Tavern Next Door

There are certain dishes in Brooklyn that have become rites of passage, commanding long lines and a measure of patience. The dry-aged burger from Red Hook Tavern is one of them. For those in the know, however, that same storied patty, with its thick slice of onion and blanket of American cheese, can be found in a completely different context. It is served at Tavern Next Door, a spot opened by the same team, which shares a kitchen with its celebrated sibling. Here, one of the borough’s most talked-about burgers is on the program, minus the lengthy queue often found just a few feet away. The setting pivots from the classic pub-like atmosphere of its forebear. Described as a disco cocktail bar, the room is moody and built around a drink selection that stands on its own. It operates as a full-service restaurant, but the heart of the place beats to the rhythm of a cocktail shaker. The establishment offers a compelling dual identity: a destination for a well-crafted drink that also happens to serve a burger with a citywide reputation. It provides an answer for those who want the acclaimed cooking without the attendant ceremony, recasting a destination meal in a more relaxed, spontaneous environment. While the burger might be the initial draw, the kitchen’s output doesn't end there. The bill of fare features other substantial plates that have built the team’s reputation, from hearty cavatelli with oxtail ragu to a perfectly executed wedge salad. There are also dishes exclusive to this location, snacky and inventive items that give the bar its own distinct culinary signature. Past offerings have included whimsical breakfast corndogs with spicy maple syrup and fried artichoke poppers filled with pimento cheese, underscoring a sense of playfulness that complements the serious cooking.