Red Hook Tavern
American restaurant · Red Hook
329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18327133/RedHookTavern_Exterior_1314.jpg "Red Hook Tavern by Jean Schwarzwalder/Eater NY")
Highlights
Iconic NYC tavern serves a standout dry-aged burger
Iconic NYC tavern serves a standout dry-aged burger
"In Red Hook, owner Billy Durney confirmed he is extending his acclaimed restaurant by taking over what was Red Hook Coffee Shop, which sold vintage furniture and coffee; the new space provides more seats, allows expanded hours and the addition of a cafe (a name for the cafe has not yet been established), and Durney says the restaurant will not have to temporarily close whatsoever during the redesign process. Durney, who earlier this year took on investment from Kent Hospitality Group, also has two new restaurants in the works: a forthcoming multi-faceted project at 9 West 57th Street in Midtown, and his backing of a Cambodian restaurant called Hōp, to be located at 358 Van Brunt Street and led by Bun Cheam (the restaurant’s former executive chef) and his wife Cait Callahan (the restaurant’s general manager and wine director). “We are funding the restaurant, but we are staying way out of it; I’m guiding them if something goes off course, but this is their restaurant, down to how it’s run and designed,” Durney told Eater earlier this year. He added of the chefs behind Hōp: “Bun is one of the best chefs I’ve ever worked with — and it’s so extraordinary to see this couple live out their dreams; there is no chef I’m more proud to call family and a friend.” In 2024 Durney opened Sag Harbor Tavern, bringing his dry-aged burgers to the Hamptons, and he continues to operate two locations of Hometown-Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn (Red Hook and Industry City)." - Emma Orlow
"Billy Durney might as well be coined the Meat King of Red Hook. First with Hometown, his barbecue spot, and later, with Red Hook Tavern. No surprise that the burger was the star here from day one. The dry-aged patty keeps it simple: American cheese, and white onions, and the $30 price tag does indeed include fries. Insider tip: The $30 price tag does indeed include fries." - Robert Sietsema
"The five-year-old Red Hook restaurant still draws a crowd for its popular burger, now served with cottage fries instead of wedges. It stays open on Mondays nights with a portion of its dining room set aside for walk-ins." - Melissa McCart
"There’s a certain sense of camaraderie that comes from eating a burger in a room full of people eating burgers, and if you’ve been to Red Hook Tavern, you know what we mean. The team behind Hometown BBQ keeps things simple with their star menu item here: sesame seed bun, cheese blanket, Big Meat, and slightly sweaty onion, best eaten alone at the bar, or in the wooden booth alongside fellow meat enthusiasts. An evening at Red Hook Tavern will make you want to take all your future visitors there, become friends with the bartender who made your martinis, and take home an extra order of the rainbow cookies you had for dessert. Reservations are released 15 days in advance. Two bar seats, five window counter seats, and all 12 or so outdoor tables are saved for walk-ins—and you should get here no later than 5:30pm if you want to snag one. Ideally, line up outside at 4:30pm." - willa moore, hannah albertine
"Our current pick for NYC's best burger is the thick, classic, purist’s delight at Red Hook Tavern. Guaranteed to be on every table in this cozy, saloon-like corner spot in Brooklyn, the burger is pretty simple: sesame seed bun, cheese blanket, Big Meat, and slightly sweaty onion. The quality beef patty is so tender that it falls apart like it had a long day and is eternally grateful to be at home in your mouth." - team infatuation, carlo mantuano
