As one of the sitcom capitals of the world, L.A. has more than its share of talented comics on the rise. Comedy pilots for the various networks and cable companies are shot almost daily in this city. Newcomers move to L.A. in droves, hoping to appear at an open mike night at a prestigious comedy club and then begin their ascent towards stand-up fame. Others reach for the brass ring of a starring role in a successful sitcom.

With this much aspiring talent present in its almost boundless city limits, L.A. can offer you some of the best nights of laughter your rib cage will ever know.

 

The Comedy Store
8433 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 656-6225

One of the best-known comedy venues in L.A. continues to attract the best and brightest entertainers. You can’t go wrong if you visit this place. They carefully screen the paid performers and only the most talented newcomers seem to take the stage on open mike nights. Many young comics have been invited to appear on The Tonight Show or audition for a role in a comedy sitcom pilot as the result of a successful run here. Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, Roseanne and others have graced this stage. Come join the fun. The crowd tends to be mixed, with all age groups over 21 evenly represented on most nights. Keep in mind that nearly all LA comedy clubs require a two-drink minimum order from each patron.

Hours: 
Vary, call ahead.

Cover:
 Usually $5 during the week and $10-$15 on weekends.

Parking: 
On the street. Arrive in the area early. (You can also pay between $5-$10 to park in the Hyatt Hotel’s lot.)

 

The Comedy and Magic Club
1018 Hermosa Avenue
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 372-1193

Come see why so many Angelenos are willing to make the drive down the coastline to this comedy venue, located between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. Local residents like to keep tabs on the frequent appearances by the Tonight Show’s Jay Leno who often appears here on Sunday nights to try out new material for his show. Many regulars also drop in because of the lively atmosphere and the friendly cocktail waitress service. Comedians such as Rodney Dangerfield and Jim Carrey have performed here during this club’s noteworthy 20-year history. You never know when one of your favorites will drop in and perform unannounced.

The crowd is usually a bit older, though many younger people come regularly as well. Two-drink minimum.

Hours: 
8pm Tue-Fri; 7:30pm & 10pm on Sat

Cover: 
Usually quite high. Call ahead and be sure to make reservations.

Parking: 
The rooftop parking area fills up quickly, so come early.

 

The Groundlings Theatre
7307 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 934-9700

Improv comedy venue that attracts some of the city’s most talented comics. Many Saturday Night Live stars got their start with this group. A number of the younger comics may even look familiar since many regularly land gigs in movies and commercials. Improv comedy is an especially hot commodity now that so many Americans regularly tune in to see it performed on Drew Carey’s "Whose Line Is It Anyway" show. The crowd tends to be quite young, though you’ll still feel right at home if you have left your twenties behind. Dress casual so you can blend in with the crowd.

Hours: 
May vary. Usually 8pm Thurs, 8pm & 10pm on Fri-Sat, 7:30pm Sun.

Cover: 
Varies, call ahead.

Parking: 
In neighboring lots, almost no street parking available nearby.

 

The Ice House Comedy Club
24 North Mentor Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 577-1894

Judging from the entrance area to this place that’s tucked away in a quiet section of Pasadena, you might never guess that big name entertainers have been appearing here for decades. George Carlin, the Smothers Brothers, Gallager, Dana Carvey and many others have delighted audiences here. Be sure to inquire about the Annex which regularly features many talented newcomers. Consider making reservations for dinner and then attending the show. The menu has all your favorites like New York Steak, Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp. A two-drink minimum is enforced for all comedy show guests.

Hours: 
May vary. Usually: 8pm Wed, 8:30pm & 10:30pm Fri; 7pm, 9pm and 11pm Sat.

Cover: 
$9.50 Fri-Sat and usually $6.50 Wed & Sun. Call ahead. Note: 11pm show on Sat is usually $11.50.

Parking: 
In large parking structure across the street.