Over the last year, while I cannot travel, I have practically made a job of exploring my home town of Brooklyn (for a complete guide to Brooklyn’s Coolest, download my FREE E-Book). The explorer in me is always looking for places I have never been and streets I have never seen. I am in constant search of that feeling of wanderlust. Indeed, there is no better neighborhood to inspire wanderlust than in Red Hook, Brooklyn. I love this low-key maritime neighborhood for the sweeping views of New York Harbor, the great seafood and the all around cool vibe. A combination of industrial warehouses juxtaposed with summer like cottages, Red Hook is a place where buoys are just part of the regular decor. No matter what time of year you go, a day in Red Hook will make you feel like you have taken a wrong turn and ended up on a lazy island in the middle of summer.
Where is Red Hook Brooklyn?
Red Hook, Brooklyn is the peninsula that sticks out of western Brooklyn just across from Governor’s Island. It is most closely connected to Carroll Gardens but it feels very separate because the BQE separates the two neighborhoods. Part of its charm is its isolation from public transport. The closest subway stop to Red Hook is the F/G train to Smith -9th Street station which leaves you a mile’s walk from the action. Also, the B61 bus runs from downtown Brooklyn, through Red Hook and then up to Prospect Park South.
My favorite way to get to Red Hook is by Citibike on the greenway. The greenway is at the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park and it’s a really pleasant ride along the Columbia waterfront. However, I warn you to check Citibike availability before you go. I have gotten stuck more than once in that neighborhood not finding an available dock to park my bike. Manhattanites wanting to go to Red Hook, are best taking the IKEA ferry. However, note that the IKEA ferry has been suspended during Covid.
What to Do In Red Hook
If you have ever been to Red Hook Brooklyn, it is likely because you were going to the Swedish design and home furnishing store, IKEA. While I do love all things IKEA, I am here to tell you that there is much more to see and do than shop for closet space saving furniture. Here are my favorite things to do with a day in Red Hook.
Shopping and Exploring
The main commercial drag in Red Hook is Van Brunt Street. Lots of independently owned boutiques offer highly curated treasures along with the added benefit of shopping local. Along Van Brunt Street, I’m a fan of the cool vibe at the Record Shop, the distressed canvas bags at Kempton & Co, and the homemade Oreo’s at Baked.
Leftover from its shipping days, Red Hook is a neighborhood full of big warehouses. The lack of easy transportation to the area has kept commercial real estate prices reasonable. As a result, Red Hook has become a prime location for factories, distilleries, and wineries. Don’t leave the neighborhood without experiencing one of the these great factory tours.
For lovers of sweets, check out the Ample Hills Creamery on Van Brunt. It is the largest ice cream production facility in NYC. It offers tours of their on-site interactive ice cream museum with a tasting. Raaka Chocolate is the place to be for chocolate lovers and they offer a new flavor every month. Tours of their working factory as well as chocolate making classes are available.
For the lover of spirits, take a look at the whiskey tours at Widow Jane on Conover Street. In addition to tours, they offer various classes on the making and imbibing of whiskey. The on-site bar, Botanica, is a great place to hang out on a Saturday afternoon. Also, Red Hook Winery on Van Dyke St. offers guided wine tastings of NY wines. Finally, Cacao Prieto on Conover offers the best of both worlds. A chocolate making tour that ends with a whiskey tasting. What could be better!
NOTE: During Covid, all tours mentioned above have been suspended. Check the website to see if they are back up and running before going.
History/ Art
While the main attraction to Red Hook is the lazy island like summertime feel, there are a few places that are worth a look. First, the 1938 oil tanker the Mary Whalen, located in Red Hook Terminals Pier 11. It was purchased by Carolina Salguero in 2005 in an effort to preserve Red Hook’s rich tradition as a working waterfront. You can tour the ships catacomb of small rooms, engine room and galley. In addition, the ship is used as a stage as well as for programming. It is closed now due to Coronavirus, but they live stream the sunset every night on their Facebook page.
