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CAFE KESTREL

Last Updated: ~2 months ago

Phone: (718) 915-3263

Address: 293 VAN BRUNT STREET 11231

TLDR

Elevated New American in Red Hook. Flawless dishes, cozy vibes, and a standout chocolate cake.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 11 Reddit comments)

45% Positive36% Neutral18% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Neighborhoods

Red Hook

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

Nestled in Red Hook, this elevated New American spot is hailed as the best opening since Hometown BBQ. Patrons rave about the flawless execution of dishes like the baguette, zucchini flowers, and chicken, with the chocolate cake being a standout dessert. The cozy, relaxing atmosphere makes for a truly enjoyable dining experience.

Food Overview

The cuisine is described as elevated New American with many dishes receiving high praise, including the baguette, zucchini flowers, chicken, and cod. The chocolate cake is a must-try dessert, and the cafe salad, though noted as an expensive appetizer, is also recommended. Some feedback suggests the restaurant can be pricey.

Highlights / Recommended

"The baguette, zucchini flowers, chicken, cod, and apricot tart are all described as flawless. The chocolate cake, ordered without usual sauces and with whipped cream on the side, is highly recommended, as is the soup."

Customer Sentiment

Customers largely praise this restaurant, highlighting its flawless dishes and cozy atmosphere, though some have noted it as being on the pricier side.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post describes the restaurant as a small, elevated New American spot and the best opening in Red Hook since Hometown BBQ. Several dishes, including the baguette, zucchini flowers, cafe salad, chicken, cod, and apricot tart, are noted as flawless.
This comment recommends Cafe Kestrel, stating it's very worth the trip.
A user describes their recent visit to Cafe Kestrel as very chill and delicious, highly recommending the establishment.
This comment points out the $18 salad as the cheapest appetizer, highlighting the restaurant's high price point.
Cafe Kestrel is recommended as part of a broader list of new dining experiences to try.
This commenter had a negative experience, listing Cafe Kestrel among restaurants with generally bad quality.
Multiple comments discuss the restaurant's eligibility for Michelin stars, with some suggesting it's Bib Gourmand level but uncertain about a star, while others confirm its eligibility.

Recent Mentions

From post: 2025 Nyc Michelin Guide

"Responding to a question about eligibility for Michelin stars, this commenter confirmed that Cafe Kestrel is still eligible."

Neutral
Oct 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: 2025 Nyc Michelin Guide

"Following a discussion about new additions to the Michelin Guide, the commenter questioned if Cafe Kestrel is still eligible for a star."

Neutral
Oct 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: 2025 Nyc Michelin Guide

"This commenter believes Cafe Kestrel is at the Bib Gourmand level but is uncertain if it warrants a Michelin star."

Neutral
Oct 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: 40 Year Nyc Resident Here Are My Brooklyn

"This commenter had a 'meh' experience at Cafe Kestrel."

Neutral
Aug 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: 40 Year Nyc Resident Here Are My Brooklyn

"This is described as a small, elevated New American restaurant and the best opening in Red Hook since Hometown BBQ."

Positive
Aug 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Restaurants To Try In Brooklyn Queens

"Cafe Kestrel was recommended as part of a general list of restaurants to try for the user looking for new dining experiences."

Positive
Jun 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Xpost Ama Were The New Chief Restaurant Critics

"User haribobosses points to Cafe Kestrel's $18 cheapest appetizer (a salad) as another instance of the New York Times reviewing restaurants that are not affordable for most people."

Negative
Jun 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Deeper Dive Into Melissa And Priyas Approach To

"The user was surprised by the number of restaurants on the list they had visited, specifically mentioning Cafe Kesteral as one of the worst offenders. They found the quality of these restaurants, including Cafe Kesteral, to be generally bad."

Negative
Jun 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Chic Chill Place For Gay Couple Dinner On Saturday

"The user recently visited Cafe Kestrel in Red Hook, finding it very chill and delicious. They highly recommend it."

Positive
May 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats Amazing And New In The Last 6 Months

"Recommends Cafe Kestrel in Red Hook, saying it's very worth the trip."

Positive
Mar 31, 2025View Comment →