By neighborhood · Red Hook · 2026
The best things to do in Red Hook.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 12 places.
Red Hook has quickly become one of my favorite neighborhoods in Brooklyn. We discovered it innocently enough. While strolling through the charming streets of Cobble Hill, drawn to a particular brewery advertising spectacular views of Lady Liberty, we ventured further west until we stumbled upon this beautiful area.
Smitten by the relaxed vibes and friendly locals, we promptly returned with more friends, soaking up the last days of summer. Looking for a reprieve from the crowds in Manhattan, we bound ourselves on the Red Hook bound ferry in January and were happy to learn that the neighborhood is just as wonderful in 40°F too. Here’s a roundup of my favorite things to do in Red Hook, Brooklyn (hope you enjoy!).
- Brooklyn CrabRestaurant · Red HookFamous for fresh, sustainably-sourced crab and seafood dishes, this local restaurant has the best outdoor seating in Red Hook.
- Defonte's Sandwich ShopRestaurant · Red HookA food landmark, Defonte's is a no-frills (cash-only) sandwich shop that dates back to 1922 (102 years!).
- Hometown Bar-B-QueRestaurant · Red HookHometown Bar-B-Que made headlines for serving the best Texas-style barbecue in New York City.
- Louis Valentino Jr. PierPark · Red HookThe combination of stunning views, tranquil surroundings, and its historical significance makes strolling down Louis Valentino Jr. Pier at sunset one of the best things to do in Red Hook.
- Open InviteStore · Red HookOpen Invite in trendy local boutique that has a picked selection of items that range from stylish home decor to unique gifts and artisanal locally-made products.
- Raaka ChocolateOther · Red Hook
- Red Hook CoffeeCafe · Red Hook
- Red Hook TavernRestaurant · Red Hook
- Steve's Authentic Key Lime PieBakery · Red HookServing the neighborhood for more than 20 years, visiting Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies is one of the best things to do in Red Hook for foodies.
- Strong Rope BreweryBar · Red HookStrong Rope Brewery is known for two things. good brews and epic views of the Statue of Liberty.
- Sunny's BarBar · Red HookDating back to 1890, Sunny's Bar is a storied dive bar oozing nostalgic vibes.
- Widow JaneOther · Red Hook
Brooklyn Crab
Restaurant · Red Hook
Famous for fresh, sustainably-sourced crab and seafood dishes, this local restaurant has the best outdoor seating in Red Hook.
Defonte's Sandwich Shop
Restaurant · Red Hook
A food landmark, Defonte's is a no-frills (cash-only) sandwich shop that dates back to 1922 (102 years!).
Hometown Bar-B-Que
Restaurant · Red Hook
Hometown Bar-B-Que made headlines for serving the best Texas-style barbecue in New York City.
Louis Valentino Jr. Pier
Park · Red Hook
The combination of stunning views, tranquil surroundings, and its historical significance makes strolling down Louis Valentino Jr. Pier at sunset one of the best things to do in Red Hook.
Open Invite
Store · Red Hook
Open Invite in trendy local boutique that has a picked selection of items that range from stylish home decor to unique gifts and artisanal locally-made products.
Red Hook Coffee
Cafe · Red Hook
Red Hook Coffee House is an idyllic neighborhood cafe equipped with cozy leather couches, a friendly (and perfectly sassy) barista, great coffee and laptop-absorbed locals mingling over a second round of lukewarm drinks.
Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie
Bakery · Red Hook
Serving the neighborhood for more than 20 years, visiting Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies is one of the best things to do in Red Hook for foodies.
Strong Rope Brewery
Bar · Red Hook
Strong Rope Brewery is known for two things. good brews and epic views of the Statue of Liberty.
Sunny's Bar
Bar · Red Hook
Dating back to 1890, Sunny's Bar is a storied dive bar oozing nostalgic vibes.
Widow Jane
Other · Red Hook
Founded in 2012, Widow Jane Distillery distills whisky in Red Hook using non-GMO ingredients and pure limestone mineral water sourced from the historic Rosendale Mines (100 miles north in upstate New York).
Best things to do in Red Hook, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 12 Best Things to Do in Red Hook, Brooklyn (Ranked).