ABOUT US

Montreal’s original, internationally renowned English comedy club and official Just For Laughs Festival venue! Named one of the top 15 comedy clubs in North America on splitsider.com, and voted Montreal’s Best in CultMtl’s 2024 Readers Poll, The Comedy Nest plays host to some of the funniest comedians in North America, as seen on The Tonight Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Just For Laughs, Netflix, Conan, Comedy Central and more!

Located in downtown Montreal, on the 3rd floor of the Forum, site of the historic arena where the Canadiens won 24 Stanley Cups, we’re across the street from great shopping at Alexis Nihon plaza, surrounded by stores and restaurants (fast food, pub food, sit-down dining and more!), and parking in the Forum is only $6 for the evening! We’re also wheelchair accessible.

The Comedy Nest holds up to 160 people in a cabaret-style setting (small, candle-lit tables), and our doors open 45 minutes before showtime, so you can come early and enjoy our full-service bar, pre-show video, and a few delicious nibbles, like fresh popcorn and corn chips with salsa.

Then, before you know it, it’s showtime! On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays you’ll see an MC, opening acts, and a world-class headliner! On Tuesdays and Wednesdays you’ll see a carefully curated pro-am show featuring pros trying new material and folks trying stand-up.

And getting here is easy! We’re in downtown Montreal, on the corner of Atwater and Ste. Catherine West, across the street from Atwater metro.

The Comedy Nest has been a memorable part of many nights out for over 40 years. If you’re looking for a place to laugh, celebrate, or just kick off a fun evening with friends, you’ve found it!

Ernie Butler | 1949 - 2007

A Brief History of Ernie Butler’s Comedy Nest

Ernie Butler founded Montreal’s first comedy club in 1979 and called it Stitches. It was located downtown on Crescent Street before moving to Bishop Street where it was rebranded as The Comedy Nest. In the ensuing years, the club moved several more times (including back to Crescent Street) but it always remained in downtown Montreal.

From the start The Comedy Nest stage was a launching pad for eventual household names like Norm MacDonald, Jim Carrey and Russell Peters, and for decades it has been an official venue for the Just for Laughs comedy festival.

After Ernie Butler’s untimely passing in 2007, his children, Silver and Ryan Butler, carried on the proud tradition of presenting the best in stand-up comedy every week. Then, in 2012, they passed the torch to new owners and are now successfully pursuing other careers.

Ernie Butler was involved in entertainment and hospitality in Montreal for more than 30 years. His reputation as an entrepreneur and a bon vivant followed him into the comedy business where he became known far and wide as a promoter of top-flight talent. Those who appreciated him for his energy and his devotion were rewarded with his support and his friendship.

Ernie passed away on August 29th, 2007 after a brief illness. Donations to The West Island Palliative Care Centre in Ernie’s name are most welcome.