How to Book Zanies Comedy Club Old Town

Zanies Comedy Club Old Town is one of the most iconic and consistently rated comedy venues in Chicago, known for its intimate setting, nationally touring headliners, and long-standing reputation as a launchpad for stand-up legends. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the Windy City, securing a seat at Zanies Old Town ensures an unforgettable night of live laughter. However, booking tickets can be confusing for first-timers due to the venue’s high demand, limited seating, and multiple booking channels. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process—from understanding the show schedule to selecting the best seats, avoiding common pitfalls, and maximizing your experience. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll know exactly how to book Zanies Comedy Club Old Town with confidence, efficiency, and insider knowledge.

Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a show at Zanies Comedy Club Old Town is straightforward once you understand the workflow. Below is a detailed, chronological breakdown of the entire process, designed for both new and returning guests.

1. Research the Show Schedule

Before you attempt to book, you need to know what’s playing and when. Zanies Old Town typically hosts shows seven nights a week, with multiple performances on weekends. Head to the official website at zanies.com and navigate to the “Old Town” location page. Here, you’ll find a monthly calendar displaying all upcoming acts, show times, and ticket prices.

Pay close attention to:

• Headliner names—many performers tour nationally, so popular comics often sell out weeks in advance.
• Performance times—most shows start at 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM, with occasional matinees on weekends.
• Special events—holiday shows, themed nights (like “Women in Comedy”), or comedy festivals may alter the standard schedule.

Bookmark the calendar page and check it weekly. New acts are added frequently, and last-minute cancellations can open up seats.

2. Create an Account on Zanies.com

While you can book as a guest, creating a free account on Zanies.com significantly streamlines the process. Click “Sign In” in the top-right corner of the website, then select “Create Account.” You’ll need your name, email address, and a secure password.

Why create an account?

• Save your payment and contact details for faster checkout.
• Receive exclusive email alerts for presales and last-minute ticket drops.
• Access your purchase history and digital tickets in one place.
• Join the Zanies Rewards program (if available) for future discounts.

Use a reliable email address you check regularly. Avoid using temporary or work emails that may be blocked by spam filters.

3. Choose Your Date and Show Time

Once you’ve identified a show you want to attend, compare the available times. Friday and Saturday evening shows (7:30 PM and 10:00 PM) are the most popular and tend to sell out fastest. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere or are traveling with children, consider the 10:00 PM show on a weekday or a Sunday matinee.

Keep in mind:

• Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
• Arriving early increases your chances of getting a preferred seat.
• Early shows (7:30 PM) often attract families and tourists; late shows (10:00 PM) draw a more adult, nightlife-oriented crowd.

If you’re flexible, consider booking a Tuesday or Wednesday show. These nights typically have lower demand, meaning better availability and sometimes lower prices.

4. Select Your Seats

Zanies Old Town is a small, intimate venue with a capacity of around 250 people. Seating is general admission unless otherwise noted, but you can choose your section when booking online.

When you click “Book Now,” you’ll be taken to a seating map. Here’s how to pick the best spot:

• Front Center (Rows 1–5): Best for immersive comedy. You’ll be close to the stage and may be called on stage during crowd work. Ideal for die-hard fans.
• Middle (Rows 6–12): Optimal balance of view and comfort. Most guests prefer this section.
• Back Rows (13+): Good for larger groups or those who prefer to observe rather than be involved. Sound quality is still excellent due to the venue’s acoustics.
• Side Tables: These are high-top tables with limited seating. Great for couples or small groups who want to dine while watching.

Pro tip: Avoid the far left and right corners if you’re sensitive to noise or lighting. These areas can be slightly obstructed by pillars or stage equipment.

5. Add Food and Beverage Packages

Zanies offers a full menu of American comfort food and cocktails. You can add a food and drink package during checkout, which includes a selection of appetizers and two drinks per person.

Why consider a package?

