New Diner Opening in Red Hook

As diners close across New York, a new diner focused on serving the community is rising in Red Hook. Val’s, a bar and diner, will open this July in the old Fort Defiance and Pitt’s space on Van Brunt Street.

The plan for Val’s (the name of which comes from the first letters of each of its owners’ first names—Victoria Viscusi, Allie Gassaway, and Laine Pelka, though it’s also a nod to Valentino Pier), has come together quickly and serendipitously. 

Pelka and Viscusi, two bartenders who have known each other for over 11 years, had been exploring the idea of opening a bar together when Pelka introduced Viscusi to Gassaway this past Valentine’s Day. Pelka had worked alongside Gassaway at Fort Defiance in 2022, where Gassaway had been the chef.

Gassaway, who lives above the old Fort Defiance, had heard a rumor that the space might be available soon and could be a good spot for Viscusi and Pelka’s bar. Just a few weeks later, Gassaway joined the team, and the idea for a bar with food morphed into a bar and diner to help fill the notable gap of daytime food establishments in the neighborhood. 

The trio hopes that Val’s will not only be an affordable breakfast and lunch option for Red Hook, but also a much-needed gathering spot or even a “living room” for the community. 

“We want to give the people what they want,” explained Gassaway, “We want to keep it accessible. We want it to be fun. We want it to be welcoming and warm.” 

“And someplace you can actually afford to go to three times a week,” adds Viscusi.

The Val’s team have been describing their new spot as a “sexy Pizza Hut” which will have classic diner fare, including eggs, waffles, tuna melts, burgers, blue plate specials, a kids menu, and, of course, a pizza night once a week. 

On the drink menu you’ll find drip coffee, nitro cold brew, cocktails on draft, extensive non-alcoholic options, frozens for kids and adults, and even a boozy Baja Blast (their take on the popular Mountain Dew beverage exclusive to Taco Bell). 

The back room of Val’s will be a spot for diners and remote workers during the day and will transform into a dynamic space in the evenings, where customers can watch games on the TVs or host birthday parties, community meetings, fundraisers, or other events. 

They’re also excited to bring artist Beau Stanton back to the neighborhood to paint a new mural on the side of the building. Beau was the artist behind the mural on the old Fort Defiance, which was eventually painted over. They aren’t ready to reveal what the mural will look like just yet—but they promise it will be colorful. 

“I keep saying this is the restaurant that Red Hook built because we’re getting so much support from so many members of this community,” Gassaway shares. “They’re helping us with the buildout, with our neon sign, with our photography, and our graphics.”

Val’s, which will operate seven days a week, is hoping to open its doors by July 15 (pending its liquor license), so that neighbors can catch a few World Cup games in the community’s new “living room.”