Laff Stop Location Gonged

Houstonist was still reeling in shock about the demise of The Gallant Knight when yet another step down the path toward destruction of local flavor progress was reported in The Houston Chronicle. The Laff Stop will be moving from its digs in the River Oaks Shopping Center when the current lease expires.

Fortunately for Houstonians, The Laff Stop will not "fade into Bolivian" (thanks Mike Tyson) like The Fabulous Satellite Lounge, which closed in 2003 after a lease dispute. The comedy scene stalwart will remain in business as it preps the new location for a January 2007 launch. Plans are in the works for the new Waugh Drive location to mimic the original.

Nothing can replace the years of grunge, cigarette smoke and history embodied by the original. But, if you've still got the bourbon and countdown clock, we'll be back on stage for another five minutes on Open Mic Night.