The Earth & Stars

You'll find yourself on Windsor Street in one of those pockets of Brighton that actually feels like where people live rather than just pass through. The Earth & Stars has that unpretentious, warm feeling you want from a local—the sort of place where regulars have their spots and newcomers are genuinely welcomed in. The beer selection is taken seriously without being annoying about it, the food is solid comfort stuff that doesn't pretend to be anything it's not, and there's usually something interesting happening, whether that's live music or just good conversation at the bar.