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 cafe, nearby and after having great meals at both Public and Red Hook, it's next on my need-to-try list! read more