Cigars and Stripes may not be for everyone, but if the crowd doesn't scare you it's a great place to perform new material. My first time at Ronnie's open mic was the most humbling experience I have ever had. Since then, I love going back and truly finding out which of my jokes have staying power. The room fills with locals and comedians waiting to go up and the cheat drinks keep the hecklers primed. If you're starting out in comedy put Cigars and Stripes on your list of open mics to perform at...at least once. This place reminds me of getting a tattoo, if you love' em you'll endure the pain and get more. If you regret getting one, you'll never step foot into the place again.
The crowd is tough, mos def. But you can really do whatever you want. i've been there a couple times and still haven't figured how to win over the crowd. i got a few decent chuckles, but my material never goes over well there compared to some other locations. they aren't hostile, but it probably takes a lot to get the element of surprise/shock on them. it's definitely a crowd that has heard everything.
I had a great time at the Cigars and Stripes open-mic. Ron is the best. He gives you about 10 minutes to do WHATEVER you want on stage. The audience was friendly and gave up a few laughs here and there. This is a very supportive atmosphere for comics of all levels. The beer is fairly priced and I liked the attached smoking patio. Our bartender was very friendly and made me feel very comfortable and welcome. You HAVE to try their chicken wings! Best wings around. I will be making the trip back there very soon.
Cigars and Stripes is a hidden gem. It's so worth the trip to Berwyn. Ronnie, the owner, is a great and fun guy. He gives you anywhere between 7-12 minutes, depending on how well he knows you and how talented you are. This may not sound right. In fact it sounds like favoritism, but it also serves as an insentive to the less experienced comics to keep coming back and sharpening their skills. Even if he doesn't know you, Ronnie will let you get away with a minute or two more if you're killing. There are no restrictions on material. When Ronnie is hosting he will do a couple of minutes that would make Sam Kinison blush. If you are a solid comic, you may even be approached to do a paying gig on a Saturday night. The crowd is mixed most nights, and can be hard to read at times. But, if you are doing well, they will let you know. All in all, a great place for open mic.
I did this open mic for 1st time last night after a year doing stand up. Not sure what the first poster meant by the crowd "scaring you".Was expecting a bunch of biker types, but its just like any other open mic I've attended..lots of comics giving it their best shot. I kind of liked the way it was set up..talking across the bar to the patrons, which this night was mostly comics. Cozy little spot with a lottery drawing. The show starts on time and with each comic introducing the next, the show moves quickly. Don't be put off like I was by postings describing the supposedly tough crowd. Great place for stage time in my opinion.
Coolest basement out there. The open mic is set on cruise control. Ronnie starts it out/opens, then each comic does their stuff. Time limit might as well be written in Piss. One guy did 30 min of crap without one laugh. There are A#$holes everywhere. If you want to try anything out the crowd will give you the chance. If I didn't have a day job I would be there most nights. Try it out just do not expect it to be professional or organized.
Cigars is a must-play for any comic in Chicagoland. The atmosphere, stage setup, and crazy/sometimes awesomely sane clientele makes for a truly unique comedy experience in Berwyn, IL.
I've had some of my worst and best shows at Cigars. You should too, if you're ever in the area.
Only one Ryan Budds on here! Creep. Go to Cigars and Stripes!!!! It can be an awesome open mic on Wednesdays. Great place to see some cool comics with a supportive attitude. The crowd won't give you pity laughs. If a joke kills here, it's a solid keeper! Best beer selection anywhere! Exclamation points! Period.
A very cool and friendly place to do comedy. A great way to try your material and to network with others. Never have seen more than 12-15 comics in one night, although sometimes it's less than 10. You typically get 5-8 minutes and Berwyn is a nice central location for all Chicago comics. Ronnie is the coolest guy in town. The wings are fantastic and the drinks are fairly priced. Highly recommended.
This is the greatest open mic outside of the city. The host is a sincere guy and the owner is a character. Wings beer comedy. That trio is my idea of a perfect night. The crowd is open and you can be comfortable with saying anything you want. That is my favorite part about this place. The comics are respectable and you feel free to speak your mind when on stage. With that said, the group of comics range from an old man talking about tripping balls to a surprisingly good looking guy ranting like he's high on cocaine to the owner going up and doing some jokes to seasoned veterans polishing their sets
Cigars and Stripes may not be for everyone, but if the crowd doesn't scare you it's a great place to perform new material. My first time at Ronnie's open mic was the most humbling experience I have ever had. Since then, I love going back and truly finding out which of my jokes have staying power. The room fills with locals and comedians waiting to go up and the cheat drinks keep the hecklers primed. If you're starting out in comedy put Cigars and Stripes on your list of open mics to perform at...at least once. This place reminds me of getting a tattoo, if you love' em you'll endure the pain and get more. If you regret getting one, you'll never step foot into the place again.