• Guarantees your food will be ready when you arrive—no waiting in line during the show.
• Often cheaper than ordering à la carte.
• Includes priority seating for food patrons.

Popular choices include the “Comedy Combo” (wings, fries, and two drinks) or the “Late Night Snack Pack” for 10:00 PM shows. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available—check the menu online before booking.

6. Complete the Payment

Zanies accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Debit cards are also accepted, but ensure they have sufficient funds and online transaction capability.

During checkout:

• Double-check your date, time, and seat selection.
• Review the total, including service fees (typically $3–$5 per ticket).
• Confirm your email address for e-ticket delivery.

After payment, you’ll receive an immediate confirmation email with your digital tickets attached as a PDF. Save this to your phone’s wallet or print a copy. No physical tickets are mailed.

7. Confirm Your Reservation

Within 24 hours of booking, check your email for a reminder from Zanies. If you don’t receive it, log into your account and view your “Upcoming Shows.”

For extra assurance, call the box office at the number listed on the website (not a toll-free line) during business hours to confirm your reservation. Provide your name and email used for booking. This step is especially important for high-demand shows or if you’ve selected a special package.

8. Prepare for Your Visit

On the day of the show:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime. The venue opens its doors 30 minutes prior.
• Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to purchase alcohol.
• Wear comfortable clothing—there’s no formal dress code, but avoid overly bulky coats as storage is limited.
• Leave large bags at home. Zanies has a small coat check, but space is limited.
• Download the Zanies app (if available) for real-time updates and show reminders.

Remember: Zanies is a 21+ venue after 8:00 PM. Under-21 guests are welcome to early shows with an adult, but ID checks are strict.

Best Practices

Booking a ticket is only half the battle. To ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience, follow these best practices honed by frequent Zanies attendees and comedy enthusiasts.

Book Early—But Not Too Early

Popular comedians often release tickets 4–6 weeks in advance. While it’s tempting to book as soon as they’re available, some acts are announced only 1–2 weeks before the show. Set a calendar reminder for the first Tuesday of each month, when Zanies typically updates its schedule.

For holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July), book at least 8 weeks ahead. These shows sell out within hours.

Use Multiple Devices

If you’re trying to secure tickets for a sold-out show, use two or more devices (phone, tablet, laptop) logged into the same account. This increases your chances of getting through the queue during high-traffic booking windows.

Also, clear your browser cache before attempting to book. Cached pages can cause delays or errors during checkout.

Monitor for Last-Minute Cancellations

Many guests cancel tickets 24–48 hours before the show. Refresh the Zanies website daily in the 72 hours leading up to the event. Use the “Notify Me When Available” feature if it’s active for your desired show.

Some third-party ticket resellers (like StubHub or SeatGeek) list Zanies tickets, but prices often spike. Only use them as a last resort, and verify the seller’s rating.

Join the Zanies Email List

Subscribing to the Zanies newsletter gives you early access to presales, exclusive discounts, and announcements about surprise guest appearances. Many headliners are announced exclusively to subscribers 24–48 hours before public sales.

Look for the newsletter signup form at the bottom of the website. Use a dedicated email if you receive a lot of promotional mail.

Group Bookings Require Special Handling

If you’re booking for a group of 6 or more, contact Zanies directly through their website contact form. Group rates and reserved sections are not available through the public booking engine.

Provide:

• Number of attendees
• Preferred date and show time
• Any dietary restrictions

Groups are seated together only if booked in advance. Walk-ins may be split across tables.

Respect the Venue’s Policies

Zanies has strict rules to preserve the live comedy experience:

• No recording of any kind—phones must be silenced and put away during the show.
• No outside food or beverages.
• No disruptive behavior—intoxicated guests may be asked to leave.
• Children under 18 are not permitted after 8:00 PM.

Violating these rules can result in immediate ejection without refund. Be mindful—comedy relies on audience energy, and one disruptive person can ruin the night for everyone.

