Red Hook

Do yourself a favour and head here on a Friday night to wistfully pretend you’re in Brooklyn for just a few hours. The Red Hook iced tea is stand-​out and VERY easy to drink, and the burgers are classic, quick and generous! Ps if you like mac & cheese, you’re going to be a happy camper — they do mac & cheese bites (deep fried goodness). Don’t come here and try t stick to a diet, you’ll fail — and miss out. They also have legit American mustard and ketchup on the tables, a selection of American beers and an alcoholic Jamaican ginger beer.
The location is slightly random /​tucked away, and it’s worth pointing out if they’re packed and you get the inside table (which is kind of in the lobby of an office block) you’ve lucked out, but outside in a group this place is super fun. Worth noting are the staff who are a bit zany and slightly chatty — part of the experience.
Will keep coming back here — any American holiday /​themed day is a good excuse!

Second time here. The staff are pretty good. I like the location although it’s a pity it’s not big enough as there’s usually a line of people waiting for their turn and being a fairly small place, it’s a little unnerving seeing them look at us lol.
As for the food, well it’s not the best. The buffalo wings are not true buffalo wings. They are not tangy-​chilli. Why are they even called buffalo wings. They’re yummy but they’re not buffalo style. They’re crispy and sweet. Five wings for $ 9. Why not just six, bit odd.
The fries are served in a camp style cup, interesting sure, tastes like McDonald’s French fries. It’s ok. I mean they are just sides & not the heroes of the menu.
My friend ordered the new KFT. That’s right, Kentucky Fried Turkey. A huge drumstick served with fries and coleslaw and gravy for $ 16. Good value for money and the turkey is nice and tender. Another friend had the wagyu burrito and while I can’t remember the cost exactly, i remember it being more expensive than it actually looks. Tasted ok.
Overall, I think the food needs improvement. Love the venue, the staff are pretty good, location’s great.

Awesome Burgers. Cheese burgers the way they should be. Great French Fries and bottomless tomato ketchup.
We will be back for more, for sure

A little underwhelmed by the experience — had heard good things and yes, the fries delivered however the burger was not so grand, especially on the visual front… was more slopped together which whilst the thought is street food, it was more from the street than eat on the street for me.

Looked like a cool little place but I was disappointed by the Jamaican in New York chicken burger. No kick to it whatsoever, and as the chicken comes in pieces rather than a fillet it’s difficult to eat without a knife and fork. The menu seems to have changed recently as there were no Mac and Cheese squares listed.

I don’t know if the hype had me over excited or if it was just an off night but Red Hook didn’t blow my mind the way I hoped it would. It’s not that it was a bad experience but it definitely wasn’t the best american style dining experience I’ve had in our fair city.
Between two of us we had a Brooklyn cheeseburger, NYC hot dog, champion fries, and mac n cheese squares. The food here was delivered super fast but I got the feeling it had been sitting there ready to be ordered for a little while. The NYC dog was barely warm and I ended up only really eating the bread. The champion fries and mac n cheese squares were definitely the best parts which is a shame. The service was prompt though the servers couldn’t really answer any of the questions we had about the menu. The saving grace of the experience was the fact that the food was really quite affordable so although I was disappointed, it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg for it.
Maybe it was just the night for it because I regularly see they have lines around the block for their food but it’s safe to say I wouldn’t go here again. I’ll save my stomach space for some of the better american eats around Brisvegas.

Loved this place. From the moment we walked in, we were well taken care of. Service was bang on!
We went with the recommend cheese burger and it didn’t disappoint. Classic style cheese burger — awesome. Keen to try the jerk chicken burger on next vist.
We got some side; fries, wings and fried pickles — we have had better else where.
On the drinks front, we were after cider. They don’t do any as they are trying to find a good US one (fair reason not to do one as they are a USA styles establishment). Look forward to when they try one. Was hoping they did US style soda (grape soda) but they don’t do these either… No big deal. The cheese burger made up for everything!
We loved the hip hop, who doesn’t love a bit of Cyprus Hill while eating dinner?

Good gear. Definitely worth stopping in at.
Burger was decent, but for sure the highlight was the champion fries. Kinda sounds sad doesn’t it, but these fries were pretty damn awesome!
Service is speedy and jovial.
Recommend getting there for an early lunch if you’re going for a mid-​week lunch. There is seating, but it’s limited and Red Hook is popular.

New NYC inspired alleyway joint. Everything is very US so will appeal to visitors from across the pacific in particular. A little heavy on the oil not surprisingly

Good bar eats? Yes.
New York street food? Not exactly.
I’m not sure why they are marketing fried pickles, macaroni cheese squares and cheeseburgers as new york street food here. (I’d think it would be more along the lines of sausage hoagies, hotdogs, and gyros, if that were the case). But either way, the food here is pretty good and its a solid venue to meet up with friends to grab a drink and share some eats. Definitely try the fried mac and cheese squares. They are otherworldly! Seating is tight, but all the better to get to know your neighbour I suppose!

