Red Hook Tavern
329 Van Brunt St at Sullivan St, Red Hook
The Place: A beloved Brooklyn restaurant with a famous burger that I did not eat.
The Time: Thursday April 13, 7:15pm. It’s absolutely gorgeous outside. I told my boyfriend I’d stop by his bar around 8:30 and I simply cannot sit in my apartment and let this day slip by. So I took a long walk down to Red Hook with the intention of stopping by Seaborne, a cocktail bar, because I responsibly ate dinner at home. However, it’s inexplicably closed, so I keep walking south until I hit Red Hook Tavern, a restaurant I’m familiar with only by name.
The Vibe: Cozy, busy, a true tavern! The ceiling is low, there’s wood everywhere, a big window seat with “Red Hook Tavern” emblazoned on the front (that’s clearly the best spot in the house). I wait for the host to seat me at the bar, after the bartender tells me there might be reservations. I’m not sure how I feel about taking reservations for bar seats but regardless, I get a spot. There are dudes in button-downs all along the bar. Rose-patterned wallpaper is the backdrop, like grandma’s bathroom but in this case, it’s cool. Real tulips are everywhere — thank you spring, for springing! The music is fun and easy. I can’t get a grasp on their clientele, except it’s maybe all of Red Hook? Who lives in Red Hook? They obviously come here. Also nearly everyone has food and now I feel stupid about my sensible decision to cook for myself.
The Bartender: Benny, who mimics a tear falling down his cheek when I tell him I’m only getting one drink. He wears earrings that are the outlines of softballs but they evoke hoops and I’m loving this gender-defying jewelry statement. Benny does have a habit of using cutesy nicknames for guests, like “sweetie,” “hon,” and “darlin’,” which isn’t my favorite, but I do feel better when I realize he calls everyone by those names, not just young women. He also keeps calling his coworker his “associate,” and if that’s the cutesy nickname his fellow bartender gets, I’m not mad at it.
The Drink: In honor of the summer-like weather, I get the Tavern Julep, made up of bourbon, Cocchi Americano, creme de cacao, lemon and mint. Classic julep vibes with an extra chocolate kick. Delightful. The bar kind of clears out after a bit and I definitely start feeling bad about only getting a drink and not dinner. But then just like that, it fills up again, and once again, everyone orders food. I make a mental note to come back and eat.
Was I Hit On?: When I ask for the check, Benny convinces me to stay for another drink, “a teeny,” to which I say, yes of course, how can I refuse a small drink? He makes a Daiquiri with peach liqueur, splits it into two adorable little glasses, gives me one and keeps the other. Flirting or just good hospitality? Life’s biggest question. We also talk about his softball league (after I say I like his earrings), bond over our mutual love of Toni Morrison (I’m currently reading The Bluest Eye), and he explains why he calls his coworker his “associate” (apparently it’s a dig at another friend*).
Should You Drink Here Alone?: Yeah! Red Hook Tavern is a great neighborhood spot, even if you don’t live in Red Hook. It’s certainly popular, so come by yourself to nab a coveted bar stool and enjoy a cocktail and one of those burgers, if that’s your thing. One of my friends responded to my IG story saying: “Okay I know you don’t eat meat BUT their burger is out of this world.” Not the first time I’ve heard this, so I will be sure to return with the carnivorous boyfriend to confirm.
* Update: I have since been informed that the use of the word “associate” is not a dig but in fact, a playful homage.
* Another update: Carnivorous boyfriend said the burger is indeed outrageously delicious.