By Lori Haught
With curtains reminiscent of Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” and a chic design, Comix proves to be one of the classier comedy clubs in the city.
Located at 353 W. 14th St., Comix is the first comedy club in the Meatpacking District. It celebrated its grand opening Sept. 14 with a red carpet event and headliners like Kathy Griffin and David Spade.
“We have an amazing booker,” co-owner Harlan Halper said of the lineup. Halper, a businessman who has dabbled in his share of stand-up, owns Comix with Bobby Collins, a rather well-known stand-up comedian, and Michael Palitz, a financier.
Living up to the area’s reputation for large, trendy clubs, the latest addition sports a classic but modern design scheme and 14,000 square feet of space.
“It’s brighter then most comedy clubs,” one attendee at the opening-night gala remarked. Unlike Caroline’s and other classic comedy clubs in the city, the inside of Comix is light colored and well lit. Also unlike other clubs, there is no drink minimum at Comix, although there is a full restaurant menu.
Despite the no-drink minimum, average ticket prices for weekdays will be $15 to $20, and on the weekends tickets will range from $25 to $30. Ticket prices are subject to change depending on the talent, however.
Drink prices are comparable to most New York clubs, with domestic beers $6 and imports $7. Mixed drinks can range anywhere from $8 to $15 for a martini, according to Steve Duffy, the club’s beverage director.
The theme of opening night was “Laughter Is the Best Medicine” and actors and models dressed as doctors and nurses were on hand to mingle.
“We’re here to create atmosphere,” Liz Lord, one of the sexily clad nurses, said.
Comix has four bars and although there is no seating in the upstairs lounge, one can find plenty downstairs. Patrons can also watch the shows from anywhere in the club on the large flat-screen TV’s hanging on the walls of every room. With three and a half tiers of seating in the showroom, there are no bad seats, either.
When it comes to neighborhood disturbances, Comix is trying to keep them to a minimum. Although people spilling out at the end of the shows is unavoidable, the club is acoustically designed to keep the sound inside. Step a few feet out the door and the almost deafening noise of the inside is virtually inaudible. Neighbors of the club have had no complaints.
“It’s more of an upscale club,” Tim Mandela, one of the actors hired to enhance the opening night gala, said. “It will do well in the Meatpacking District.”
