Clubs in Golden

Five times a week, Impulse Theater's cast of comedy players fields spontaneous audience suggestions and molds them into 10–12 original scenes that make up 90 minutes of improvised comedy. Though the fast-paced, interactive shows split sides with a mostly family-friendly brand of hilarity absent of profanity, some scenes may deal with situations or themes more appropriate for an audience suited to view a PG-13 movie or a no-holds-barred political ad. Inside the intimate theater, guests file into seats with unfettered views of the stage, where they can order their one-drink minimum, which includes nonalcoholic beverages.

Since 1981, legendary standup comedians of the likes of Dave Chappelle, Ellen DeGeneres, and Joan Rivers have climbed onto Comedy Works' stages to ignite spirited laughter. The comedy club has also served as a launching pad for the careers of several hometown comedians, including Josh Blue, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Comedy Works' calendar of upcoming shows divvies laughs between its two locations, splitting sides at The Landmark with spot-on celebrity impersonations performed by comedian and actor Kevin Pollak from March 22 to 24 ($20–$25). Before wiping away chuckle-induced tears and uncontrollably slapping strangers' knees, visitors at the downtown location can lap up cocktails from the lobby bar starting 75 minutes before every show.