Red Hook is the oasis outside the City that's SO close to the City. An old fishing and shipping neighborhood, Red Hook houses some of the friendliest businesses - and people, in all of the five boroughs, due largely in part to its NYC meets New England vibes. You won't find high-end boutiques or five-star restaurants, but everything combined will make up an all-around five-star experience unlike any other in NYC (and, trust - you'll discover a handful of other gems not on this list, too).
Fort Defiance, on the corner of Van Brunt and Dikeman, serves of solid food and classic cocktails in a laid-back setting. The burger, with a generous dollop of onion/bacon relish, is outstanding. Any place with bar stools at their window on the sidewalk is OK in my book.
