FRIENDS is one of the most popular shows of the 90s and the life of the show was Central Perk. To some, it is not just a random little coffee shop but to fans, it is one of the most important locations. Whether it’s arguments, major decisions, or just some funny interactions, this coffee shop has seen it all.
Central Perk is the location where six characters spend a majority of their time together while sharing gossip, debating major life decisions, and catching up. It’s much more than just a coffee shop that has seen some amazing moments. Here is the list of the most iconic moments of the show inside Central Perk. Scroll down to check out:
Rachel Arrives
When it comes to the iconic moment in the Central Perk, the opening scene tops the list. This is the moment when Rachel arrives for the first time, in her wedding dress bursting through the doors of Central Perk. She was looking for her old friend Monica after running away from her big day. Fortunately, Rachel instantly brought in like family in the already tight-knit group of friends. It is probably neither the most important nor the funniest moment, but it is definitely one of the memorable scenes.
The Kiss
Nobody can forget that memorable moment. It was a perfect set up for Ross and Rachel kiss, with an empty Central Perk, amazing rain outside, and a moonlight setting. After an argument when they did confess their feelings for each other, they thought that moment has passed. But, when Rachel turned and saw Ross outside the Central Perk, we did know what is going to happen next. It was the most awaited moment for fans where Ross and Rachel unite in the iconic location, Central Perk.
Phoebe’s Wedding
Well technically this happened outside the Central Perk but it still played a part in Phoebe’s wedding as this is where Phoebe walks out from. Fans always expected that Phoebe will get a fairy tale wedding in the show, but with Mike, there was an immediate connection. This moment isn’t funny unlike others on the list but is incredibly memorable and emotional. Throughout the episode, there are so many heartfelt moments that caused many a fan to shed a tear.
“I’m Sorry”
It is not just one of the funniest moments of Central Perk, but it is one of the funniest moments of the show. In this episode, Ross and Joey were arguing while Joey tries to explain to Ross that he didn’t mean to propose to Rachel. He was saying how sorry he was using air quotes signs. Of course, Joey did it wrong and offers Ross to punch him, only to break Ross’s hand by ducking. After that, Joey tries to explain the reflex to duck a punch to Ross, resulting in Ross be hit in the face. It is hard to choose what is funnier, Ross’s expression after getting a punch on the face or Gunther’s face after this moment.
A Name Change
Mike was perfect to marry Phoebe and many fans also wanted to see him as the seventh friend in the show. He brought some amazing moments in the show which were both hilarious and memorable. This is one of the episodes when Phoebe was all set to change her name after marriage. But Phoebe being Phoebe, instead of just taking Mike’s second name, she chooses to become Princess Consuela Banana Hammock. Since Mike was more than happy to embrace her insanity, he ended up becoming Crap Bag. This scene at Central Perk just proves that Mike and Phoebe played it to perfection.
“Joey Doesn’t Share Food”
Well, this is one of the most iconic lines at one of the most iconic locations. This classic line “Joey doesn’t share food!”, ended up being the most used line by the fans. In this hilarious scene, Joey explains to Phoebe what her friend did wrong on their date while sitting on the couch in Central Perk. Phoebe thinks that they would have had a great time. However, Joey makes it clear that the date was an utter disaster because the girl took some fries from his plate. This scene doesn’t really impact the show in the long run but it shows Joey’s character and it’s quite hilarious.
“Put The Mouse Back In The House”
When it comes to Central Perk’s iconic moments, it is one of the best moments and deserves its place on the list. However, it is quite underrated in the show. The group of friends welcomed many people throughout the series to the Central perk and Robert was one of those who was Phoebe’s boyfriend. He just happens to show a little more than he would want with his loose-fitting shorts. It ends up by Gunther who addresses it by saying, “Put the mouse back in the house” after several encounters with the rest of the group.
The Piano Man
Every time Paul Rudd aka Mike appears in the show, he creates hilarious scenes. That is why he is considered to be one of the funniest characters in the show. This was an epic Central Perk moment where Mike showcases his piano playing skills to Phoebe. Mike made it clear to Phoebe he can’t play piano at Central Perk because there is no piano. But Phoebe rightfully said, “That wouldn’t stand in the way of a true pianist.” As a result, Mike plays the invisible piano in the most fun way possible.
Unagi
We are not talking about the salmon skin rolls here. In this episode, Ross tries to teach Rachel and Phoebe about the importance of “Unagi” at Central Perk, which is Japanese self-defense that makes people sense whenever danger is near. This results in some hilarious scenes throughout the episode. Girls try to scare Ross and the hand movement that goes with it only proves that how great it is, with Ross taking it to heart that it’s impossible not to laugh at it.
Smelly Cat
It is one of the most iconic moments from the show where Phoebe is singing the hilarious song “Smelly Cat” at the Central Perk. It is now a popular tune that every fan knows and sings along with easily. Even though, Phoebe’s singing brought up several hilarious moments in the show like “sexy voice”, but nothing can beat the “Smelly Cat” reactions. It perfectly showed what Phoebe was as a person.
