Hollywood Improv

Stand-up comedy's first brick wall now houses a pizza oven on New York's West Side, so the fabricated one at this Melrose location will have to serve as the cornerstone for the chain most responsible for that and other '80s stand-up cliches. And yes, occasionally the club will feature a few of those blazer- and sneaker-clad holdovers attempting to breathe new life into their old routines. Use their sets as an opportunity to explore the always-hopping bar and lobby where crowds of suits pat prospects on the back and promise things they can't deliver. Everyone without a souvenir glass is in the business, making this the best place in town to have your sitcom idea stolen.

That man with the monocle telling you to stay out of the aisle is owner Budd Friedman, who wisely turned over the helm to managers from his more successful locations. The lineups are now diverse and interesting, and most are pros that you can catch on television--if you look hard enough.


Performances: Stand-up comedy. Drew Carey performs on Thursdays. Special features: A bar and a restaurant. Fees: $10 to $15.