Tucked into the quietest cove of Brooklyn sits a hidden escaper that feels reminiscent of a beach town, right in the middle of our city. Red Hook has long been one of New York City’s best-kept secrets—a charming enclave where cobblestone streets meet harbor views, local businesses thrive, and summer afternoons seem to move at a slower pace.
While you won’t find surfers catching waves here like in the Rockaways, you’ll discover something equally magical: sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, endless waterfront promenades, and a distinctly maritime atmosphere that makes it easy to forget you’re still in New York City.
And now, the neighborhood has a new destination that’s giving New Yorkers yet another reason to make the trip. Down along the waterfront at Pier 41, the newly expanded Red Hook Barrel Yard has transformed into a 40,000-square-foot food-and-drink destination that brings together a winery, cidery, waterfront dining, and some of the most spectacular skyline views in Brooklyn, all under one roof.
🍷 A Three-in-One Choose Your Own Adventure
The core concept of the Barrel Yard is a hyper-local collaboration. Founded by Brooklyn native Mark Snyder, the space unites three distinct craft beverage operations into one massive, cohesive guest experience.
1. The Red Hook Winery
Operating out of Red Hook since 2008, this urban winery sources 100% of its grapes from independent New York State farmers. Managing winemaker Christopher Nicolson, alongside elite consulting winemakers Robert Foley and Abe Schoener, process everything from grape to bottle right here on the pier. They specialize in split-terroir expressions, taking the same grape variety from different regions to show how geography shapes flavor.
- The Experience: You can book an a la carte table reservation (indoor or patio) to order by the glass or create your own custom flight.
- Guided Tasting ($45/person): A seated, educational journey through a rotating menu of small-batch vintages. You’ll learn about the microclimates of New York viticulture while looking out over the harbor.
2. The Red Hook Cidery
Dedicated to celebrating New York’s historic orchard country, the cidery side of the yard highlights native apple varieties. The drink menu spans everything from bone-dry, crisp still ciders to unfiltered, naturally effervescent pet-nat (pétillant-naturel) sparkling ciders.
- The Experience: Walk-ins and reservations are welcome for indoor or outdoor patio seating with full table service. It is highly casual, refreshing, and perfect for warm summer afternoons.
3. The Red Hook Distillery (Coming Soon)
Slated to debut later in 2026, the final piece of the trinity will be a small-batch spirits distillery. The operation plans to focus on grain-to-glass spirits, including house-distilled gin and rye whiskey, sourced from fields across upstate New York.
🌊 Sweeping Views Meets Iconic Seafood
You can’t have a 40,000-square-foot waterfront patio without an incredible food menu to match. To handle the culinary side of the yard, Snyder partnered with Chef Steve Mannino to launch “Lundy’s on the Waterfront.”
This menu serves as a modern revival of the historic, beloved Brooklyn seafood institution, Lundy’s. Designed to perfectly complement crisp white wines and cold ciders, the raw bar and New American kitchen menu keeps things fresh, salty, and satisfying.
🧭 Know Before You Go: Fast Facts for Your Visit
- 🐾 Vibe: Indoor industrial-chic production space meets multiple expansive, dog-friendly outdoor waterfront patios.
- 📍 Address: 185 Van Dyke St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Located right on Pier 41).
- 🕒 Hours: Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Note: Winery tastings start at 12:00 PM on weekends).
- 🚢 Getting There: Take the NYC Ferry (South Brooklyn route) to the Red Hook dock, or hop on the B61 bus.
- ⏱️ Table Time Limits: 2–3 guests (1.5 hours) | 4–5 guests (1 hour 45 mins) | 6–7 guests (2 hours) | 8 guests (2 hours 15 mins).
