The Laugh Factory Hollywood

When you come in the doors, the box office lobby is covered with images of the greats who’ve played the venue, including Richard Pryor (whom owner Jamie Masada says was the first comic to ever grace the stage when it opened in 1979 – the comic gave him back the $100 he'd paid him after the show and said Masada would need it to pay the rent) and Rodney Dangerfield. Once you’re seated, the stage offers some of today’s top comedians in the flesh. Dave Chappelle, who famously walked away from a multimillion-dollar deal at Comedy Central, still walks up to the Laugh Factory microphone when he’s in town. Dane Cook, who cut his teeth there, is a frequent performer. And, on every Wednesday until he dies (per the lifetime contract he signed), Jon Lovitz headlines. Count on strong drinks to loosen those laughing muscles. Private parties can get reserved front-row seats in the showroom and also plan special events in the venue’s garden. And anyone with courage can play on the same planks as the greats, but you’ll have to get off work early: signup for the Tuesday open mic is at 5 p.m.