Red Star Cafe & Bakery — Restaurant in Town of Cairo

Small Town, Big Charm, and Even Bigger Brownies

Absolutely adorable. Red Star Cafe & Bakery is the whimsical, warm hug that Cairo, New York didn’t know it needed—but now can’t live without. From the moment you spot the vintage-style sign, you know you’re in for something special. The “Red Star” theme isn’t just a name—it’s a full experience. It’s in the door handles, the ironwork, the decor details, and even the café’s confident yet cozy vibe. Think Parisian café meets Catskill countryside—with a twinkle.

Walking in is like exhaling for the first time in a while. You’re immediately greeted by smiling faces, fresh-cut flowers that look like they came straight from a French meadow, and an aromatic embrace of fresh-ground coffee that could awaken a coma patient. This is not your average small-town coffee stop—this is a destination.

Naturally, I had to try everything I could justify in one sitting:

Cortado – Smooth, luxurious, balanced. But wait—it came with a madeleine. Yes, a perfectly baked madeleine, complete with a proud little hump (the gold standard of madeleine baking). Slight citrus hint, lightly sweet, a bite-sized piece of deliciousness. I wanted to applause the barista.

Iced Matcha – Delightfully earthy and not overly sweet. This is the kind of matcha that says, “Yes, I’m good for you,” but doesn’t taste like regret.

Iced Coconut Drip with Cold Foam – The featured drink, and rightfully so. Light, refreshing, and tropical without being overbearing. It’s a pina colada’s cooler, caffeinated cousin.

Almond Brownie – If I could legally marry a pastry, this might be the one. Rich dark chocolate, slightly fudge-like in texture, topped with toasted almonds. This is not a brownie, it’s an event. Definitely shareable—but I didn’t.

Raspberry Almond Tart – Vegan. Gluten-Free. Buttery melt-in-your-mouth crust that should have its own zip code, sweet-yet-tart raspberries, and a crumbly almond topping that ties it all together like a bow on a couture gift box. Every single component was in harmony. I’m bringing several back to NYC and guarding them like family heirlooms.

Beyond the incredible baked goods and drinks, the space itself is brimming with curated local gems—honeys, teas, syrups, hand-crafted greeting cards, and snacks you didn’t know you needed until now. It’s like your favorite farmer’s market snuck into a café and made itself at home.

Red Star Cafe & Bakery is more than just a café—it’s a full-sensory celebration of good taste, hospitality, and heart. It’s a breath of fresh, espresso-scented air in a small town that’s lucky to have it. Whether you’re local or just passing through, this charming gem is worth the detour, the drive, and the calories.

I’ll be back. And next time I’m bringing a tote bag.

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This review is about sustainability!

I am so thrilled to see that your coffee shop offers real reusable mugs, plates, glasses, and silverware to its patrons who are enjoying their coffee and meal inside.

By 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, and over 95% of the plastics we produce and consume do not get recycled, but instead breakdown into micro plastics which put chemicals in our bodies that make us sick. This of course makes sense because plastics are made from fossil fuels.

So it is a massive relief to enter a coffee shop that aligns with my values and seeks to better connect its customers to the planet. Especially in a location as beautiful as upstate New York.

Thank you for walking the talk, and offering this option to customers. It is incredibly dignifying.

Delicious coffee, and lovely service as well. Thank you for caring for...

The coffee (and espresso) here is great, especially for Cairo! I had a maple latte and it was perfect.

They have a billboard on Rte 23 that only says "espresso" in big letters, which makes me laugh because of those old stereotypes about small towns being so far removed from the big city that they don't drink or even have espresso. Like "come to Red Star! We're civilized!" I bet all the city skiers appreciate the clarity!

I also had a croissant and it was good! Better pastries exist but you can't find anyplace like Red Star elsewhere in Cairo so that alone makes it a gem.

Add the friendly smiles and great hangout atmosphere and that makes Red Star a...