same quality entertainment that is customary on New York’s legendary Great White Way. On the night I went the headliner was Sinbad, who has starred in numerous TV shows and motion pictures.

Today, Carolines on Broadway continues to hold center stage in Times Square as one of New York City’s most popular and enduring hotspots and as the city’s only genuine nightclub. The club is a New York institution and was one of the cornerstones in the revitalization of the vibrant and bustling Times Square district. In addition to presenting such top headlining comedians, the 300 plus seat club also features emerging talent, live podcasts, and improv and sketch comedy, as well as playing host to countless large-scale fund-raising events and high profile benefits.

For the dinner and show package, food is a la carte. You do receive priority seating in the showroom when you have dinner before the show in the supper lounge. Just arrive at the time of your reservation and you will receive your tickets to the show. I had a delicious serving of grilled salmon and an equally impressive fried zucchini chips appetizer. If, however, you miss your dinner reservation before the show, they will not be able to hold the reserved seats for you in the showroom and you will be sat first come, first serve.

The theatre was an easy 10 minute walk from my favorite place to stay in New York City, the historic Algonquin Hotel on 44th Street near 6th Avenue. See more on the Algonquin in our ‘Stay & Play section on page 52.

www.carolines.com