Laughs Larger Than Life: Inside Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM Grand

Rex Weighart
Brad Garrett's Comedy Club in Las Vegas

Whoever said laughter is the best medicine clearly never tried to cure a Vegas hangover with it, but at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, you might just forget the ailment altogether. Nestled within the sprawling MGM Grand at 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109, this comedy haven has been dishing out doses of hilarity since 2010, proving that even in a city built on spectacle, a well-timed punchline can steal the show. Founded by the towering comedic force Brad Garrett—best known as the perpetually overshadowed Robert Barone on “Everybody Loves Raymond”—the comedy club offers an intimate escape from the Strip’s bombast, blending old-school charm with razor-sharp wit.

Garrett’s vision was clear from the start: create a space where comedy reigns supreme, unburdened by the glitz of massive showrooms or the distraction of slot machine jingles. What emerged is a venue that feels like a speakeasy for stand-up, where the spotlight shines on the performers and the audience feels close enough to catch every smirk and sidelong glance. Over the years, it’s become a cornerstone of Las Vegas’s vibrant comedy scene, drawing locals and tourists alike with its promise of laughter that cuts through the desert night.

A Stage Built for Las Vegas Comedy

Step inside Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, and you’re greeted by a space that’s equal parts cozy and classy. The venue, located in the MGM Grand’s District area near Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, seats about 250 people—a far cry from the cavernous theaters hosting Cirque du Soleil down the hall. Dark velvet curtains frame the stage, evoking a Roaring Twenties vibe that Garrett himself envisioned when he opened the club. The seating is tiered but intimate, with cushioned chairs arranged to ensure every guest has a clear view of the action, whether they’re perched in the front row or sipping a drink at the back bar.

Brad Garretts Comedy Club inside the MGM
Brad Garretts Comedy Club inside the MGM Grand

The design isn’t just aesthetic—it’s functional. Acoustics are tuned so every chuckle-inducing quip lands crisp and clear, and the low ceiling keeps the energy contained, amplifying the crowd’s reactions. A small lounge area just outside the showroom adds to the experience, offering live jazz on select nights and a spot to unwind with a cocktail before or after the show. It’s a deliberate contrast to the sensory overload of the casino floor, creating a bubble where comedy takes center stage.

Lighting plays its part too—soft enough to feel relaxed, bright enough to catch the gleam in a comedian’s eye as they riff off a heckler. The stage itself is modest but perfectly proportioned, giving performers room to pace or plant themselves behind the mic, depending on their style. Garrett’s personal touch is evident in every detail, from the hand-signed hats sold for charity to the warm, welcoming staff who usher you to your seat. It’s a place that feels like a labor of love, built by a comedian for comedians—and the audiences who adore them.

The Man Behind the Mic

Brad Garrett isn’t just the name on the marquee—he’s the heart of the operation. Standing at 6’8” with a voice that could wake a coma patient, Garrett’s presence looms large, both literally and figuratively. His three-decade stand-up career, honed in comedy clubs long before “Everybody Loves Raymond” made him a household name, gave him the chops to curate a venue that honors the craft. When he opened the club in 2010 (initially in the MGM Grand’s basement before moving to its current main-level spot in 2021), he aimed to capture the intimacy of the 1920s-era joints he admired—places where the laughter felt personal, not performative.

Garrett’s own performances are a highlight when he graces the stage, which happens multiple times a month depending on his schedule. His act is a masterclass in controlled chaos—edgy, observational humor delivered with a gravelly baritone that fills the room. He’s known for crowd work, turning audience quirks into gold, whether he’s teasing a tourist in a Hawaiian shirt or riffing on Vegas clichés. These surprise appearances add a thrill to any night, as fans never know when the man himself might step out from behind the curtain.

Beyond performing, Garrett hand-picks the talent, ensuring a lineup that reflects his eclectic taste. His Emmy-winning pedigree and deep roots in the comedy world give him clout to attract top names, while his passion for the art form drives him to spotlight rising stars. It’s a balance that keeps the club fresh and unpredictable, a testament to his belief that comedy thrives on variety.

A Rotating Roster of Laughs

What keeps Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club buzzing night after night is its ever-changing lineup. Shows run daily at 8:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:45 PM for seating, and the box office operates from 4:00 PM until 30 minutes after the last performance begins—hours subject to change, so checking ahead is wise. Each performance lasts 75 to 90 minutes, packing three comedians into a seamless flow: a host to warm up the crowd, a feature act to build the momentum, and a headliner to bring down the house.

The headliners are a mix of familiar faces and fresh voices. In early 2025, names like Larry Reeb, known as “Uncle Lar” for his grizzled, no-filter style, and Kevin Bozeman, with his dry, relatable takes on life, have taken the stage. Ryan Belleville’s quirky storytelling and Michael Somerville’s polished charm have also graced the schedule, alongside regulars like Gary Cannon and Derek Richards. Garrett often hosts himself, especially on weekends, adding star power to the mix. Past reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor highlight acts like Steve Caouette, whose sound effects and audience interplay earned raves, and Alonzo Bodden, whose sharp pacing left crowds in stitches.