ReplyDeleteThe crowd is tough, mos def. But you can really do whatever you want. i've been there a couple times and still haven't figured how to win over the crowd. i got a few decent chuckles, but my material never goes over well there compared to some other locations. they aren't hostile, but it probably takes a lot to get the element of surprise/shock on them. it's definitely a crowd that has heard everything.
ReplyDeleteI had a great time at the Cigars and Stripes open-mic. Ron is the best. He gives you about 10 minutes to do WHATEVER you want on stage. The audience was friendly and gave up a few laughs here and there. This is a very supportive atmosphere for comics of all levels. The beer is fairly priced and I liked the attached smoking patio. Our bartender was very friendly and made me feel very comfortable and welcome. You HAVE to try their chicken wings! Best wings around. I will be making the trip back there very soon.
ReplyDeleteCigars and Stripes is a hidden gem. It's so worth the trip to Berwyn. Ronnie, the owner, is a great and fun guy. He gives you anywhere between 7-12 minutes, depending on how well he knows you and how talented you are. This may not sound right. In fact it sounds like favoritism, but it also serves as an insentive to the less experienced comics to keep coming back and sharpening their skills. Even if he doesn't know you, Ronnie will let you get away with a minute or two more if you're killing. There are no restrictions on material. When Ronnie is hosting he will do a couple of minutes that would make Sam Kinison blush. If you are a solid comic, you may even be approached to do a paying gig on a Saturday night. The crowd is mixed most nights, and can be hard to read at times. But, if you are doing well, they will let you know. All in all, a great place for open mic.
ReplyDeleteI did this open mic for 1st time last night after a year doing stand up. Not sure what the first poster meant by the crowd "scaring you".Was expecting a bunch of biker types, but its just like any other open mic I've attended..lots of comics giving it their best shot. I kind of liked the way it was set up..talking across the bar to the patrons, which this night was mostly comics. Cozy little spot with a lottery drawing. The show starts on time and with each comic introducing the next, the show moves quickly. Don't be put off like I was by postings describing the supposedly tough crowd. Great place for stage time in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteCoolest basement out there. The open mic is set on cruise control. Ronnie starts it out/opens, then each comic does their stuff. Time limit might as well be written in Piss. One guy did 30 min of crap without one laugh. There are A#$holes everywhere. If you want to try anything out the crowd will give you the chance. If I didn't have a day job I would be there most nights. Try it out just do not expect it to be professional or organized.
ReplyDeleteLots of anonymous weirdos on here! Creeps.
ReplyDeleteCigars is a must-play for any comic in Chicagoland. The atmosphere, stage setup, and crazy/sometimes awesomely sane clientele makes for a truly unique comedy experience in Berwyn, IL.
I've had some of my worst and best shows at Cigars. You should too, if you're ever in the area.
Only one Ryan Budds on here! Creep.
ReplyDeleteGo to Cigars and Stripes!!!! It can be an awesome open mic on Wednesdays. Great place to see some cool comics with a supportive attitude. The crowd won't give you pity laughs. If a joke kills here, it's a solid keeper! Best beer selection anywhere! Exclamation points! Period.
A very cool and friendly place to do comedy. A great way to try your material and to network with others. Never have seen more than 12-15 comics in one night, although sometimes it's less than 10. You typically get 5-8 minutes and Berwyn is a nice central location for all Chicago comics. Ronnie is the coolest guy in town. The wings are fantastic and the drinks are fairly priced. Highly recommended.
ReplyDeleteThis is the greatest open mic outside of the city. The host is a sincere guy and the owner is a character. Wings beer comedy. That trio is my idea of a perfect night. The crowd is open and you can be comfortable with saying anything you want. That is my favorite part about this place. The comics are respectable and you feel free to speak your mind when on stage. With that said, the group of comics range from an old man talking about tripping balls to a surprisingly good looking guy ranting like he's high on cocaine to the owner going up and doing some jokes to seasoned veterans polishing their sets
ReplyDelete