Earl's Beer and Cheese

The casual neighborhood joint has two focuses: beer and cheese. No complaint's there. The comfort food choices are all reasonably priced—you can score a spicy tomato soup made that's spiked with sriracha and ginger for $6, or a mac-and-cheese made with goat cheese, rosemary and shredded chicken for $8. The real fun is in the menu of grilled cheeses, which contain unique ingredients like kimchi and cranberry-quince compote to go along with the NY state cheddar or double-cream brie. If you're not in the mood for brews like Dead Horse IPA on tap (many pints are only $5), opt for one of the affordable, organic wines that are poured. The only complaint you'll have? Well—it's kind of small in there—but that's nothing a little cheese won't make you feel better about.

See more: East Harlem restaurants