Walden (CLOSED)

This 40-seat Brooklyn tavern—named after Henry David Thoreau's most famous book—heeds Thoreau's call for a return to nature with a tight menu of market-driven fare. Thankfully, it also ignores the author's teetotalism, offering organic, biodynamic and natural wines to match the seasonal plates. Choose from dishes like treviso with an anchovy-caper dressing and bacon, or chicken Ballantine with kohlrabi, sunchokes and plums, all made by chef Ben Winans (Diner, Pure Food & Wine). The wood-decorated space may seem simple, but a few elements (a Lindsay Adelman bubble chandelier, Michael Anastassiades globe lights) reflect partner Jamie Gray's main occupation as the owner of minimalist design store Matter.