Whether you're into the comedy scene or just looking for a laugh after a long day's work, the D.C. Improv is probably the funniest spot in town (aside from the Oval Office).

With its exposed brick walls, fuschia neon accent lighting and 150 or so small round tables, the Improv looks exactly like every other comedy club on the circuit and is just one of a chain of eight clubs nationwide; the first was New York's Improv, which opened 35 years ago. The Washington club has hosted a bevy of famous funnymen and women, including Kevin Nealon and Chris Rock. The Improv's main room is large and well-ventilated, and you can see fairly well from most tables. Smokers, however, should be warned: If you want a bird's eye view, kick the habit for a night. The smoking section takes up just a small square at stage left, and if you are put into the corner there, wing space and a mounted television (that does not even face that side) will severely obstruct the view of the stage.

Following the usual comedy club formula, there is an opening comic who serves as MC the rest of the night, an up-and-coming act in the middle, followed by a headliner; doors open at 7 and even though shows begin at 8 or 8:30, it's a good idea to get there early to scout a decent table.

Tickets generally run between $10 and $25 and there is a two-item (meaning food and drink are allowed) minimum per person. As expected, the food is hardly gourmet, but you can get a prime rib for $13.95 and a number of fine appetizers in the $5 to $6 range (the buffalo wings at $6.25 are unexpectedly spicy). The wait staff often seems overwhelmed, but they're surprisingly well-timed with drink orders and bringing the checks. You'll rarely have reason to heckle at the Improv.

-- Shayla Thiel