Gowanus has places to day drink outdoors (Lavender Lake), eat with a big group (Insa), and get some good BBQ (Dinosaur BBQ). And it has Pig Beach - a place to do all three. This BBQ spot next to the canal has some indoor space, but it’s best when you can drink frozen cocktails with a bunch of friends in the huge outdoor courtyard. You don’t need to go out of your way for the food alone, but you won’t be upset sharing some brisket and mac and cheese, or the very messy cheeseburger, which you can get with one, two, or three patties.