Today, Empire Comedy Club delivers world-class stand-up in the heart of Portland’s Arts District. We showcase top nationally touring comedians, regional favorites, and a growing local scene—bringing some of the best talent in the country to Maine. Our goal is simple: to be one of the best comedy clubs in the country, both as a premier performance space for comedians and as a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.
Portland itself has become nationally recognized for its vibrant food, arts, and culture scene, with an incredible concentration of award-winning restaurants, galleries, and live entertainment. As one of Maine’s top travel destinations, it’s the perfect place to get away for a weekend—catch a comedy show, explore the city, and experience the energy of Portland’s nightlife.
Originally home to the Empire Restaurant, an upscale Chinese dining destination that opened in 1916, the building has long been a place where people gather. After decades as a local fixture, the space was reimagined in 2007 as Empire Dine & Dance, blending dining and nightlife under one roof.
In 2013, the next chapter began: Empire Chinese Kitchen opened downstairs, while the upstairs continued as a live entertainment venue, keeping the building’s legacy alive.
That legacy continues today. In 2020, the upstairs space became Empire Comedy Club, bringing stand-up back to the heart of the city. After an early shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club relaunched in late December 2023 with a renewed focus on live comedy, national headliners, and building Portland’s comedy scene.
Empire Comedy Club is more than a venue—it’s part of a tradition. A place to gather, connect, and experience live entertainment. And downstairs, Empire Chinese Kitchen remains one of Portland’s most popular dining destinations, carrying forward over 100 years of history.