F & M Cafe

- 383 Van Brunt St #1007, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Introduction / Overview: F & M Cafe - A Red Hook Institution

When you’re looking for a taste of authentic Brooklyn, complete with a massive menu that covers every craving from a morning bagel to a hearty dinner plate, look no further than F & M Cafe in the historic Red Hook neighborhood. While it may have started out as F&M Bagels, this local gem has evolved into a full-service deli, sandwich shop, and breakfast restaurant, offering a truly impressive selection of comfort food. This is more than just a quick-stop eatery; F & M Cafe is a cornerstone of the Red Hook community, known for providing fresh, delicious, and generously portioned meals in a casual and cozy atmosphere. It’s a place where locals can grab their morning coffee and classic egg sandwich, where tourists can fuel up before exploring the waterfront, and where anyone can find a satisfying lunch or dinner. The cafe is particularly popular for its breakfast and lunch offerings, making it an essential destination for solo diners, neighborhood regulars, and food enthusiasts seeking genuine New York flavor.

The menu at F & M Cafe is a testament to classic American and New York deli cuisine, featuring an extensive array of options that ensures there’s something for literally everyone. From a simple yet perfect bacon, egg, and cheese on a bagel to massive, overstuffed specialty heroes named after famous New York landmarks, the variety is staggering. They seamlessly blend the tradition of a classic bagel shop with the expansive choices of a full-scale restaurant and deli. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or planning to cater an office lunch, F & M Cafe delivers on quality, quantity, and genuine neighborhood charm.

Location and Accessibility in Red Hook, Brooklyn

F & M Cafe is situated in the charming, waterfront community of Red Hook, Brooklyn, at 383 Van Brunt St #1007, Brooklyn, NY 11231. Red Hook is celebrated for its unique, almost island-like feel, offering a distinct and authentic Brooklyn experience away from the constant hustle of Manhattan. The neighborhood is bounded by the Gowanus Canal, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), and the Upper New York Harbor, an isolated location that contributes to its close-knit community atmosphere and industrial, artistic vibe.

Accessibility is a key aspect for visitors to Red Hook, as the neighborhood is famously not served by a direct subway line. This lack of immediate rail connection gives Red Hook its unique character but does require some planning for commuters. The closest subway lines, specifically the F and G trains, are accessible via stations in nearby Carroll Gardens or Smith-Ninth Street. Visitors typically reach the cafe by taking one of the area's reliable bus routes, driving, or utilizing local ferry services that dock near the waterfront. For New Yorkers looking for a destination that feels a bit off the beaten path, F & M Cafe is perfectly positioned in the heart of Red Hook's main commercial stretch on Van Brunt Street. The cafe is ready to serve the community with operating hours that generally run Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Note that delivery and takeout hours may vary.

Services Offered

F & M Cafe provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of the busy New Yorker and the visiting tourist, ensuring convenience and satisfaction with every order.

• Full-Service Breakfast & Brunch: Offering everything from classic egg sandwiches on a roll or bagel, to full breakfast platters with eggs, home fries, toast, and coffee, alongside pancakes, French toast, and Belgian waffles.
• Extensive Deli & Sandwich Selection: A vast menu of traditional cold and hot sandwiches, deli meats, spreads, and signature specialty sandwiches named after local landmarks like the Red Hook Special Sandwich and The Brooklyn Hoagie.
• Hot Meal & Comfort Food Plates: Beyond sandwiches, the cafe features hot small and large plates including Italian-American favorites like Chicken Parmigiana, Penne Alla Vodka, Eggplant Rollatini, and classic comfort dishes like Meatloaf, Beef Stew, and Spare Ribs.
• Fresh Bagels & Bakery Items: Operating as a traditional bagel shop at its core, the cafe offers fresh bagels, rolls, toast, and jumbo muffins.
• Homemade Soups & Salads: Daily soup specials such as Chicken Soup, Lentil Soup, and Clam Chowder, along with a variety of deli salads (potato, macaroni, coleslaw) and specialty salads (Greek, Chef, Caesar).
• Coffee Bar & Beverages: A wide selection of drinks, from regular and decaf coffee and herbal tea to espresso, cappuccino, iced options, shakes, and smoothies.
• Delivery Service: Catering to the Red Hook area, the cafe offers convenient delivery options for both early morning and midday meals.
• Takeout: Quick and easy takeout service for customers on the go.
• Catering: Large-scale food ordering and preparation for events, meetings, or large gatherings, covering breakfast, brunch, and lunch needs.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts credit cards and NFC mobile payments for a hassle-free transaction experience.

