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By DCist contributor and stand-up comedian Elahe Izadi

When you think of D.C., the first—or fourth or fifth thing, for that matter—that comes to mind isn’t usually “comedy.” But, there are actually loads of funny people here and you can find quality live standup nearly every night of the week. Better yet—most of these shows are either quite affordable or free. Here are some of the best places to see quality comedy.

Photo by Rory

ARLINGTON CINEMA AND DRAFTHOUSE: Yes, I am fully aware that this venue is not in D.C., and I’m not usually one to advocate crossing District-State lines when there are so many great options within the city. But this place is worth the trip. The Drafthouse hosts touring and bigger-name comics in its main room and it provides cheaper and sometimes free comedy in its green room (otherwise known as its bar). Come on Thursday nights for a $5 comedy showcase featuring a handful of comics. Saturday nights are home to one of the best open mics in the region—15 comics take the stage and bring their best material with them.

Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse is located at 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington Va. Check itws site to see upcoming comedy shows, prices vary.

DC IMPROV: OK, obviously this is like the mothership of comedy in D.C., where some of the biggest names in the country make multiple-night stops (I’m talking everyone from D.L. Hughley to Todd Glass—seriously, something for everyone). But the comedy club’s lounge also hosts more affordable shows that are worth looking into.

DC Improv is located at 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. Check the site for a full schedule, prices vary.

Photo by Marcellina.

WONDERLAND BALLROOM: Yes, comedy does indeed happen at this Columbia Heights bar, and it usually takes place on Friday nights. Wonderland is home for local funnyman Brandon Wetherbee’s You, Me, Them Everybody live talk show ($5). Comics perform, musicians make music, and the hosts interview all the guests, providing witty banter. Wonderland also hosts “Don’t Block the Box,” another showcase of reliably good comedy ($3) that closes out the night with a dance party—so think of the whole evening as an experience.

Wonderland Ballroom is located at 1101 Kenyon Street NW. Check out its website for a full schedule, prices vary.

RFD: Comedy open mics are usually rooms full of comics telling jokes to other comics. That’s not typically the case for District Comedy’s Awesome Thursdays open mic. Sure, you’re going to see five-minute sets from 15 to 20 comics, but the room is usually packed with non-comics (or, as I like to call them, “real people”) for a comedy showcase-like environment. Pop in when you please, for however long you please. The show usually kicks off around 8:30.

Awesome Thursdays is held at RFD, located at 810 Seventh Street NW, free.

BRASS MONKEY: I must confess that for the longest time I associated this bar with bros. But local comic Martin Amini has been producing Friday night comedy showcases and open mics that are not full of bros. Dare I say, a bro-free zone in Adams Morgan is reason enough to come out. The venue hosts free open mics on some Fridays and $5 showcases on others. Added bonus: there is a DJ who plays snippets of songs in between sets and sits up on stage during the entire show.

Brass Monkey is located at 2317 18th St. NW. Check out Silver City Productions for more info, free to $5.

Runners-Up:

BLOOMBARS: This nonprofit arts venue hosts a variety open mic on Monday nights (9 p.m.), so expect to hear poetry, music, storytelling and comedy. This is an all-ages space, so the material has to be all-ages appropriate (OK for grandmas and kids). 3222 11th Street NW. Donations.

TABAQ THURSDAYS: A group of comics under the banner “Homegrown Hilarity” host a Thursday night open mic here (8 p.m.). It’s a fun and lively environment, it’s free and they’ve got drink specials. 1336 U Street NW. Free.

TOUCHDOWN: This U Street sports bar hosts the Hump Day Humor Comedy Open Mic on Wednesday nights. They’ve got open mic comics, a 15-minute feature and they close out the night with a lightening round of jokes. Comedy to cure mid-week blues. 1334 U Street NW. Free.

Elahe Izadi is a journalist and stand-up comedian in D.C., and has performed at several of the venues listed above.