Robert Dubac's "The Book of Moron", Greenwood Village

Just over three decades ago, it seemed that New York, LA, and Chicago had a stranglehold on the standup circuit. For those with guts in need of busting and knees in need of slapping, the only alternatives were treks to the Catskills or nights spent snuggling with a Bob Newhart doll. Lucky for the Denver community, Doug Olson, Edd Nichols, and George McKelvey opened Comedy Works in 1981, the city's first club to specialize only in full-time standup. Unsurprisingly, it transformed the Southwest into a prime destination for the nation's top touring comedians, even landing a spot on USA Today's list of the Top 5 Comedy Clubs in the US.

The downtown location, know as The Flagship Club, which still resides in the basement of the Granite Building, has played host to a who's-who of comedy throughout the decades. Roseanne Barr got her start doing open mics there, while Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and George Lopez have all milked the mile-high elevation for maximum laughs. Now under the ace direction of Wende Curtis, Comedy Works has expanded to The Landmark at a second location known as Comedy Works South, and has a 380-seat showroom, an accompanying restaurant, lounge, and ballroom. Despite the differences in atmosphere, both locations maintain the club's comedic pedigree and passion for nurturing the next generation of standups.

Attendees who dine at Lucy Restaurant, located above Comedy Works South in Landmark, are able to avoid the lines at the theater as a special treat. After proceeding directly upstairs to the restaurant, attendees receive their tickets from the Lucy team. And, after dinner, staff personally seat each attendees in their already reserved "preferred" seats located in the first six rows, ensuring great seats with the privilege of skipping the lines. For reservations, call (720) 274-6868.