Comedy Club Focusing on National, Regional, & Local Comics, Plus Hosting 'Open Mic Nights'

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

 While two of the oldest sayings in traditional folklore are at opposite sides of the spectrum, they provide a remedy for one another. When you're at 'your wits end' which means you're so annoyed that you do not know what to do next, perhaps the answer is 'laughter is the best medicine'.

Sure, jocularity may not be a cure all to everything negative happening in your life, but a healthy dose of funny goes a long way to alleviate some of the chaos. Whether you're dealing with stress or not, several hours of losing yourself in complete laughter is therapeutic. 

Located at 3320 Rivers Ave (corner of Carver) in North Charleston, the Wit's End Comedy Club & Lounge offers up stand-up comedy six nights a week, certain too make you chuckle and giggle, as well as hoot & holler with all out un-controlled merriment.

Thursday through Sunday Wit's End present local, regional, and national touring comics (some clean, some not) prepared to blow the roof off the comedy club. Ready to test your former class clown rating? Wit's End host 'open mic night' on Monday and Wednesday night. This is your chance to prove if your high school graduating class got it right!

Since opening in the summer of 2024, Wit's End has brought in some of the funniest stand-up comedians working today. There is no rhyme or reason to comics Wit's End bring in. You'll discover major headliners, comics who have performed on Comedy Central, late night TV, Dry Bar Comedy specials, Netflix, and those who have their own YouTube channel.

Big name comedians such as Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Nate Bargatze, Leann Morgan, Bill Maher, Matt Rife, Bill Burr, and Katt Williams have performed at the Gaillard, the PAC, and the Music Hall over the years, but aside from Theatre 99 which offers up improv comedy, there hasn't been an all out comedy club in greater Charleston for decades, until now.

Founded by comedian Josh Bates, and entrepreneurs Rick Blind and Bo Silliman, Wit's End singular goal is to bring people together through the power of laughter. Together the trio are bringing funny back to Charleston. Now that's refreshing.

Want more refreshing? Open generally two hours prior to a scheduled show, usually 5 or 6pm, the Wit's End has a welcoming bar with a dozen seats where patrons can enjoy a nice cold brew or cocktail prior to the night's performance which start at 7 or 8pm. Sit and enjoy small 'funny talk' until moving into the next room which seats approximately 100 for a show.

Several of the libations are named for noted comics such as The Dangerfield (Rodney), and The Cho (Henry or Margaret, who knows). The Larrabee, named for Atlanta native Lace Larrabee (semifinalist on America's Got Talent) is aptly concocted from Deep Eddy Peach Vodka, mango puree, and jalapeno simple syrup. A sweet and savory adult beverage! Another 20 assorted name brand whiskey and tequilas to satisfy your thirst.

Beer drinkers have a slew of brewskis to mull over, including several from local breweries. Westbrook, Munkle, and Holy City offer up their crafts alongside everyday favorites from Bud, Michelob, and Miller. Furthermore Edmunds Oast and Commonhouse provide rotating drafts, to complement Mic Drop, a smooth drinking lager crafted especially for Wit's End by Narragansett.

Hell yes they have fruit of the vine on the drink menu. Sip on a glass of red, white, rose, or Proseco or have the whole bottle of wine brought to your table. Another 20 assorted name brand whiskey and tequilas to satisfy your thirst. Mocktails, NA beer, Red Bull, and Mexican Coke fill up the remainder of the potables.

While Wit's End is not an all out restaurant, they do offer a half dozen finger foods that go well with the drink of your choice. I highly recommend either the MFP aka a salted Motha F#@king Pretzel served charcuterie style with nacho or pimento cheese. Have a sweet tooth, perhaps opt for the MFSP (fill in the blank), a cinnamon and sugar pretzel drizzled in chocolate, presented with a side of vanilla icing. Ooh la la!

Want more? Their pizza, plain or with pepperoni comes complements of D'Allesandro's, a preferred Charleston area pizzeria. Easily shareable, as are the Ballpark Nachos with a side of pickled jalapenos. Almost all the food and drink range from $6 to $16, unless you're ordering a bottle.

Whereas the downstairs is devoted to the lounge and the intimate theatre where comics perform, the upstairs at the Wit's End consists or a large well lit game room similar to a man cave (ladies are welcome), complete with video games and a pool table. Great room to hang out and enjoy a drink before funny breaks loose downstairs. 

Looking for an awesome place for your next corporate event or maybe a company wide social? Consider booking Wit's End. It's a great way to impress your employees and will provide memorable experiences. For more info check out https://www.witsendcharleston.com/pages/corporate-events  and then email them for more info.

All the famed American cities have comedy clubs. Some have several. With all the attention Charleston gathers from the travel and tourism magazines, it's high time we have a full time comedy club to offer locals and visitors alike. Wit's End Comedy Club & Lounge is filling a comedic void that was much needed in the low country of SC. Recent performers have included Doug Stanhope, with Sean Patton set to bring his brand of comedy in December to Charleston. 

Wit's End Comedy Club and Lounge is located at 3320 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston about a block south of Cosgrove Avenue, which makes it five minutes off I-26. Taking Meeting or King Streets up from downtown Charleston, then just look for Richard Pryor's face on the side of the building.

Ticket prices vary depending on the stature of the performer, but overall prices are reasonable considering it's Charleston. Comics often perform two shows a night on the weekends with some beginning as early as 6pm. For a full list of stand-ups coming to town and all Wit's End has to offer visit their webpage at https://www.witsendcharleston.com/  and visit their events page.