Discover experiences in Red Hook
What to do in Red Hook
Red Hook overview
Named by Dutch settlers after the red clay along the shoreline, this Brooklyn neighborhood has a history deeply entwined with heavy industry and its waterfront. One of the oldest working-class areas in Brooklyn, its cobble-stoned streets have made it one of the most sought-after and expensive neighborhoods of Brooklyn. With a thriving arts scene and young hip professionals, Red Hook is the place to be, but Shhhh! Don’t tell anyone.
How to spend a day in Red Hook
With its waterfront location, no trip to Red Hook is complete without a visit to one of its many beautiful parks. Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier have some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty you will find anywhere in the city. Red Hook Park is always a hub of activity with a pool, basketball, and handball courts. And finally, Coffey Park is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the neighborhood. After stretching your legs and seeing the views, it's time to grab a cone - an ice cream cone that is. Try one from local ice-creamery Ample Hills Creamery Redhook Factory.
How to spend a night in Red Hook
The combination of old warehouse space and the growing market for craft beer. Red Hook has become a mecca for beer lovers in Brooklyn. With that in mind, what better way to spend the night than with a good old-fashioned bar crawl? Start your night at Sixpoint Brewery; I love their Bengali IPA. From there, head over to the Keg & Lantern Brewery and finish off at my favorite Other Half Brewing Company; their seasonal Broccoli Imperial is my all-time favorite. Of course, if you want something stronger, the Van Brunt Stillhouse has a wonderful selection of local whiskeys, rums, and Grappas.
Popular experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Red Hook known for?
Walking around Red Hook you quickly understand why the locals are typing to keep this a secret. It feels more like a small port town than it does a neighborhood of Brooklyn. Stunning old townhouses mixed in with beautiful old industrial buildings make this area a great place to wander around with no destination in mind except the experience. But be sure to bring your camera; this picturesque neighborhood offers no end of great photo opportunities.
How do you get around Red Hook?
With no direct subway to Red Hook, if you are taking the public transport route, your best bet is the G train to Gowanus, where you can take a 61 or 57 bus into Red Hook. And with limited parking, taking a car can also be more hassle than it's worth. Biking is also an option. Of course, once there, you are going to want to explore on foot.
What do you HAVE to do in Red Hook?
Without a doubt, spending time at the BWAC (Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition) is a must! This massive 25,000 square-foot gallery space in a stunning Civil-War-era warehouse has been a staple of the area since 1978. With over one hundred artists in residence, check the website for special exhibits, plus its proximity to the waterfront makes for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, down to the Verrazano Bridge.
What are the best restaurants in Red Hook?
To go with all the locally-made beer, you need great local food, and Red Hook does not disappoint. BBQ does not get any better than Hometown Bar-B-Que, I can't get enough of their Pulled pork, and they offer live music as well. For local seafood, you have two amazing choices Brooklyn Crab and the local favorite, Red Hook Lobster Pound - lobster roll, anyone?