Best Comedians in NYC

Treat yourself to a hilarious night out in NYC. {Via Kendra Goering/Flickr}

New York City is one of the world’s comedy capitals, and there’s definitely no shortage of talent here. On any given night, you’ll find plenty of local comedians gracing the stage at Gotham’s many comedy clubs If you’re looking for a laugh, keep an eye out for these must-see comedians in NYC and treat yourself to a hilarious night out.

Quentin Heggs
Quentin Heggs, known to most as “Q,” has consistently been at the forefront of NYC’s comedy scene, most recently celebrating his 30th year in the industry. With influences such as Flip Wilson and Richard Pryor, Q has been the warm up man for shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, he has guest starred on The Sopranos, continues to headline shows around the world, and can be found hosting weekly shows at Dangerfield’s Comedy Club. If you want a dose of old school comedy and some quality ad-libbing skills they simply don’t teach anymore, follow this guy on social media and come see him live for yourself.

Quentin Heggs has been making people laugh for decades. {Via Facebook}

Ryan Hamilton
With appearances on Conan and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Ryan Hamilton has become a local favorite and performs regularly at comedy clubs around the city. Making fun of yourself goes a long way when it comes to comedy (something Hamilton does with ease) –– his awkward humor is hysterical and everything you’d wish for from a local NYC comedian.

Ryan Hamilton will leave you in stitches with his awkward humor. {Via Facebook}

Gina Brillon
Born and raised in the Bronx, Gina Brillon doesn’t fail in delivering all of the borough’s best stereotypes in the funniest way possible. She’s also one of the best at verbalizing the whole “men vs women” thing, and I almost wish I could hire her as a relationship therapist.

For comedy lovers, born and bred Bronxite Gina Brillon is a must-see. {Via Facebook}

Yannis Pappas
I first heard about Yannis Pappas five years ago, when he was a budding YouTube sensation known for his two characters, Maurica (a Puerto Rican transvestite from the Lower East Side) and Mister Panos (a proud Greek man). He now tours all around the country, but still regularly performs throughout New York City –– so follow him on social media (and check out his amusing live chats) to find out when he’s performing next.

Funnyman Yannis Pappas performs regularly in NYC. {Via Facebook}

Stacy Kendro
Originally from Boston, Stacy Kendro is now a Queens resident and can be seen live in some of NYC’s best comedy clubs. With influences such as George Carlin, Phyllis Diller, and Joan Rivers, it’s impossible not to connect with her down-to-earth personality and self-deprecating sense of humor. She is also a finalist in the 2016 Ladies of Laughter competition, which takes place on August 20th at the Turning Stone Resort Casino. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch her impression of Italian guys in New York City.

It’s easy to connect with Stacy Kendro’s sense of humor. {Photo courtesy of Stacy Kendro}

Mike Yard
I was almost in tears from laughing the first time I saw Mike Yard live. From his Jamaican waitress impression to his explanation as to why nobody can hijack Air Jamaica, he’s hysterically funny. This Brooklyn-based comedian has been a regular on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore (sadly, recently canceled) and was the winner of the Get Up, Stand Up competition on Comedy Central. Personally, I find his nonchalant manner of speaking to be his funniest attribute, and I’d probably laugh even if he was reading excerpts from a phone book.