Nestled within its vibrant Arts District and bustling Town Square, Wiseguys Comedy Clubs has carved out a unique space as a premier destination for stand-up comedy. Since its arrival in Las Vegas in 2021, Wiseguys has brought laughter to locals and tourists alike, offering an intimate, affordable, and authentic comedy experience that stands out in a city known for spectacle. With two locations, a rich history rooted in Utah, and a roster of top-tier comedians—including the highly anticipated Pauly Shore performances at Town Square from June 12-14, 2025—Wiseguys Comedy Clubs are redefining comedy in Sin City.
A Brief History of the Wiseguys Comedy Clubs: From Utah to Vegas
Wiseguys Comedy Club was founded in 2001 by Keith Stubbs, a veteran stand-up comedian with a passion for fostering comedic talent. The first Wiseguys opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, and quickly became a staple for comedy enthusiasts. Stubbs, who had performed alongside comedy legends like Don Rickles and Joan Rivers, envisioned a venue where both established and emerging comedians could thrive in an intimate setting. Over the next two decades, Wiseguys expanded to additional Utah locations in Ogden and West Jordan, earning a reputation for quality entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere.
The expansion to Las Vegas was a natural progression for the brand, but it might not have happened without a serendipitous connection. In late 2020, comedian Pauly Shore, a friend of Stubbs, played a pivotal role in bringing Wiseguys to the city. Shore, a Las Vegas resident at the time, introduced Stubbs to a property in the Arts District owned by Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel and Tao Group managing partner Jason Strauss. Shore’s enthusiasm for the project was infectious, as he urged Stubbs to consider the vacant space at 1511 S. Main Street, across from Able Baker Brewing. “It was 100% Pauly,” Stubbs recalled in a 2023 interview with Las Vegas Weekly. “My wife and I flew down, we met with Pauly and the owners of the building in the Arts District. I had no intention of opening down there. It was Pauly.”
The Arts District location opened in May 2021, despite the challenges of launching a new venue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stubbs described the effort as a “grassroots” endeavor, relying on local support and word-of-mouth to build a following. The 180-seat venue, with its low ceilings and classic comedy club vibe, quickly became a hit, offering an alternative to the casino-driven entertainment of the Strip. Its success paved the way for a second Las Vegas location at Town Square, which opened in September 2023, further cementing Wiseguys’ place in the city’s cultural landscape.
Ownership and Vision
Wiseguys is owned and operated by Keith Stubbs and his wife, Noelle Stubbs. Keith, a seasoned comedian, brings a performer’s perspective to the business, ensuring that the clubs cater to both audiences and artists. His experience opening for comedy icons like Rickles and Rivers informs of the comedy club’s operational commitment to quality, while Noelle’s involvement has been instrumental in managing operations across the five Wiseguys locations (three in Utah and two in Las Vegas). The couple’s hands-on approach has fostered a reputation for professionalism, with clean venues, attentive staff, and a focus on creating a cozy, non-smoking environment where laughter takes center stage.
Stubbs’ vision for Wiseguys is rooted in accessibility and authenticity. Unlike the large-scale comedy shows often found in Las Vegas casinos, Wiseguys offers an intimate experience where audience members are never more than 60 feet from the stage. This closeness allows for a personal connection between comedians and their audience, enhancing the raw, unfiltered energy of stand-up. Stubbs has also emphasized supporting local talent and fostering a community of comedians, a commitment that resonates with Las Vegas locals seeking entertainment off the Strip. “This is a place that will appeal to locals, and to give something back to downtown,” Pauly Shore noted when the Arts District location opened.
The Venues: Arts District and Town Square
Wiseguys’ two Las Vegas locations offer distinct yet complementary experiences, each tailored to the city’s diverse audiences.
Arts District: The Intimate Original
Located at 1511 S. Main Street, the Arts District Wiseguys is a 4,300-square-foot venue with a 180-seat showroom and a 950-square-foot outdoor seating area. Its gritty, urban charm reflects the eclectic vibe of the Arts District, surrounded by cafes, breweries, and unique shops. The venue’s exterior is adorned with hand-painted murals of comedy legends like Don Rickles, Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, and Pauly Shore, a nod to its deep roots in comedy culture. Inside, the low ceilings and compact layout create a classic comedy club atmosphere, reminiscent of venues in smaller cities like Peoria or Rockford, as Shore described.
The Arts District location hosts shows multiple nights a week, featuring a mix of national headliners and local talent. Its proximity to Able Baker Brewing makes it a convenient stop for a night out, and reviews praise its reasonable ticket prices, clean facilities, and friendly staff. One Yelp reviewer, who saw Pauly Shore in March 2023, described the experience as “pure comedic gold,” highlighting the club’s ability to deliver memorable performances in a relaxed setting.
Town Square: The Bigger Stage
The Town Square Wiseguys, located at 6593 Las Vegas Blvd. South, opened on September 7, 2023, and is designed to accommodate larger crowds and bigger acts. Situated on the second floor above Yard House, the 300-seat venue is part of a premier retail, dining, and entertainment destination frequented by thousands of locals and tourists daily. Its larger capacity allows Stubbs to book high-profile comedians who require bigger audiences to make financial sense, expanding the club’s reach. The venue retains the sleek, modern aesthetic of the Arts District location, with black seating and walls lined with show posters, but its expanded space offers a more polished experience.
