Red Hook Tavern

"Red Hook Tavern is from the folks behind Hometown Bar-B-Que, so they know how to make a thick, quality beef patty that’s so tender, it falls apart like it had a long day and is eternally grateful to be at home in your mouth. The burger doesn’t need anything else, but the salty melted american cheese and the thin slice of raw onion certainly make it better. Order one, have a couple of beers in the floral-wallpapered, saloon-like space, then order another." - will hartman, bryan kim, neha talreja, willa moore, kenny yang

"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 with a portion of its dining room set aside for walk-ins." - Melissa McCart

"How similar is it to TGI Fridays? A slight spiritual connection. It's no Barney Greengrass, but TGI Fridays is, technically, a classic New York City establishment. So don’t take it the wrong way when we tell you that Red Hook Tavern, a restaurant with serious food and a thoughtful wine program, could theoretically donate a kidney. Both spots serve American food and churn out burgers like they're trying to rid the world of cattle. There are, however, a few key differences: Red Hook Tavern's thick-patty burger is one of the city's best, and you can pair it with some venison carpaccio or a glass of Savoyard mondeuse." - bryan kim

"Great place to go to just get away from the city and enjoy with friends." - Edward Barsamian

"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 burger was the star here from day one. The dry-aged patty keeps it simple: American cheese, white onion, and the $30 price tag does indeed include fries." - Robert Sietsema, Melissa McCart, Emma Orlow