A Chicago institution, this is the only spot in the city where nationally known comics perform.

The Scene
Like most old-style comedy clubs (Zanies has been around since 1978), the 125-seat space sometimes suffers a sardine-can feel. But get there early and you can score one of the small tables against the wall. Lacquered-wood tables, smoky air and old head shots on the walls lend a lost-in-the-1970s ambiance, but a close look at the famous comics in those pictures will quickly dispel any sarcastic thoughts.

The Draw
The featured performers are better than the club's goofy moniker might suggest. Some big-name acts like Gilbert Gottfried have appeared, as have Chicago favorites like Steve Johnson, Tim Joyce and Mike Lukas. The crowd is about half tourists and half locals; a two-drink minimum and low-key atmosphere ensure that everyone will be pretty receptive to whoever's on stage.