News Summary
The Laughing Tap Comedy Club in Milwaukee is relocating to the historic George Watts & Sons Building, significantly increasing its capacity to 120 guests. This move comes after successful years in Walker’s Point, with aims to enhance the comedy experience in the vibrant downtown area. The anticipated opening is set for early 2026, following necessary renovations and licensing processes, signaling a new chapter for this beloved venue that has showcased renowned comedians.
Milwaukee – The Laughing Tap Comedy Club is set to relocate to a new venue in the historic George Watts & Sons Building at 761 N. Jefferson St. in downtown Milwaukee, with plans to open in early 2026. The comedy club, which previously operated out of the Walker’s Point neighborhood at 706 S. 5th St., concluded its last show on June 18, 2023.
The announcement for this new location was made during the finale of the Milwaukee Comedy Festival held at Great Lakes Distillery, generating excitement in the local comedy scene. The George Watts & Sons building, built in 1925, formerly housed the luxury gift retailer George Watts & Son Inc. until its closure in 2016. Current tenants of the building include Continuum Architects and Planners, Kesslers Diamonds, and DeLind Fine Art Appraisals.
The Laughing Tap club previously accommodated 80 guests, but the new venue is designed to host around 120, indicating a significant increase in capacity to cater to the growing demand for comedy shows. The club has a long-standing presence in the community, offering a wide array of events such as open mic nights and performances from nationally recognized comedians like Bobcat Goldthwait and Hari Kondabolu.
Initially, the club aimed to open its new location in the fall of 2023. However, the timeline has been adjusted due to necessary renovations and construction work. The club’s owners—Matt Kemple, Kaitlin McCarthy, and Greg Bach—are currently in the process of securing the required tavern and entertainment licenses and expect to begin construction soon.
Owners expressed enthusiasm about transitioning to a location that reflects the historic character of the downtown area, which boasts a vibrant cultural scene. As part of the relocation, a grand reopening celebration is planned, with additional details to be released as the opening date approaches.
The George Watts & Sons building is notable for its rich history, having housed the Watts Tea Shop, which operated continuously from 1925 until its closure in 2016, after which it transitioned to online sales. The Laughing Tap has proven successful in its past location, frequently selling out shows, which underscores the strong demand for events in the local standup comedy landscape. This move is seen as a direct response to the success of the Milwaukee Comedy Festival and the vibrant developments within the Milwaukee standup scene.
The Laughing Tap Comedy Club’s relocation signifies a new chapter for the venue as it seeks to enhance its offerings and expand its audience base, confirming its commitment to providing quality entertainment in Milwaukee. Fans eagerly await the reopening, as it promises to bring an enhanced experience for both comedians and audiences alike.
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Additional Resources
- On Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Milwaukee Record
- Urban Milwaukee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Comedy Clubs in Milwaukee
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
