L.A. has the best comedy clubs in the country. Countless stars got their start in the local scene, from Richard Pryor to David Letterman and Rodney Dangerfield.
Here are some of the best comedy clubs in town.
The Hollywood Improv
The Improv is one of the three major comedy clubs in Hollywood, a triad that also includes the Comedy Store and the Laugh Factory. Like the other clubs in town, the Improv has a two-item minimum in the showroom—meaning you must purchase two drinks or food items. This tends to put the average price of watching a show at around $30. Most of the major clubs in town regularly offer discounted tickets as promotions, and The Improv is probably your best bet for this. There is street parking as well as valet.
The Laugh Factory
The laugh factory opened on a busy corner on Sunset Strip in 1979 in a building formerly owned by Groucho Marx. Richard Pryor was reportedly the first comic to grace the Laugh Factory,the first comic in a long list of high profile performances. The showroom is rustic and intimate and offers theater-style seating. In additional to national and local bookings, an open mic night is held every Tuesday. Parking can be difficult, so valet or parking a few blocks aways is the best bet for visitors.
The Comedy Store
Also, opening in the 70s on Sunset Strip, the Comedy Store was founded by comedians Sammy Shore and Rudy DeLuca, who booked Johnny Carson for one of the venue’s first acts. The Comedy Store offers three separate showrooms: the Main Room which is a large showroom, the Original Room seats about 80 people and features revolving shows on a nightly basis, and the Belly Room is home to the open-mic scene. There is an outside patio with drinks and bar food that is great for fresh air or people watching. The Comedy Store is more ‘hit and miss’ than the other clubs, mostly based on the shear volume of shows it hosts.
The Haha Cafe
The only comedy club in North Hollywood, The Ha Ha doesn’t boast the same calibre of shows as the major clubs, but it isn’t a bad place to check out. It is small, probably seating about 80 people, and usually easy to get free tickets. Guests can grab a table or lounge on couches and enjoy the show.
Flappers Comedy Club
Situated in downtown Burbank, Flappers is set up nicely for comedy, the food is good and the staff, sporting vintage flapper gear, are warm and helpful. There are parking garages nearby and plenty of dining options for a pre-show meal.
The Comedy and Magic Club
It may be a bit out of the way, but Comedy and Magic Club is well worth the trip. Featuring by far the best food of any LA area club, also has great bookings. Celebrities routinely drop by to do sets and every detail of the show is taken into account to provide a one of a kind experience. Don’t let the name fool you – they rarely have magicians anymore, just outstanding comedy.