Features / Highlights

F & M Cafe stands out in the Brooklyn culinary scene for several compelling reasons, attracting both local workers and curious tourists.

• Remarkable Menu Breadth: The sheer size of the menu is a key feature, offering the diversity of a full-scale restaurant while maintaining the speed and efficiency of a deli and bagel shop. From basic egg sandwiches to sophisticated hot entrees like Chicken Marsala, they truly offer a one-stop dining solution.
• Authentic New York Deli Experience: The specialty sandwich names—such as The New York Special, The Brooklyn Bridge Sandwich, and Empire State Sandwich—pay homage to the city and give customers a genuine taste of New York’s hero and deli culture, including the highly praised seeded Italian bread.
• Dedicated Breakfast Destination: Known locally as a must-visit for breakfast, the cafe is popular for its hearty, affordable breakfast platters and extensive egg sandwich options, offering a great start to any day in Brooklyn.
• Quality Coffee Program: Highlighted by customers, the cafe serves great coffee alongside a full range of coffee bar options, from espresso to flavored iced coffees, making it a perfect cafe choice.
• Cozy, Local Atmosphere: The vibe is described as casual and cozy, fostering a relaxed environment that is welcoming to both the Red Hook resident looking for their regular order and tourists exploring the waterfront.
• Focus on Comfort Food: The offerings lean heavily into comfort food classics—both hot and cold—ensuring every meal is satisfying, familiar, and filling.

Contact Information

For residents and visitors ready to experience the delicious offerings of F & M Cafe, the full contact details are provided below.

Address: 383 Van Brunt St #1007, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone: (718) 855-2623

What Is Worth Choosing

For first-timers and lifelong New Yorkers alike, navigating the vast menu at F & M Cafe can be a delightful challenge. However, a few items truly capture the spirit of this Red Hook establishment and are considered must-try choices, demonstrating why F & M Cafe holds such a strong reputation for delicious comfort food and classic deli fare.

The Essential Morning Pick-Me-Up: No New York deli experience is complete without trying a classic Breakfast Sandwich. Whether you opt for a Bacon and Egg on a Roll or the full package on a fresh Bagel, these are the quintessential New York breakfast items, perfect for a quick, filling, and affordable start. The simplicity and freshness are key, making it a favorite for solo diners and commuters. You can upgrade to a full 2 Eggs Any Style Breakfast Plate for a diner-style experience, complete with home fries and bacon, ham, or sausage.

The True New York Hero: If you’re visiting at lunchtime or have a hearty appetite, the specialty heroes are where F & M Cafe really shines. Customers rave about the authenticity of the bread, which is crucial for a great New York hero. Try The Lovers Hero or the customer-favorite The New York Special Sandwich—a classic choice often featuring cream cheese, nova lox, onion, and tomato on a fresh bagel. For a truly hearty meal, ask for one of the other specialty sandwiches or a traditional cold cut like a Roast Beef Sandwich or Pastrami Sandwich. The generous portions in the hero sandwiches are a point of pride and a great value.

The Hot Plate Comfort: Beyond the sandwiches, the cafe’s extensive selection of hot small and large plates provides the perfect solution for a comforting, home-style meal. For a classic Italian-American experience, order the Chicken Parmigiana or the Beef Stew for a traditional, satisfying meal. These plates are a testament to the cafe’s commitment to providing full-scale restaurant options under the guise of a casual deli.

Don't Forget the Coffee: With Great coffee listed as a highlight, be sure to pair your meal with a freshly brewed cup or one of their iced coffee specialties. It’s the perfect, simple complement to any meal at this essential Red Hook destination. Whether you're a tourist exploring the BQE corridor or a local seeking the comfort of a reliable neighborhood spot, F & M Cafe delivers genuine Brooklyn quality.

F & M Cafe

383 Van Brunt St #1007, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA