COMEDY CLUBS

Punch Line 
444 Battery Street 
(415) 397-7573 
Cover: varies

National headliners like Sue Murphy, Paul Mooney and George Lopez make up the bulk of the bookings here; on Sundays, "SF Comedy Showcase" features two hours of established and up-and-coming comics, and is known as an excellent launch pad for many a comedy career, as well as a great place for comics to network and bond with fellow comedians. Monday nights feature the Comedynet Internet Showcase, broadcast live over the World Wide Web. "The Punch" has a big wooden bar in the back of the room, tables in the center, and a backdrop of the city against the stage wall, and it's located on the second floor of the Embarcadero Center near the Financial District. It's usually packed, so call for an advance reservation.

Josie's 
3583 16th Street 
(415) 861-7933 
Cover: varies

This intimate, stylish cabaret and cafe caters to the gay and lesbian community, but many of the performers here are so good -- such as humorist Marga Gomez and New York drag sensation Lypsinka -- that their appeal cuts across counterculture lines. Lypsinka took his show nation-wide, to critical acclaim. The club offers comedy, performance art, cabaret, lounge singing, drag shows and traditional theater on a small stage, and is adorned with an ever-changing exhibit of local art, too. There's food if you want it: Josie's serves a variety of freshly prepared vegetarian fare, including orange French toast for breakfast and hearty sandwiches and salads (tempeh burgers, avocado sandwiches) for lunch, dinner and snacks. Seating for the shows is first-come, first-served, but if you come for dinner they'll let you reserve seats for the show. That's a worthwhile precaution to take for hot-ticket nights.

The Marsh's Mock Café 
1074 Valencia Street 
(415) 641-0235 
Cover: varies 

The Mock Café describes itself as a "creative cauldron into which writers, actors, dancers, choreographers, musicians, composers, and designers throw their collective talents." It's more storefront performance space than café -- they don't serve latte, for example -- but what they do have on tap is some of the city's best alternative entertainment. It's an open-mike venue for stand-up, satire, spoken word, and multi-media, and the cover charge is usually around $5. Recent acts on the schedule include "Yank Me!", a comedic solo performance by Harmon Leon, and "No Y Chromosome: Women's Comedy Showcase."

One World Café 
1799 McCallister Street 
(415) 775-9358 
Cover: free

Friday nights, One World hosts a popular comedy event emceed by Leo Gilreath. Comics include Colin Mahin, Bill Santiago, John Hoogasian, Jane Barbone and others, in a high-energy atmosphere made even more so by the copious amounts of espresso and caffe mocha that patrons like to get wired on. A big plus: no cover charge.

Cobb's Comedy Club At The Cannery 
2801 Leavenworth Street 
(415) 928-4320 
Cover: varies

One of the city's top comedy rooms, Cobb's has hosted stars like Margaret Cho, Janeane Garofalo, Jake Johannsen, Comedy Central's Greg Proops and Will Durst. Sure, it's jammed with tourists -- especially on the weekends -- but that can be an atmosphere particularly conducive to comedy. There is a restaurant attached to the club called the Belle Roux, where you can make sure of a space at Cobb's by making a reservation for dinner in advance. For a bargain, check out the All-pro comedy showcase every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. These shows start at 8 PM and the admission is only $5.

The Luggage Store 
1007 Market Street 
(415) 255-5971 
Cover: free

Tuesday nights, Tony Sparks hosts an open-mic comedy workshop in this alcohol-free gallery supported by the Cultural Arts Center of San Francisco. Admission is free, although donations are accepted as they go to maintaining the Cultural Arts Center. Although there's no actual luggage here per se, organizers claim that some comics bring their own emotional baggage. "The Luggage Store is not a cafe," said an event organizer. "However, feel free to bring dog biscuits, catnip, birdseed, or any snack of your choosing to nibble on during the show. Please wear a bib if you have no table manners; the Luggage Store is an artist's gallery and not a restaurant."