Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cheaper Than Therapy

    4.8 (756 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Cheaper Than Therapy Photos

    CHEAPER THAN THERAPY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Intimate

    Recommended Reviews - Cheaper Than Therapy

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    This was hands down one of my favorite nights of all time! My boyfriend and I went to a late show and it was so fun. The comedians were so funny and very tasteful at the same time. The environment was light hearted and well decorated. We will definitely be going back!!

    Yes, I got a drink! This couch is located in the lower bar, and reminds me of Willy Wonka.
    Anh W.

    Excellent fun for a night out in SF! This place is a hidden gem. There is no drink requirement and that says a lot for me because they don't need you to be tipsy to make you laugh. It's pure talent. They have two bars (one upstairs and one downstairs). The venue is cozy and has an old school feel which I really appreciate and like. Even though seats are first come first serve, the staff will manage the line so that everything is orderly and no chaos. Overall, I really love this place and appreciate the fact that I can see and be of close proximity to the comedians. They all have worked hard to make their jokes funny and it's nice to see who they are as a person as oppose to seeing a face on a big screen in the back at a large venue. Great job everyone!

    I'm a regular comedy fan and usually enjoy a good roast, but my experience here crossed a serious line. One of the comedians appeared to be visibly impaired during the show e.g almost falling off his chair, stumbling and behaving erratically. What started as typical crowd work quickly became xenophobic and mean spirited. He spent an extended amount of time targeting me and my friend from the audience. He made comments about my friend being Italian, calling her "white but not nice white. like war white, Eastern European war white." He then turned to me, and after learning I'm from El Salvador, made multiple offensive comments including saying I "must have a knife" in my bag, that someone should call 911, and that he'd "rather go to prison" in El Salvador. He then asked where I live and went ahead and judged just by my zip code that I must be doing tax evasion. Too surprised that someone from my background would be living there. Given the current times we live in I was expecting some sort of acknowledgment from him that he had crossed lines. These weren't edgy jokes anymore, they were harmful stereotypes based on our ethnicities. There's a difference between playful comedy and discriminatory attacks, and this was clearly the latter. The comedian's apparent intoxication made the situation even more uncomfortable and unsafe. I love comedy and can take a joke, but this experience was deeply disappointing and hurtful. I hope the venue takes performer conduct more seriously going forward. Sad to say I won't be returning. I was a regular spectator and recommended this place to my friends a lot but I was very disappointed this time around. On this show we only liked one comedian and she was great.

    Constance L.

    Intimate comedy club with no drink minimum and talented performers! Our tickets were $25 and there are 2 bars in the small establishment if you want to get drinks before or for the show. Keep in mind there isn't much sitting or lounging room, so if you arrive too early before the show, you'll likely be stuck standing in the bar area before they open the doors for the show.

    Wall Deco
    Noah J.

    Fun Comedians; those who are better than therapy. Recommended. Cocktail served was a bit pricy, at least for me. entrance fee definitely worth the tag ( I just wanted to avoid white emoji).

    CTT
    Merci M.

    First time and I'll be back! Funny comics, great time, lounge type atmosphere. Everyone was hilarious. The last guy though left us almost in tears. The comics all "picked" on my bf but they were nice about it not humiliating at all. Thanks. Also loved that the drinks were not forced on the patrons trying to watch the comedy show. They also allowed people to leave in the middle of the show to use the bathroom and get more drinks. I've been to many comedy shows around the country and all the above is very appreciated. Would go back every time I'm back. They have 0 alcohol beers, and other drinks too!

    Cocktail menu
    Annabelle R.

    Attended the New Year's Eve comedy event with champagne toast at midnight and live jazz afterparty (which was actually just random tunes performed on the piano, fun to sing along to, with a fun and carefree vibe) along with late night food being served to guests, included with the ticket price... all of this taking place in the downstairs lounge area of the Shelton Theater. The main stage entrance for Cheaper Than Therapy is toward the right of the bar. And the comedians for the night were hilarious and entertaining, many of which were creators of the show, as well as one of my faves, Emily Van Dyke. They had me cracking up all night, and feeling good as the clock struck midnight, a perfect way to ring in the new year. I'm not too fond of how doors to the show and auditorium open so late, but we did enjoy sitting in front row seats with plenty of legroom, and using the ledge on the stage for our cocktails (otherwise there are no drink holders with the seating here). My go-to drink at the Shelton Theater is When Life Gives You Lemons, but my bf got the Pirate Drink and enjoyed that too. We also checked out the current art exhibit at the Shelton Theater, featuring the work of Cedric Wentworth (The Roaring 17's), which was quite interesting. The staff here always makes us feel welcome as well. Both CTT and Secret Improv Society are awesome!

