196 Smith Street, Brooklyn

Tel: 718-643-2106

Whiskey may be the raison d'être at this addition to Brooklyn's charmingly hipster Carroll Gardens, but the food is equally intoxicating. The slim, warmly lit space has comfortable booths in the back, but serious spirits geeks gravitate toward the bar stools at the front. Over 300 different bourbons and whiskies are available—including rare finds like Maker's Mark Black Wax and 19-year-old William Larue Weller, both of which go for $100 an ounce. Chef Matt Greco has stylish takes on Southern comfort food: homemade lamb pastrami topped with pickled onions; fried cheddar curds with zippy pimiento dip; and a perfect sandwich of vinegary chopped pork.
Tip: Homemade butter pecan ice cream is studded with clusters of sugary pecans and soused with bourbon (entrées, $14–$20).