New this week

Oklahoma Smoke

Photo: Talia Simhi

Brother Jimmy’s
The fifth location of this boisterous faux-thentic Carolina ’cue-and-brew spot has opened near Penn Station. The 145-seat eatery sticks to the formula hatched 20 years ago on the Upper East Side: Pork ribs get a 21-spice rub, and drinks like the Swamp Water (vodka, sour mix, melon liqueur, pineapple juice, Sprite and grenadine) are served in fishbowl-size glasses. 416 Eighth Ave at 31st St (212-967-7603)

Georgia’s Eastside BBQ
Short-lived Café Trotsky has given way to yet another barbecue place. This one comes from Alan Natkiel (The General Store), who’s put together a tiny space with ramshackle charm (mismatched wooden chairs, a counter made from salvaged wood) and meats that represent the namesake state’s melting-pot ’cue philosophy. Look for dry-rubbed pork and chicken slathered in Natkiel’s own spicy-sweet sauce. 192 Orchard St between Houston and Stanton Sts (212-253-6280)

Oklahoma Smoke
A third pit stop opens this week: Oklahoma barbecue veteran Paul Packard has partnered with the owners of Harlem sweet spot Better Crust Bakery at this 30-seat indoor-outdoor smokehouse, where hickory, apple and mesquite logs bathe chicken, brisket, ribs, turkey wings and shrimp in sweet smoke. 231 W 145th St between Frederick Douglass Blvd (Eighth Ave) and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (Seventh Ave) (212-862-5335)

Gemma
The much-awaited rustic-Italian It spot from Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson, the tastemakers behind the Maritime Hotel and the exclusive Waverly Inn, has opened in the Bowery Hotel. Another master of the low profile, Freemans co-owner Taavo Somer, helped design the space, with floor-to-ceiling wrought-iron doors that open out onto the street and a private dining room with wine jugs suspended from the ceiling. Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery at 3rd St (212-505-9100)

Wells Ales and Lagers

Photo: Judie Love

Wells Ales and Lagers
After working for a decade as a beer promoter, Jeff Wells decided to open his own brew spot, modeled after a traditional English pub. The booze selection includes wine, but is more likely to draw beer aficionados. Choose from ten drafts (like Allagash White and Lagunitas IPA) and nearly 100 globe-spanning bottles. If you get hungry, panini and artisanal cheeses are among the bar snacks. 303 Bedford Ave between South 1st and 2nd Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-963-3435)

The Blue Seats
A raw bar, a drink list featuring 12 types of martinis, an extensive dinner menu (from pasta to pork chops) and 72 flat screen TVs attempt to keep fans planted at this bi-level sports emporium. 157 Ludlow St between Rivington and Stanton Sts (212-614-1494)