Red Hook New York City
A Brooklyn waterfront enclave with a gritty-chic vibe, renowned for its exceptional food, art scene, and industrial charm.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, fewer crowds
Red Hook New York City
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Brooklyn waterfront enclave with a gritty-chic vibe, renowned for its exceptional food, art scene, and industrial charm.
"Red Hook offers a unique, less-touristy Brooklyn experience with some of the city's best food."
🚢 Ferry is Your Friend
The NYC Ferry is a scenic and convenient way to reach Red Hook. :ferry:
🍔 Burger Reservations
For Red Hook Tavern, try Resy notifications a week ahead or walk-in around 5 PM. :hamburger:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Red Hook Tavern Burger
Red Hook Tavern
A thick-cut steak burger, hailed by many as potentially the best in NYC. Simple, yet perfectly executed.

Hometown Bar-B-Que
Hometown Bar-B-Que
A Brooklyn staple serving up authentic, mouth-watering barbecue. Expect delicious meats and a lively atmosphere.

Red Hook Lobster Pound
Red Hook Lobster Pound
Savor a classic Connecticut lobster roll with buttery, toasted bread. Beachy vibes and great seafood await.
Van Brunt Street Stroll
Van Brunt Street
Explore Red Hook's main street, lined with charming cafes, unique shops, and vibrant street art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Red Hook: Plan Your Journey
Embrace the Vibe: Red Hook's Unique Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry is Your Friend
The NYC Ferry is a scenic and convenient way to reach Red Hook. :ferry:
🍔 Burger Reservations
For Red Hook Tavern, try Resy notifications a week ahead or walk-in around 5 PM. :hamburger:
🍖 BBQ Beat the Rush
Arrive at Hometown BBQ by 11:30 AM on weekends to avoid long waits. :ribs:
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Red Hook is best explored by walking to discover hidden gems. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry is Your Friend
The NYC Ferry is a scenic and convenient way to reach Red Hook. :ferry:
🍔 Burger Reservations
For Red Hook Tavern, try Resy notifications a week ahead or walk-in around 5 PM. :hamburger:
🍖 BBQ Beat the Rush
Arrive at Hometown BBQ by 11:30 AM on weekends to avoid long waits. :ribs:
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Red Hook is best explored by walking to discover hidden gems. :walking:
🎨 Art & Pier Views
Visit the fishing pier on Coffey Street for great views and explore local galleries. :art:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Red Hook is celebrated for its exceptional culinary scene, particularly its legendary burger and authentic BBQ. Visitors appreciate its unique, less-touristy vibe and waterfront charm. However, its remote location and limited public transit can be a drawback for some.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Red Hook is via the NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn route, offering scenic views.
Driving is an option, but parking can be challenging. Some Redditors suggest taking the IKEA ferry and then walking. The closest subway lines are further away, making the ferry or a car service more convenient.Red Hook is considered a transit desert, meaning it's not directly served by subway lines. The closest subway stations are a significant walk away, so the NYC Ferry or other transportation methods are generally recommended.
Once in Red Hook, exploring on foot is highly recommended to discover its unique charm.
Many visitors also bring or rent bikes to navigate the area.Yes, the NYC Ferry has a route that stops in Red Hook, providing a convenient and picturesque way to arrive.
Red Hook can be a bit challenging to get to and from due to its limited public transit options. Planning your journey in advance is advised.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations for Red Hook Tavern can be difficult to secure. It's recommended to try for Resy notifications a week in advance or attempt to walk in around 5 PM on a weekday or Sunday.
Operating hours vary by establishment. It's best to check the specific restaurant's website or social media for the most up-to-date information. Many popular spots like Hometown Bar-B-Que and Red Hook Lobster Pound have weekend hours that can get busy.
Most attractions in Red Hook, such as strolling Van Brunt Street, visiting piers, and exploring galleries, do not have entrance fees. Dining and specific events may incur costs.
For highly sought-after spots like Red Hook Tavern, booking well in advance or being prepared for a wait is advisable.
For places like Hometown Bar-B-Que, arriving early on weekends is a good strategy.Absolutely! The NYC Ferry is a great car-free option. Many visitors enjoy exploring Red Hook on foot or by bike.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Red Hook is known for its industrial waterfront, burgeoning arts scene, unique eateries like Hometown Bar-B-Que and Red Hook Lobster Pound, and the highly-rated Red Hook Tavern burger.
Must-dos include trying the iconic burger at Red Hook Tavern, enjoying BBQ at Hometown Bar-B-Que, savoring a lobster roll from Red Hook Lobster Pound, and strolling along Van Brunt Street to discover local shops and galleries.
Red Hook is generally considered safe, especially in its commercial areas. However, like any neighborhood, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly near public housing developments.
While not a primary shopping destination, Red Hook has unique boutiques, art galleries, and vintage stores along Van Brunt Street.
Yes, Red Hook offers great photo ops with its waterfront views, industrial architecture, street art, and charming streetscapes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The burger at Red Hook Tavern is legendary.
Hometown Bar-B-Que offers incredible BBQ, and Red Hook Lobster Pound serves up delicious lobster rolls.Red Hook Tavern is frequently cited for having one of the best burgers in NYC, if not the country.
Hometown Bar-B-Que is a top contender for the best BBQ in Red Hook and often in all of NYC.
While Red Hook is known for its meat-centric eateries, some cafes and restaurants may offer vegetarian or vegan options. Public Records, mentioned by a Redditor, is a vegan spot.
Sonny's Bar is recommended for acoustic music in the back, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the industrial waterfront, unique street art, and charming architecture along Van Brunt Street. The piers offer great skyline and harbor views.
Yes, the waterfront areas in Red Hook provide excellent vantage points for capturing the Manhattan skyline, especially during golden hour.
Street photography, architectural shots, and food photography are popular due to the neighborhood's diverse visual appeal.
Generally, photography is permitted in public spaces. However, always be respectful of private property and individuals.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🍽️ Foodies & Culinary Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Red Hook: Transportation Insights
Once you're in Red Hook, the best way to experience its unique character is by exploring on foot. The neighborhood's charm unfolds as you wander through its streets, discovering hidden art studios, local businesses, and waterfront views. Bringing or renting a bike is also a popular choice for covering more ground while still enjoying the local atmosphere. Remember that Red Hook is a bit of a transit desert, so factor in extra time for travel and be prepared with your preferred mode of transport.
Culinary Delights of Red Hook
For barbecue aficionados, Hometown Bar-B-Que is a must-visit. This Brooklyn staple is renowned for its authentic, slow-cooked meats and vibrant atmosphere. Arriving early on weekends is a common strategy to beat the crowds. Another iconic spot is the Red Hook Lobster Pound, offering delicious lobster rolls and other seafood favorites in a casual, beachy setting. Beyond these highlights, Red Hook's main street, Van Brunt Street, is dotted with cafes and bars, offering a variety of dining experiences.
Discovering Red Hook's Artistic Soul
For those seeking unique perspectives, visiting the fishing pier on Coffey Street is recommended. It provides not only scenic views but also a sense of the neighborhood's maritime heritage. The industrial architecture and waterfront vistas themselves serve as a canvas, making Red Hook a visually rich environment for exploration and photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit