UNION SQUARE. This famously chill dive bar near Irving Plaza is a great place to shoot billiards or hang out before a concert. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to 14th St-Union Sq

UPPER EAST SIDE. Ahhh, the Sunday Brunch. When it's done well, you simply can't beat it, and 212 does it very well, indeed. Trademark dishes from the regular lunch and dinner menu make appearances, such as grilled artichoke and chopped arugula salad, pan-seared tuna rolls, and penne with chicken and roasted tomatoes. But you'll also find about 35 other things, including create-your-own omelettes, sandwiches and burgers, fresh fruit smoothies, and waffles. It's also the only restaurant in town that offers baby food at brunch, which makes it quite popular with families. Prix-Fixe lunch $20, Monday-Friday.

UPPER WEST SIDE. One of the city's ­ some would say the country's ­ most distinguished billiard clubs, Amsterdam is handsomely dressed in Oriental rugs, exposed brick walls hung with original art, a wood-burning fireplace and deep, comfortable chairs. Co-founded by comedian David Brenner back in 1989, the classy place has been written up in numerous rags and featured on a handful of TV shows, including "Letterman" and "Good Morning America." TRAIN: B, C to 81st St-Museum of Natural History; 1 to 79th St

MIDTOWN WEST. The more accessible of Chef Masayoshi Takayama's two NYC editions, Bar Masa is a stylish place to sip on fine wine, expertly-mixed cocktails or top-shelf sake while taking in the omnipresent cool of the clientele. The long African Bubbinga plank that serves as the bar, the walls covered with textured tiles made of Japanese limestone, and the dark wood accents ­ these elements work in unison to create a sense of shibui, or natural simplicity. And, of course, the à la carte sushi menu gives patrons a glimpse at Takayama's brilliance. TRAIN: A, B, C, D, 1, 9 to Columbus Cir

MIDTOWN EAST. This classy Midtown bar and restaurant, with decor by famous designer Adam Tihany, offers an upscale alternative for business types who want to enjoy a good martini or glass of wine after a day at the office. Bice also serves an excellent Nouveau Italian/Milanese menu with specialties that include several excellent pasta dishes ­ the red wine risotto and tagliolini are tops. Lunch and dinner reservations are suggested; business dressy attire. TRAIN: E, F, N, R to 5th Ave