Carnem Prime Steakhouse, Brooklyn

With its exposed brick walls and dark hardwood floors, Carnem has the look of an old-school steakhouse. The menu makes good on the decor's promise, too, featuring plenty of U.S.D.A. Prime certified angus beef sourced from Master Purveyors in the Bronx. Signature cuts include the 32-ounce bone-in cowboy ribeye, as well as a huge 42-ounce porterhouse. Still, for as much as it sticks to the classic steakhouse setup, Carnem branches out to carve its own path with a multitude of inventive dishes. Here are a few to consider when you stop by:

• Pork Belly Cotton Candy: That's not a typo—Carnem literally spins a plume of cotton candy around a crispy hunk of all-natural pork belly for the ultimate fusion of savory and sweet.
• Crispy calamari: Served Peruvian-style, this appetizing small plate arrives at your table glistening with a blue corn and tamarind sauce.
• Whole-roasted cornish hen: One of several tasty alternatives to steak, this dish holds its own as it's served with roasted potatoes and a brandy shallot beurre rouge.