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This Smith Street spot—born via a collaboration between the owners of Cobble Hill mainstays Stinky Brooklyn and Smith & Vine—fast became the neighborhood’s go-to cheese-and-wine-bar. A helpful staff effortlessly rattles off options for three-year old cheddars, and gives guidance on their 15 cheeses, organized by playful groupings like “Washed and Stinky” and “Firm, Bold and Old”. They’ll also suggest pairings with one of their 16 wines by the glass—listed, more conventionally, by blush. A surprising 130 “brown liquors” (whiskeys, Bourbons, Scotch) are also on hand. The skinny little bar has a swanky, Prohibition-era appeal, with at least one barkeep sporting lamb chop sideburns and the wait-staff wearing button-up shirts with their ties tucked in. JakeWalk is an unintimidating spot where the gastronomically curious can come, sans babies or puppies, to chat, chew, and sip—if they can land a seat. — Kate Klonick

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