For months I’ve read the hyped-​up reviews, I’ve stalked them on Instagram, and looked longingly at Red Hook every time I’ve passed through Gresham Lane but the one thing stopping me from actually stopping in was the limited number of choices of wheat-​free options on the menu. Months ago I asked whether they had gluten-​free bread and was told unfortunately not but that the Chop Chop salad could be made gluten-​free. Now I have no doubt that the salad is delicious but when there are burgers and lobster rolls around, salad just does not sound appealing.
However it was offered as a group lunch option today and considering I didn’t feel like any of the nearby alternatives, I decided to give it a chance and just either salad up or risk the pain. We arrived early just after 11:30 and so there were plenty of seats available but they did start to fill up even then. There are only about 10 tables available so either get in early or cross your fingers and get ready to stalk.
The menu is fairly simple — 3 burgers, 1 hot dog, lobster roll, duck tacos, wagyu brisket burrito and the salad (which you can get optional chicken with). Aside from that there are sides of fries, battered pickles and an iceberg salad plus optional extra sauces. According to my social media stalking, they sometimes do additional specials but I didn’t see any available today. I had almost convinced myself that the Chop Chop salad (wombok, red cabbage, carrot, peppers, shallots, fried onions, wontons) ($ 8 + $ 5 for chicken) would be exactly what I wanted but then I took a punt and asked the friendly guy at the counter if they had gluten-​free bread. To my surprise, he said they might and asked the kitchen and returned to say they could do it on a gluten-​free bagel! Hallelujah! Immediately the Brooklyn Burger (Beef, cheese, pickles, special sauce, ketchup) ($ 12) became a possibility and one that I wasn’t going to say no to. I was told that the tacos and burrito could be done sans bread also.
Our burgers did take a while to arrive — about 15 mins — but we didn’t mind. They arrived in brown paper takeaway bags which we ripped into. They were all wrapped in wax paper and the Brooklyn Burger had half a pickle skewered on top. My burger was excellent — juicy patty with a thin slice of melted cheese and a pickle-​type relish and a ketchup sauce. The bagel whole meant that the sauce oozed out more than if it were the bun and so eating it was somewhat of a messy experience but I really enjoyed every single mouthful and it didn’t take long for me to eat it. One of my friends ordered the Jamaican Chicken burger with mayo, lettuce, mango coriander salsa and commented that it was quite spicy (not an issue for her) but was concerned that the chicken still had some pinkness to it.
Overall Red Hook is a winner for me and now that I know that there are more options for me, I’ll definitely be back soon to try the others. They also do a small but tasty sounding breakfast menu and the drinks sound excellent too. Although it would be hard for me to go there over their neighbour, The Gresham. The owners, who also own Public, have recently opened Coppa, and Italian bistro-​style café, nearby and after having great meals at both Public and Red Hook, it’s next on my need-​to-​try list!

I finally feel entitled to write a review of Red Hook. After several visits (yes, my waistline hates me) and multiple items ordered from the menu it’s safe to say that the team that gave us Public and Canvas, have succeeded again in hitting the trend and exceeding at doing it well.
From lunch time duck tacos, early evening mac and cheese bites to Wednesday night Dirty Elvis burgers, the Red Hook menu is a stand out in a city obsessed with US-​style eats. It’s a one-​pager of main bites, sides and specials. For example, Wednesday night is Wings night. I believe it’s this tidy and neat menu that let’s the team in the kitchen bring the quality with each meal. Much like the owners Bonnie and Tom, if you’ve ever met them, the space and offering, exude cool without trying.
The cocktail menu has twists on classic cocktails with the additions of salted caramel for example. But for those who love a classic — try the Gin & Juice.
Pro Tip: Hating yourself or just love burgers? Order the Dirty Elvis burger (not on the menu). It’s their Brooklyn Cheeseburger with the addition of battered pickles and peanut butter.

I went here with two others on a Saturday night at 7:30ish and was delightfully pleased to find that it was not jam packed! Channelling the right laneway vibes with just enough people. Our service was prompt and polite.
We had the cheeseburger and the standard beef burger, both of which were very good. The pickle on the cheeseburger was great. Washed down with a beer from NY and house wines which were by all reports «nice».
Price was perhaps a little bit steeper than what we would normally expect from a burger place like this, but with the laneway backdrop and imported booze, it seems fair.
Will be back!

