Itinerary: Alternative Comedy

As L.A. hipsters know, there’s a world of great comedy beyond the Laugh Factory, the Improv and the Comedy Store. For those bored with Lewinsky jokes, offended by the predictable stereotypes delivered by mainstream comics or just steamed about the two-drink minimums, the local bookstore/cafe/club scene may be your salvation. Here are some options for people in need of an intelligent laugh, a glimpse of Janeane Garofalo, and maybe an ice-blended mocha or a Philly cheesesteak.

Friday

Start at the Gypsy Cafe in the heart of Westwood. The bohemian restaurant features “Gypsies, Tramps and Comedians,” with host Mary Keefe O’Brien. Performers have included Jeff Garlin, Patton Oswalt and Larry David (co-creator of “Seinfeld”). 940 Broxton Ave., Westwood. 8 p.m. Fridays. Free. (310) 824-2119.

On the other side of town, check out Lulu’s Beehive in Studio City. Its “The Midnight Comedy Hour,” with host Steve Neal, has featured David Feldman, Jason Kuller and Elizabeth Beckwith. The show tends to be packed, so it’s best to arrive early. The cafe’s happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m., and has half-price teas and coffees, including espresso ice-blended mochas. You can also order one of the menu’s inventive sandwiches: smoked turkey with chili mayo. And don’t be fooled by the show’s title: It actually starts around 11 p.m. 13203 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Fridays. Free. (818) 986-2233.

Saturday

Killer Burger #1 in Hollywood offers “Frank’s Chop House,” with Frank Conniff, and features stand-up acts including the burger joint’s manager, BJ (“Biker Jerry”) Kellingsworth. The former coffeehouse seats about 30 in front of the stage, but there’s more sit-down room at the counter and outside on the patio. Popular dishes include cheeseburger combos and the “best Philly cheesesteak in town.” 6679 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Saturdays. Free. (323) 462-6110.

At the Acme Comedy Theatre in Hollywood, it’s “The J. Keith van Straaten Show,” with a twist on the classic late-night talk-show format. Sans TV broadcast, the show is otherwise complete with an opening monologue by veteran L.A. comic Van Straaten, a sassy sidekick, a house band and celebrity guests. 135 N. La Brea Ave., Hollywood. 10 p.m. Saturdays. $8. (323) 525-0202.

And at Bang! Improv Studio, there’s “Oh, Sister, My Sister,” an exploration of the murky waters of feminine self-discovery, with Jane Lynch, Mary Weiss and Carrie Stauber. Located in the Fairfax district, near Canter’s and Cafe Largo, it offers your pick of essential deli food, drinks or folk-music renderings, before or after the shows. 457 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. 10 p.m. Saturdays. $10. (323) 653-6886.

Sunday

LunaPark’s must-see is the popular “Beth Lapides’ Uncabaret,” considered the “mother show” of alternative comedy in L.A. Joining Lapides on stage, performers have included Margaret Cho, Julia Sweeney, Dana Gould and Taylor Negron. The menu features nouvelle cuisine, including an outstanding butternut squash soup. 665 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Sundays. $7. (310) 652-0611.

“An Evening of Comedy & Music With Janeane Garofalo & Friends” goes on every other week at the Mint. On the stage, Garofalo shares her acerbic, witty insights and introduces her guests, who have included Andy Kindler, Greg Proops, Emmy Laybourne, Tom Lennon, Bob Odenkirk and Brian Posehn (“Mr. Show”). Sunday’s show will feature Sarah Silverman, Zack Galifinakis, Nick Swardson, Arj Baker and Scott Thompson. 6010 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. 8:30 p.m. Every other Sunday. $7. (323) 954-9630.