Red Hook spent years as a shipping port, occupied mainly by dockworkers. There was also a criminal element; Al Capone spent some time there before decamping for Chicago. All these years later, the waterfront neighborhood retains a gritty, industrial aesthetic evident in its cobblestone streets and warehouses but is now filled with idiosyncratic museums, destination restaurants and DIY businesses, which—along with views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty—draw crowds of visitors looking for a fun day out.
The southern Brooklyn neighborhood is accessible by weekend NY Waterway ferries
to the Ikea dock and by daily NYC Ferry service
to the stop at Ferris Street and Clinton Wharf. You can also take the F or G subway line to the Carroll St. or Smith-9th stops and walk over.
Here are 13 fun things to do once you’re there:
Sample some chocolate at Raaka Chocolate
, known for their organic unroasted chocolate. Raaka, which makes all of its bars on site, also offers factory tours and chocolate-making classes on the weekends.
Try an old-school hero at Defonte’s
. The no-frills sandwich shop has been in operation since 1922 and is known for its Italian sandwiches stacked with meats. For breakfast, the popular egg, potato and mozzarella combo is the way to go.
Pioneer Works. Photo: Marley White
Admire art at Pioneer Works,
a former warehouse turned cultural center. The space hosts exhibitions, talks and programs. The related Pioneer Books
offers reads on subjects like music, visual art and poetry—some written by artists affiliated with the space.
Browse through the bins at Record Shop
for jazz, rock, blues and gospel titles. It also stocks used books and movies ahd hosts live music performances.
Enjoy Texas-style brisket at Hometown Bar-B-Que
. The spacious restaurant also serves pulled pork, house-made sausage, queso mac and cheese and baby back ribs, which taste best doused in the house’s signature barbecue sauce.
Escape to New England via the Red Hook Lobster Pound
. The seafood eatery offers one of the City’s best lobster rolls, done Maine style (with mayonnaise and served on a buttered bun).
Delve into the neighborhood’s maritime heritage at Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge
. The moored-down wooden barge is open on Thursdays from 4 to 8 pm and Saturdays from 1 to 5pm.
Courtesy, Van Brunt Stillhouse
Sample locally made spirits at a number of locations. Red Hook Winery
offers handcrafted rosé, white or red wines made on site. If bourbon or rye is more your thing, head over to Van Brunt Stillhouse
or Widow Jane
—two distilleries that specialize in small-batch whiskey. Tours are available at all three spots.
Courtesy, Red Hook Tavern
Cut into some steak at Red Hook Tavern
. This newcomer, from the guy behind Hometown Bar-B-Que (plus a few other friends), serves a dry-aged New York strip topped with garlic herb butter that’s worth a visit on its own.
Drink like a local at Sunny’s Bar
. The oldest drinking spot in the neighborhood (around since 1890) has a lively atmosphere thanks to its roster of regulars, live music nights and affordable drinks.
Capture the sunset at Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier
. The views from this small waterfront park come with the Statue of Liberty in the background.
Savor a slice at Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies
. The Red Hook mainstay has served its tangy specialty for more than 20 years. Along with pies and tarts, the waterside spot serves “swingles”—frozen, chocolate-dipped key lime tarts on a stick.
Kick it at the Red Hook Ball Fields
, where you can cheer on skilled local soccer players and enjoy pupusas, huaraches and watermelon juice from the food truck vendors
that line the block.
