Red Hook: The Best Kept Shopping Secret

The neighborhood known for the city’s best dive bars, fresh seafood, and a Swedish superstore, moonlights as a shopping destination.

There is much to be discovered on the neighborhood’s iconic Van Brunt Street, including handcrafted ceramics and perfect-fitting vintage denim.

There is no shortage of reasons to shop locally: investing in the neighborhood economy, convenience, better service. But in a neighborhood like Red Hook, staying local boasts an added benefit – curation. The recent retail revival boasts the best of the best reserved for brick and mortar. So hop on the ferry, ride a bike, or hedge your bets on the bus system. The journey is the hand-selected destination, so to speak.

Wooden Sleepers (395 Van Brunt Street)
Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6pm

One of the best men’s vintage shops in all of New York makes its home on the corner of Van Brunt and Van Dyke. Carefully chosen pieces ranging from home goods to sneakers line the walls. Shopping at Wooden Sleepers feels like browsing the closet of a well-dressed uncle you see twice a year or a flea market sans all the polyester and kitsch. It’s the perfect place to re-imagine your wardrobe through the talented curation of shop owner, Brian Davis, and the enduring power of classic clothing. Pick up a Wooden Sleepers Logo Gym T-Shirt ($50) to make even Saturday morning errands feel stylish.

Erie Basin (388 Van Brunt St)
Wednesday-Sunday, 1-6pm

Tucked away behind an unassuming storefront lies a beautiful haven of new and vintage jewelry. The collection varies in prices and styles, but not in quality. Owner Russell Whitmore has an evidenced keen eye and knack for design, thanks to a background in art and years in the industry. An in-house line called EB reimagines vintage gemstones in a modern way, including several elegantly simple wedding bands starting at $475. Plus, the in-store selection surpasses online inventory, making a strong argument for stopping by. eriebasin.com

Chelsea Garden Center (444 Van Brunt Street)
Sunday–Friday, 10am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-7pm

Perfect for both desk plants and landscaping overhauls alike, Chelsea Garden Center has one of the largest plant selections in the city. With locations in Williamsburg and Red Hook, avoiding the harsh fluorescent lights of big-box home improvement stores has never been easier. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and happy to help. Inspiration abounds in this unexpected urban oasis. Stop by for a new plant, stay for a mini-vacation from city life. The Fish Hooks Senecio ($34.95) serves as the perfectly quirky start to any budding plant collection. chelseagardencenter.com

Kempton + Co (392 Van Brunt Street)
Monday-Sunday 11am-6pm

Headed to a birthday party or out of town and in need of a hostess gift? Kempton + Co is the perfect stop on the way for a variety of occasions and price points. Consider the line of in house candles ($30-$55) or an impossibly sophisticated mini leather notebook with “Offline” embossed on the cover ($35). Plus, their collection of beautiful handbags and accessories makes getting there all the chic-er. kemptonandco.com

Record Shop (360 Van Brunt Street)
Wednesday-Sunday, 12-7pm

Walk past this iconic shop on any given night and expect to be lured in by the scene unfolding in the warm light of the unmarked windows. It’s a neighborhood staple, the best place to stop for hard-to-find records, used books, musical instruments, and even Friday night plans. Thanks to the constant buzz of music and the venue in the back of the store, the Record Shop proves some things just don’t translate online.

Pioneer Books (289 Van Brunt Street)
Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6pm

There are bookshops to linger in, to lose an afternoon browsing through, and then there are book shops like Pioneer Books. The tiny shop houses books interconnected with the mission of the Pioneer Works arts center, plus more inspiring covers per square foot than any other bookstore in Brooklyn. There might not be a more ideal way to wait for the bus than inside this artfully arranged neighborhood gem. Bonus, it’s the best place to stumble upon your new favorite independent zine. pioneerworks.org/bookstore

Brooklyn Slate Company (33 Bowne Street)
Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm, by appointment only.

Approved by both Bobby Flay and neighborhood antipasto enthusiasts alike, Brooklyn Slate company is home to, you guessed it, slate boards. Not only does farmers market fresh cheese photograph better against the cool surface, but the slate doubles as a drawing board for simple labeling with chalk. Plus, the store sells ceramics and boards (starting at $29) sourced in the Hudson Valley and Vermont and made to last. The Starter Kit (starting at $54) is the simplest first step to the perfect post-work soire. brooklynslate.com