    Natalie J.

    A great spot to see comedy for a several reasons! 1. Great location. My hotel was about .7 miles away from the venue so we decided to walk. My husband and I felt completely safe walking in the area of this venue (this is important info to know because many people worry about being safe in SF. At least I was concerned being that I haven't been back to the city since pre-COVID.) 2. The tickets prices are very affordable. And you're supporting a small business. 3. My favorite, No drink minimum!! I don't drink alcohol and I only drink water in the evening, so when I'm forced to spend $14-$18 on water, drives me insane and I'll usually avoid those club when possible. So I truly appreciate this. 4. And finally, all the comedians were great. I laughed maybe a little too hard.

    Paul and Travis
    Paul S.

    Fantastic comedy show! Every one of the 6 performers was fantastic and the venue was cozy and intimate. Arrive early for a drink and seating is first come first serve but you have to scoot to the left. First row left us was a great vantage point for us and we were hardly picked on.

    Downstairs bar
    Michele G.

    A couple girlfriends and I decided to check out Cheaper than Therapy during our girls trip to San Francisco. It was the perfect activity for our first evening in town! Tickets were totally affordable and the location was ideal as it was right around the corner from our hotel. We were able to walk right over and felt completely safe. Entering the building, there's a unique hallway and ticket booth, and once you walk inside you hit a really cool and aesthetic lounge with seating and a bar. The bartender had the best energy and she was super friendly! All great first impressions! Down the steep steps you arrive at another lounge prior to entering the auditorium. The lounge had another bar, all sorts of intriguing art, and they were bumping some old school hip hop jams - yesss, all the fun vibes. The bartender was fun and engaging, and by then, we knew we had hit the jackpot ending up here! In fact, all the staff were so welcoming and enthusiast throughout our experience. Some of them also ended up being a part of the comedy production and even performed on stage. You can tell they're a close knit community but they were also so welcoming. I can't imagine how much work it must take to put on a weekly show like this! Some staff had multiple roles so kudos to pulling it all off! We had a great time, laughed, and were able to chill in the downstairs bar/lounge afterwards as we decided what to do next on our first night in SF. The staff were all warm and welcoming, had great energy, and I would definitely recommend checking this spot out!

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anh W.
    49
    160
    74

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rick
    0
    3
    0

    2 months ago

    Intimate setting, good drink drinks, and best of all funny comics! Will for sure go again next time in SF.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul S.
    196
    10
    14

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan J.
    94
    7
    0

    5 months ago

    Go. Lots of good laughs in a classic small theater environment. Can't miss. Will be back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Absolutely a gem to check out, the comics are so funny in their own genius ways and the contents are new each time I visit.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Great Show. Definitely worth the watch on up and coming comedy. Great show with funny comedians giving it their best

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G C.
    489
    9
    2

    8 months ago

    Decided to give it a try on our only night in the San Francisco this month. Great flow and nice characters in the line-up.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Angel L.
    1144
    518
    2093

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa S.
    1420
    2162
    566

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Roze T.
    43
    145
    25

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Drinks were delicious. It was very funny and had nice vibes. Especially liked Adam Strawbridge

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 19

    Cheaper Than Therapy Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cheaper Than Therapy

    How much are tickets?

    Hi, Mike! You can see our ticket prices on our website: https://tickets.cttcomedy.com/

    Is there a place online to see who will be performing in advance of a show?

    Lineups are subject to change, but you are welcome to email us for a list of comics booked for any given show. A list of past lineups, per show, is provided through our Instagram, @cttcomedy Thanks!

    Is it the same content every day or can i keep coming back again and have a differently experience?

    Hi, Poonam: the comedian line-up changes regularly, so you will likely get to see a different set of performers the next time you come in. A given comedian might tell similar jokes to what they have told before, but even that experience varies since… Read more

    Any recommendations for restaurants nearby to eat before the show?

