Comedy Cellar   

Contrary to the name, which makes it sound like the armpit of the New York comedy scene (an honor that in fact belongs to the tri-borough bar-mitzvah circuit), the Comedy Cellar is tops. Big amongst performers for its intimate, no-frills atmosphere, the venue often has long lines queued up under its bulb-lit outdoor sign. Once inside, the only thing between the lively hipster-meets-huckster crowed and a back brick wall is the humor itself. Big-time comedians who have held the mic here include Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Chris Rock and Ray Romano; the difference is that, in between nightly sets of polished up-and-comers, those superstars come back frequently to hone their chops. Unlike other clubs, even off-night weekdays feature two late shows, and you can grab post-show beers at any of the 50,000 bars on the block. The cover is not cheap and there's a two-drink minimum, but you can reserve free seats for any Monday through Thursday show on the club's website.