The variety ensures no two nights are alike. One evening might lean into blue humor with biting social commentary, while the next offers absurd character work or deadpan one-liners. This diversity mirrors Las Vegas itself—a melting pot of tastes where every visitor finds something to love. The club’s website updates the schedule monthly, so planning a visit around a favorite comic or taking a chance on someone new is part of the fun.

Tickets and Tips for Las Vegas Guests

Getting into the laughs is straightforward. Tickets are available online through the club’s official site at bradgarrettcomedy.com or via platforms like Ticketmaster and Spotlight.Vegas. Prices vary by seating zone and performer, typically starting around $65 for rear seats and climbing to $95 or more for premium spots near the stage. Zone 1, closest to the action, offers the best views but also the highest chance of becoming part of the show—fair warning for the shy. Zone 2 and 3 provide solid sightlines with a bit more distance, while VIP booths cater to small groups craving extra comfort. The maître d’ assigns seats on arrival, so showing up early snags the prime picks.

The box office at the MGM Grand handles in-person purchases and pickups, requiring a valid photo ID for the reservation holder. Military discounts are available—ask when booking—and shows are strictly 21-and-over due to Nevada liquor laws, so leave the kids at home. Bags larger than 12x12x6 inches are banned, along with outside food, cameras with detachable lenses, and smoking devices, ensuring a distraction-free vibe.

Dress code? There isn’t one, officially. The club’s laid-back atmosphere welcomes everything from jeans and tees to cocktail attire—whatever suits your Vegas vibe. That said, the air conditioning can crank up a chill, so a light sweater or jacket isn’t a bad idea. Drinks flow freely (no minimum inside the showroom, though the lounge has a one-drink rule), with tall cocktails served in hurricane glasses averaging under $20. Freshly made popcorn in sweet and savory flavors is the only snack on offer, a nod to classic theater vibes without a full kitchen.

Beyond the Stage

The club’s perch within the MGM Grand amplifies its appeal. After the show, guests can spill into the resort’s dizzying array of options—hit the slots, catch a late-night bite at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, or sip whiskey at the nearby lounge. The District’s central location makes it easy to weave comedy into a broader night out, whether you’re pre-gaming with a steak at Emeril’s or winding down with a stroll past the casino’s iconic lion statue.

Brad Garetts Comedy Club Bar
Brad Garetts Comedy Club Bar in Las Vegas

For those craving more laughs, the lounge outside the showroom offers live jazz several nights a week, no ticket required. It’s a mellow counterpart to the high-energy sets inside, with plush seating and a speakeasy feel that nods to Garrett’s vintage inspiration. The club also ties into his charitable efforts—signed hats sold post-show funnel 100% of proceeds to the Maximum Hope Foundation, aiding families with critically ill children, a cause Garrett’s championed since 2007.

Why Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club Stands Out

In a city where entertainment often means pyrotechnics or acrobatics, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club thrives on simplicity—a mic, a stage, and a room full of people ready to laugh. The intimacy sets it apart from mega-venues like The Colosseum at Caesars, fostering a connection that’s rare in Vegas. Audience participation is a staple—comedians riff off crowd energy, turning strangers into punchlines with a wink and a grin. Recent reviews praise this dynamic, with one Tripadvisor user noting a December 2024 show where Garrett and opener Dave Burleigh had the room “laughing so hard my face hurt.”

The club’s reputation holds strong. Locals call it a hidden gem, while tourists rank it a must-do alongside the Bellagio fountains or a Grand Canyon tour. Its move from the basement to the main floor in 2021 only boosted its visibility, yet it retains that insider feel—a place where you’re in on the joke, not just watching it. “Las Vegas is the last place you’d expect to find real comedy, but Garrett’s club delivers it raw and right,” says comedian Eddie Izzard, a frequent Vegas visitor.

Planning Your Night of Laughs

Timing a visit is key. Shows kick off at 8:00 PM nightly, but arriving by 7:30 PM lets you settle in, grab a drink, and soak up the pre-show buzz. The club’s address—3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South—puts it smack in the Strip’s heart, a quick walk from the MGM’s main entrance. From the front desk, head toward the escalators, pass Fat Tuesday, and look left—it’s hard to miss once you’re in the District.

Repeat visitors get a new experience every time, thanks to the rotating lineup. Spring 2025 promises names like Greg Fitzsimmons and Pauly Shore, blending veteran clout with offbeat flair. For Garrett fans, checking his dates (often Thursdays through Sundays) adds a thrill—his sets are a masterclass in timing and tenacity. Posts on X from early 2025 highlight comics like Greg Morton and Tim Butterly lighting up the stage, suggesting the club’s momentum isn’t slowing.

A Laughter Legacy

Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club isn’t just a venue—it’s a love letter to stand-up. In a town of fleeting trends, it’s carved a lasting niche, marrying Vegas’s showbiz roots with the raw honesty of a killer joke. Whether you’re a comedy nerd dissecting delivery or a casual fan chasing a good time, it delivers. The laughs linger long after the curtain drops, a reminder that in Las Vegas, where everything’s larger than life, sometimes the biggest thrill is the simplest: a room united in uproarious, unscripted joy.

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