The Best Restaurants In Red Hook Brooklyn

Originally a fishermen’s neighborhood on the very southern tip of Brooklyn, Red Hook is a New York City neighborhood in the midst of gentrifying. As a result, a slew of hip restaurants are popping up; here are some of the new must-visits here.

The Good Fork

Restaurant, Korean

This cozy establishment serves traditional American fare alongside popular Asian dishes, with an inspired menu that marries the best of these two cuisines to reflect the actual marriage of this restaurant two chefs. It’s an ideal place for a breakfast lover and a lunch connoisseur to share a meal without having to ask for two separate menus. Don’t pass up the dumplings, they’re unforgettable.

Chang Mai Restaurant

Restaurant, Thai

After breaking off from the acclaimed Kao Soy in Red Hook, Chang Mai is an excellent addition to the neighborhood. The northern Thai cuisine is great in any season, and the restaurant has a welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you’ve retreated to Southeast Asia for an hour or two. The staff are friendly, and the dishes leave you wanting to try more.

Hometown Bar-B-Que

Bar, Restaurant, American

Barbecue is hot right now, and Hometown Bar-B-Que has done it right. Its rustic vibe and open space make the hipster crowd feel warm and welcome for a night of drinking and indulgent fare. You have your choice of classic barbecued chicken or brisket, or you can take a modern spin on the classics with Sriracha BBQ wings and pulled pork tacos.

Fort Defiance

Bar, Restaurant, American

People travel to go to brunch at Fort Defiance, even waiting an hour or two for a table. While it might look like traditional American fare on the menu, it takes a delicious twist on the menu items you know and love. And, it doesn’t hurt that their cocktail menu is expansive along with their tasty bar snacks.

Alma

Restaurant, Mexican

Good Mexican food can be hard to come by in New York City, but Alma has done it. Three stories of casually chic dining, Alma offers traditional Mexican dishes on a more upscale level. In the summertime, the rooftop; where private parties can rent the whole space (including their own bar) with a set menu, opens to incredible views of the city.

Defonte's Sandwich Shop

Sandwich Shop, Italian

One of Brooklyn’s most famous sandwich shops, Defonte’s is what you’d imagine a Brooklyn sandwich to be and much more. Whether you’re going for a classic Italian, a meatball or chicken parm, or creating your own combination of excellent ingredients, Defonte’s leaves you wanting more even though you couldn’t possibly eat more after one of these sandwiches.

Red Hook Lobster Pound

Restaurant, Sandwich Shop, Seafood

Like the name implies, Red Hook Lobster Pound started in Red Hook and continues to be a neighborhood favorite. Now a regular at festivals in and around the city, the flagship store taps into the familiar fishermen vibe of the neighborhood and piles good lobster into a potato roll.

Pok Pok NY

While the hype might have gone down after Pok Pok NY became a Red Hook staple, the quality has not subsided. Their menu guides you through the authentic tastes of Thailand, commenting and suggesting how to go about ordering. They are best known for their chicken wings, which cannot be missed and go great with one of their uniquely blended Thai-inspired cocktails.

Brooklyn Crab

Bar, Restaurant, American, Beer, Seafood

People don’t usually think ‘crab’ when they think of Brooklyn cuisine, but Brooklyn Crab might change that opinion. The clam chowder is great when soaking up the views of the Statue of Liberty or watching a Sunday football game. In the summer, it’s a great place to play outdoor bar games and gather with friends to soak up the summer sun.