    We've got you covered, Jennifer. Check out our area favorites on our website: https://cttcomedy.com/restaurants/

    Is this a fun thing to do for a date?

    I would say yes. It's a small theater, very intimate. Bar upstairs and down for before and after. Good restaurants close for a before dinner.

    Do you have to be 21 to go to the show since it has a bar?

    Hi, Hector! The minimum age to be part of the audience is 18, but you do need to be 21 and have a valid photo ID to partake in adult beverages. (18- to 20-year-olds can enjoy the non-alcoholic drinks at the bar.)

    How much does it cost to go? Thank you ladies for responding! I live just down the street, and like to know all I can about where I am going instead of going aimlessly. So I…

    Tickets are $15 each. They usually sell out so I'd get them in advance. It's a great show!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Cheaper Than Therapy

    I don't remember the last time I went to a comedy show but coming here made me want to get back into it!

    Mentioned in 52 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Punch Line - Halloween themed!

    Punch Line

    3.6(859 reviews)
    0.7 miFinancial District
    $$

    Punch Line staff are great! I was worried about entering with my bag of groceries (they have a no…read morefood policy); I was even ready to abandon it next to the doors and (hopefully) reclaim it later. Luckily, they were able to hold it in their kitchen during the performance. The venue is clean and easy to get to via public transit. My only complaints are the prices of the nonalcoholic drinks. I hate that all the major comedy clubs have a two-drink minimum. I'd rather just tack on $20 to the ticket price. That being said, Cobb's does have better options for non-drinkers like me.

    I attended a comedy show here recently and had a just okay experience. The venue was fine for the…read moremost part. However, we were seated too close to the front wall that sometimes we just ended up seeing the comedian from behind. I'm sure we would've had a better experience if we didn't have a somewhat obstructed view. There's also a two drink minimum per person, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. This rule was a bit strange to me because all the other comedy spots I've been to allowed me to select a food item to meet the two item minimum. However, Punch Line is very strict on the fact that your two items have to be beverages. The cocktail I got was unmemorable. I should've just gone with something premade and canned. I'd come back here for a comedian that I'd want to see live. Otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way to come back.

    Photos
    Punch Line - Cocktail

    Cocktail

    Punch Line - Inside

    Inside

    Punch Line

    See all

    Cobb's Comedy Club - The seating of the club room

    Cobb's Comedy Club

    3.3(1.3k reviews)
    1.0 miRussian Hill
    $$$

    Last week we went to Cobbs Comedy Club in San Francisco to see headliner Jason Cheny. My daughter K…read morebought sold out tickets months in advance. We had premium section tickets so we were seated up front. Getting seated was organized. There is a two drink minimum and the drinks run fro $15 to $25 each. They have a food menu that was surprisingly good. Ordered the nachos, garlic fries and the egg rolls. The room is huge with a tiny balcony. Jason Cheny was very funny and the opening acts were decent. Service ok very hard to get your second round of drinks. Find your own street or paid parking. We parked near the wharf and walked over.

    I had the pleasure of attending my first comedy show at Cobb's Comedy last Friday to see Will…read morePepper. I've been to other comedy venues in the South Bay but never in SF. From the photos on the website I was expecting a more spacious venue but in person it's actually quite intimate especially when it's packed with patrons. And there's even a second floor with balcony! Somehow I missed seeing that on the website. We had arrived 30 minutes late but the hosts were super helpful trying to find us seats together. We ended up sharing a small table with another couple near the front. Getting seated with strangers is the norm at comedy shows so I wasn't put off by that. But I wasn't expecting the A/C to be blasting (assumed because everyone is packed in close), so I was glad I brought a hoodie! There is a 2- drink minimum per person but you can order non-alcoholic drinks or food. The menu is not bad. There were the usual items like nachos and chicken strips. I opted for a pretzel and Modelo.. I highly recommend this combo!! The pretzel came out nicely toasted and warm.. and the Modelo was HUGE! Definitely didn't need a second drink after that! All in all, it was a fun first time experience at Cobb's and I would recommend checking it out if you're looking for something to do in the city. Warning: Cobbs Comedy is located in North Beach where parking is hard to find. Free street parking is scarce everywhere in SF but it's particularly painful when you are late to a show in this part of town. So plan accordingly!

