Stand-Up at The Stand

The Stand has been a fixture of New York stand-up since 2012, a club off Union Square with a restaurant upstairs and a showroom below. Its founders went on to book comedy for The Tonight Show, and the club's lineups reflect that eye: working New York comics, late-night television regulars and the occasional famous name dropping in, in a room built so everyone faces the stage. There is also a second location, The Stand West, on West 15th Street.

Book on the club's site, where each night's shows are listed with lineups; expect a two-item minimum. Weeknight showcases are the best value and often just as strong as weekends, and there are free shows on some nights. Eat upstairs beforehand if you want dinner; it is a real restaurant. Phones are discouraged during sets. If you have done the Comedy Cellar, this is the natural next room.