Tip: Arrive Early for the Best Experience

Even if you have assigned seats, arriving early gives you time to:

• Order food and drinks without rushing.
• Find parking (street parking is limited; valet is available).
• Explore the venue’s memorabilia wall, which features photos of comedians who’ve performed there since the 1970s.
• Chat with staff—they often know who’s doing surprise sets or last-minute changes.

Tools and Resources

Booking a show at Zanies Comedy Club Old Town is easier when you use the right tools. Below is a curated list of digital resources, apps, and platforms that enhance your booking experience and help you stay informed.

Official Website: Zanies.com

The primary and most reliable source for tickets, schedules, menus, and policies. Always start here. The site is mobile-optimized and updated in real time.

Zanies Mobile App

Download the official Zanies app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app offers:

• Push notifications for show reminders and ticket drops
• Digital ticket storage in Apple Wallet or Google Pay
• Live updates during the show (e.g., set changes, guest appearances)
• Exclusive app-only discounts

Google Calendar Integration

After booking, add your show to Google Calendar. Enable email reminders 24 hours and 1 hour before the event. This ensures you never forget your reservation.

SeatGeek and StubHub (Secondary Market)

Use these platforms only if the official site shows “Sold Out.” Filter by “Verified Tickets” and check seller ratings. Avoid listings priced more than 50% above face value—Zanies rarely has scalpers, and inflated prices are often scams.

Yelp and Google Maps

Read recent reviews on Yelp and Google Maps to understand the current vibe, parking conditions, and service quality. Look for reviews posted within the last 30 days for the most accurate insights.

Reddit Communities

Join r/Chicago or r/Comedy on Reddit. Locals often post about last-minute ticket availability, surprise guest appearances, or hidden gems like open mic nights. Search “Zanies” in these threads for real-time intel.

Comedy Central and YouTube

Before attending, watch clips of the headliner on Comedy Central’s YouTube channel or their personal page. This helps you decide if the act aligns with your sense of humor and prepares you for the show’s tone.

Weather Apps

Chicago weather can be unpredictable. Use AccuWeather or the Weather Channel app to check conditions the day before your show. Dress appropriately—Zanies is located in a historic district with cobblestone sidewalks and limited shelter.

Navigation Apps

Use Waze or Google Maps to find parking. Zanies Old Town is located at 1536 N Wells Street, Chicago, IL. Recommended parking options include:

• Self-park at the Chicago Theatre Garage (5 minutes walk)
• Street parking on Wells Street (metered, limited after 6 PM)
• Valet service available for $15 (recommended on weekends)

Real Examples

Real-world scenarios help illustrate how the booking process works in practice. Below are three detailed examples of guests successfully booking Zanies Comedy Club Old Town under different circumstances.

Example 1: The First-Time Visitor

Maria, a tourist from Austin, Texas, wanted to see live comedy during her weekend trip to Chicago. She had never been to Zanies before.

Her process:

1. On a Thursday, she searched “best comedy clubs Chicago” and found Zanies listed as

   1 on TripAdvisor.

2. She visited Zanies.com, selected the Old Town location, and viewed the upcoming schedule.
3. She chose a Saturday 7:30 PM show featuring comedian Trevor Noah’s opening act, who was touring locally.
4. She created a free account and booked two tickets in Row 8, adding the Comedy Combo package.
5. She received her e-tickets via email and saved them to her phone.
6. She arrived at 7:00 PM, checked in at the front desk, and was seated immediately.
7. She enjoyed the show, took photos of the venue’s wall of fame, and left with a Zanies T-shirt.

Result: Maria had a memorable night and plans to return next year.

Example 2: The Corporate Group

A marketing team of 10 from Milwaukee booked Zanies for a client appreciation night.

