10 great places where comedy is king

What better way to start a new year than with a laugh? Top-flight comedy clubs have popped up across the nation, which makes it easier than ever to catch a stand-up show. But comic Amy Schumer, whose Comedy Central series Inside Amy Schumer premieres April 30, says some clubs stand out. The layout, the staff and the type of crowd all help make for a memorable show. Schumer shares some favorites with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Gotham Comedy Club

New York

Schumer has a weak spot for this Manhattan club, where she became established as a comedian. "Gotham actually grew me. It's the first place I ever got on stage. It's the first that headlined me," she says. Other hometown favorites include Comedy Cellar, where she performs frequently, and a new discovery, Levity Live in nearby Nyack, N.Y. "It's huge and beautiful and looks like a TV taping set." 212-367-9000; gothamcomedyclub.com

Denver Comedy Works

Schumer recorded an album at this downtown Larimer Square club, and particularly likes the crowds. "Denver has a good class of people. They're smart and they're excited." The room itself is large with low ceilings, but still feels intimate. And the staff knows how to produce a show, Schumer says. 303-595-3637; comedyworks.com

Punchline San Francisco

Schumer knows that audiences will get her jokes at this Bay Area club. "Smart people live in San Francisco, so the crowds are always really bright. My punch lines are really understated, so you have to listen," she says. The club also has a nostalgic atmosphere. "You can feel the comedians who have been there before," she says. 415-397-7573;punchlinecomedyclub.com

Stand Up Live

Phoenix

This new downtown club has great energy, Schumer says. "People are hungry for comedy there. It's a partying culture." The room is designed with a theater-style stage but has comedy club seating, which she says is a perfect combination. "It's nice to have this feeling of a real show, but have it be sort of lower stakes than you would at a huge theater." 480-719-6100; standuplive.com

Cap City Comedy Club

Austin

Brainy, partying crowds make the Texas capital a great place to perform, Schumer says. "People are smart and paying attention," she says. "The shows are so successful there." Plus, given all the other entertainment options people have in the city, it's clear the audience wants to be there for the show, she says. 512-467-2333; capcitycomedy.com

Rooster T. Feathers

Sunnyvale, Calif.

Schumer likes the laid-back, kitschy style at this club, where instead of a greenroom, performers sit outside in lawn chairs while they wait their turn on stage. "It feels like you're performing at your eccentric uncle's house," she says. "It's off-the-beaten path, and when people come there, they're really coming to see you on purpose," she says. 408-736-0921; roostertfeathers.com

Hollywood Improv

Los Angeles

This Melrose Avenue club attracts big-name entertainers, but Schumer says that only motivates her more. "I think there are strong harder-working comedians in New York than in L.A. I can go up and kill. I feel very successful there," she says. "That's a room where famous, famous people will perform." 323-651-2583; hollywood.improv.com

Acme Comedy Company

Minneapolis

Though Schumer has never performed at this club in the city's Warehouse District, she has caught shows there, and is impressed with the venue. "People there are so smart and quick. Comedians absolutely rave about this club. It looks like a great room to perform in." 612-338-6393; acmecomedycompany.com

Punchline Atlanta

Comics can always feel the energy at this club, Schumer says. "They're so ready to party on the weekends. I always get heckled there, but the staff is so nice." She says the wood-paneled room feels timeless. "It's like going to your aunt's house who hasn't updated the carpeting since the 1980s." 404-252-5233; punchline.com

The Comedy Attic

Bloomington, Ind.

Schumer was surprised by the atmosphere at this club located in the hometown of Indiana University. "It's the Midwest, but they're nobody's fool. The people are smart, and I love the culture there, and the restaurants and the bars. It's kind of a happening city," she says. 812-336-5233; comedyattic.com