The Gotham Comedy Club doesn't reflect the state of American comedy today, it dictates it.

Practically every comedian in the public consciousness has stood in front of the mike at the Gotham as its reputation makes it a perfect sounding board for established artists trying out new material and new artists making their way in the comedy business.

The club was first opened in 1996 in a 3,300 square foot space which was designed to add ambience to the comedy experience instead of relying on the comedy to supply it.

But now the club is housed on 23rd Street in a 10,000 square foot space which incorporates the Metropolitan Room, an up-market jazz and cabaret club and it continues to present the best of laughs.

No two nights are the same as a different guest host presents new comics with an hour of original comedy every week.

You may even recognize the interior as TV's "Last Comic Standing" was recorded on the Gotham stage which featured the country's more notorious comics battling it out for laughing rights.

Check local press for listings, prices and times.

New York is comedy central.