The Good Fork Pub

- 391 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

For over a decade and a half, The Good Fork has been a cornerstone of the Red Hook dining scene. Reborn as The Good Fork Pub, this beloved Brooklyn spot maintains its tradition of providing a warm, local haven while elevating its menu to focus on sophisticated pub fare with a signature Asian-American twist. Originally opened in March 2006 by the husband-and-wife team of renowned chef Sohui Kim and carpenter Ben Schneider (who built the charming space), The Good Fork quickly became a destination restaurant known for its inventive, seasonal dishes and cozy, almost nautical atmosphere.

After a brief hiatus, the restaurant was brilliantly reimagined, returning as The Good Fork Pub. While the format is now more casual and centered around a vibrant bar scene, the heart of the original remains: fantastic food crafted with care and a genuine focus on community. Chef Kim, a celebrated culinary figure in New York known also for her involvement in Insa and the resurrection of Gage & Tollner, leads the menu with Korean-accented takes on classic comfort and pub food. This unique blend—marrying the familiarity of an American pub with the bold, savory flavors of Korean cuisine—is what draws New Yorkers from all over the boroughs.

Today, The Good Fork Pub is a testament to the resilience of Red Hook businesses, offering a relaxed environment perfect for everything from a quick drink and small plate to a full, satisfying dinner. It proudly identifies as a women-owned establishment, serving a diverse crowd in a space that feels welcoming, genuine, and deeply rooted in the neighborhood.

Location and Accessibility

Nestled on Van Brunt Street, the main thoroughfare of Red Hook, The Good Fork Pub is easily accessible yet retains that desirable "local gem" feel. The neighborhood itself offers a unique maritime vibe, contrasting the city's hustle and bustle.

Address: 391 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

While Red Hook is separated from the subway line, getting to The Good Fork Pub is straightforward for a committed New Yorker:

• Public Transit: Take the A, C, or F trains to Jay Street/Borough Hall, and then catch the B61 bus which runs directly into Red Hook, stopping conveniently near Van Brunt and Coffey Street.
• Driving/Parking: The location benefits from ample free street parking in the surrounding area, a welcome amenity for drivers in Brooklyn.
• Accessibility: The restaurant provides wheelchair accessible seating to ensure comfort for all patrons.

The space itself is designed for comfort, featuring a cozy interior with a prominent bar filling the front room, and a rear dining area known as “the porch.” For warmer weather, the pub offers enviable outdoor seating and beautiful patios where guests can relax and, for those with furry friends, dogs are allowed outside in the dining area.

Services Offered

The Good Fork Pub operates as a full-service bar and grill, focused on delivering high-quality, memorable meals and drinks in a friendly setting.

• Dining Options: Dine-in service for Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brunch (reservations are recommended for brunch).
• Bar Service: A full bar onsite serving a great selection of Beer, Cocktails, and a strong Wine list.
• Food Offerings: Comfort food with creative accents, Small plates perfect for sharing, as well as Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options.
• Off-Site Services: Takeout and Catering for events.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Restrooms, and a Gender-neutral restroom.
• Group/Private Dining: Available for Private dining events and accommodating Groups.
• Family Friendly: Good for kids and equipped with High chairs.
• Payment: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The pub is renowned for its welcoming vibe and its inventive, high-flavor menu items that keep locals and destination diners returning time and again.

• Korean-Accented Pub Fare: The menu, crafted by Chef Sohui Kim, brilliantly fuses familiar pub classics with bold Korean flavors. Must-try dishes include the Karaage "KFC" Fried Chicken and the legendary Korean (By Way Of Philly) Cheesesteak Sandwich, featuring gochujang-marinated short rib and kimchi mayo.
• Exceptional Bar Program: The pub is highlighted for its Great beer selection, Great cocktails, and comprehensive Wine list, making it a primary drinking destination in Red Hook.
• The Smashburger: Consistently praised by patrons, their Smashburger is called "easily one of the best in the city," noted for its crispy edges, perfect patty-to-bun ratio, and satisfying, indulgent flavor.
• Ambiance and Atmosphere: The vibe is deliberately casual, cozy, and romantic, making it equally suited for a solo dinner at the bar, a friendly group gathering, or a date night. The restaurant has a strong community focus, identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace.
• Signature Dessert: The pub proudly features Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie on its dessert menu, a brilliant collaboration with another iconic Red Hook local business.
• Local Sourcing: The original spirit of using local resources continues, reflecting in their seasonal dishes and ingredients, including their previous partnership with Added Value Farm in Red Hook.

Contact Information

Planning your next visit for a satisfying meal or a round of drinks? Here is the contact information for The Good Fork Pub.

• Address: 391 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA
• Phone: (347) 786-9896

The pub is typically open late every day. For the most current schedule, especially for weekend hours, checking their official channels is advised.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing The Good Fork Pub offers New Yorkers a unique dining experience that perfectly embodies the creative, community-focused spirit of Red Hook. You are choosing to support an institution—a business that has served the neighborhood since 2006 and continues to evolve under the direction of an acclaimed, women-owned team. The ambiance is universally welcoming, described as a place that "just feels right," making it a low-key, comfortable destination whether you are a local or exploring the area for the first time.

The food is the main attraction, going far beyond standard pub grub. The kitchen's mastery of the Korean-American culinary blend is what truly sets it apart. While the Smashburger is a five-star favorite and the perfect execution of a simple classic, the adventurous and savory Korean Cheesesteak Sandwich is a must-try culinary invention that highlights the chef's innovative background. Customers also rave about the Curry Fries and the selection of small plates, which are ideal for complementing the high-quality cocktails and robust beer selection. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual weeknight dinner or for the popular Weekend Brunch (featuring favorites like the Breakfast Hash), The Good Fork Pub provides an authentic, high-quality, and deeply satisfying Red Hook experience that never disappoints.

The Good Fork Pub

391 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA