Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend shows and headliners—this spot books up fast. Walk-ins may find seating depending on availability, but you risk missing the show entirely during peak nights. Call ahead or book online to guarantee your spot.

What's the two drink minimum, and what are my options?

You'll order two drinks per person over the course of the show, and the venue is flexible: beer, wine, soda, water, and mocktails all count. It's a fair trade for 90+ minutes of entertainment, and non-drinkers are fully accommodated.

Should I arrive early to get a good seat?

Yes—arriving 30 minutes before showtime gives you a real shot at a closer table, which changes the whole experience with stand-up comedy. The room is sized right, so even seats further back work, but proximity matters for this kind of performance.

Is there parking nearby?

Pearl Street in La Jolla has street parking and nearby lots, though weekend nights can be tight. Plan extra time to find a spot, or consider the neighborhood's paid parking structures within a short walk.

What's the vibe—is this a casual night out or dress-up spot?

It's casual and unpretentious—locals and groups come as they are for a neighborhood night out, though you'll see everything from jeans to date-night outfits. Come comfortable and ready to laugh.

Is this a good spot for a solo visit?

Absolutely. The bar has solo seating, and you'll be surrounded by people there for the same reason—comedy is naturally social. It's a welcoming spot to sit, order your drinks, and enjoy the show without needing a group.

What kind of comedians perform here?

The Comedy Store books solid headliners and skilled openers—you get consistency that keeps locals coming back, though like any comedy club, not every set lands equally. Shows typically run 90 minutes or more, which is strong value.

The Comedy Store - La Jolla — Bars in La Jolla, San Diego

“The Comedy Store is where Sunset Strip headliners test material in a 200-seat room twenty feet from the ocean.”

Unlike clubs that book middle-tier touring acts or run open-mic showcases disguised as shows, this outpost of the Sunset Strip institution brings the same caliber of comedians to La Jolla that you'd pay twice as much to see in LA — often on the same weekend. Whitney Cummings, Pauly Shore, and rotating headliners use this room to workshop new hours before recording specials. The difference is intimate proximity: even the back rows are closer than mid-tier seats at larger venues.

The room's 200-person capacity creates a different energy than the Sunset Strip original. Comics can work the crowd more directly, and weeknight shows skew toward regulars who've seen enough sets to appreciate call-backs and experimental bits. Weekend shows pull more date-night crowds and visitors staying at The Shores, which changes the dynamic but not the talent quality.

Two-drink minimum is standard — beer, wine, basic mixed drinks, or soda and water if you're driving. Service moves quickly before showtime, then stays unobtrusive once the lights drop. Most shows run 90+ minutes with openers warming up before headliners close.

Parking is standard village nightmare on weekends — the structure on Herschel is your best option. Weeknight shows are easier. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime; arriving 20 minutes early gets you decent seating without the scramble. The front-row experience here is legitimately front-row, not "front section" — if you want to be in the set, get there when doors open.