Hope and Anchor
347 Van Brunt St. (at Wolcott), Red Hook,
(718) 237-0276
What it is: A cozy Red Hook staple with maritime decor and anytime fun.
Why we love it: At Hope and Anchor, a bottle selection of 15 craft beers accompanies a menu of comfort food and burgers like you’ve never seen ‘em. There are parties to attend, parties to throw (you can rent out the whole bar for $25 a person) and events like drag queen karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights that is nothing short of, as the locals say, “amazing.” Hope & Anchor is a place for the nostalgic, the easy going, the queer friendly and the generally decent human beings of Brooklyn who either live near or are enthusiastic enough to travel to this fun-loving apple of Red Hook’s eye.
What to order: You really can’t go wrong with a burger here, and here’s why–you’ve got options. Beef, salmon, tofu, lamb, or duck, there’s tons of fry to try. Lots of veggie options, too. And, if you throw back one or five too many of those bottled beers, come back in the morning for the Hangover Helper, a breakfast burrito with all the fixins.
Regular tip: Ask about the staff cuddle hug.