Sunny's

- 253 Conover St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Welcome to the essential guide to one of New York City’s most authentic and beloved watering holes: Sunny's Bar in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Far more than just a place to grab a drink, Sunny's is a true cultural landmark with a history stretching back over a century. For New Yorkers seeking a genuine, unpretentious experience away from the city's more polished scenes, Sunny's is an essential pilgrimage. It's a place where artists, musicians, long-time residents, and new friends meet, as the late owner, Antonio “Sunny” Balzano, famously described it: “just a meeting place for folks—painters, writers, musicians, plumbers—who care about each other so much they don't mind the trip.”

Originally established in 1890 as "John’s Bar and Restaurant," this establishment served the sailors and stevedores of Red Hook when it was a bustling shipping hub. The bar has remained in the Balzano family for generations. Its current, celebrated incarnation began in the 1990s under the charismatic direction of Antonio "Sunny" Balzano, who transformed it into a hub for live music and community gatherings. Today, run by his widow, Tone Balzano Johansen, Sunny’s retains its soulful, lived-in character, offering a rare glimpse into Brooklyn’s industrial past fused with a vibrant, artistic present. It is rightly celebrated as one of the "Absolute Best Classic Bars in New York" by publications like New York Magazine.

Sunny’s is located deep within the unique and isolated neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn, positioning it near the waterfront and imparting a distinct, elemental atmosphere that patrons often cite as part of its charm. The neighborhood’s slightly remote nature is part of what preserves its character, but getting there from other parts of NYC is entirely manageable.

The bar's address is 253 Conover St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA.

While Red Hook doesn't have a direct subway line, several transit options connect it to the rest of the city:

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LI>By Bus: The B61 and B57 buses are the main transit arteries into Red Hook.

LI>To catch the B61, you can take the A train to Jay Street/Borough Hall, then transfer at Smith and Livingston Streets.For the B57, take the 2/3/4/5 train to Borough Hall and transfer at Court Street.

LI>By Subway & Walk/Bike: The F or G trains to the Carroll Street or Smith-9th Street stops are the closest subway stations. From there, it's about a 15-20 minute walk or a quick bike ride (Citi Bike stations are available in the neighborhood).

LI>By Ferry: The NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn route stops at the Red Hook landing, a scenic and highly recommended way to travel, especially from Manhattan or other parts of Brooklyn.

LI>By Car & Parking: For drivers, the bar offers the rare NYC amenity of free street parking nearby, which is a major convenience for those who prefer to drive or take a cab.

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Sunny's is primarily a classic bar, and its service focuses on providing high-quality drinks in an exceptional setting. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and welcoming to locals and visitors alike.

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LI>Full Bar Offerings: A robust selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine is available. Patrons frequently praise the quality of the drinks, from craft lagers to well-made classics like an Old Fashioned or a Dark and Stormy.

LI>Happy Hour Drinks: Specials are available during happy hour to help you unwind after a long day in the city.

LI>Live Music & Performances: The cornerstone of the bar's identity, with frequent Live music, Live performances, and Dancing in the back room and yard. The calendar is often filled with genres like bluegrass, folk, jazz, and Western Swing.

LI>Seating Options: Guests can enjoy the ambiance with both indoor bar and table seating, and popular Outdoor seating is available when the weather is nice.

LI>Outside Food Allowed: While the bar keeps its focus on beverages, patrons are permitted to bring Outside food to enjoy with their drinks.

LI>Payment Options: The bar accepts Debit cards for convenience, though historically, and sometimes still, it favors a cash-only or informal payment atmosphere that adds to its old-school charm.

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Sunny's stands out in the crowded New York bar scene thanks to its deep history and unique devotion to community and music.

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LI>Historic Landmark Status: Established in 1890, Sunny’s is a rare, century-old venue that has survived the rise and fall of Red Hook’s waterfront industry, serving generations of longshoremen, artists, and New Yorkers.

LI>Legendary Live Music Venue: Celebrated across NYC for its nightly live music (except Mondays), featuring quality acts in bluegrass, folk, jazz, and blues. The long-running Tone’s Bluegrass Jam is a particular highlight and a community favorite.

LI>Authentic, Cozy Atmosphere: The bar is renowned for its unpretentious, homey, and "scrappy and soulful" interior filled with memorabilia and history. Its atmosphere is consistently described as a comfortable, welcoming living room for the community.

LI>Community Gathering Place: It’s known as a hub for both long-time Red Hook residents and the neighborhood’s artistic newcomers, fostering a true sense of belonging and camaraderie among groups and locals.

LI>Critically Acclaimed: The bar has been recognized by major New York media, including being named the "Absolute Best Classic Bar in New York" by New York Magazine, underscoring its cultural significance.

LI>Great Drink Selection and Service: Customers praise the Great beer selection and Great cocktails, noting the drinks are both affordable and expertly made, with a commitment to Fast service.

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For those planning a visit to this historic Red Hook gem, here is the essential information:

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LI>Address: 253 Conover St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

LI>Phone: (718) 625-8211

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In a city saturated with sleek, modern bars, Sunny’s offers a vital, textured alternative that can’t be replicated. It is a genuine, storied institution that provides much more than a drink—it delivers an experience.

First and foremost, you choose Sunny's for the Live Music. With performances nearly every night, it’s a premier destination in Brooklyn for quality, authentic American roots music, jazz, and more, all played in an intimate back room setting. As one customer noted, the live music and the in-house playlist, favoring "Classic stuff like Neil Young or 60s 70s rock and roll," distinguish it from venues playing generic, modern noise. This focus on musical heritage is a key differentiator.

Second, the bar's Atmosphere is its intangible draw. It has survived floods, legal battles, and the passing of its legendary namesake, Antonio “Sunny” Balzano, all while retaining its cozy, casual, and fiercely local feel. It's the "pay off of time," as one local musician observed—a space you can’t simply fabricate. The decor, the low lighting, and the mix of old-school memorabilia create an ambiance of warmth and history that is immediately appealing and highly memorable.

Finally, its position in the fascinating and slightly remote Red Hook neighborhood makes a trip to Sunny's a rewarding excursion. Visiting Sunny's is an opportunity to explore a part of Brooklyn that retains its maritime character and sense of local community. It’s a perfect spot for groups and locals looking for a classic New York bar scene that is both affordable and legendary, and where the quality of the conversation and the music are always the main event. For an authentic slice of old New York soul, Sunny's Bar is simply unmatched.

Sunny's

253 Conover St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA