Cafe Kestrel

- 293 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

## **Introduction / Overview**

In the vibrant, often wonderfully secluded pocket of Red Hook, Brooklyn, New Yorkers are always on the lookout for truly unique dining experiences that manage to feel both familiar and innovative. **Café Kestrel** is one such destination, a restaurant that has quickly established itself as a must-visit spot in the neighborhood. Described as possessing an "old-soul charm" despite being a newer addition, it occupies a diminutive, intimate space that prioritizes quality, thought-provoking culinary executions over size or ostentation.

This is not your average neighborhood cafe; it’s a contemporary restaurant with strong **European** and French-leaning influences, an establishment that has garnered attention for its tightly edited but diverse menu. The ambiance is an appealing blend of **casual, cozy, and trendy**, attracting a dedicated crowd of **locals** and serious food enthusiasts alike. Café Kestrel is a full-service dining establishment, celebrated equally for its refined **Lunch** and **Dinner** services, as well as its welcoming atmosphere for **Brunch** and **Solo dining**.

The culinary philosophy here is focused on individuality and precision, offering dishes that are distinct and memorable, setting it apart from the city's vast, trend-driven food scene. Patrons come here expecting a warm, refined service experience to accompany the thoughtful food, making it an ideal choice for a special meal or an elevated everyday treat in one of Brooklyn's most charming areas.

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## **Location and Accessibility**

Café Kestrel is centrally located within the charming, industrial-chic landscape of Red Hook, Brooklyn, a neighborhood known for its waterfront views and unique isolation from the subway lines. The restaurant's address is:

293 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

The location on Van Brunt Street places it at the heart of Red Hook’s commercial strip. For New Yorkers, accessibility to Red Hook is often part of the charm. While there is no direct subway service, the area is served by NYC Ferry and local bus routes, making the journey part of the adventure. For drivers, street parking can be found nearby, consistent with the rest of the neighborhood.

A crucial factor in the dining experience at Café Kestrel is its size. It occupies a **diminutive space**—reported to have as few as six tables and around 20 seats—meaning it is extremely **cozy** and intimate. This limited capacity means that for dining, particularly during peak **Dinner** service or for popular **Brunch** times, **reservations are highly recommended**. The small storefront features a wood-framed bay window, adding to its humble and inviting curb appeal. Adding to its unique features is the mention of a possible **garden seating** area, which offers a cool, intimate setting, even on the hottest New York nights—an absolute premium amenity in the city.

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## **Services Offered**

Café Kestrel offers a distinct, high-quality menu that reflects its Contemporary European approach, focusing on refined flavors and thoughtful execution across various small plates and full entrees. The main service option listed is **Dine-in**, emphasizing the full restaurant experience over grab-and-go convenience.

The dining schedule covers the day's main meals and the transition in between:

• **Dining options**: **Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, and Table service**.

The menu is meticulously curated, allowing patrons to graze on small plates or commit to a full-course meal:

• **Hors D'oeuvres and Small Plates**: These starting options are ideal for enjoying with a drink. The selection includes staples like the crisp **Baguette** ($7.00), often served with a specialty butter, and European touches like **Country Pate** ($7.00) and **Caerphilly Cheese** ($8.00). The **Fried Halloumi** ($9.00), often infused with sage and served over honey, is a popular choice, alongside the refreshing **Chilled Shrimp** ($22.00) and the unique **Farinata & Olives** ($8.00).
• **Appetizers and Salads**: Moving to larger starters, the **Crab Cake** ($24.00) and **Yellowfin Tuna** ($24.00) showcase the kitchen's capability with seafood. Lighter but equally flavorful options include the **Cafe Salad** ($18.00) and **Garden Salad** ($18.00). For an intriguing starter, the **Fish Terrine** ($20.00) provides a sophisticated, French-leaning option.
• **Entrees**: The main dishes are protein-focused and feature thoughtful preparations. Selections include the substantial **Swordfish** ($34.00), the delicate **Roast Cod** ($34.00), and the luxurious **Sea Scallops** ($37.00). Meat options like the **Pork Loin** ($33.00) and the signature **Chicken** ($36.00)—often served crispy thin with an addictive date puree—offer a savory centerpiece to the meal.
• **Sides and Offerings**: To complement the meal, comforting sides like **Mac & Cheese** ($14.00) and classic **French Fries** ($7.00) are available, along with **Marinated Greens** ($7.00). The beverage program is comprehensive, offering **Alcohol** including **Beer** and carefully selected **Wine** and **Cocktails**. The focus on **Great coffee** further underscores its cafe roots.

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## **Features / Highlights**

What truly elevates Café Kestrel among the myriad New York dining options is the combination of its atmosphere and highly regarded food and drink program:

• **Great Dessert Destination**: The restaurant is specifically highlighted for its **Great dessert**. Dishes like the apricot cake with caramel sauce or unique sundaes are noted as being "non-negotiable" for the full experience.
• **Intimate and Thoughtful Atmosphere**: The setting is described as **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, with only around 20 seats. The intimate size enhances the experience, allowing for attentive service and a unique, personal feel, with neighboring tables often exchanging recommendations.
• **High-Quality Offerings**: Beyond the food, the beverage program is noteworthy, offering a curated selection of **Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, and Wine**. The initial highlight of **Great coffee** also confirms its commitment to quality from morning into the evening.
• **Local and Critically Noted**: The primary crowd consists of **Locals**, indicating strong community support. The attention from major publications and its profile as a highly regarded venue confirms the consistent quality and unique culinary voice of the chef-owner.
• **Service and Amenities**: The provision of **Table service** and a dedicated **Restroom** ensures comfort during the dining experience. Patrons can pay easily using **Credit cards** and **Debit cards**.

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## **Contact Information**

For reservations (highly recommended) or general inquiries about the menu and seating, please use the following information:

Address:

293 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone (Primary):

+1 718-535-2810

Phone (Alternate):

+1 718-797-4220

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## **What is Worth Choosing**

For a New Yorker seeking an intimate, high-caliber dining experience that moves beyond the typical fare, **Café Kestrel** is a truly rewarding choice. What makes this Red Hook gem worth the trip is the kitchen’s ability to execute **Contemporary European** cuisine with originality and warmth. Patrons are consistently drawn to the inventive main dishes, such as the carefully prepared **Roast Cod** or the savory **Chicken** dish with date puree, which highlight the chef’s technical skill and personal touch.

The experience is enhanced by the intimate setting. Choosing a table here—especially in the beautiful **garden seating**—means opting into a truly unique, highly personal evening. The focus on **Small plates** also makes it perfect for sharing and sampling across the varied menu, starting with the praised **Fried Halloumi** or **Yellowfin Tuna**. Furthermore, the reputation for **Great dessert** ensures the meal ends on an unforgettable high note, providing a culinary memory that will linger long after leaving the cozy dining room.

While some customer feedback indicates occasional variability in the front-of-house service experience, the prevailing opinion and critical acclaim emphasize that the food and setting are **top tier**. The staff, when functioning at their peak, are described as "attentive and helpful without ever feeling pressing." Ultimately, you choose Café Kestrel for the consistently **thoughtful culinary executions** and the charm of an elevated, intimate neighborhood restaurant that is wholly unique to the Red Hook corner of Brooklyn.