Red Hook Tavern

- 329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Welcome to the Red Hook Tavern, a celebrated Brooklyn establishment that has quickly become one of the premier American dining destinations in New York City. Conceived by Hometown Bar-B-Que founder Billy Durney, this restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's an intentional homage to the intimate, convivial corner taverns of old New York, blending a classic, vintage atmosphere with expertly executed, elevated comfort food. Located in the charming waterfront village of Red Hook, the tavern invites friends and neighbors to gather for a great meal, shared laughs, and an impressive selection of drinks. It successfully captures a sense of raffish, neighborly camaraderie that is both a throwback to the past and a vital part of the burgeoning Red Hook dining scene today.

The interior of the Red Hook Tavern is designed to transport guests to a different era, with exposed brick, dark floral walls, turn-of-the-century lighting, and a prominent handmade oak bar that contributes to its timeless, cozy, and lively ambiance. It feels equal parts a neighborhood local bar and a destination dining room, making it popular with a diverse crowd, including families, locals, and tourists. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, and the attentive service sets it apart, offering a more welcoming experience than some of the city's older, brusquer dining institutions. Whether you're planning an afternoon lunch, a celebratory dinner, or simply looking for a new bar with a great selection of craft beers and a connoisseur's wine list, Red Hook Tavern provides a unique and memorable experience.

The menu itself pays tribute to classic old-school taverns and legendary food establishments from New York City's culinary history. Executive Chef Allison Plumer collaborates on a focused menu that mixes traditional favorites with what the restaurant hopes will become the next generation of iconic tavern staples. From fresh East Coast Oysters and the rich Chicken Liver Pate to robust main dishes like the Pan Roasted Half Chicken with Yukon Gold mash and gravy, the food is classic and comforting, all made with high-quality ingredients. However, one dish stands above the rest, serving as the restaurant's undeniable centerpiece and main draw: the Dry-Aged Red Hook Tavern Burger.

The tavern's philosophy is rooted in providing a familiar yet elevated dining experience, one that captures the nostalgia of American tavern fare while elevating it through precision and quality. This focus is particularly evident in their robust beverage program, which includes an extensive full bar, a great beer selection—including local brews and ales dedicated to institutions like McSorley's—and a notable wine list that leans into natural wines and includes a substantial list of Champagnes, allowing for a global adventure of tastes.

Location and Accessibility

The Red Hook Tavern is situated at 329 Van Brunt St, in the charming and historic Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA. This waterfront area provides a distinctive backdrop for the tavern experience.

Given its location, getting to Red Hook from other parts of NYC, especially Manhattan, requires a bit of planning but is well worth the journey.

For public transit users, the journey typically involves the subway followed by a bus transfer:

By Subway and Bus

You can take the A train to Jay Street/Borough Hall and then transfer to the Red Hook-bound B61 bus at Smith and Livingston Streets.

Alternatively, take the 2/3/4/5 subway lines to Borough Hall and then transfer to the B57 bus on Court Street toward Red Hook.

By NYC Ferry

The NYC Ferry South Brooklyn route offers a scenic and direct way to reach the Red Hook waterfront, which is a short walk from the tavern.

By Subway and Walk/Bike

Take the F or G train to the Carroll Street stop. From there, it's about a 20-minute walk through the neighborhood streets. A popular route involves walking down Summit Street and crossing the pedestrian bridge over the BQE to reach Van Brunt Street. Red Hook is also part of the Brooklyn Greenway, making biking an attractive option, and Citi Bike stations are available nearby.

Parking options in the area include both free and paid street parking, which is a practical consideration for those driving to the location. The establishment itself is highly accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests.

Services Offered

The Red Hook Tavern provides a full range of dining and hospitality services to accommodate local New Yorkers and visitors alike.

