Murray’s Cheese Bar
The cheese gods have answered our prayers. The team behind gourmet cheese shop Murray’s Cheese opened this casual restaurant next door to their Greenwich Village shop. The menu of stinky stuff includes: grilled cheese, mac ‘n’ cheese (made with Tickler cheddar, cave-aged gruyere, and mozzarella), fondue, cheese spreads (pimento is our fave), cheese boards, cheesy desserts, and more, all made with Murray’s artisanal cheeses. And no fromage bar would be complete without a selection of wine and beer.
Murray’s Cheese Bar, 264 Bleecker Street (between Cornelia and Morton streets); 646-476-8882.

Lavender Lake
If you’re hoping to squeak a few more weeks out of summer, head to this super-chill two-month-old Brooklyn gastropub. Their beachy back patio, outfitted with wood picnic tables and umbrellas, is the perfect spot to pick-up some weekend rays while indulging in buckets of beer, yummy cocktails, and New American dishes like lemon-brined chicken breast with grilled vegetables and pan jus.
Lavender Lake, 383 Carroll Street (at Bond street); 347-799-2154.


Photo: Courtesy of Murray’s Cheese Bar