"If you want to recreate the feeling of a summer BBQ (complete with yard games), Char Bar is a great place to kick off the night with a group. Start with their cornbread jalapeño muffins with pepper jam, chive butter, and hot honey. Then, sample the best of the menu with The Whomp! Platter, which has a spread of meats—brisket, sausage, ham, ribs, burnt ends—and comes with two sides (go for the homemade potato salad and beans). This spot is co-owned by the team behind Meat Mitch, but Char Bar is our preferred spot because it has one of the best patios for corn hole and it’s near great bars nearby like Harry’s or Westport Cafe." - ryan bernsten