    Photos
    Cobb's Comedy Club - Interior. Our view.

    Interior. Our view.

    Cobb's Comedy Club
    Cobb's Comedy Club

    See all

    The Setup - Stand Up Comedy - George Coffey. Photo by http://redscott.com.

    The Setup - Stand Up Comedy

    4.5(89 reviews)
    0.5 miTenderloin
    $$

    What a nice venue that they flipped from an underutilized parking lot in between buildings during…read moreCovid 2021 summer time into a glowing outdoor patio lounge area! Half of the comedians were legit funny. The other half was probably impromptu winging it while on stage. They serve up drinks at the front before seating. I had an enjoyable outing, glad it was outdoors and laughs were much needed during this pandemic!

    It was alright. I like that there was no minimum drink required and the drinks were good (at…read moreleast, those that we had). Comedians were ok, not horrible, not exactly laugh out load. I didn't care for the fact that no where online could I find any comedian names beforehand - therefore, I wasn't expecting much. Bought tickets online ($53 for 2 with svc fee) a few weeks in advance. For entry, a woman checked our names off a list then we walked down the flight of stairs that had prohibition era decor. The venue is intimate. Seating is extremely tight (definitely seats less than 100 people). I would suggest that if you go, do NOT sit up front for obvious reasons (like being the subject matter and/or ridiculed), but also because those in front rows were literally spit on (unintentionally of course) by the headliner that raised his voice/yelled as part of his skit - from the side view where we sat and because of the spotlights, we seriously saw the spit travel through the air, land on people who then retracted a bit in shock - we were disgusted, especially in this post-COVID pandemic climate. One of the other comedians stopped his skit and reprimanded those in the audience that were talking - he was so annoyed and wasn't shy about it. We parked in the parking garage across the street, $20 for less than 2 hours wasn't exactly worth it. I wouldn't be against returning as long as there are funny, well known comedians scheduled and marketed - but we won't sit up front :)

    Photos
    The Setup - Stand Up Comedy - Josef Anolin

    Josef Anolin

    The Setup - Stand Up Comedy - Kaseem Bentley

    Kaseem Bentley

    The Setup - Stand Up Comedy - David Nihill

    See all

    David Nihill

    Secret Improv Society

    Secret Improv Society

    4.5(216 reviews)
    0.0 miUnion Square
    $
    Full bar
    Large group friendly

    My wife and I decided to go for a new comedy experience by checking out an improv show at Secret…read moreImprov Society, and we're sure glad that we did. Let's get into it... Ambiance - After getting your tickets from the ticket booth, you go down a sharp flight of stairs which dumps you out into a bar area with two large doors on both sides of the room. The room on the right-hand side is where they have stand-up comedy (Cheaper than Therapy), and the left hand side is where the Improv show takes place. You wait in the bar area until the doors open. Once you enter, there are a handful of rows of chairs (barstool style with backs) and it's general admission. It's a pretty cozy area, maybe fitting around 50 people or so if I had to guess. Before the show, one of the improv team members came around offering Oreos to guests. We did not partake, but if you like Oreos you're in for a treat. The show itself was great. There were four improv comedians and they took a bunch of crowd suggestions and tailor-made a show based around our suggestions. The show itself is about an hour and a half, but didn't feel like it was that long at all. When it ended, I was shocked that an hour and a half had passed already. Time truly does fly when you're having a great time! I would definitely return again as we had a blast and really enjoyed the quick wit the improv team had to offer. I would highly recommend checking them out!

    Incredibly fun and very inexpensive. Beware, outside a sign just says "better than therapy" which…read moreis a comedy club in an adjacent room at the same address. Also it was good that we got there a bit early in time to get drinks (a nice large selection). Small to moderate intimate theater with very talented keyboard player who "improvised the music" with each skit all night long. "Actors" were very personable and talented--so much fun--we will reco to all SF friends and family

    Photos
    Secret Improv Society - Some of the Secret Improv Cast with our new T Shirts

    Some of the Secret Improv Cast with our new T Shirts

    Secret Improv Society - We offer improv classes to all levels

    We offer improv classes to all levels

    Secret Improv Society - Stage during show

    See all

    Stage during show

    Cheaper Than Therapy - comedyclubs - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...