Want to start your weekend early? Try this:

STOP 1: MABLE'S SMOKEHOUSE & BANQUET HALL

Stepping inside Mable's rustic dining room, adorned with long wooden communal tables, antique chandeliers and vintage signs, it's easy to imagine spots like this lining the byways of Kentucky or Oklahoma, the home states of the restaurant's husband and wife proprietors. Mable's is a facsimile of the romanticized "authentic gem," the place you hope to accidentally come across after a serendipitous wrong turn on a southern road trip (or that you seek out after watching Guy Fieri).

While the space recreates the atmospheric charm of a roadside BBQ joint, albeit in an undeniably Brooklyn sort of way (how many old-fashioned honky-tonks have leather backed stools at the bar?), the food also hits the mark and is a solid option for a barbecue dinner in Brooklyn. Come with a group and order some platters of pulled pork and brisket (both great in sandwich form as well).

STOP 2: BROOKLYN BOWL

Since opening in 2009, Brooklyn Bowl has become a Williamsburg institution. A bowling alley, concert space and restaurant hybrid, it's damn near impossible to not have good time here.

For over six years, Brooklyn Bowl has hosted Bowl Train, the perennially popular weekly party, featuring Roots drummer and resident DJ, ?uestlove. Every Thursday evening, from 11:30pm to closing, ?uestlove digs deep into his record crates, spinning old funk, soul, disco and hip hop tracks late into the night. The dance floor draws a mixed crowd, brought together by a shared thirst for great music and a great time.

Don't want to dance? You can usually score a lane without much of a wait at this hour, perfect for people watching in between frames. Whether you sport bowling shoes or dancing shoes, the come as you are door policy and celebratory vibe inside are perfect nutrients for a Thursday night done right.

RECAP:

Mable's Smokehouse & Banquet Hall: A large, rustic, honky-tonk style BBQ joint.
Brooklyn Bowl: A bowling alley, live music venue and restaurant, all under one roof.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

-Mable's Smokehouse is located at 44 Berry Street. Brooklyn Bowl is located at 61 Wythe Avenue.

-Total Cost: About $75 per person for dinner at Mable's + admission, bowling and drinks at Brooklyn Bowl. Opting out of bowling and ordering sandwiches instead of platters will significantly reduce the price per person. Tax and tip included.

-Mable's is open until 11:00pm on Thursdays, but the later you go, the greater the risk that some items may be sold out. The best plan is to arrive around 9:00pm and then head over to Brooklyn Bowl when the doors open at 11:00pm. Reservations are accepted for parties of 10 or more.

-The DJ sets at Brooklyn Bowl begin at 11:30pm. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door. There are usually live shows finishing up before Bowl Train begins, so if you arrive much earlier than 11:00pm, you may have to pay a larger cover for the live performance.

-If you're still hungry at Brooklyn Bowl, the kitchen serves up great food by Blue Ribbon Brasserie.