Comedian Chris Estrada sits at Mr. Bing’s in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood on Aug. 17, 2023. (Photo by Beth LeBerge/KQED)

Chris Estrada loves wandering around San Francisco.

Standing on the corner of Columbus and Vallejo with a slicked-back gentlemen’s cut and a crisp, black T-shirt, the Los Angeles-born stand-up comedian is arguably one of today’s funniest entertainers.

He’s also the star and co-creator of the widely acclaimed TV series This Fool, now in its second season on Hulu. While actors and writers, including Estrada, continue to strike over labor disputes, the 39-year-old is making audiences laugh in person at some of the best comedy clubs in the country, including a current run at the Punch Line in San Francisco.

“I truly love walking around San Francisco just because it’s such a beautiful city,” said Estrada while visiting Molinari Delicatessen for a quick lunch on Thursday afternoon. “We’re right down the street from City Lights. I love City Lights. It’s one of my favorite bookstores in the country.”

He’s also a fan of Mr. Bings in North Beach and the quieter side of the Sunset because it’s right by the water (he loves the fog). Estrada’s no stranger to the Punch Line, where he’s previously been an opener, and he’s performed at Cobb’s and Comedy Central’s Clusterfest at the Civic Center.

This time, however, Estrada makes his headline debut at the venue where the likes of comedy figures such as the late Robin Williams, Dana Carvey and Dave Chappelle have all stood on stage making audiences laugh through the decades.

This weekend, Estrada isn’t alone. He’s tapped local comedian Allison Hooker as host, and L.A.-based comic Zack Chapaloni to warm up the crowd.

Estrada’s comedy style is both personal and universal. He can write a joke with details that instantly resonate with Latinos, and still have the entire audience laughing. He wants everyone in on the joke.

He also draws on his own life: the absurdity of missing the thrill of toxic relationships, or how being nice is an “ugly people quality” while calling himself “an ugly fool with a heart of gold.” …

For more of Estrada’s story — and to get his SF Bay Area punk and hardcore music recs — visit Steph’s Arts + Culture + Music section!