Spotlight on Hollywood's Comedy Scene

When you're visiting Los Angeles for the first time, you'll want to hit all the highlights: the La Brea Tar Pits, the iconic Hollywood Sign, the Warner Bros Studio Tour. But in the evenings, when you're looking for something more exciting than a simple dinner out, consider taking in a comedy performance.

If you've never seen a live comedy show, you don't know what you're missing. When the performers are on top of their game, you'll have a stitch in your side from start to finish. Who knows? You might just end up hitting a new venue for fresh laughs every night of your visit. To get you started, here are the names of a couple of comedy clubs in Hollywood CA.

Hollywood Improv

Improv has several locations scattered throughout the country, but Hollywood is the ideal place to catch a show. For one thing, they've been serving up laughs for more than 60 years, so you know they have a keen eye for top talent. That brings us to the second point: Many stars call Los Angeles home, so there's a good chance you'll recognize the names on the ticket. For example, at the time of this writing, David Spade and Craig Robinson were scheduled to appear the following night.

Come thirsty—Hollywood Improv's specialty drink list is small yet impressive. Beer and wine are also available. If you'd like to nibble on something during the show, the venue offers a nice selection of pub grub and finger food including pizzas, buffalo cauliflower, street tacos and much more.

The Comedy Store

This Sunset Boulevard gem is one of the most famous comedy clubs in Hollywood CA. Founded in 1972 by comedian Sammy Shore, his wife Mitzi, and comedy scribe Rudy DeLuca, it's said to be the world's first all stand-up comedy nightclub. Since Sammy was often on the road—he spent years opening for Elvis Presley—Mitzi assumed the managerial duties, selecting and scheduling the various performers.

There's a two-drink minimum at the Store, so be aware of that before you buy tickets. You don't have to drink alcohol if you'd prefer not to, though—soft drinks, coffee, and tea are available as well. There's also a small menu that includes hot pretzels, cookies, and pizza. Note that you have to be at least 21 to attend a show here.

Laugh Factory

Laugh Factory's Hollywood branch can be found on Sunset Boulevard, right in the middle of the action. Its list of alumni is impressive, boasting the likes of Tiffany Haddish, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, and Dave Chappelle. Even better, the company has been lauded by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for contributing to the preservation of individual liberties and rights.

Owner Jamie Masada opened the Laugh Factory in 1979. Since then, he's been invited to consult on various comedy projects, including Fox's In Living Color. The New York Daily News has referred to Masada as the "Real King of Comedy." If that's the case, though, he's a humble ruler, using his influence to help budding comedians launch their careers and become stars in their own right.

Check out one of these comedy clubs in Hollywood CA the next time you're in town. Better yet, make it a comedy-centric trip and take in all three.