Step Inside: Cobb’s Comedy Club in San Francisco, CA

Cobb’s Comedy Club History

Cobb’s Comedy Club has brought plenty of laughs to San Francisco since opening in 1982 as Cobb’s Pub on Chestnut Street in the picturesque Marina District. The club has bounced around the city a bit, moving to the Cannery Shopping Center in the historic Fisherman’s Wharf in 1987, before landing in its current location at 915 Columbus Ave. in 2002. Situated in the heart of the bustling North Beach neighborhood, Cobb’s looks like an unassuming venue from the outside, but some of the funniest performances from comedy’s top entertainers have occurred inside.

The Cobb’s Comedy Club box office opens at 4:00 p.m. on the day of a show.

Cobb’s Comedy Club Performers

Cobb’s Comedy Club has welcomed many of the biggest comedians on the planet. Acts like Dave Chappelle, Dana Carvey and Bill Burr have performed here. The club has long been a testing ground for up-and-coming comedians, too. Jim Carrey and Paula Poundstone, who often performed here in the ‘80s, have credited Cobb’s with helping launch their careers. San Francisco’s own Robin Williams was also a regular throughout his career, trying out his soon-to-be famous routines at the club.

Planning Your Visit to Cobb’s Comedy Club

With its central location, a visit to the comedy club can easily turn into a big night out on the town. North Beach is loaded with some of San Francisco’s finest Italian cuisine. A quick walk down Columbus offers a plethora of dining choices: The romantic Fior D’Italia serves up mouthwatering handmade focaccia, while Piccolo Forno offers pizza and pasta in a slightly more casual setting. For a quick pre-show drink, hop into 901 Columbus Cafe or La Roccas Corner, both located on the same block as Cobb’s. Public transportation is nearby, with MUNI bus stops within a block of the club, as well as several public parking facilities.

Cobb’s Comedy Club Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Cobb’s Comedy Club parking options?

There’s no parking lot at Cobb’s Comedy Club, but street parking is available in the surrounding area. There are also paid parking garages within a 10-minute walk, including lots at 1625 Powell St. and 721 Fillbert St. or closer to Fisherman’s Wharf at 2552 Taylor St. and the Northpoint Center Garage at 350 Bay St. It’s recommended to park in well-lit areas and take all valuables with you.

Does Cobb’s Comedy Club serve food?

Cobb’s offers a full menu from their in-house kitchen. Choose from classic appetizers like nachos, chicken wings and popcorn shrimp; go big with the Cobb’s salad, burger or portabella mushroom sandwich; and top it all off with the Cobb’s sundae or New York cheesecake. The bar also has a wide selection of beer, wine and specialty cocktails to fulfill the two-drink minimum per person.

What are the seating options at Cobb’s Comedy Club?

The venue has a 400-seat capacity with mostly General Admission tables that are first come, first served. Certain shows offer reserved seating for an additional fee, and there is always wheelchair access throughout the venue. Get tickets here.

What are Cobb’s Comedy Club’s safety & security guidelines?

The venue has a clear bag policy with a maximum size of 12”x6”x12” to reduce staff contact with guests’ belongings. Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, are also allowed. Outdoor food and drinks, drugs, weapons, personal video cameras and selfie sticks are prohibited. For the latest on Cobb’s safety and security guidelines, review their enhanced protocols at the venue’s website.

Additional California Venues