This must be the fancy version of the crappy smelling joint in Union Square. Why else the chop house moniker? Yeah, we know it’s the same place, but it hardly seems that way. The food is different. The place is nicer, and the beer actually tastes okay. We’re not quite sure if this place constitutes a theme restaurant, but it certainly feels like one now that they’ve opened multiple locations and started caring about the franchise name. What’s the theme you ask? The theme is brewery. Yes, a brewery themed restaurant that is actually a brewery. I know it makes no sense, but it’s late and I’m getting existential. Like its counterpart downtown, this Heartland Brewery is a good, centrally-located place to meet a group after work for some brews. We can even recommend the food at this location. Despite our hatred of chains and brightly lit bars, we can’t overlook the fact that it’s still cooler than going to T.G.I. Friday’s or Applebee’s. [MF]
127 W 43rd St.
212/366-0235