The Creek And The Cave: How NYC's Legendary Alt-Comedy Club Found A New Home In Austin, TX

The Creek and The Cave is more than just a comedy club; it is a phoenix of the stand-up world, a legendary incubator of alternative comedy that successfully relocated from its 14-year home in New York City to the burgeoning comedy mecca of Austin, Texas. The move, completed in 2021, was a major seismic event in the North American comedy landscape, ensuring that the club’s unique, raw, and comedian-first spirit did not die when the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure in Long Island City, Queens. Now, operating out of the historic Red River Entertainment District, The Creek continues its mission, offering live shows seven nights a week and cementing its status as a vital platform for both established stars and the next generation of comedic talent.

As of December 10, 2025, The Creek and The Cave is thriving in its Austin location, demonstrating remarkable resilience and a commitment to the art form. Its calendar is packed with headliners and unique showcases, proving that the club’s move has been a monumental success, injecting a crucial dose of East Coast alt-comedy grit into the heart of Texas's capital city. This is the complete, updated story of the club, its founders, its famous alumni, and what you need to know about visiting the new comedy powerhouse.

The Creek and The Cave: Essential Biography and Profile

The story of The Creek and The Cave is intrinsically linked to its visionary founder and the two major cities it has called home. It represents a rare continuity in the often-volatile world of independent comedy venues.

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• Name: The Creek and The Cave
• Original Location (Closed): Long Island City, Queens, New York City (2007–2020)
• Current Location (Opened 2021): 611 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701 (Red River Entertainment District)
• Founder & Owner/Operator: Rebecca Trent
• Co-Owner (Austin): Colton Dowling
• Key Identity: A home for "alt-comedy," known for its low-cost or free shows, late-night open mics, and a supportive, unpretentious atmosphere for comics to hone their craft.
• Key Achievement: Instrumental in advancing the careers of countless comedians. Co-creator of the annual comedy festival Skankfest.
• Current Offerings: Live Stand-up Comedy Shows 7 nights a week, full drink menu, and food offerings.

The Legendary NYC Run and The Pandemic Closure

For 14 years, the original Creek and The Cave in Queens was a foundational pillar of the New York City comedy scene. It was a place where comedians could take huge risks, fail spectacularly, and find their unique voice without the pressure of a high-priced, tourist-driven Manhattan club. This environment fostered a generation of "alt-comedy" stars.

The club's open-door policy and dedication to the craft made it an essential stop for comics across all levels. The legacy of the original location is profound, having served as a launchpad for several comedians who would go on to achieve mainstream success. This is why the club’s closure in the fall of 2020, due to the insurmountable financial pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, was met with widespread sadness across the industry. Owner Rebecca Trent was open about the difficulties, stating she was not in a strong enough position to sustain the venue through the extended closures.

The club's influence is clear when looking at the list of comedians who passed through its doors. Notable alumni who developed their material at The Creek include: Donald Glover (also known as Childish Gambino), Tim Dillon, Kevin Barnett, and Sara Benincasa. Other major names like Big Jay Oakerson were also heavily associated with the venue and the scene it cultivated. This history gives the Austin location an immediate, deep-rooted credibility.

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The Great Comedy Migration: Rebirth in Austin, Texas

The decision to relocate The Creek and The Cave to Austin, Texas, was a bold move that recognized the city's rapidly growing status as a comedy hub. Austin, already a magnet for comedians due to its vibrant culture and lower cost of living compared to NYC and LA, was the perfect new home. The new venue officially opened its doors on April 1, 2021, at 611 E. Seventh St., taking over the space formerly occupied by the music venue Barracuda.

The Austin club, co-owned by comedian Colton Dowling, immediately sought to replicate the unpretentious, high-quality atmosphere of its predecessor. It brought the spirit of New York's alternative comedy scene to the Texas capital, a move that has been instrumental in the explosive growth of Austin's stand-up community.

A Platform for Today's Biggest Names and Rising Stars

The Creek and The Cave in Austin has quickly re-established itself as a premier venue, attracting a mix of local favorites and major touring acts. The club’s commitment to offering a diverse range of shows is evident in its current programming, which caters to various tastes and styles. The club features shows every single night, ensuring there is always an opportunity for a night of laughter.

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The venue's commitment to current and high-profile comedy is highlighted by events like the LIVE SPECIAL RECORDING featuring comedian Vanessa Gonzalez in December 2025, demonstrating its role in producing high-quality content. Other comedians who have recently graced the stage or are associated with the club include: Pete Lee, known for his clean, observational style; Jay Jurden, a rising star who has performed at major festivals; and the actor/comedian TJ Miller, who has been involved in discussions with owner Rebecca Trent about the Austin comedy scene.

The club also hosts unique, niche shows that keep the alternative comedy spirit alive, such as ESPANGLISH (English/Spanish Show), which features comedians like Santi Espinosa and caters to Austin's diverse audience. It also hosts raucous late-night showcases like THE FILTHY SHOW, a staple for the best local and touring comics to perform their most savage and unfiltered material.

More Than Just Stand-Up: The Creek's Cultural Impact

The influence of The Creek and The Cave extends beyond its nightly shows. Its presence in Austin has bolstered the city's overall entertainment ecosystem, particularly within the Red River Entertainment District, which is known for its live music and nightlife.

The Skankfest Connection

A significant part of The Creek's legacy is its connection to Skankfest, one of the most popular and raw comedy festivals in the world. Rebecca Trent is a co-creator of the festival, and the club's ethos—unfiltered, comedian-driven, and slightly anarchic—is the very foundation of the festival. This association means that The Creek is a constant hub for the kind of comedians and fans who value the edgier, less-polished side of the art form, further solidifying its "alt-comedy" roots.

A Hub for Community and Discovery

The club maintains an open-door policy, offering shows like "Dunk Tank" which are often free, making high-quality comedy accessible to everyone and fulfilling the club’s original mission of being a true community space. Even with major headliners, the club remains a place where you can see a "Comedians On The Rise" showcase, catching a future star before they break into the mainstream.

Whether you're looking for a last-minute date night, the next big headliner, or simply a dose of the best stand-up comedy Austin has to offer, The Creek and The Cave continues to be the essential destination. Its journey from a beloved New York fixture to a thriving Texas powerhouse is a testament to the enduring power of live comedy and the dedication of its founders and the comedians it supports.