Gus's Chop House

With its sister restaurant just a half mile away, the team behind Popina debuts this buzzy chop house in Carroll Gardens. Far from the stuffiness of typical steakhouses, the candlelit dining room has its charms, and neighbors are sure to crowd around the bar and order the off-menu burger. As for on-menu, the kitchen showcases surprising creativity in winners like “leek a la wedge” or hash brown with smoked trout roe. Pork porterhouse is the main attraction, though all proteins from lamb loin to the NY strip are finished with a compelling brown butter sauce. Sides like sweet potato pave are equally thoughtful. All the while, wine enthusiasts will find plenty to dig into on this finely curated list stacked with star producers mostly from France.