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Walking into Comic Strip Live—with its army of roving waitresses, too-close-for-comfort-seating, and exposed brick-and-neon accented walls—is like taking a time machine back to the early ‘80s heyday of stand-up comedy. If you’re looking for a history lesson in stand-up, as well as a glimpse at its possible future, this is the place to go. Founded in 1975, this Upper-East-Side mainstay has stacked its lineups with some of the biggest names in comedy (including Chris Rock, Caroline Rhea, and Adam Sandler), and continues to pack in the crowds. Virtually every available inch of wall space in the stained-glass front bar is covered with autographed headshots of comics like Jerry Seinfeld and Eddie Murphy,  who got their starts at the club. It's a mini comedy hall of fame. — Amelie Gillette

Be sure to check out the afro-sporting Paul Reiser and the legendary John Travolta—oh wait, that's Jerry Seinfeld in a butterfly collar shirt.

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