On Friday night I went to Red Hook, a new New York Street Food Bar recently opened in Gresham Lane in the city. A hole-​in-​the wall type set up, it’s tucked away behind the Gresham opening onto the laneway. The menu promises burgers, fries and other such delights.
We started the night with a cocktail each. My friend had the Spiked Cream Soda which was essentially a creamy soda float with a shot of vanilla vodka. It made me feel a bit like a child again, albeit with an alcohol spin on the childhood memories. I chose the Harlem Hard Shake — it was kind of like drinking a Snickers bar milkshake with added bourbon. A little bit rich but delightful all the same. We followed this up with gin and tonic, made on an American gin with apple tones.
To eat we had the duck tacos. The duck was rich and tender, barbecued and slightly caramelised. Served with a hoi-​sin sauce and shaved cucumber, my tastebuds were singing with delight.
Prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was friendly and comfortable. I’d definitely recommend this place for a Friday night catch up with friends.

Four words.
Mac. And. Cheese. Squares.
The bar description for this side dish: ‘We cook up a heap of Mac & cheese. With cheese. Lots of cheese. Put it in fridge overnight. Cut it up into squares. Crumb it. Then deep fry on order.‘
Correct answer! My taste buds are crying because we decided to split the order between two of us. My thighs and arteries are thanking me for sharing.
The Reuben was today’s special. The cheeseburger is a regular. All of these things are divine!
Great service too! Do yourself a favour…

Amazing food and service was great. Was a bit sad face cos they didn’t have mac n cheese pieces.
Husband ordered copious servings of fried pickles.
Get amongst it!

Order: x1 Brooklyn Cheeseburger
Where to begin :)
First, It really does make me sad about writing a negative review, as I’m not sure as to whether things will improve.
I am lured to these small, quaint, and packed away american eateries as some really do shine and deserve credit. This one however. it was all looks and glamor, but didn’t deliver on the goods. Seriously disappointing.
I finally found this place tucked away one of the busy streets in Brisbane and thankfully not busy. I was the only one ordering so I thought I wouldn’t suffer from the long delays other reviewers have spoke of. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
I arrived just before 4pm and placed my order of a cheeseburger. Firstly the one thing that kills me about a café /​restaurant /​food cart /​or any type of food place, is bad service. The waitress /​barista didn’t even try to be welcoming. No greeting, or «how’s your day», just a «what can get you». not even a smile, just felt like she didn’t wish to be there and didn’t want to try and be welcoming.
So order placed, took a seat in the nice court yard sitting area. I must compliment them for having condiments on the table. Very good touch and under-​looked alot.
Time passed, really enjoyed the jazz swing music playing while it did. Saw the waitress and possibly the owner conversing, so it looked very relaxed… and before I knew it 15 minutes pass. and finally arrives my wrapped cheeseburger on a silver tray, why wrapped. I am still clueless: P. But I began to worry when I notice the small pickle that was attached to the outside of the burger was almost the size of the burger.
Opened up the wrapping, and the bun is toasted but cold, the cheese also cold, but the meat thankfully was hot and fresh. Couldn’t get over it, 15 minutes for a half cold burger and pickle. Removed the cold bread and just ate the rest :)
For $ 12 dollars in the CBD you can do much better. the top two being Miel Container, and Ben’s Burgers.
Pros:
Nice courtyard
Good Music
Cons:
Unfriendly staff
Long wait, even when only customer
Half Cold Burger

Heaven must be missing angels, because they all work at Red Hook. This place is amazing and I am in love.
Food report: so good. Fried mac and cheese is a work of art. Unless you’re dining solo you’re gonna want to order more than one portion. Battered pickles are heaven in a mouthful. And the chips are cooked in salt and vinegar. Honestly can’t go wrong with the sides.
Brooklyn cheeseburger was bloody tasty. If I was to complain about anything, I would’ve liked a combo burger with both cheese and lettuce and tomato, but I didn’t ask so who knows, they might oblige? Duck tacos come served in a taco truck. Enough said. Yellow mustard and ketchup on the tables is a necessary touch.
Beer range is modest but comprehensive, and the cocktails look good too.
Over all, I can’t wait to head back and try everything on the menu. Staff are lovely and the atmosphere us super chilled for an alleyway in the city.
Do yourselves a favour and check this place out, I promise you won’t regret it.

So asked for the duck tacos… And they ran out.
So, they gave me a free meal! Boom!
Had the Jamaican in NY chicken burger, omg delicious!
Again staff are rad as, cool atmosphere, just wish they stuck to there «New York» theme with the music, you get to hear some NAS and WU, but then they slip. But that’s pretty awesome if you ask me.
Do it, this place is reserved for the bawse’s.