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Well-suited: Comics bring slice of the past to eatery

Well-suited: Comics bring slice of the past to eatery
Photo by Stefano Giovannini

These comedians are fed up!

A new Thursday night comedy show is bringing a taste of a bygone era to Bushwick. Comedy Under Artichoke takes place in the basement of Artichoke Basille’s Pizza at the corner of Wyckoff Avenue and Troutman Street in Bushwick, and co-hosts Auggie Lutz and Bob Palos are bringing a retro, classic spin on the underground comedy scene. The lounge space beneath the pizza joint and bar is the perfect venue for a night of libations and laughter, and the location keeps the comedians full of jokes and of pizza.

We chatted with Lutz about his new comedy venture, which started in March.

Why did you choose Artichoke Pizza as a venue?

My co-host Bob Palos and I wanted to start a show in a small, intimate room, and the lounge under Artichoke is perfect. It has low ceilings and a few candle-lit tables, and it packs out pretty quickly. That and everyone at Artichoke has been great to us. They make sure all the comics are full of pizza before they leave.

There are many comedy shows that pop up in Bushwick. How do you make this one unique?

We wear suits. We were tired of seeing shows hosted by hipsters in hoodies, who didn’t really put any effort into it. So we decided we would at least look good for each show.

Is there certain vibe that you’d like to create that isn’t necessarily happening at other shows?

The show has a speakeasy type of vibe. It’s in a dark little basement, hosted by two guys in nice suits, and our microphone is one of those old-timey jazz microphones.

It’s early on, but have there been any memorable moments at the show?

The superintendent of the building, “Rocko,” has been stopping by to watch the shows. He’s great. He sits on the back and loves it all — although he does get a little vocal at times and needs to be reminded he’s not a comedian.

“Comedy Under Artichoke” at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza [18 Wyckoff Ave. at Troutman Street in Bushwick, (718) 386–0333, www.artichokepizza.com]. Thursdays at 10 pm. Free.

Suit up: Bob Palos and his co-host Auggie Lutz dress up to get down to the basement of Artichoke Pizza.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini