I'm trying to venture to Brooklyn more, for there are some great food and dining destinations across the bridge. One such spot is Char No. 4, a place to get your meat and bourbon on.

Char No. 4 is a whiskey bar and restaurant inspired by a passion for bourbon. It features over 150 American whiskeys and serves a menu of American fare with a Southern influence.

I haven't been drinking much as of late, but felt obligated at this restaurant, so I started with a nice and smooth Ridgemont Reserve 1792 bourbon ($5 an ounce).

Smoked & fried pork nuggets with Char No. 4 hot sauce ($4) were tasty and great. I giggled to myself a bit, for I thought I was doing something bad popping these little nuggets of joy into my mouth. A devilishly good snack!

House cured lamb pastrami with coriander aioli, pickled onions & rye-caraway toast ($12) was fabulous! This ain't your deli pastrami folks. In fact, this is some of the best pastrami I had ever had. Delicate and flavorful. True meat perfection.

Of course, I'm trying to stay fit and look good, so I also ordered the House smoked spare ribs with a side of bacon-jalapeño cornbread & baked beans ($22). These were some succulent and delicious ribs. I wouldn't say they were mind-blowing, but they paired well with a nice rye, and I was a fan of the housemade bbq sauce. I did think the beans were the best I've had. Actually, I rarely eat beans, but these made me change my heart. Delicious! The bacon-jalapeño cornbread was ingenious and great too!

So, cross that bridge and get your meat and drink on at Char No. 4. You'll have a devilishly good time!

Char No. 4
196 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 643-2106
www.charno4.com