Inside Red Hook Tavern, the New Old-School-Style Tavern From a Big-Deal Meat Chef

Iconic haunts Corner Bistro, McSorley’s, and Peter Luger were all the inspiration behind Red Hook Tavern, a new throwback tavern in Red Hook from Hometown Bar-B-Que owner Billy Durney. The restaurant, at 329 Van Brunt St., at Sullivan Street, cobbles together all the favorite parts of New York-native Durney’s top spots — like the burger from Peter Luger, natural wine from Four Horsemen, and light and dark ale options from McSorley’s.

Durney has brought in chef Allison Plumer to run the kitchen, which is pushing out dishes like country ham croquettes; little neck clams with white wine, garlic, chile oil, and herbs; and brick chicken with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, gravy, and thyme.

The warm, woody space has a throwback feel, with tin ceiling tiles, dark wood tables, chairs, and bar, antiqued mirrors, exposed brick walls, and golden lighting with brass accents. The bar area, with 18 seats, is held for walk-ins, while tables are for reservations. It seats a total of 40.

Durney’s had his hands on the space for a few years now, and has tried to pay homage to its long life in the neighborhood. The original sign from its liquor store days is still up, and he’s brought reclaimed wood to lend a rustic feel.

The hope, he says, is for people to be transported when inside the space. “You feel like you’re walking into another world when you walk into the place, and another time,” he says.

See the menu here, and take a look around Red Hook Tavern below.