Stop by and you’ll see that it isn’t just beer that’s brewing at Heartland Brewery (35 Union Square at 16th St., 212-645-3400; 127 W. 43rd St. btw. Sixth and Seventh Aves., 646-366-0235; South Street Seaport, 93 South St. at Fulton St., 646-572-2332; 350 Fifth Ave. at 34th St. in the Empire State Bldg., 212-563-3433; 1285 Sixth Ave. at 51st St., 212-582-8244; www.heartlandbrewery.com), New York’s first American-style brew pub. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to kick back and relax, and the five locations make it easy to escape the rush of the city. (We recommend the South Street Seaport location, which features Spanky’s BBQ.) Sample one of the many unique brewed beers, try a tasty martini, or have one of the appetizers, like the mini bison burgers.

Dramatic décor, wraparound open-air terraces, and spectacular skyline views from 26 stories above Manhattan make Top of the Tower (Beekman Tower Hotel, 3 Mitchell Pl., 212-980-4796) one of the most romantic and memorable spots in the city. This sophisticated cocktail lounge offers appetizers, signature cocktails and premium wines daily 5 p.m.-1 a.m. along with live piano Tues.-Sun.
 
Via Brasil (34 W. 46th St. btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves., 212-997-1158) is the perfect spot to enjoy an expertly made caipirinha while listening to live music on Wednesday through Saturday nights, and trying delicious Brazilian fare — including churrascos and feijoada (a meat stew with black beans) — served nightly. The sleek, festive, green-and-white motif, live music, and energetic staff complement the upbeat atmosphere.

Named in honor of the creator of the classic Madeline books for children, Bemelmans Bar (The Carlyle Hotel, 35 E. 76th St. at Madison Ave., 212-744-1600) is a timeless New York watering hole offering an extensive menu of creative cocktails. The bar has drawn socialites, politicians, movies stars, and moguls for more than 50 years. The bar has a mix of spaces, from romantic and intimate to casual.
 
Brendan’s Bar & Grill (42 W. 35th St. btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves., 212-564-5405) is easily one of New York City’s most attractive casual bar/grills, with lovingly restored turn-of-the-20th-century architecture. Their steak, seafood, pizza, and other dishes are all first-rate and reasonably priced, served in generous portions. Brendan’s has a big-screen TV in the bar, and a private party room is also available. They’re open daily, noon till midnight.
 
Co-founded by Rodney Dangerfield in 1969, Dangerfield’s (1118 First Ave. btw. 61st & 62nd Sts., 212-593-1650) is the longest-running comedy club in the world. It features top comedians straight from other leading clubs, motion pictures, and TV shows such as “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” “The Late Show With David Letterman,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” and Comedy Central. Stars who have performed here include Jay Leno, Jim Carrey, Tim Allen, Andrew Dice Clay, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and others. Dangerfield’s features a "no drink/food minimum" that is rare for comedy clubs, making it an inexpensive place to get your laughs.
 
An aesthetically stunning addition to the Theater District scene, La Prima Donna (163 W. 47th St. btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves., 212-398-3400) has the feel of the Venetian carnival, paying tribute to feminine beauty. Murals and Renaissance paintings that line the walls add to the lush glamour of an Old-World-Italian-style eatery. La Prima Donna offers live jazz every Friday and Saturday night starting at 8:30 p.m. General manager Mohamed Choayra invites you to enjoy a special prix-fixe lunch, a cocktail hour where you can sip one of their signature drinks (such as the Primapolitan), or an elegant, yet inexpensive pre-theatre dinner.