Laugh In

Not in the mood to be funny? Let someone else tell the jokes

Prevue Music Hall
Warm up for a night of rocking out with a few chuckles at this dimly lit NoDa concert hall. It’s the city spot to hear face-melting guitar and eat spicy wings, but it’s also home to the Charlotte Comedy Theatre, the QC’s premier improv troupe. Best nights: A $10 cover on Friday and Saturday nights gets you a side-stitching improv show from 8-9:30 p.m., followed by that night’s band. 2909 N. Davidson St., 704-375-3747, prevuemusichall.com.

Lake Norman Comedy Zone
Galway Hooker, the Cornelius Irish pub that serves beer-slathered fish ’n’ chips and hosts live music, is also home to Charlotte’s only Comedy Zone Club. Just upstairs from the restaurant, the club books national comics like Grandma Lee and Pauly Shore.
Best nights: Shows are on Tuesday nights. Admission is usually $10, but tickets for celebrity acts may cost up to $25. Check the Web site for details on upcoming shows. 17044 Kenton Dr., Cornelius, 704-895-1782, lkncomedyzone.com.

SK Net Café
Don’t be fooled by this Elizabeth café’s espresso machine and studious patrons. Once the sun goes down, draft beers abound and the mic is open to anyone who thinks he’s got the material (read: karaoke for comedians), which means you’re likely in for some risqué humor.
Best nights: Taboo Tuesdays begin at 9 p.m., and admission is $2. Last call to sign up for five minutes of uncensored stage time is at 9:30 p.m. 1425 Elizabeth Ave., 704-334-1523, sknetcafe.com. —A. M.