Where to find the funny in Denver

The first open mic I ever did standup at was at a little bar called the Oasis. It was a little hole in the wall that was so small that they'd have to slide the pool table to the side to give you a place to stand.

When comics got up, they'd spend the better part of about eight minutes fending off the insults of drunken octogenarians who were just pissed off that the football highlights were on mute. When you'd get off they'd applaud just because they were that much closer to the end. Then the female owner would pinch your ass.

This, sadly, can be very typical of the type of venue you'll find when you head into an open mic environment.

Most any bar that has a stage area also has an open mic night like the one at the Oasis at least once a week. These events are often mixed bags for comedy. While you'll sometimes get a good comedian, you usually have to wade through a sea of crappy comedy and shoddy poetry. 

If you're looking to get your fix of good, live stand-up then check out these venues.  The

Bigger Venues

Comedy Works  Larimer Square, 1226 15th St:  By far the best-known venue for standup in the state, Comedy Works also promises seasoned comedians that you've actually heard of and enjoy. 

If you're hoping to check out new comics, you're in luck, because Tuesday nights feature an open mic event. Comedians for this show have to wait sometimes upwards of two months to do a set.

The drawback: Having the high-profile talent that Comedy Works does means that they enforce a two-purchase minimum. This would be all right, but unfortunately the food and drinks are pricey. Also the seating can be pretty cramped. 

Comedy Works South  5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village Similar to Comedy Works in the downtown area, Comedy Works South is also able to boast more popular comics. As such you'll also have to make a two-purchase minimum here as well. 

The real difference between these two clubs is convenience. If Comedy Works Downtown is too cramped for your style, then you might want to try heading south. While it's not as close to downtown, it is adjacent to two light rail stations, and it is roomier.

The drawback: Even though the show is likely going to have famous comics, the biggest comedians are usually saved for the downtown location. 

The Denver Improv  8246 E 49th Ave Not as high-profile as the last two clubs, the Improv is probably your third-best bet to find a comic that you've heard of without having to go to a big theater event.

Comedians that head to the Improv are more likely to be a Jim Breuer than, say, a Dave Chappelle, but if you're a comedy aficionado then you'll likely get to see at least one of your favorite comics in a comfortable setting.

The drawback: It's very far away. You might be hard-pressed to get a causal comedy fan to make the trek out there. 

The Open Mic Nights

Old Chicago 1415 Market St You likely wouldn't associate Old Chicago with comedy, but Wednesday nights the backroom becomes a stand-up showcase. 

What separates this from most open mic nights around town is that many of Colorado's funniest comedians frequent the show. Some of the comedians that attend have been featured on both HBO and late night talk shows.

While you might not be familiar with their names or faces, if you're looking to experience some of Colorado's best comics without paying a cover or sitting in a cramped atmosphere then this is a great place to head to.

The drawback: Being that it is an open mic means there are nights with bad comics and, often, empty rooms. 

Gennaro's Café Italiano  2598 S Broadway Like Old Chicago, this restaurant may not be the type of venue where you'd hope to find good comedy. This show has only been running for a few months, but what keeps it from being just another throwaway are the people running it.

While many stand-up venues are run by business owners looking to attract new customers by letting anyone hop on the mic, this show was set up by a couple of comics. The comedians who go up are usually asked by the guys running the room because they've seen their work before. There is good food and a generally laid-back atmosphere in the room.

The drawback: The room is pretty small and low-rent. This is not the place to head to if you're looking for a very glitzy show. 

While these aren't all of the venues you can choose to see some live comedy, these few showcases should work as a nice start. 

And if you've checked these out and want to see some new shows or find out about a comic you've seen locally, your best bet is to head to either milehicomedy.com or agitatedproductions.com.