The Red Hook Guide
It takes effort to get to Red Hook. Here is our guide to the waterfront views, destination barbecue, and singular businesses that make the trip worthwhile.
Red Hook feels different. It’s a neighborhood set apart, a peninsula defined by its cobblestone streets, sprawling brick warehouses, and an unapologetic maritime grit. Getting here requires a bus, a ferry, or a long walk, and that relative isolation is exactly what preserves its character. This isn't a place you stumble through on your way somewhere else. You come to Red Hook on purpose, for world-class barbecue, for a perfect key lime pie, for a clear, straight-on view of the Statue of Liberty, and for the feeling of being in a part of New York that still operates on its own terms.
The trip is part of the experience. The ferry ride across the water delivers you to a low-slung neighborhood where the sky feels bigger and the pace is slower. It’s a place for long afternoons spent by the water and evenings in bars that feel like they’ve been there forever. This guide is for making the most of that journey, from the essential food pilgrimage to the independent shops and quiet piers that define this singular corner of Brooklyn.
How To Get There
The journey to Red Hook is a key part of its appeal, separating it from the city's relentless grid. The most scenic route is the NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn line, which docks at Atlantic Basin. On weekends, NY Waterway operates a free ferry from Manhattan's Pier 11 and Midtown West to the IKEA terminal, offering a ride with skyline views. If you're coming by land, the B61 bus is your best bet, connecting to subway lines in Downtown Brooklyn and Carroll Gardens. The closest subway stops, Smith-9th Streets and Carroll Street for the F and G trains, are a considerable walk away, so we recommend the bus or ferry.
Where to Eat
Red Hook is a neighborhood that rewards a good appetite. It's home to some of the city's most specific and celebrated food, from destination barbecue to a century-old sandwich shop.
Hometown Bar-B-Que
Red Hook · 454 Van Brunt St · $$$ WebsiteMap
This is, without exaggeration, one of the best barbecue spots in the country. The line that forms before the doors open demonstrates the quality of the pit-smoked meats, from the peppery, tender brisket to the epic beef ribs. The sprawling, industrial space is loud and lively, with long communal tables and a bar specializing in craft beer and American whiskey. Get here early, plan to wait, and order more than you think you need.
Go for: The brisket, pastrami bacon, and Vietnamese hot wings. Know before you go: It’s counter service only, and they sell out of popular items.
Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie
Red Hook · 185 Van Dyke St · $ Map
For nearly 30 years, Steve's has been doing one thing and doing it perfectly. This walk-up window on the waterfront serves what might be the best key lime pie in New York, made with fresh-squeezed juice and a homemade graham cracker crust. The main event is the Swingle, a small frozen tart on a stick, dipped in Belgian chocolate. It's an essential Red Hook experience. Grab one and walk over to Valentino Pier for an unbeatable view.
Go for: The Swingle, a chocolate-dipped, frozen key lime tart on a stick. Know before you go: It’s a walk-up window with outdoor picnic tables. Hours can vary depending on the weather.
Red Hook Tavern
Red Hook · 329 Van Brunt St · $$$ WebsiteMap
From the team behind Hometown Bar-B-Que, this corner tavern focuses on perfecting the classics. The main draw is the burger, a thick, dry-aged patty with American cheese and a slice of raw onion that has earned a place among the city's best. The rest of the menu is just as considered, featuring dishes like cavatelli with oxtail ragu. The room is cozy and often crowded, so plan accordingly.
Go for: One of the city’s most talked-about burgers. Find it on our list of [/best-burgers-nyc](The Best Burgers in New York City). Know before you go: The space is small, and waits can be long. They recently opened The Tavern Next Door to handle the overflow.
Brooklyn Crab
Red Hook · 24 Reed St · $$$ WebsiteMap
A massive, three-story seafood shack with a sprawling outdoor patio, Brooklyn Crab is a summer-in-the-city institution. It’s a loud, fun, family-friendly spot for steamed crab, lobster rolls, and buckets of beer. The rooftop deck offers fantastic views of the water. It’s not a quiet dinner, but it’s one of the most festive places to be on a warm afternoon.
Go for: A group hang with beers and steamed seafood. Know before you go: It gets very busy on sunny weekends.
The Good Fork
Red Hook · 391 Van Brunt St · $$ WebsiteMap
A beloved neighborhood standby, The Good Fork serves a thoughtful, eclectic menu that mixes Korean flavors with French technique. Think steak and eggs with kimchi-laced rice or a perfectly executed burger. The space is intimate and charming, built to resemble the inside of a ship’s cabin. It’s a great choice for a more relaxed, sit-down meal that still feels distinctly Red Hook.
Go for: A delicious, interesting dinner in a cozy, welcoming room. Know before you go: Reservations are a good idea for this small spot.
Where to Drink
From historic dives to a sprawling waterfront winery, Red Hook's drinking spots have as much character as the neighborhood itself.
Sunny's Bar
Red Hook · 253 Conover St · $ WebsiteMap
Sunny’s is not just a bar, it’s a Red Hook institution. Tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street, this place has been pouring drinks since the 1890s and has the kind of worn-in, timeless feel that can’t be faked. It’s known for its live music, particularly bluegrass jams, and its friendly, unpretentious crowd. It’s the kind of place you go for one beer and stay for hours. This is easily one of [/best-dive-bars-nyc](The Best Dive Bars in New York City).
