Red Hook: New York’s Trendy Neighborhood

What to Know About Red Hook

• Red Hook is a neighborhood in Brooklyn, one of New York City’s five boroughs. It sits on the waterfront facing New York Harbor, directly across from Governors Island. The neighborhood lies roughly halfway between DUMBO and Dyker Heights.
• Dutch settlers who arrived in 1636 named the area “Roode Hoek”—meaning “red point”—after the distinctive reddish clay soil and the hook-shaped curve of the shoreline. When the British took control of New York in 1664, the name became Red Hook.
• Red Hook grew into one of America’s busiest ports by the mid-1800s. At its peak in the 1860s, the harbor handled more than 26,000 ships annually. The boom didn’t last. A massive new port built in New Jersey drew away the traffic, and Red Hook’s waterfront fell into decline.
• By the early 1900s, the area had become a sprawling slum controlled by squatters and organized crime. Few tourists ventured here. In the 1990s, Life magazine even called Red Hook the worst neighborhood in the United States.
• In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy swept through the neighborhood. The disaster became a turning point. New York City invested heavily in rebuilding, and real estate developers took notice of the waterfront’s potential and Manhattan views. Red Hook has been on the rise ever since.

What to See in Red Hook

• Red Hook has a striking industrial character, a stark contrast to the skyscrapers and energy of the Financial District and Midtown. Many old port warehouses have been converted into artist studios and art galleries. When you arrive at the Atlantic Basin, step into Pioneer Works, a massive warehouse transformed into an arts center in 2012 (159 Pioneer Street). Another major gallery is the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (481 Van Brunt Street).
• Other galleries worth visiting include Red Hook Labs (133 Imlay Street), Kentler International Drawing Space (353 Van Brunt Street), Lofty Art Gallery (362 Van Brunt Street), and Look North Gallery (275 Conover Street), which focuses on Inuit art.
• Red Hook has also become a destination for spirits. The neighborhood is home to Widow Jane Distillery on Conover Street, a whisky producer. Barrels line the front of the old brick building, evoking the Prohibition era. You can also sample local beer at Strong Rope Brewery on Barnell Street and Keg & Lantern (158 Beard Street).
• Red Hook offers stunning waterfront views. Head to Pier 44 Waterfront Garden or Louis Valentino Jr. Park for an unobstructed view of the Statue of Liberty. You’ll also see One World Trade Center and Manhattan’s skyline rising above Governors Island.
• Don’t miss the Waterfront Museum. This floating museum opened in 1985 aboard a 1914 barge that once transported cargo across New York Harbor. It tells the story of the neighborhood’s maritime past and hosts cultural and artistic events.
• Along the docks, you’ll spot a beautifully preserved 1951 New York City streetcar. The vintage trolley sits permanently on its tracks, a remnant of a line long since closed. Red Hook has real character.

How to Get to Red Hook

• Red Hook remains one of New York’s lesser-known neighborhoods, with few tourists. If you want to escape the crowds and see a different side of the city, Red Hook is worth the effort. The good news: it’s now a safe, peaceful area. The days of Al Capone are long gone.
• Getting there takes some planning. The neighborhood is isolated on the waterfront with no nearby subway station. Take the F or G subway line and get off at Smith 9 Sts. Plan on a 20-minute walk from there to reach the neighborhood.
• Buses serve the area but run infrequently. The B61 does pass through Red Hook, continuing to Carroll Gardens and Downtown Brooklyn, though the ride is slow.
• The fastest option is to take a ferry from NYC Ferry departing from Wall Street. The fare is $4.50 per person.
• Another option: rent a bike in Brooklyn. You can explore the neighborhood at your own pace. You can also join a guided bike tour of Brooklyn that includes Red Hook. Take advantage while the neighborhood still sees few visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Red Hook?

Visit Red Hook toward the end of your New York stay. It helps to know the city’s main neighborhoods first before exploring this distinctive, alternative area. Late afternoon is ideal, especially if you can catch the sunset over the Statue of Liberty.

Where should I eat in Red Hook?

Red Hook has many restaurants and bars, most clustered on Van Brunt Street, making it easy to compare options. Try Red Hook Lobster Pound for lobster rolls (284 Van Brunt Street). Meat lovers should head to Hometown Bar‑B‑Que (454 Van Brunt Street). Other good choices include Cafe Kestrel (293 Van Brunt Street) and Red Hook Tavern (329 Van Brunt Street).

Photos of Red Hook