(San Francisco – May 8, 2019) — San Francisco’s oldest and most revered comedy club, Punch Line, is moving from its longtime Battery Street home this August after being unable to renew its lease with the current property owners.
Longtime Punch Line talent buyer Molly Schminke said, “We’re currently in search of a new home to preserve our decades-long tradition of entertaining comedy fans in San Francisco and the Bay Area. It’s a sad moment for us, but we’re excited at the future’s potential.
“While we search for our new home, the club will continue to support local comedy, bring in the hottest up-and-coming comedians and book some of the biggest national headliners who come back to perform on the Punch Line stage year after year.”
The storied venue opened in 1978 in what was originally a dressing room for an adjacent rock club, The Old Waldorf. Both were owned by legendary rock promoter Bill Graham; and with the help of House MC Bobby Slayton, the venue quickly established itself as a premier comedy club for both audiences and performers.
The list of comedic greats who have taken some of their first steps in show business include Dave Chappelle, Robin Williams, Ali Wong, Dana Carvey, Amy Schumer, Bill Burr, Gabriel Iglesias, Aziz Ansari, Marc Maron, John Mulaney, Greg Proops and Margaret Cho.
All regularly played Punch Line before selling out arenas and appearing in movies and TV. Many still make guest appearances and perform surprise shows at Punch Line to this day.
“We want to thank all the fans and extraordinary comedians that have helped make Punch Line an entertainment landmark in this city,” said Schminke. “Our best days are yet to come.”
At Punch Line San Francisco, fans are able to enjoy today's top comedians six nights a week or visit other sister clubs: Punch Line Sacramento, Punch Line Philadelphia and our larger club in San Francisco, Cobb's Comedy Club.
