Comedy Roundup: Where to Get Your LOLs in San Francisco

BATS Improv is the longest-running and most highly acclaimed improv theater company and school in San Francisco. Their improvised performances mix theatre, comedy, and acting in hilariously themed shows that leave nothing off limits, all while keeping it semi-clean with a PG-13-ish rating that everyone can enjoy.

Not technically in San Francisco, but just a hop-skip-and-a-jump away so you won't even notice. With five shows each week from Thursday to Sunday, Comedy Oakland is a hotspot for the Bay Area's most refreshing comedy talent. Located upstairs in Oakland's trendy Spice Monkey restaurant, Comedy Oakland was named the "Best Place for Comedy" in East Bay Express's 2016 Readers Poll.

A full-service restaurant and bar with two theaters and a cabaret stage, PianoFight's round-the-clock entertainment offerings include sketch comedy competitions, stand-up, comedic choose-your-own adventure productions, and full-scale plays and musicals, in addition to concerts and other cultural events.

Comedians like Dana Carvey, Dave Chappelle, Dave Attell, Russell Peters, Jo Koy, Anjelah Johnson, Bill Burr, and Louis CK are among the many familiar faces to perform at Cobb's Comedy Club, the famous 400-seat comedy venue located in San Francisco's North Beach.

Sister-club to Cobb's Comedy Club, Punch Line is another popular venue for top-tier comedy talent, with guests that include Zach Galifianakis, Amy Schumer, Chelsea Handler, Hannibal Buress, and Dave Chapelle, who has been a regular at the club since the 1990s.

With several weekly free and $5 shows, Endgames Improv offers a full slate of hilarious improv comedy at Stage Werx Theatre.

The intimate and much-loved show takes place every Saturday at the newly opened Ales Unlimited: Beer Basement, offering up-close-and-personal comedy where established comedians and rising stars perform material just a few feet from the audience.

Bay Area comedians show up every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Shelton Theater for a late-night show that's bound to help you forget your troubles.