When deciding which Dinosaur to hit up, you could stay local, favoring either Harlem or Brooklyn because it’s closer. But if beer’s a passion – or if you’re thirsty to learn about some new brews– then look at both menus and let the beers choose your direction. Does the day demand 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon? Is it whimpering for Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’? Are you hearing Colorado’s sweet call to the dark side in a pour of Left Hand Brewing’s Milk Stout? Forget the rainbow, follow your yearnings.

No matter which location you choose, be prepared to stay a while. Maybe it’s the food. Maybe it’s the beers. Maybe it’s the staff. (They are definitely a collective factor.) Whatever the reason, there is something in the atmosphere that makes people want to linger. Noemi, one of the servers, said, “I love it here. I really do.” Park yourself at the bar, skim the list of beers, and you may find “like” tipping toward malty “love”.

If you get hungry, heed the smoke. There’s something on the menu that will go with your old favorite or newly discovered brew. As to friends who think you’re crazy for going to a barbecue joint for beer, you decide whether you want to share the secret or take them on a New York bargain of a flight.