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Dangerfield’s is the sort of place you’d imagine your grandfather opening up—if your grandfather were Rodney Dangerfield. In 1969, the comedian/actor co-founded this comedy venue, now the oldest in the country. Because of its history and the name-recognition, this Upper East Side institution remains popular among humor-seeking visitors, even as locals turn to newer, hipper spots downtown. That doesn’t mean that the comedy at Dangerfield’s isn’t fresh: Comics from Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Late Show with David Letterman often take the stage. Dangerfield’s has a decent roster of regulars as well: performers who you may not have heard of, but who live, sleep, and breathe comedy—kind of like Rodney did. — Amelie Gillette

Dangerfield’s is one of the only traditional stand-up clubs where you can choose to get soused or not.