Red Hook
Baked
Housed in a former storefront church in Red Hook, this renowned bakery is the brainchild of Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito, two veterans of the advertising industry. The shop serves a variety of homemade sweets, ranging from lemon-drop cupcakes to strawberry whoopie pies, but its signature items are variations of brownies. Favorites include the “spicy” brownie, flavored with ancho chile and cinnamon, and the “sweet and salty” brownie, with homemade caramel and fleur de sel (sea salt). The shop itself has a whimsical, country-inspired style with wood paneling, white deer-head statues, and a large crystal chandelier.
Insider Tip:
If you prefer brownies with a slightly crunchy crust, try the discounted brownie “edges”—they’re less gooey than those cut from the center of the pan.
