“Meet me in Red Hook?” It’s not a question you often hear from New Yorkers — unless a trip to IKEA is involved (no judgment on those Swedish meatballs as we live for them). And that is exactly what makes this neighborhood so special.
In a city packed with people, Red Hook still feels like a hidden gem, a quiet escape from the usual hustle and bustle. Whether you’re stopping in for a mid-day drink at a cash-only bar or spending the day wandering and eating your way through the neighborhood, you’re in for a treat. What are you waiting for? Hop on the ferry or the bus, and discover Red Hook for yourself.
Red Hook Tavern For that famous burger you’ve probably heard about
Photo by Daniel Krieger, courtesy of Red Hook Tavern
Red Hook Tavern is the follow-up to chef Bill Durney’s legendary Hometown Bar-B-Que, which helped put the neighborhood on the map of New York’s barbecue scene. The dry-aged beef cheeseburger, served with cottage fries, is the reason many make the pilgrimage (and they’re not wrong, it is one of the city’s best) but don’t overlook the rest of the menu’s timeless fare — shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, onion soup, or ribeye with creamed spinach. The drinks menu is just as compelling with a connoisseur’s wine list that includes a substantial list of Champagnes.
Photo by Daniel Krieger, courtesy of Red Hook Tavern
Café Kestrel For an intimate bistro that’s the talk of the town
An already beloved newcomer to the neighborhood, Café Kestrel keeps things simple and satisfying with an ever-changing menu of cozy, well-executed dishes like chicken with dates, capers, and carrots or hake with mushrooms. On stormy days, chef-owner Dennis Spina whips up a “soup du jour” with whatever’s available on hand, while Sundays are reserved for “curry night.” With just about 20 seats and a European-inspired atmosphere, it’s an intimate spot perfect for date nights — where a little elbow-rubbing with your neighbors is part of the allure.
Pitt's For stellar food with a touch of Southern hospitality
Photo by Andrew Bui, courtesy of Pitt’s
From the team behind Agi’s Counter, Pitt’s breathes new life into the former Fort Defiance space with a concept that blends Southern hospitality and early 2000’s New York nostalgia. Chef Jeremy Salamon, drawing inspiration from his summers spent in North Carolina with his grandparents, pays homage to his roots with a menu that takes a spin on familiar flavors. The pancake soufflé is a must-order — it’s the result of extensive recipe-testing and is worth every bite.
Photo by Andrew Bui, courtesy of Pitt’s
Red Hook Lobster Pound For lobster rolls and seafood classics
For a taste of coastal Maine in the heart of Brooklyn, Red Hook Lobster Pound is all about sustainably sourced seafood. With its laid-back atmosphere and nautical themed-dining room, it’s a lovely place to indulge in seafood classics — think clam chowder, bisque, seafood boils, and of course, lobster rolls, served Maine- or Connecticut-style or with some more creative flair like the BLT. Friendly service adds to the charm, and when the summer rolls around, keep an eye out for their pop-ups around the city.
Bar Mario For Italian fare within a lively space
Bringing a taste of Italian charm to Red Hook, Bar Mario comes from the all-Italian team behind Osteria Carlina in the West Village. The owners, who hail from Florence and Turin, infused the menu with regional classics — vitello tonnato, fritto misto, agnolotti al ragù, pillowy potato gnocchi — paired with a well-curated wine list and expertly crafted cocktails. The space itself is just as lively, with teal blue velvet seating, black-and-white checkered tiles, and disco vibes that makes it a fun pick for both dates and friend hangs alike.
GOOG – Thai Cook Shop For Thai comfort food
This is the second iteration of the former Somtum Der and it’s a restaurant with origins in Bangkok. GOOG – Thai Cook Shop specializes in Thai comfort food made with quality ingredients. Expect familiar dishes like Massaman beef curry and pad see ew, paired with playful cocktails. A weekday happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. makes it easy to settle in — especially on warm summer days when the patio is the perfect place to linger.
Brooklyn Crab For a multi-level seafood shack with amazing views
Part seafood shack, part backyard party, Brooklyn Crab is your ultimate spot for a laid-back seafood feast by the water. The tri-level restaurant serves all kinds of seafood specialties, from buckets of crab to freshly shucked oysters and eat-and-peel shrimp, to be enjoyed while soaking in a prime view of the waterfront and the Statue of Liberty. The outdoor space is complete with picnic tables, lawn games (mini-golf, cornhole), and a tiki bar to make it a fun go-to in the summer. They have happy hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays, all-you-can-eat snow crab legs on Fridays with half-off wine, bottomless brunch on the weekend, and a special deal on food and drinks for bar seating on Sundays.
Brooklyn Ice House For a true neighborhood dive
A true neighborhood dive, Brooklyn Ice House keeps it straightforward with its affordable ice-cold beers and no-frills vibe. The solid bar fare includes their famous burger — easily one of the best in the area — and keeps locals coming back; even on weekdays at lunchtime, it’s usually packed with locals. Open all-day long and strictly cash-only, it’s the kind of spot that doesn’t try too hard, because it doesn’t need to.
Walk-ins only.
Sunny’s Bar For a local dive institution
This Red Hook saloon has been pouring drinks to locals since the 1800s, long before the neighborhood became a destination. Tucked away on a quiet street, Sunny’s Bar is the sort of place where time slows down and their live bluegrass sets transport you to another area. Whether you’re there for the strong drinks, a cold beer, or just the communal spirit, Sunny’s is an institution not to be missed.
Call 718-625-8211 for reservations.
Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie For New York’s most famous key lime pie
No trip to Red Hook would be complete without a stop at Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie. Their pies are made daily with freshly squeezed key limes and a proprietary house-baked Graham cracker crust. Whether you opt for their classic pie or the Swingle — a mini-pie dipped in Belgian dark chocolate on a stick — each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Grab one and enjoy it by the waterfront, and you’ll understand why this spot has been a neighborhood favorite for decades.
Walk-ins only.
Pearl's Dive For caviar and live music
Pearl’s Dive is the restaurant of Pearl Street Caviar, a Red Hook-based company that prides itself on making sustainably farmed caviar more approachable to the masses. Here, caviar isn’t just a luxury item, it is paired with items like a grilled cheese or a lobster roll. For the full experience, opt for a caviar flight to sample their different varieties. The welcoming staff makes learning easy, while weekly music sets add to the laid-back charm.
