Fort Defiance

Fort Defiance

Photo: Cititour.com

Contact Info:

Address: 365 Van Brunt St (Sullivan St & Wolcott St)
City: Brooklyn, NY
Zip: 11231
map: View the Map
Phone: (347) 453-6672
Website: http://fortdefiancebrooklyn.com/

Food Info:

Menu: View the Menu            
Cuisine: New American
2nd Cuisine: Family Friendly
Takeout: Yes
Payment: Accepts Credit Cards

Cititour Review:

There is something about Red Hook that grabs you.  Whether it's the sea air or those deep blue skies on a crisp Spring day, life on the waterfront seems insulated from the hustle and bustle of city life.  It's also where you will find businesses willing to take a chance on life.

One of those businesses is Fort Defiance, named after a fort used in the Battle of Brooklyn.  Located inside a brick storefront, it offers a welcoming bar and table service for cafe-style food.  Opened in 2009 by bartender St. John Frizell, the restaurant features seasonal American fare prepared by chef Matthew Fleming.

We stopped in for a late brunch on a Sunday afternoon.  There are lots of tempting cocktails on the menu along with artisinal beers and a lengthy wine list.  Don't pass up on the Deviled Eggs which have a wonderful whipped center with hints of mustard.  A grilled cheese sandwich is served on crusty bread with layers of cheddar and sauteed onions.   The Muffuletta, a New Orleans-style sandwich, comes packed with mortadella, coppa, salami and cheese slathered with a wonderful olive spread.  It's served on a quarter round of seeded Italian bread. 

Dinner brings on larger plates, including a grilled skirt steak, whole roasted fish, and risotto served with butternut squash, kale, roasted mushrooms, hazelnuts and sage.   Monday is burger night.  And Thursday is The Sunken Harbor Club, a tiki-inspired night of Polynesian food and drink.  Or, head over to the "Oyster Happy Hour," featuring $1 oysters Monday thru Friday from 5-7pm.

Getting to Red Hook can be a bit tricky.  Biking or driving may provide the easiest route if you don't live in the area.  It's also available by the B61 bus and a 20 minute walk from the Smith/9th Street stop on the F train.

 

Review By: Thomas Rafael

Additional details: Brunch

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