Red Shack Cafe

39 Church St, Penola SA 5277, Australia
+61 437 013 204
$$$ Cafe
(48 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

Welcome to Red Shack Cafe, a gem nestled in the heart of Penola, South Australia. This charming cafe at 39 Church St is more than just a stop for coffee; it’s an inviting haven for those seeking warmth, comfort, and delightful homemade treats.

As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by a cozy atmosphere that feels like an embrace on a chilly day. The rustic decor, combined with soft lighting, creates the perfect setting to unwind or have a chat with friends. The air is suffused with the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee, inviting you to sit down and linger a while.

The cafe is particularly praised for its substantial and beautifully cooked dishes. Customers rave about the homemade pumpkin soup, which has been described as nothing short of the best they’ve ever had. Imagine a warm bowl of velvety soup, rich and bursting with flavor, perfectly matching the mood of a crisp day. For those with a sweet tooth, the cakes are another highlight—delicious, fresh, and crafted with love by the owner, Ian Perry.

Dining at Red Shack Cafe isn't just about the food; it’s about connecting with the heart and soul of the establishment. Ian, a former chef to the royal family, has woven his culinary expertise into every dish served. One customer shared a memorable experience of enjoying an early breakfast while conversing with Ian about his fascinating culinary journey, leaving them with both delectable food and a sense of connection to something extraordinary.

The reviews speak volumes, showcasing the cafe's dedicated service and the genuine friendliness of its owner. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or treating yourself to a leisurely breakfast or lunch, you’ll find that every visit feels like being welcomed into a friend’s home. As fellow patrons have noted, this is the perfect pit stop if you’re traveling through Penola, where you can enjoy both excellent food and a friendly chat with locals.

In the charming town of Penola, Red Shack Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it’s a warm embrace, a conversation starter, and a culinary experience waiting to be savored. Make it your next destination for a delicious meal or a cozy coffee break—the delightful offerings and welcoming atmosphere will leave you with a smile and wanting to return again and again.

For inquiries and takeout orders, you can reach the cafe at +61 437 013 204. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this delightful cafe and all it has to offer!

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

Closed

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

48 Reviews
J. Wizer

26 Aug 2025

Probably the only place in this town where soup aficionados find solace during chilly days. Upon entering, you're enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with soft lighting and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The ambiance is serene with nice rustic decor.

Grange76

17 Aug 2025

Very friendly owner who made you feel welcome. Coffee was great and cakes were delicious and all home made and fresh out of the oven!! Definitely a place to drop in if travelling through Penola.

David Butcher

08 Aug 2025

Called in for a very early breakfast on 11 June, and had the cafe to ourselves. The food was very substantial, and beautifully cooked. We were fortunate to be the only ones present as it gave us an opportunity to speak with the owner/chef (Ian Perry) and talk about his past, particularly as a chef to the royal family at Balmoral and Buckingham Palace including the Queen of E's breakfast habits, the Duke of E's obsession with family BBQs, and other bits of royal trivia. Call in if you're ever in Penola: it's worth the chat, and good food to boot.

Dianne Bellchambers

03 Aug 2025

Excellent lunch spot in Penola. Great service and the best pumpkin soup I have ever had! Kids had ham and cheese croissants and loved them too. Highly recommend!

Andrew Glauser

23 Jul 2025

Sensational lunch when we arrived in town - generous delicious meals for all of us so we went back for an equally delicious breakfast - great to have a chef running a local cafe in a very chilled and friendly town in the Coonawarra - can’t ask for more Reply - the food and cellar door recommendations have been excellent - really contributed to us having a great time - thank you

Reece Harrison

09 Jul 2025

Great coffee using regionally roasted beans. We didn't stop for food this time however the owner/chef has a great reputation from previous jobs where we've had his creations. Drop past and tell him I sent you

Nikolina R

03 Jul 2025

The cafe (and compliments to the chef) is a treasure for anyone who loves and understands what great food is all about. Ordering soup is very uncommon for me, even considering to order soup is uncommon… until I found myself at The Red Shack. The cream of mushroom soup with garlic and tarragon served with a rye crouton and raclette. Enough said; but I will add, outstanding. Also, the Reuben, one of the best in Australia. The coffee is also worth mentioning… you know, just go there and enjoy it for yourself.

Mitch Kerr

30 Jun 2025

A lovely find in Penola! Very friendly and welcoming service, fantastic food and coffee at a very reasonable price. We wish we lived closer so we could visit more often!

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