The Town Square location has quickly become a hotspot for comedy fans, with Tripadvisor reviews praising its friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks, and top-notch performances. One reviewer, who attended a show featuring comedian Cat Ce, noted, “The host of the show was Donna Lee, and she was super funny as well. All of the comedians were good.” The venue’s strategic location near the Las Vegas Strip and major highways like I-15 and I-215 makes it easily accessible, enhancing its appeal to a broad audience.
Notable Acts and Upcoming Shows
Wiseguys has hosted an impressive roster of comedians since its Las Vegas debut, including John Mulaney, George Lopez, Fortune Feimster, Kevin Nealon, Chris Redd, Donnell Rawlings, and T.J. Miller. The comedy clubs’ ability to attract both established stars and rising talents is a testament to Stubbs’ industry connections and the growing influence of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which have made it easier to discover new comedians. “It’s amazing how many really funny comics are out there,” Stubbs told Las Vegas Weekly in 2023, noting the impact of digital platforms on comedy’s evolution.
In June and July 2025, Wiseguys is set to deliver a packed lineup of performances across both locations. The highlight is undoubtedly Pauly Shore’s return to the Town Square stage from June 12-14, 2025. Shore, a comedy icon known for his 1990s MTV show Totally Pauly and films like Encino Man and Bio-Dome, brings a unique blend of nostalgia and irreverent humor. His performances are expected to draw large crowds, given his history with Wiseguys and his role in bringing the club to Las Vegas. Shore’s current projects, including a six-part documentary series about his life growing up at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, add an extra layer of intrigue to his shows.
Other notable acts in June include:
- Fresh King Benjamin (Arts District, June 13): A rising star known for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence.
- Mike E. Winfield (Arts District, June 14): A seasoned comedian with a knack for relatable humor.
- Aries Spears (Town Square, June 19-21): A veteran of MADtv and a master of impressions.
- Jeff Wittek (Town Square, June 25): A social media star turned comedian, bringing his online fanbase to the stage.
- Tyler Fischer (Town Square, June 27-28): Known for his viral sketches and bold comedic style.
In July, the lineup continues with:
- Joe Pera: The PERAs Tour: All Dried Up Summer Tour (Town Square, July 10): A fan favorite for his gentle, quirky humor.
- SNL’s Michael Longfellow & Devon Walker (Town Square, July 11-12): Current Saturday Night Live cast members bringing their fresh perspectives.
- Jeff Dye (Town Square, July 18-19): A dynamic performer known for his work on Fox’s Who the Bleep is That?
- Jim Norton (Town Square, July 25-26): A comedy veteran with a no-holds-barred style.
These acts reflect Wiseguys’ commitment to diversity, blending established names with up-and-coming talents and catering to a wide range of comedic tastes.
The Pauly Shore Connection
Pauly Shore’s influence on Wiseguys’ Las Vegas expansion cannot be overstated. Beyond his role in connecting Stubbs with the Arts District property, Shore has been a vocal supporter of the brand. His image is immortalized on the Arts District venue’s mural, alongside comedy legends, and he has performed at both locations multiple times. Shore’s upcoming shows at Town Square from June 12-14, 2025, are a homecoming of sorts, promising a mix of his signature “Weasel” persona and personal stories from his storied career. As the son of Mitzi Shore, who transformed The Comedy Store into a comedy mecca, and Sammy Shore, a beloved Vegas performer, Pauly brings a legacy of entertainment royalty to the Wiseguys stage.
Why Wiseguys Stands Out
Wiseguys’ success in Las Vegas lies in its ability to offer something different in a city saturated with entertainment options. The comedy clubs’ intimate settings, affordable tickets, and focus on quality comedy create a refreshing alternative to the high-cost, high-gloss shows of the Strip. The food and drink menus—featuring appetizers, craft beers, desserts, and cocktails—add to the experience, making Wiseguys a one-stop destination for a night of laughs. Reviews consistently highlight the clubs’ clean facilities, friendly staff, and reasonable prices, with one Yelp reviewer noting, “The tickets were very reasonable and for the convenience of the location, I will definitely be back.”
Moreover, Wiseguys’ commitment to the local community sets it apart. By investing in the Arts District and Town Square, Stubbs has created venues that appeal to Las Vegas residents seeking authentic, non-touristy entertainment. The comedy clubs’ 21-and-over policy ensures a mature audience, while the non-smoking environment keeps the focus on the comedy itself.
Looking Ahead
As Wiseguys continues to grow in Las Vegas, its future looks bright. The Town Square location’s larger capacity allows for bigger acts, while the Arts District venue remains a hub for local talent and intimate performances. With Pauly Shore’s June 12-14, 2025, shows poised to be a highlight of the summer, and a diverse lineup of comedians scheduled through July, Wiseguys is solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for comedy fans.
For those planning a visit, tickets and showtimes are available at www.wiseguyscomedy.com. Whether you’re a local looking for a night out or a tourist seeking a break from the Strip, Wiseguys Comedy Clubs offer a chance to laugh, connect, and experience the timeless art of stand-up in the heart of Las Vegas.
