We use cookies for essential site functions and, with your permission, for analytics and advertising. California residents can opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information at any time. See our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.
San Diego Concert Venues
The San Diego outpost of the Sunset Strip legend, The Comedy Store La Jolla has been the county's top stand-up room since 1977 — Jay Leno, David Letterman, and a generation of comics came through here, and the drop-in tradition means touring headliners still appear unannounced on local nights. It's an intimate room in the heart of the Village and the best comedy night in the city.
Last updated
Quick answer: Tickets run $15–$35 depending on the act, plus a two-drink minimum (industry standard). Buy online for weekend headliners — the room is small and sells out. Street parking in the Village is free after 6pm but competitive; the valet stand on Pearl is the stress-free option. Showtime doors open an hour ahead.
916 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037
We don't have confirmed The Comedy Store La Jolla dates on the calendar right now. This room books on short notice, so check the box office listings below — the full season posts there first.
Confirmed dates at other rooms while The Comedy Store La Jolla's calendar fills in.
Free street parking in the Village after 6pm, but on weekends expect to circle. The public garage on Herschel Ave (2 blocks away) is the reliable backup. Valet at the door on show nights. Don't park in the alley behind the club — tow-away enforced.
What parking costs
Free street after 6pm, valet available
Transit & rideshare
La Jolla has no trolley — MTS Route 30 serves the Village from Old Town. Rideshare from Pacific Beach or UTC runs $10–$20 and is the usual move for anyone drinking.
Center tables 3–5 rows back — close enough for the energy, far enough to not become part of the show.
Front row if you want to be talked to. You will be talked to.
Bar seats along the back — decent sightlines, easiest drink service, quick exit.
Avoid the far side tables near the service stations — server traffic all night.
Bag policy
Small bags fine. Phones must be silenced and put away during sets — the club enforces no-recording strictly, and heckling policies are the classic Comedy Store kind: don't.
Food & drink inside
Two-drink minimum is standard — cocktails, beer, wine, and basic bar snacks. Eat before you come; the kitchen is minimal. Drinks are club-priced ($12–$16 cocktails).
All within a short walk or drive of The Comedy Store La Jolla.
Duke's La Jolla
Oceanfront dinner before an 8pm show — book early seating.
The Taco Stand
Fast, excellent tacos on Pearl, two minutes away.
George's at the Cove
The La Jolla classic for a full night out.
Puesto
Upscale tacos and margaritas, walkable.
What this room books: Stand-up comedy — national headliners, showcase nights, open mics, surprise drop-ins.
The Potluck/local showcase nights are where drop-ins happen — a $15 ticket occasionally becomes a story you tell for years.
Two-drink minimum counts soft drinks. Budget $40–$60 total per person all-in.
Weekend headliner shows sell out days ahead; Thursday shows are cheaper and looser.
The comedians eat and drink in the Village after shows. Pearl Street at 10pm is its own scene.
Birthday groups: tell the club when booking — they'll handle it, and it's better than surprising the comic.
Tickets typically run $15–$35 depending on the performer, plus the standard two-drink minimum. Thursday and showcase nights are cheapest; weekend national headliners are at the top of the range and sell out.
Yes — the Comedy Store's drop-in tradition extends to La Jolla, especially on showcase nights. Touring comics working out new material appear unannounced. It's never guaranteed, which is what makes it fun.
Street parking in the Village is free after 6pm but fills on weekends. The Herschel Ave public garage two blocks away is the reliable option, and there's valet at the door on show nights.
Yes — the standard two-drink minimum per person applies, and soft drinks count. Expect to spend $40–$60 per person all-in with tickets, drinks, and tip.
The Observatory North Park
North Park · ~1,100 standing
The Casbah
Middletown / Little Italy edge · ~200 standing
Gallagher Square at Petco Park
East Village / Downtown · Up to ~45,000 (stadium shows)
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Embarcadero / Downtown waterfront · ~10,000 (3,500 fixed seats + lawn)
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Chula Vista (South Bay) · ~20,500 (10,000 reserved + lawn)
Belly Up Tavern
Solana Beach (North County) · ~600
The Sandi Spots Newsletter
New beach finds, hidden taco shops, weekend events, and seasonal guides — once a week from a local. No spam, ever.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.
Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .