Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Comedy club eyeing former comedy club space on Avenue A

Photos by Stacie Joy (top pic from last summer)

The owner of the Top Secret Comedy Club, a UK-based comedy and improv venue with several locations, is eyeing the former Upright Citizens Brigade Theater's UCBeast space on Avenue A and Third Street.

Reps for the business started by Mark Rothman 13 years ago will appear before CB3's SLA Licensing & Outdoor Dining Committee on Monday.
They are aiming for a full liquor license along with a food menu featuring pizza. The proposed occupancy shows 242 seats. You can find the questionnaire here with more info. 

The past tenant here, the gallery-performance space O'Flaherty's, had a memorable 18-month run. 

Upright Citizens Brigade Theater operated UCBeast here from September 2011 to February 2019. At the time, UCB officials blamed the "extreme costs" of operating here for its closing. 

The club had its share of drama before and right after its opening, notably with the Hot Chicks Room and New Jack Cornballs. 

Upright Citizens Brigade opened in a new space on 14th Street last fall.

Monday's meeting is at 6:30. The Zoom link is here. This is a hybrid meeting, and limited seating is available for the public — the first 15 people who show up at the Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. Fourth St., between Second Avenue and the Bowery.
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1 comment:

  1. CPBSeptember 3, 2025 at 8:15 AM

    I would love to have a comedy club in the East Village.

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