Spotted Pig   (Photo: Photo by Kate Attardo)

Bar Carrera
175 Second Ave., at 11th St; 212-375-1555
Surprising matches characterize the menu of Basque-style tapas here. Try rich, slightly charred pork caramelized with juniper sugar, robust chorizo over slices of soft-boiled egg, or creamy Garrotxa cheese paired with guavalike membrillo paste.

Devin Tavern
363 Greenwich St., nr. Franklin St.; 212-334-7337
A respectable beer list, creative cocktails, and menu of bar nibbles satisfy many a post-work tippler. Offerings successfully knit the classic and the upscale, with ricotta tortellini sauced in a smooth, smoky beef-cheek ragù, and meaty baby-back ribs lavished with sweet, sharp spices.

Pegu Club
77 W. Houston St., nr. W. Broadway; 212-473-7348
Chef Gavin Citron is behind this enticing, minimal menu. Smoked-trout deviled eggs, coconut shrimp, scallop mini burgers, and other small-plates fare assure that the excellent cocktails aren’t the only draw here.

The Spotted Pig
314 W. 11th St., at Greenwich St.; 212-620-0393
The city’s definitive gastropub has a high-celebrity quotient, but more important, a simple, straightforward, and delicious menu. The char-grilled calf's liver with onions or slow-roasted king salmon with organic Italian zucchini are notable highlights.

Tavern on Dean
775 Dean St., at Underhill Ave.; 718-638-3326
Sit at the mahogany bar and watch the game while sampling a mix of New American fare, English pub grub, and a few soul-food dishes, like the crispy country-fried chicken, a perfect complement to any pint.