Hirsch advocated to make it a comedy club and booked Jay Leno as its first performer.

[1] In 1987, Carolines moved to South Street Seaport where it became established as the country's top comedy venue.

[2] In 1992, the club moved to its ultimately final location on Broadway[1] inside 750 Seventh Avenue.

Attendees include Richard Belzer, Lewis Black, Mario Cantone, Judy Gold, Gilbert Gottfried, David Alan Grier, Denis Leary, Kevin Meaney, Paul Mooney, Colin Quinn, Caroline Rhea, Jeffrey Ross, Rich Vos, and, in a surprise appearance, Jon Stewart.

[citation needed] The club closed temporarily in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.