• Dine-in: Available for both lunch and dinner, offering a cozy and lively table service experience.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options are provided for enjoying the menu at home.
• Outdoor Seating: Guests can enjoy their meal in a pleasant setting.
• Reservations: Accepts reservations for dinner, which are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and tendency to have a wait.
• Catering: Services are offered for events and special occasions.
• Full Bar Service: Includes an extensive selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, and a notable wine list, with a bar onsite.
• Children's Amenities: High chairs are available for families.
• Diverse Payment Options: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.

Features / Highlights

The Red Hook Tavern stands out in the competitive NYC dining scene thanks to several distinct features that appeal to a broad audience:

• The Legendary Dry-Aged Red Hook Tavern Burger: Considered a 'trophy burger' and one of New York City's most sought-after patties. It is made from a blend of dry-aged beef, often featuring a mix of dry-aged strip and hanger steak, served simply with American cheese and raw white onion on a sesame bun. This single item is the primary draw for many visitors, accounting for a significant percentage of the restaurant's food sales.
• Classic American Tavern Atmosphere: The interior design is vintage, cozy, and features warm wood and candlelight, successfully channeling the spirit of old-school NYC haunts like Peter Luger and Corner Bistro.
• Exceptional Beverage Program: A carefully curated and notable wine list—featuring a wide array of Sparkling, White, Rosé, and Red wines from global regions including Burgundy, Loire Valley, Jura, and various parts of the world—complements the food. They also boast a great selection of local and craft beers and creative Inspired Cocktails and Curated Classics.
• High-Quality Comfort Food: Beyond the burger, standout menu items praised by customers include the Pan Roasted Half Chicken, Romaine Wedge Salad, and the Head-on Prawns.
• Fast and Attentive Service: Known for a warm, professional service that adds to the overall welcoming and neighborly experience.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: The tavern is noted as being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, with gender-neutral restrooms, promoting a welcoming crowd and atmosphere.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to plan their visit to this celebrated Brooklyn spot, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone: Publicly available phone number information was not provided in the source data. We recommend checking the restaurant's official website or a trusted reservation platform for the most current contact details.

What is Worth Choosing

When planning a trip to Red Hook Tavern, there are a few menu items and experiences that consistently receive high praise and are considered 'must-try' choices for the New York diner:

The Dry-Aged Red Hook Tavern Burger: Without a doubt, the centerpiece of the menu. This isn't your average quick-service burger; it's a hefty, expertly-cooked patty that delivers a deep, dry-aged steak flavor that melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced by the sharp slice of white onion and the classic simplicity of American cheese. It's often cited as one of the best burgers in the city. A customer review states, "The main star of the show is the burger of course and it was really good!! The beef was amazing and you can just taste how amazing the quality is."

The Pan Roasted Half Chicken: Often overlooked next to the famous burger, this dish, sometimes served with mashed Yukon Golds and a silky chicken gravy, is praised as one of the finer city-iterations of this country classic. It provides a comforting and satisfying alternative to the beef-heavy offerings.

Appetizers and Small Plates: Start your meal with the fresh East Coast Oysters or the Country Ham Croquettes. The Grilled Head-on Spot Prawns are another highly recommended customer favorite, with one reviewer calling them "10/10, definitely get them if you go like don’t skip them." The Romaine Wedge Salad is also noted for its decadent dressing and thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon.

Dessert: To cap off the meal, the Fior di Latte Gelato with homemade hot fudge and candied pecans is a perfect, classic finish, often described as delightful and perfect to end the meal.

Drinks: Don't miss the beer list, especially local selections like the "A Tribute to Mcsorleys Ale House" ale or the Folksbier Old Bavarian Lager. The cocktail list is equally impressive, with inventive and classic options available.

Ultimately, the Red Hook Tavern experience is worth choosing for its perfect blend of atmosphere, exceptional service, and food quality. It's a culinary pilgrimage for any New Yorker serious about their burgers, but it offers a full, sophisticated, and memorable American tavern experience that transcends the single dish. For the best chance of securing a spot, especially for dinner, booking a reservation in advance is strongly recommended.

Red Hook Tavern

329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA