Vinegar Hill House

- 72 Hudson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Nestled in the quaint, cobblestoned streets of its namesake neighborhood, Vinegar Hill House is a beloved Brooklyn institution that feels like a world away from the city's hustle. This New American restaurant, also a popular brunch destination, has become a cherished "go-to" for locals looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a delicious night out. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of cozy, romantic, and casual, with a rustic charm that is enhanced by a roaring fireplace in the winter and a beautiful back garden for outdoor dining when the weather is warm. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an experience, a place where people return to again and again to create lasting memories.

Vinegar Hill House has earned a reputation for its focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, which are transformed into comforting yet sophisticated dishes. The menu is a testament to quality over quantity, with each plate meticulously crafted to highlight the best flavors of the season. Beyond the food, the restaurant offers an excellent wine list, great cocktails, and a solid beer selection, ensuring that every part of the dining experience is top-notch. It also proudly identifies as a woman-owned business and offers a welcoming, inclusive environment for all, including being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace. This commitment to community, quality, and a memorable dining experience is what makes Vinegar Hill House a true New York gem.

The restaurant’s status as a local favorite is confirmed by the fact that it is often packed, with reservations recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The fact that it is hard to get a reservation speaks to its immense popularity and the trust that New Yorkers have in its exceptional service and culinary offerings.

Vinegar Hill House is located at 72 Hudson Avenue in the historic Vinegar Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY 11201. The restaurant’s location is a key part of its unique charm. Unlike the bustling, high-foot-traffic areas of DUMBO, Vinegar Hill is a quiet and somewhat secluded residential enclave. This makes the restaurant feel like a true destination, a special place you seek out rather than stumble upon.

Despite its seemingly hidden location, the restaurant is highly accessible. For those traveling by public transit, it’s a manageable walk from the York Street F train station or the High Street A/C train station. For drivers, free street parking is available, which is a rare and welcome amenity in New York City. The restaurant is also committed to ensuring accessibility for all guests, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, which highlights its inclusive approach to hospitality. The combination of a charming, off-the-beaten-path locale with convenient accessibility makes Vinegar Hill House a perfect destination for a special outing.

Vinegar Hill House provides a wide range of services designed to offer a complete and memorable dining experience for every occasion.

• Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Service: The restaurant offers a full dining schedule, from a highly-praised weekend brunch (served Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm) to dinner service throughout the week. The brunch menu features items like Plum Sourdough Pancakes and a Smoked Brisket Sando. The dinner menu is known for standout entrees like the Cast Iron Chicken and the Red Wattle Pork Chop.

• Private Dining & Events: For special occasions, Vinegar Hill House offers private dining options. One customer review highlights how they booked the back garden for an intimate wedding reception and were thrilled with the "perfect" experience, including the staff's attention to dietary restrictions. This service makes it an ideal venue for life's most important moments.

• Diverse Drink Menu: The bar offers a wide selection of beverages, including a great wine list, a solid beer selection (including options from Brooklyn's Other Half brewery), and creative cocktails. They also have a selection of zero-proof cocktails for those who prefer non-alcoholic options, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy.

• Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to dine at home, the restaurant provides takeout and delivery services. The "To Go" menu includes popular dishes like the Cast Iron Chicken, Rigatoni, and their highly-regarded Chocolate Guinness Cake, making it easy to enjoy a taste of Vinegar Hill House from the comfort of your own home.

The comprehensive services, from private events to casual takeout, highlight the restaurant's versatility and commitment to its patrons.

Vinegar Hill House stands out for several key features and highlights that have earned it a loyal following and critical acclaim.

• Great Food & Dessert: The restaurant is known for its high-quality, delicious food. The Red Wattle Pork Chop has been raved about by food critics, and the Chocolate Guinness Cake with cream cheese frosting is described by a reviewer as "incredible" and "not too sweet, moist and chocolatey." The brunch menu is also a major highlight, with one reviewer specifically noting that "the pancakes were incredible."

• Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is a major draw. With its fireplace, rustic decor, and intimate setting, it’s a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a cozy night out with friends. The outdoor seating in the back garden provides a magical setting in the warmer months, making it one of the most charming spots in Brooklyn.

• Inclusive Environment: The restaurant prides itself on being a safe and welcoming space for all, identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace. This commitment to inclusivity is a significant highlight in the modern New York dining scene.

• Excellent Service: Despite some older reviews mentioning inexperience, recent testimonials highlight the exceptional quality of the staff. One customer praised the "excellent" waiter, and another gave a "shout out to Karl, the events manager," who was "amazing throughout," demonstrating a professional and dedicated team.

• Reservations Recommended: The fact that the restaurant often has a wait and recommends reservations speaks to its high demand and popularity. This is a testament to the quality of the dining experience and a signal to patrons that it's a destination worth planning for.

These highlights combine to create a dining destination that is both highly regarded and deeply cherished by its patrons.

To make a reservation or for more information, you can use the contact details below.

Address: 72 Hudson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (718) 522-1018

What is truly worth choosing about Vinegar Hill House is its ability to deliver an intimate and high-quality dining experience that feels both special and deeply comforting. For New Yorkers looking for a standout brunch, this restaurant is a top contender. The pancakes are a must-try, and the overall menu offers a unique and satisfying take on classic comfort food. It's the perfect spot to cure a hangover with "greasy enough" brunch, as one publication noted. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a major selling point. The cozy and romantic vibe, complete with a fireplace and outdoor seating, makes it a perfect setting for everything from a first date to a wedding reception. The fact that the restaurant is a small, women-owned business that is committed to being an inclusive space adds to its appeal. While some older reviews mention it can be loud or that service was lacking, more recent testimonials highlight the excellence of the staff and the overall experience. This indicates that the restaurant has continued to evolve and improve over time. For those in search of a memorable meal in a charming and welcoming environment, Vinegar Hill House is an exceptional choice that represents the best of Brooklyn's unique dining scene.

Vinegar Hill House

72 Hudson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA