Ah, Fort Defiance — how I miss ya. For three years, I tended bar there in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and believe me, the place was a home away from home for many a Red Hooker (and beyond). It wasn’t just a neighborhood bar — it was a destination. People came for the charm, the community … and yes, that world-famous Irish Coffee (as beloved by Pete Wells in The New York Times).

This limited edition, three-color print is my tribute to Fort Defiance in its original incarnation, when it stood at the corner of Van Brunt and Dikeman. That spot — just a block south of where the “new” Fort Defiance later opened — was pure magic. I even featured this image in my book Bars, Taverns and Dives New Yorkers Love.

• Available in 16″ × 20″ and 9″ × 12″

• Each print is signed and numbered (limited run of 100)

• Printed on fine art, 230 gsm, 100% cotton rag, acid-free archival paper

• Ships free in the U.S. in a sturdy flat mailer — ready to frame

Whether you once pulled up a stool there, loved the Irish Coffee, or just want a piece of the Fort Defiance spirit, this print makes a perfect keepsake.

Why This Print Matters

1. A Bartender’s Tribute – I worked at the Fort behind the stick. This art is as personal as it gets.

2. A Piece of Brooklyn History – Fort Defiance was one of Red Hook’s great gathering places, known for warmth, community, and iconic drinks.

3. High-Quality Art – Museum-grade paper, archival ink, and hand-signed editions give this piece both heart and longevity.

4. Great Gift – For New Yorkers, bar lovers, Red Hook denizens, or anyone who believes in “third place” magic.

Fort Defiance earned a spot in The New York Times thanks to its Irish Coffee, praised by food critic Pete Wells. The bar’s cozy corner location on Van Brunt Street made it a neighborhood anchor. While the original Fort Defiance has since changed, its spirit lives on through memories, stories, and — now — this artwork.