Her process:

1. She emailed Zanies’ group booking form 6 weeks in advance.
2. She requested a private section in the back, food for all, and a 7:30 PM show on a Tuesday.
3. Zanies responded within 2 hours with a quote and a contract.
4. She paid a 50% deposit and confirmed the remaining balance 7 days before the event.
5. On the night of the show, the team arrived early, received a welcome drink, and had their names on a reserved table sign.
6. The host even made a joke about their company during the show—unplanned but appreciated.

Result: The client was impressed, and the team received a 20% discount on their next booking.

Example 3: The Last-Minute Booker

James, a Chicago resident, forgot his friend’s birthday and wanted to surprise him with comedy tickets.

His process:

1. He checked Zanies.com on Friday morning—their favorite comic, Maria Bamford, had just been added for Saturday night.
2. He refreshed the page every 10 minutes. At 11:47 AM, two tickets in Row 6 became available due to a cancellation.
3. He booked immediately, paid via Apple Pay, and received his tickets within seconds.
4. He texted his friend: “You’re getting a surprise tonight. Don’t make plans.”
5. They arrived at 7:15 PM, ordered drinks, and had the best night of the year.

Result: James’s friend cried laughing. They now have a tradition of booking Zanies on the first Saturday of every month.

FAQs

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend the show?

Zanies has a strict no-refund policy. However, if a show is canceled or rescheduled by the venue, you’ll be issued a full refund or offered a ticket to the new date. Tickets are non-transferable, so you cannot give them to someone else under a different name.

Are there any age restrictions for Zanies Old Town?

Yes. Zanies Old Town is a 21+ venue after 8:00 PM. Guests under 21 may attend early shows (7:30 PM) if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with valid ID. All guests must present photo ID for alcohol service.

What if the comedian I want to see is sold out?

If a show is sold out on the official site, check back 48 hours before the event. Cancellations often open up seats. You can also sign up for Zanies’ waitlist (if available) or follow their social media for last-minute ticket drops.

Do I need to tip the staff?

Tipping is not required but appreciated. If you receive excellent service from your server or bartender, a 15–20% tip is standard. Comedians do not accept tips during the show.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes. The Chicago Theatre Garage (500 N State St) is the closest public parking lot, about a 5-minute walk. Street parking is metered and limited after 6 PM. Valet service is available for $15 and recommended on weekends.

Can I bring a camera or record the show?

No. Recording audio or video is strictly prohibited. Cell phones must be silenced and stored during the performance. Violators may be asked to leave without refund. This policy protects the comedians’ intellectual property and preserves the live experience.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan food options?

Yes. The menu includes vegan wings, grilled vegetable skewers, and plant-based burgers. Inform your server of dietary restrictions when ordering. The kitchen accommodates allergies with advance notice.

How long is a typical Zanies show?

A standard show runs approximately 90 minutes, including two or three opening acts and the headliner. Late shows may extend slightly longer. Plan for a total experience of 2–2.5 hours, including arrival, dining, and post-show mingling.

Is Zanies Old Town wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The venue has wheelchair-accessible seating, restrooms, and entryways. When booking, indicate accessibility needs in the notes section or contact the box office directly to ensure proper accommodations.

Can I book a private event or birthday party at Zanies?

Yes. Zanies offers private rentals for corporate events, birthdays, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Contact their events team through the website’s contact form to discuss capacity, pricing, and customization options.

Conclusion

Booking Zanies Comedy Club Old Town is more than just purchasing tickets—it’s about securing a front-row seat to one of the most influential comedy venues in American history. From its roots in the 1970s to its current status as a must-visit destination for comedy lovers, Zanies has maintained its authenticity, energy, and commitment to live performance.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—researching the schedule, creating an account, selecting optimal seating, adding food packages, and preparing for your visit—you’ll not only avoid common pitfalls but also elevate your experience from ordinary to exceptional. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned fan, the key to success lies in planning ahead, staying informed, and respecting the unique culture of live comedy.

Remember: the best comedy happens when the audience is engaged, present, and ready to laugh. Your ticket is your invitation to be part of that magic. So book smart, arrive early, and let the laughter begin.