GalyaGail
It's much bigger on the inside, nice sized bar, stage and seating area. We went there on a Friday night, there were only 2 acts but the main one (Brad Williams) was on stage for awhile and we really enjoyed his act. Please don't see him if you suffer from nanosophobia though. The club requires a 2 drink minimum purchase and the tickets were about $12 each. Good venue and service.
jcanale72
Went last evening with five of my friends to see Rob Schneider. We arrived late, which was a no-no, seeing how this was sold out. This was our fault, not the club's. I only mention it to warn you what may happen if you are poorly prepared. The owner greeted us at the door and shook our hands and informed us we could be seated at tables, just not together. Again, this was our fault and not the club. However they did offer us stools close to the entryway. We choose this option. Our waitress was very bubbly and warm, quickly introducing herself and taking our drink orders. NOTE: You are required to order two items (food or drink). The drinks came within two minutes and were very satisfying. We didn't order food, but from what we saw our neighbors eating it appeared to be very appetizing. The owner was the first act and he did a great job of preparing the audience for the following two acts. The next comic I never heard of but was also very entertaining. Mr. Schneider's performance was also well worth the price of admission. I loved his "assessment" of Newark Airport. The last time I was in The Stress Factory was 13 years ago when I lived in Central NJ. It hasn't changed a bit. In short it's a dive, but in this case a great one, which compliments every aspect of the venue. Out tickets were ordered online which we found extremely convenient. Prices were a little on the high side for premium drinks, but we anticipate/expect this based on our experiences at other comedy clubs. The only complaint anyone could possibly have is parking. The garage is conveniently located right next door, but the payment system and long lines are intolerable, especially in cold weather. However, this didn't ruin our great time. I wish I didn't live so far away, because I NEED an escape like this every few weeks. I strongly encourage you to venture out here and unwind.
valeriemabel
We went to the comedy show and chose the Stress Factory so we could take our two teenage daughters. The price was a great value for New Year's Eve, it included dinner. The downside they stuck as many people as possible in the room. The food was better than cafeteria food, I thought the eggplant parmigiana was good, the green beans were fresh and the dessert were good. The comedian was Godfrey. He was so funny. It seemed that many people in the audience were enjoying his humor. My daughters were in tears they thought he was so funny. Now that I know there is a comedy club not far from me - I will check their schedule to see who is performing.
541alexs
New Brunswick owes a debt of gratitude to the Stress Factory. This is one the premier comedy clubs in the United States, and it is truly a gem of New Jersey. They have great weekly talent, it's reasonably priced, and it is a blast! Be sure to visit if you are in the area, it's one of the best comedy clubs around.
windsgroup
If you are there for the comedy, you in for wake up call. The headliners and guests were extremely rude and crass to the audience. Why do comedians like to insult and embarrass the audience? Your'e there for good time. Like other comedy clubs, the room was dark except for the stage. The tables were so close together, you had no choice but to meet new friends. Finally, the food should have been discarded. I don't serve food to my dog like that. Serious changes are needed for me to return to this dump.
dmarinaro
We went to see Charlie Murphy, and as expected he was fantastic. My suggestion would be to get there a good 30 minutes before "show time" as we did and got great seats! My one complaint is how they use their panoramic camera to go around and poke fun at the audience. Its all in good fun, but i didn't like it. But all in all a great club, fair prices, great service and fantastic show! We will be back!
jessicam995
My husband and I came here Thursday night to see Mick Foley and what a great show! It was good to do something other than just dinner. I used to come here a lot more when I was younger and it really has not changed much. The tables and decor seem to be the same. The food is fine but you are definitely coming for the show and not the food. I would prefer to go to dinner before and leave the 2 item requirement for drinks or dessert. We will go back but would like to see some updates and maybe some better food options.
