The Smoke Joint

During the day, light streams through the wraparound windows at this Brooklyn bistro and barbecue hangout, glinting off big liquor jars filled with cherries marinating in bourbon, or vodka infused with bacon and black peppercorns. It's a business crowd at lunch, with men slinging their ties over their shoulders to keep them out of the sauce, and solo women reading The New Yorker while absently picking at golden macaroni and cheese. At night, hipsters file in before and after shows at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). On one side is an open kitchen with all manner of 'cue and fixings, and on the other a sweet little bar and seating along a bay of windows. The beer and bourbon list is amazing, and so are the brownies. "Your baker's my hero!" a man shouted to the bartender for all to hear. "I'm serious. That brownie is the best ever!"