Beer cheese

Sriracha is the secret ingredient in the beer cheese at this uptown indie hot spot. This kicked-up version—a thick, smooth puree of extra-sharp cheddar and mellow old-school Schaefer lager—is served alongside slices of rustic pugliese toast from Grandaisy Bakery. As a bonus, Earl’s throws in a couple of raw garlic cloves to rub on the bread, resulting in a piquant and fiery nosh that’s full of soul. Regular $7, jumbo $12.

The pastel-orange cheese at this East Village comfort-food joint may seem innocent, but it packs a tangy punch thanks to a blend of sautéed garlic and shallots, and a hit of spicy Cajun seasoning. Chef Meg Grace Larcom presses the base of Grafton white cheddar and Abita Amber lager through a chinois sieve to achieve a velvety texture. Smeared on two chubby, salt-dusted soft pretzels, it’s one of the menu’s simplest homages to the American South. $9.

Weary of the ubiquitous artisanal cheese board at other plaid-shirt-and-mason-jar Brooklyn bars, co-owners Justin Olsen and Patrick Britton set out to create a low-key cheese dish to serve at this laid-back tavern. Their variant displays a coarse texture, studded with nubby bits of pulverized cheddar (farmhouse white and yellow) and bound by a savory combo of Worcestershire sauce, roasted garlic and a pour of IPA. It’s tasty eaten straight up with a half sleeve of Ritz Crackers, but best pressed in the deliciously junky grilled cheese sandwich, zipped up with hot sauce and half-sour pickle slices. Dip $5, sandwich $6.