Red Hook Tavern.

The juicy burgers at this beloved spot draw a local crowd, and I don’t use “crowd” loosely, the wait is upwards of an hour during weekends. Try to make a reservation or be prepared to wait. The small menu is a welcome change of pace, keeping the focus on some great appetizers, a few salads and the burgers and steak.

Enjoying a meal at Red Hook Tavern feels intimate and relaxed, the restaurant has such a great vibe! Which is why this one of the best things to do in Red Hook for first time visitors.

Inspired by classic taverns and steakhouses, Red Hook Tavern comes courtesy Billy Durney, the mastermind behind Hometown Bar-B-Que (arguably the best BBQ in NYC).

The succulent burgers at this saloon-style joint draw a local crowd, and I don’t use “crowd” loosely, the wait is upwards of an hour during weekends. Try to make a reservation or be prepared to wait. The draw? The restaurant’s dry aged burger, so simple and punchy it sings.

An ode to Peter Lugar’s famed cheeseburger, Durney’s version is made with a rich blend of dry-aged strip and chuck steak blanketed by two slices of American cheese (a slice of white onion sits under the meaty 8-ounce patty).

The mandatory masterpiece is served alongside cottage fries and a crisp new pickle. Add a beer to the mix. Red Hook Tavern is reason alone to trek to Red Hook, this my favorite burger in NYC.

The juicy burgers at this beloved spot draw a local crowd, and I don’t use “crowd” loosely, the wait is upwards of an hour during weekends. Try to make a reservation or be prepared to wait. The small menu is a welcome change of pace, keeping the focus on some great appetizers, a few salads, and the burgers and steak. Doesn’t hurt that the restaurant oozes old-world charm, great vibes all around!