Club Hoppin’ / For Laughs

Just for laughs, try:

The Comedy Store, 8433 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (213) 656-6225. Where comics like Garry Shandling and Jim Carrey struck gold and where today’s best comics look to top that. The venerable Sunset Strip joint is owned by Mitzi Shore (Pauly’s mom). 21 and over. Cover varies. Two-drink minimum.

The Groundlings Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 934-4747. The Groundlings are perhaps the city’s most prestigious comedy troupe boasting a long list of famous alumni and wide range of improv sketches. Thursday-Sunday night. All ages. Cover varies.

The Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (213) 656-1336. When this corner was an office building, Groucho Marx hung his hat here. Now the spot is known as a launching pad for stand-up comics seen on Letterman’s and Leno’s shows. 18 and over. Cover varies. Two-drink minimum.

Comedy Sportz, 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. (213) 871-1193. Two teams of improv comedians battle for laughs in this competition. Saturday nights at 10:30 p.m. All ages. No bar. Cover: $9 and $10.

The Comedy and Magic Club, 1018 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-1193. Folks like Jerry Seinfeld and Harry Anderson performed here when they were nobodies. Jay Leno performs most Sunday nights. Dennis Miller, David Spade, Bill Maher, Dana Carvey are scheduled to headline a weeklong benefit in March for Hollygrove, for abused and neglected children. 18 and over. Cover varies. Two-drink minimum.

Acme Comedy Theatre, 135 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 525-0202. The Acme Players stretch laughter to the outer limits with an lineup of skits. “Acme in the Sky With Diamonds” runs Saturdays at 8 p.m. through Feb. 14. Other improv and comedy troupes present shows Friday-Sunday nights. All ages. Cover varies.

The Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave., (213) 651-2583. Where outrageous comics take their show before going on the road or on national television. Full menu. 18 and over. Cover varies. Two-drink minimum.

The Impromptones at the Cinegrill in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood. (213) 871-1193. This cabaret comedy act spins songs into comedic harmony. The Impromptones are playing the Hollywood Roosevelt every Monday in January. 21 and over. Cover: $10, plus a $10 drink minimum.