New Yorkers might have a love-hate relationship with Swedish furniture giant IKEA (hey, at least the store makes a great backdrop for performance art), but whether you’re a fan or a hater, the new big box in Red Hook means more transportation options (water taxi, shuttle buses, and additional MTA buses) for getting to this isolated, no-subway nabe. So never mind that $13 particleboard end table, schlep out here for Red Hook’s real sweet finds—the no-fuss, friendly bars.
Brooklyn Ice House
Brooklyn Ice House
318 Van Brunt St. (Pioneer St.& Visitation Pl.)
718.222.1865
This new guy on the block recently went into the old Pioneer Bar-B-Q spot, and they’ve kept the greasy grub and cheap prices around. Check out the $2 bottles of Carling Black Label among the large beer selection and two-for-$5 pulled pork sandwiches. The drinks are stiff, and the jukebox is superb.
Red Hook Bait & Tackle
320 Van Brunt St. (Pioneer & Imlay Sts.)
718.797.4892
This is a true-blue sports bar, but not in the over-commercialized, sleazy Houston’s kind of way. One television, a bunch of draft beers—like Checker Cab, Blue Point, and Guinness—and mounted taxidermy authenticate this to be the real deal. The nets on the wall and items of fishing nostalgia scattered about add to the macho-ness of the place. But even if you aren’t one to follow the game, you’ll have plenty of playmates—the bar seems to be cool with letting regulars bring their pups in with them.
Sunny’s
253 Conover St. (Beard & Reed Sts.)
718.625.8211
If the bars in Red Hook were a group of friends, Sunny’s would definitely be the most sociable of the bunch. You’ll find a lively scene at this bar and music venue that even the locals admit to being something special. A quick jaunt off the Van Brunt strip brings you to this diner-like space, where you can pile into a booth with all your buds and drink PBR out of the can. But there’s more than just drinking to do—there’s eclectic artwork on the walls to view and local acts performing in the back room.
Tini Wine Bar
414 Van Brunt St. (Coffey & Van Dyke Sts.)
718.855.4206
This cool (albeit teeny-tiny) living room-like space is enticing for a romantic evening for two or a chill night with friends. Company aside, the wine is the draw here. A variety of organic wines come by the bottle or a generous glass serving, and pair nicely with the different cheese plates on the menu. Relax on the large white couch and the cozy, West Village-like vibe.
Hope & Anchor
347 Van Brunt St. (Wolcott & Dikemann Sts.)
718.237.0276
Be it the artsy décor or fancy drinks like the Red Hooker (made with Maker’s Mark and peach puree), there’s a sense of luxe at this eatery and bar. But the classic diner cuisine, as well as the weekly karaoke nights led by drag queens, keep things in check and prohibit a stuffy vibe. What did you think this was, Manhattan or something?
Coming soon…
Grindhaus
275 Van Brunt St. (Visitation Pl. and Pioneer St.)
(no phone yet)
Beer? Yum. Sausage? Yum. All that in an outdoor garden space is enough to keep you keen on Red Hook while you await the new Grindhaus, coming in October—by then you’ll probably be ready for something other than Swedish meatballs.