61waynes
We went to this Comedy Club on a Thursday night and they had 3 comedians that performed that night. They were all funny in their own way and the host/owner was great at getting the audience involved with the show. The building is small but they packed a lot of small tables and chairs inside that are VERY close to each other. There is also a 2 item minimum for each guest to buy while you are there, it can be food or drinks or a combination of both. They have a Specialty Drink menu that looks good but it doesn't list any of the drink prices, and my server didn't know all of the prices of the drinks listed but she kept asking us if we wanted to make our drinks tall ones or small ones. We both got small ones because we didn't know how many ounces separated the two sizes or the price difference. They really should put the prices on their Specialty Drink menu, that would solve a lot of confusion and help sell more drinks. If I knew what the prices were, I would have bought more drinks. They have a very large food menu that has too many items on it, way too many appetizers, too many chicken sandwiches that all look the same and too many dessert items to choose from. They definitely need to cut their menu in half and keep it light because people go there for the comedy show not for the food. If they want to be a real restaurant then they need to get bigger tables that aren't on top of each other and serve their meals with real side items like french fries, cole slaw or baked or mashed potatoes and not potato chips. All and all it was a good night but, in my opinion, it could have been a better night if they make these changes.
HeidiD451
The Stress Factory, a mainstay on Church Street, never fails to entertain. The small venue hosts headliners and up and comers, and is a guaranteed laugh. Weekends there is an early and later show; arrive early to sit closer. If you book with a bigger crowd, you may find yourself at a table further back, and be prepared to sit close to others, which can be uncomfortable at times. Food and drinks are ok, not especially memorable, but you do alright sticking to what's on draft or a bottle. Like most places of its type, there is a 2 item minimum. Park right next door in the Church street lot.
cml969
My wife and I love this place. We've gone at least 1/2 dozen times in the last two years. Most often we either go with a couple or see some friends once we get there. We have only been disappointed ONCE in the last two yrs. This was a show that featured 4 up and coming comics and some of them were clearly trying to figure out just who they were on stage. Every other time was great. Chris Rock, Vinnie Brand, Godfrey, and some folks I've never heard of but have been grinding for a while were there and it was great.The food leaves something to desire, but you don't go to your barber and expect great stock tips (though some of them are on point with their investing). The wait staff are efficient if not overly friendly. Again they've got a lot of people to serve and having long conversations in the middle of a comedy show is not a good idea.We've already go plans to return in a few weeks. Give it a shot, it won't disappoint.
GregD_11
I always have a great time when I am there. I had seen Jim Norton there awhile back and it was one of my best times I ever had. Drinks and food are good and the staff was great. Had to wait in line but get ther early if you want to sit close, there is really no bad seat in the house. I enjoy the second showing more, it getts a little more intense.
670sashac
Some big names, but usually the amateurs are just as funny – there’s something very brave about a guy standing on stage and trying to be funny. If you’ve never been to a comedy club, they’re worth supporting – usually a small fee up front and a mandatory drink or two, not a bad start to the evening. Stay away from the food though – slow pub food, not so good, and wear appropriate clothing – it’s in the basement, so hot during the summer, cold during the winter.
654jacks
Cannot recommend this place enough. They consistently bring in solid headlining acts and openers. Some nights the audience will get a little extra if Vinnie Brand, the owner, warms up the crowd himself. The house is usually packed for weekend shows, so it’s always a good idea to get there earlier rather than later. The atmosphere at the club calls to mind the great basement comedy clubs of New York, like the Comedy Cellar. Service can be slow serving such great crowds, but the food is decent and above most comedy club fare. There is a parking garage right next to the club, which is in a popular section of New Brunswick (another reason to arrive earlier), but overall, the Stress Factory is a great value and a great thing to do on Friday or Saturday nights.
jenandcody
I live in the area and have been to the stress factory many times. I can't say that I've ever had a bad time. Parking is in the lot next door which is very convenient. I buy tickets online ahead of time but have purchased on the phone day off and picked up at the venue without a problem too. Food isn't bad, bar food type menu. Depending on our timetable, we eat ahead and simply do drinks or eat there. They have a minimum for either drinks or food but that's pretty standard at comedy clubs. It does get packed in there if you are seeing a well known comedian but all seats are good view and it's a cheap ticket for a fun night out. And BTW, the owner is most definitely a comedian and I think he is super funny.
Mccanavan3
Parking is great because there is a garage immediately next door! No roaming New Brunswick for a spot! Be prepared when you go to the later show, that you may be waiting outside for the first show to clear. There are not enough heaters to stay warm by, but get there early enough and you can get a beginning number to be let in to the place as soon as it is cleared out. There is a two item per person minimum here. Drinks are a little weak, but the food is pretty good. They run specials all the time, so sign up for their email alerts if you like comedy shows. The owner is hysterical. He warms up every time that I have been there and he is great. He is starting to get some bigger name comedians. Hope that continues!