*back garden at the cannibal beer & butcher*

The name pretty much says it all.

A beer store and retail butcher shop by day, this snug space with low ceilings also features a bar and deli counter where diners can pull up stools and share small plates of protein while enjoying an excellent draft or bottle of beer. The beer list is massive, particularly the bottle selection, with hundreds of imported and domestic brews. With such a deep catalog of craft beer, your server will be invaluable in guiding you to the perfect pairing for dishes from the impressive meat-heavy menu of snacks and charcuterie specialties.

Guests with substantial appetites can opt for more prodigious plates, such as the General Tso's Pigs Head or the Tandori Lamb Belly (both serve two). If you want to spread out a bit while indulging in these dinners for two, request a table in the beautiful back patio, which is enclosed and heated in the winter.

STOP 2: THE PEOPLE'S IMPROV THEATER (The PIT )

The PIT is both a comedy school and theater, where students of the comedic arts hone their craft through instruction on improvisation and writing, then apply what they have learned in nightly live performances.

Every Wednesday evening, The PIT puts on free improv shows, beginning at 6:00pm and continuing every hour until midnight. Each show is completely one-of-a-kind, as teams of improvisors show off their long-form improvisation chops, often soliciting suggestions from the audience for inspiration.

Before or after a show, patrons and performers can kick it with cheap drinks at the spacious bar area (beverages can also be taken into the theater). The performances are consistently very funny and with a positive attitude and open mind your only cost of admission, The PIT is a fine spot to spend a Wednesday night.

RECAP:

The Cannibal Beer & Butcher: A beer shop and meat purveyor serving small plates and large format dishes along with an extensive beer list.
The PIT: A comedy school and theater featuring free improv shows on Wednesday evenings.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

-Total Cost: About $60 per person for shared plates and beer at The Cannibal + drinks and a little something for the performers at The PIT. Tax and tip included.

-While admission to The PIT's Wednesday night performances is free, a bucket is passed around during each show for tips.

-Late admission to the shows cannot be guaranteed and is at the discretion of the manager. If you are late, hang back at the bar and just go to the next one.

-The Cannibal Beer and Butcher does not accept reservations, though the back garden can be rented out of some pretty sick gatherings.

NEARBY: For more affordable fare, hit Shake Shack at Madison Square Park or Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop on 5th Avenue.