Go for: A cold beer, live bluegrass, and a real piece of old New York history. Know before you go: It’s cash only and gets packed during live music sets.
Red Hook Barrel Yard
Red Hook · 185 Van Dyke St · $$ WebsiteMap
This massive 40,000-square-foot complex on the waterfront is home to Red Hook Winery, Red Hook Cidery, and a soon-to-open distillery. The sprawling space has incredible, unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan from its outdoor patios. You can sample wines made from New York State grapes, try a flight of local ciders, or grab food from the Lundy's on the Waterfront menu.
Go for: Sunset drinks with an unbeatable view. Know before you go: The complex opened in May 2026 and is still rolling out its full offerings.
Fort Defiance
Red Hook · 347 Van Brunt St · $$ Map
This bright, welcoming corner spot is a cafe by day and a cocktail bar by night. It’s a neighborhood hub that does everything well, from morning coffee and pastries to excellent cocktails and a thoughtful dinner menu. The navy-and-white nautical decor gives it a clean, classic feel. It’s a versatile spot that works for almost any occasion.
Go for: A well-made cocktail and a great neighborhood vibe. Know before you go: The kitchen closes earlier than the bar.
What to See and Do
Beyond the food and drink, Red Hook's appeal lies in its waterfront, its art scene, and its unique sense of place.
Pioneer Works
Red Hook · 159 Pioneer St · Free WebsiteMap
A massive former ironworks factory is now a non-profit center for art and innovation. Pioneer Works hosts ambitious exhibitions, artist residencies, talks, and performances that often blur the lines between art, science, and music. The space itself is incredible, and their free "Second Sundays" events are a monthly open house with live music, food, and open artist studios.
Go for: Provocative art and a look inside a thriving creative community. Know before you go: Check their website for current exhibitions and a calendar of events like Village Fête and the Red Hook Regatta.
Louis J. Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier
Red Hook · Coffey St & Ferris St · Free
This is where you’ll find New York City’s only head-on view of the Statue of Liberty. It’s a simple, beautiful green space on the water that feels like a reward for making the trip out. The pier is a perfect spot for watching the sunset over the harbor. It’s also the site of community events like the annual Red Hook Regatta.
Go for: The best, most direct photo you’ll ever get of the Statue of Liberty. Know before you go: It’s a popular spot, but it rarely feels overcrowded.
Waterfront Museum
Red Hook · 290 Conover St · $ WebsiteMap
Housed in a preserved 1914 Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge, this small museum offers a glimpse into the history of New York’s harbor. It’s a quirky and charming place, dedicated to the history of the lighters, barges, and tugboats that built the city. They also host performances and events on the barge itself.
Go for: A unique piece of New York maritime history. Know before you go: Check their schedule for hours and special events, which can be irregular.
Where to Shop
Red Hook's independent spirit extends to its shops, which range from a neighborhood record store to modern home goods boutiques.
The Record Shop
Red Hook · 360 Van Brunt St · $$ WebsiteMap
More than just a place to buy vinyl, The Record Shop is a neighborhood living room and an intimate venue for experimental and improvised music. The selection of new and used records is lovingly curated, and the shop regularly hosts live shows, creating a vital hub for the local music scene. It's one of the best record stores in New York City.
Go for: Digging through well-chosen vinyl bins and catching a unique live performance. Know before you go: The live shows are small and intimate, so check the schedule online.
Open Invite
Red Hook · 352 Van Brunt St · $$ WebsiteMap
A beautifully curated shop for modern and vintage home goods, Open Invite is the place to find a unique piece of furniture, stylish ceramics, or the perfect gift. The selection feels personal and considered, mixing contemporary design with one-of-a-kind vintage finds.
Go for: Home decor that doesn't look like it came from a big-box store. Know before you go: The inventory is always changing, making each visit different.
The Shout NY Take
Red Hook asks for a little more from you than other neighborhoods. You have to want to be here. But the payoff is a neighborhood that feels like a discovery, a place where the views are wider, the history is visible on every cobblestone, and some of the city's most satisfying meals await at the end of the journey. It’s a reminder that the best parts of New York are often the ones you have to make an effort to reach.
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Questions, answered.
- Is Red Hook, Brooklyn worth visiting?
- Yes, Red Hook is worth visiting for its unique maritime atmosphere, independent shops, destination-worthy restaurants, and direct views of the Statue of Liberty.
- How do I get to Red Hook?
- You can take the NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn route to the Red Hook/Atlantic Basin stop. The B61 bus also runs through the neighborhood. On weekends, a free ferry runs from Manhattan to the IKEA pier.
- What is there to do in Red Hook at night?
- Red Hook has excellent restaurants like Hometown Bar-B-Que and Red Hook Tavern, classic dive bars like Sunny's, and the occasional live music event at places like The Record Shop.
- Does the subway go to Red Hook?
- No, there is no direct subway service to Red Hook. The closest stations are Smith-9th Streets (F/G) and Carroll Street (F/G), both requiring a significant walk or a bus transfer.
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