Looking for a laugh in Los Angeles? From Hollywood to the streets of Hermosa Beach, there are a variety of comedy clubs that will leave you in tears. Stand up originated in the 1950s in LA, with comedians performing at folk clubs; however the art quickly grew to larger venues. Since the Eighties, its popularity has exploded, and with the addition of comic networks, comedy clubs are frequent in Southern California. Home to some of the country's topnotch comedians, Los Angeles is known for its humorous hot spots. Check out these recommended clubs, join the community of funny people, and take a break from reality.
Laugh Factory
USA Today has called The Laugh Factory "the number one comedy club in the country." Since its opening on the sunset strip in Hollywood in 1979, some of the most prominent comedians in the country have stepped on stage. Jim Carrey, Chris Rock, and Adam Sandler are among the many to perform at the Laugh Factory. Here you can catch an up-and- coming comedian, risk it all at open mic night, or enjoy one of your celebrity favorites. Booking, tickets and schedules can be found at the website below.
- Location: 8001 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
- Phone: 323-656-1336
- Website: www.laughfactory.com
The Comedy & Magic Club
A short distance from LAX and across the street from Hermosa Beach is the Comedy & Magic Club operating since 1978. This club offers comfortable seating, a large food menu and variety of beer and wine. It is recommended to arrive early; with open seating it is first come/ first serve. Bring some extra cash for local parking and the club's two beverage minimum. The Comedy & Magic Club offers special packages for large parties, offered year round. Swing by the club on a Sunday and catch regular Jay Leno take the stage or check out the calendar for upcoming performances.
- Location: 1018 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA
- Phone: 310-372-1193
- Website: www.comedyandmagicclub.com
Comedy Store
This club is located in the heart of Hollywood among the bright lights and crowed bars along Sunset strip. Managed by the witty Pauley Shore and owned by his mother Mitzi Shore, this electric club originally opened in 1972 with Johnny Carson making his debut. The Comedy Store has made some network appearances such as Minding the Store, a TV series that aired on MTV in 2005 following Pauley Shore's life at the club. The club was also featured on Unsolved Mysteries as it is thought to be playfully haunted by past performers. With multiple rooms and comedians scheduled seven nights a week, this place is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
- Location: 8433 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA
- Phone: 323-650-6268
- Website: www.thecomedystore.com
Acme Comedy Theatre
This sketch, improv and stand up club nestled between Beverly Hills and Hollywood was founded in 1989 and boasts alumni such as Adam Corolla and Joel McHale. The theater is spacious with a large stage, moveable set and 99 comfortable seats for viewers. The stage is often used for night shows, comedy school, film projects and TV pilots. This club offers free online viewing for its Saturday night Acme TV show, conveniently accessible from the website. Offering a unique blend of comedy genres, this club has remained one of the most popular comedy joints in Los Angeles.
- Location: 135 North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
- Phone: 323-525-0202
- Website: www.acmecomedy.com