Second, the Waterfront Museum and Barge is housed on the Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge #79 at Conover Street. The last remaining all wooden vessel built between 1860 and 1960 is open to the public for free tours on Thursdays from 4-8 and Saturdays from 1-5. The whirling ball machine inside is a permanent art installation that mesmerizes kids and adults alike. The museum is currently closed due to Covid.
Third, don’t miss a visit to Pioneer Works at 159 Pioneer St. This gallery/studio/community space is free and open to the public Wed thru Sun 12-7 with advanced reservations required during Covid. The center hall is home to a rotating schedule of exhibitions, science talks, music performances, workshops, and innovative free public programming. Their popular Second Sundays program includes interactive programs, live music, food and artists open studios. During Covid, Second Sundays has become Separate Sundays and programming is available online.
Relaxing
On a sunny Saturday, locals flock to Louis Valentino Jr. Park & Pier at the end of Coffey Street. Go for the million dollar views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Stay for a picnic on the grass and chasing dogs (and kids) on the mini beachfront. There is also free kayaking in the summer. Red Hook Flicks sponsors free outdoor screenings in the summer at the park. Screenings have typically been on Tuesdays. Due to Covid restrictions, they were canceled in 2020. No word yet on 2021 – check the website for updates.
Food & Drink
I could very happily spend an entire day in Red Hook simply for the food and drink! The beach-y vibe makes me go for the seafood options but there are also plenty of other great choices. Here are my favorite spots to eat & drink in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Where to Eat in Red Hook
Brooklyn Crab is the spot to be for that “just left the beach” feeling. It is a 3 level shack that is as much about the fun as it is about the food. Go at sunset to enjoy the great water views and loads of fun and games, including mini golf and cornhole. Next door to Brooklyn Crab, lies NYC’s best BBQ, even by Texan standards. Don’t let the lines keep you away from Hometown Bar-B-Que. Pitmaster Bill Durney is serious about his barbecue craft, and this Texas sized restaurant is not one to miss. Order the brisket. If the lines are too long in Red Hook, try their Industry City operation.
Red Hook Lobster Pound on Van Brunt is just what you would expect to find at a Lobster Pound. Picnic style dining and 5 different styles of lobster rolls with lobster straight from Maine. Outdoor dining is available. If seafood isn’t your thing, try the neighborhood spot The Good Fork. Comfort food with Korean accents and a cozy backyard, this spot is reliably good. The Good Fork is offering take out only while Coronavirus remains an issue.
Every NYC neighborhood worth its salt needs a good pizza spot and my pick for Red Hook is the cool vibe of Hoek on Ferris St. Go for the wood-fired pizza and stay for the cocktails at outdoor tables along graffiti filled walls. Open only Wed. thru Sunday 5-9pm.
DeFonte’s Sandwich Shop has been serving mammoth old school Italian sandwiches to Red Hook residents since 1922. If you are headed to Louis Valentino Park, a stop here first is a definite must. The Nicky Special is the fan favorite but I’m partial to the eggplant parm. Once at the park, leave some room in your belly for dessert. Stumble into the Florida Keys at the brightly painted shack of Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie. The raspberry swingle is the play here. It’s a mini Key Lime pie. Frozen. Topped with raspberry jam. Covered in chocolate. On a stick. Yup.
Where to Drink in Red Hook
The party atmosphere in this neighborhood means there are also loads of places to stop for a drink. In addition to the distilleries mentioned above, look for these great watering holes. Sunny’s is the city’s best dive bar. It doubles as an entertainment venue hosting bluegrass, folk and country music on Saturdays. Maybe someday you will see my husband’s bluegrass band the Tomtown Ramblers play there! Like any respectable dive bar, they are cash only.
Brooklyn Ice House on Van Brunt is your friendly neighborhood pub with the added bonus of some pretty good grub. Also, for the sophisticated cocktail drinkers, Seaborne is a nod to cocktail legend Sasha Petraske of Milk & Honey who died suddenly in 2015. In typical Petraske fashion, there is no sign on the front door giving this spot its speak easy feel. The bar is closed during Coronavirus but Seaborne’s creative cocktails are being bottled for takeout.