Laugh WITH Los Angeles: L.A. Comedy Clubs

The Comedy Store is what most people think of when (if) they think of Los Angeles live comedy. When it was at its peak it hosted the likes of Chris Rock, Chris Farley, and some other people named Chris. Now its famous for being owned by Pauly Shore’s mom.

Oh, North Hollywood, the cultural mecca of Los Angeles, home to the Ha Ha Cafe. Well, one of those is true.

This improv theatre came before the Comedy Central show of the same name. They play host to a wide range of comedy shows from local and out of town sketch troupes to their ever popular (and oh so affordable) Comedy Death Ray. Just sign up for their email list and when you see a CDR line up that you like, RSVP as soon as possible. Then you’ll get to spend a measly $5 to see comedy talent like Sarah SIlverman, Bob Odenkrik (from Mr. Show) and about a thousanc other comedians. The space is fairly small, which makes for intimate jokes and plenty of interaction with the audience, but it also means that at the more popular shows, you may end up sitting on the stage (off to the side) which isn’t really comfortable for anyone. Show up early to avoid this. BTW, it’s BYOB!

With the classic brick wall, the Improv, ironically, is not one of the imrpov clubs on this list. Instead, it hosts big and small stand ups from around the country, usually charges a fairly steep cover and tries to get you to come in for dinner first to get “priority seating.” But, you do get to see the brick wall, so…

This Sunset Strip club (NOT a strip club) doesn’t exactly draw the biggest names (Jon Lovitz residency, anyone?) and it’s pretty run down. The last time I went they didn’t even have tables, just rows of chairs that the poor cocktail waitresses had to squeeze between to get you your 2 drink minimum. However, you can get the occasional discount on cover at the Laugh Factory, so if you don’t want to shell out full price for one of the better clubs, then, have at it.

Stop by birds for some turkey chili and a beer after yukking it up at UCB next door.

With illustrious alumni like Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch, Improv Olympic on Hollywood Blvd is definitely an L.A. destination for improv comedy. Not to mention, it’s generally a lot cheaper to get in to one of their zany sketch shows than to get a seat at one of of the bigger stand up clubs. With no drink minimum and specials like $3 beers, Improv might just make a recession come back.