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On the Road
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Comedy thrived in San Francisco in the 1980s, with open mikes all over the city. But during the
next decade San Francisco stopped laughing as many of the great clubs—the Holy City Zoo, the
Improv, and the Other Café—shut their doors. Comedians migrated south, hoping to get their laughs
under the bright lights of Los Angeles.
"Comics come to Los Angeles, motivated to take their act to the next level," explains Greg Behrendt,
stand-up comic and host of the radio show Manversation. "Here you can get jobs writing, in television
and radio, or consulting." Behrendt consults for HBO's popular show Sex and the City.
While San Francisco's Punchline and Cobb's sustain some laughs in the Bay Area, Los Angeles has
benefited from an influx of talent. The result is a vibrant comedy scene ranging from dark and edgy
to experimental to mainstream.
The Comedy Store, Hollywood, (323) 656-6225. Epicenter of the 1980s comedy boom on Sunset,
this club sparked the careers of some of the more blue comics—Richard Pryor, Sam Kinnison, and
Andrew Dice Clay.
The Ice House, Pasadena, (626) 577-1895. A pioneer of Southland comedy clubs, today it
leans toward family-oriented, PG-rated material. Veterans include Tim Allen, Steve Martin, and
Robin Williams.
The Improvisation, West Hollywood, (323) 651-2583. This club is a destination for out-of-towners
and industry types alike. Material tends toward the mainstream. It hosts frequent
showcases.
Comedy & Magic Club, Hermosa Beach, (310) 372-1193. Plush interior, mostly PG humor. The
shtick here involves three acts, the second of which is always a magician, juggler, or
hypnotist.
Groundling Theater, West Hollywood, (323) 934-9700. In the tradition of Chicago's Second
City, this improv company spawned comedic greats, including many graduates to Saturday Night
Live—Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, Jon Lovitz, and Laraine Newman.
Laugh Factory, West Hollywood, (323) 656-1336. TV stars, including Jerry Seinfeld, have
performed here. Tuesday night's open mike encourages fresh talent.
Largo, Hollywood, (323) 852-1073. The Monday night showcase is the hottest comedy scene
in town. Ten to 12 of the best and brightest strut their stuff every week. A recent night saw these
talents: Patton Oswald, Dana Gould, David Cross.
HBO Workspace at the Melrose Theater, Hollywood, (323) 461-3256. This experimental theater
is a renowned laboratory for rising talent. Catch one-person shows and works in progress. Call ahead
as space is limited here—most shows are free.
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