Lavender Lake

Although the name might remind you of a pastoral country setting, locals know that the owners cheekily christened their bar after an unpleasant nickname for the Gowanus Canal (“lavender” refers to the waterway’s murky hue, a result of years of pollution and sewage buildup). Inside the large, airy space — which used to be a carriage house and now sports a minimalist look, all exposed brick and wooden beams — you’ll find a rotating menu of cocktails plus housemade sodas (lemon-lavender and ginger-lime) that can be served with your choice of spirit. While you sip, take advantage of their full-service kitchen, which offers dishes such as fried Brussels sprouts with a lemon aïoli dipping sauce and mignonette pickled oysters along with heartier fare like hanger steak and fries. If you come on a weekend, however, exercise a little restraint when it comes to heavy eating and drinking: DJs spin Motown tracks and other classics and you may find yourself wanting to join in on an impromptu dance party inside the main room or out on the bar’s outdoor patio.