Nightlife in Rutherford

If you're serious about laughing, you’re doomed to never reach your goal, for the serious mind never laughs. But if you have a nice, laid-back appreciation for laughing, Comix is your kind of place. It’s calendar is loaded with free nights with local performers and evenings with nationally known comedians, including Jamie Kennedy, Drew Fraser, and Arj Barker. Restaurants and clubs surround Comix, making it a great starting point for a night out with friends (or a great ending point for a night out with friends who have curfews).

Gold-leaf writing inscribed across the towering red portico at the entrance to The Shannon Rose Irish Pub announces what one might expect to find inside: “Premium Stouts,” “Irish Whiskies,” and other culinary staples of the Emerald Isles. Behind this imposing entryway lies a series of dining rooms that have a markedly different effect; chandeliers create a sense of intimacy as they illuminate Gaelic artwork and aged hardcovers resting on lofty bookshelves.

With a kitchen that stays open until 1 a.m. every night of the week, Woodrow's chefs help keep the revelry alive with 24 beers on tap and a menu of traditional pub fare. They specialize in grilling thick-cut steaks and sirloin burger patties, occasionally accessorizing the freshly fired meats with blue-cheese crumbles or a whiskey-peppercorn sauce. The kitchen's grills sear entrees from brunch to dinner, and the chefs stir pots of house-made chili and slice sides of regular, parmesan-truffle, and Cajun-style fries by hand.

Downstairs, the recently renovated whiskey lounge's plush couches and armchairs cradle patrons sipping the distilled beverage amid black-and-red-brick walls and knotted wood floors. Intimate lighting helps create a laid-back mood, encouraging guests to enjoy one of the hops-heavy or malt-laden beers from the bar or re-create episodes of The Twilight Zone with shadow puppets.

Hanging baskets line Marty O'Brien's Social Club's front patio, contributing to a quiet sidewalk ambiance that contrasts with the pub’s convivial laid-back lounge. Regardless of where diners sit, they can expect tables brimming with plates of seafood, grilled chicken, and beef. Nearly every corner of the restaurant exudes an air of comforting americana, from the rugged blue-brick façade to its name, which invokes Frank Sinatra's father's boxing moniker and the pen name gracing Teddy Roosevelt’s fan fiction. As servers roll out entrees, guests toast to each other’s health with glasses of beer or wine and share appetizers of chicken skewers and mussels.

Mention the Cryan family to South Orange locals and they'll probably tell you stories. They'll talk about the sons who've worked as chiefs of the local police and fire departments, the father who emigrated from Ireland in the '40s, and the lively parties held at Cryan's Beef & Ale House. Captained by the youngest son, Jimmy, the 30-year-old local landmark is the last of the 30 pubs and eateries the family owned throughout Jersey.

An Irish flag waves outside the cheerful Celtic storefront, beckoning passersby in for some beer and Irish pub classics. Inside, a St. Patrick statue smiles down on rows of cushy green booths, where diners wrap their hands around corned beef sandwiches and hearty Angus beef burgers. Among regular patrons are students from the nearby Seton Hall University and a woman named Carol, who has eaten there every night since 1982. Throughout the week, the restaurant plays host to lively events, from spirited DJ college nights to traditional Irish music shows.

Pulse, New York’s only multimedia lounge, is hip and modern in a space-age way, decked out with Rock Band, moody lights, and six private suites. Pulse also has a fully stocked bar and tons of appetizers. If you’re ambitious and attention-starved, hold center stage all night and redeem your $50 Groupon for 50 songs. The wide musical selection spans from all the top 40 classics to Korean and Chinese hits, so throw down to chart-topper “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga or show off your surprising linguistic abilities with karaoke favorites “把箸氾伴蛤” by 氾伴把 and “氾伴伴箸” by 伴氾 featuring Pat Boone.