Restaurants in Red Hook: Where to eat in the Brooklyn neighborhood

What is it? Jeremy Salamon's version of a "joyful mess" entails down-home cooking couched in a bistro-like package.

Why we love it: Jeremy Salamon's Agi's Counter charmed us with its leberkäse breakfast sandwich and its pâté and Hungarian pimento spread found on the Nosh Plate (that existed way before the phrase "girl dinner"). It seems he has delighted us yet again with the opening of Pitt's. Taking the train over to Red Hook, the restaurant brings Salamon's Southern upbringing to the bistro, with vintage china on the walls and oil paintings that give those whimsy feels. The food is just as fun, with complimentary Caraway Rolls, “Meatloaf” Tea Sandwiches and Fried Catfish with a pickled green tomato tartar.

Time Out tip: The Pancake Soufflé is well worth it. It does take 40 mins to prep, so make sure you order it as soon as you sit down. 

Address: 347 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5:30–9pm

What is it? A not-so run-of-the-mill tavern from Bill Durney of Hometown Bar-B-Que fame.

Why we love it: Your first priority when you finally snag a seat at Red Hook Tavern is to order the Dry Aged Red Hook Tavern Burger ($32—it's non-negotiable. A hefty find, this dry-aged patty cloaked in American cheese and topped with raw white onions is one of the best we’ve tasted in the city. Fill in the table with an order of Country Ham Croquettes, a martini and maybe something green like the Romaine Wedge Salad.  

Time Out tip: The tavern is a tiny operation, as the inside only houses six tables and a bar inside (though there is an expansion coming). But, at the moment, reservations are basically required if you want a table.

Address: 329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri–Sun noon–2:45pm and 5–9:30pm

What is it? A Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized barbecue operation set up in a Red Hook warehouse. 

Why we love it? Follow your nose—you'll smell Hometown Bar-B-Que before you see it. Fill up your metal tray with meats like the tried and true black pepper rubbed Brisket and Korean Sticky Ribs that are guaranteed to stick to your ribs. And if your mains need a friend, we recommend a sidekick of creamy Mac & Cheese with buttery and cheesy Parmesan bread crumbs and a thick slice of cornbread. 

Time Out tip: If you think that Red Hook is juuuust out of reach, there is another location a bit more accessible found inside Sunset Park's Industry City. 

Address: 454 Van Brunt St Brooklyn, NY 11231; 87 35th St Brooklyn, NY 11232 | Courtyard 5/6

Opening hours: Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu noon–9pm; Fri, Sat noon–10pm 

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What is it? A compact contemporary bistro that's a charming addition to Red Hook.

Why we love it? Cozy is certainly a word to describe Café Kestrel—you'll certainly feel it as nestling against your neighbor is a feature of dining here. But here that's actually a good thing as closeness breeds a certain type of conversation, one where tables connect over squash blossoms and that chicken dish with dates and capers.

Time Out tip: The Applesauce Sundae is kind of in a league of its own. Its the perfect size for two, making for the perfect date night end over something sweet. 

Address: 293 Van Brunt Street Brooklyn, New York 11231

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5–10pm; Sat, Sun 11–3pm

What is it? A three-story seafood restaurant that mimics a side-of-the-road seafood shack. 

Why we love it: Elevated on stilts, the three-story stand-alone restaurant that is Brooklyn Crab is done up with wharf-themed flourishes: lobster traps, fishing rods and a mounted shark's head. Grab a picnic table and dig into simple coastal fare, such as peel-and-eat shrimp and steam pots brimming with lobster, Jonah crab and mussels, along with potatoes and corn. After bellies are full, gather your crew and hit the greens over a round of minigolf or cornhole.

Time Out tip: Mondays bring all you can eat snow crab, so bring your appetite and make sure to ask for all the butter. 

Address: 24 Reed St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Sun–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm and 11pm–2am

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What is it? A legendary shop that specializes in a laundry list of two-fisted sandwiches. 

Why we love it? A relic of the old Red Hook remains at Defonte's Sandwich Shop. This grab and go shop has stayed relatively unchanged since its founding in 1922, and frankly, we like it that way. Everyday you'll find the staff making fresh mozzarella, rolling out meatballs and slicing cured meats for its stacked subs. Plus, it was a favorite of the "Sopranos" cast back in the day, so any friend of Tony Soprano is a friend of mine. 

Time Out tip: The shop still operates on a cash only policy, so come prepared.

Address: 379 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 6am–4pm

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What is it? A family-owned and operation that's been baking pies for over 30 years. 

Why we love it: A Miami native, Steve Tarpin was less than satisfied with the standard of pies he found in New York. So naturally, he decided to make his own. 30 years later and Tarpin's desserts only business, Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie, has remained consistent thanks to his inability to cut corners, hand-forming crust and only using fresh key limes sourced from Mexico. His 10-inch pie ($45) or 8-inch ($32) pies are perfect to share, but if you show up solo, the 4-inch tart ($6.50) will set you up right.  

Time Out tip: You can't leave without getting at least one Swingle ($8.50), a frozen key lime pie on a stick that's been dipped in Belgian chocolate. You can up the indulgence with the addition of raspberry or strawberry jam inside. 

Address: 185 Van Dyke St, Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York 11231 

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–7pm; Fri noon–9pm; Sat, Sunday 11am–9pm  

What is it? A charming seafood restaurant with excellent, you guessed it, lobster rolls.

Why we love it: While Red Hook Lobster Pound has hooked its claws all over the city, we still have to give credit where credit is due. And that means giving big ups to the OG in Red Hook. Lobster lovers have five different seafood stuffed rolls to choose from. Of course, the battle of Maine vs. Connecticut plays out here, but the are new contenders such as the California-style gussied up with cucumbers and avocado or the fried option tossed in a lobster caramel sauce with kewpie mayo. 

Time Out tip: If you can't get enough lobster (because seriously, who can?) the Lobster Claw Bloody Mary comes with a spear of lobster meat, olives and pickles. 

Address: 284 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Daily Sun–Thu noon–9pm; Fri, Sat noon–10pm

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What is it? A reincarnated Brooklyn institution that has risen once again, this time in Red Hook. 

Why we love it? In its heyday, Lundy Brothers restaurant in Sheepshead Bay drew a staggering 15,000 patrons a day in the 1920s. After a successful run, the restaurant closed after Mr. Lundy's passing. In the 90s, it was revived for a good strech before eventually shuttering for good in 2007. Or so we thought. Through Lundy Bros., the spirit of the original now lives on again in Red Hook. Join the nightly scene as tables donned in white linens fill with seafood towers and jumbo crab cakes.

Time Out tip: Run your finger down the menu and you'll soon find dishes that start with "Lundy" or "Original Lundy's." Choose at least one for a throwback dish from way back when. 

Address: 44 Beard St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Sun, Mon 5–9:30pm; Wed–Sat 5–10pm