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Welcome To River Cafe & Bar
Nestled in River Grove, IL, River Cafe & Bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a cherished neighborhood eatery. Patrons rave about the stellar service and diverse menu that features everything from freshly fried mac and cheese balls to delectable chicken marsala and indulgent skillet cookies. Customers appreciate the reasonable drink prices and the relaxing vibe, whether dining indoors or on the patio after a round of golf. With its focus on familial service and quality dishes, River Cafe & Bar stands out as a hidden gem perfect for casual dinners, special occasions, or a laid-back meal with friends.
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About
River Cafe & Bar
Welcome to River Cafe & Bar, a hidden gem nestled in River Grove, Illinois. Located at 2826 N Thatcher Ave, this establishment combines a welcoming atmosphere with a menu that delights the senses. With a reputation for excellent service and hearty dishes, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, whether you’ve just finished a round of golf or are out for a casual evening with friends.
As you step inside River Cafe & Bar, you may notice its simple decor, which gives off an old neighborhood charm. However, don’t let the understated aesthetic fool you. The real treasures here lie in the friendly staff and the delicious food that keeps patrons returning. Customers like Stan Kuczynski have praised the restaurant for its great service and solid food, all at reasonable prices. It's a place where you can genuinely relax and enjoy your meal, something that clearly resonates with the community.
The menu at River Cafe & Bar is filled with a variety of offerings that cater to many tastes. Diners have raved about the fried mac and cheese balls, which deliver a homemade comfort vibe that is hard to resist. Mike Walker's experience highlights the joy of discovering dishes that exceed initial impressions, while Josephine Colantonio suggests that the restaurant provides everything from excellent dinner options to great drinks, making it a well-rounded destination.
One standout feature is the attention to detail in both the food and service. Many reviewers sing the praises of the staff, particularly mentioning servers like Bella and Izabella, who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Their warmth adds a familial touch, making every visit feel special. Robin Tropea's enthusiasm underscores the quality of the dining experience, reinforcing that River Cafe & Bar is not just a meal but an experience.
For the foodie, the highlights don’t stop at appetizers. With dishes like chicken marsala and chicken Alfredo, the menu offers flavors that appeal to both the evolved palate and the comfort-seeker. And let’s not overlook the dessert—try the skillet cookie. It’s a sweet ending that diners are reluctant to share, leaving many recommending it as a must-try.
Whether you are in for a cozy dinner, a date night, or a casual outing with friends, River Cafe & Bar delivers on every front. With a mixture of quality cuisine, affordable pricing, and standout service, it’s easy to see why locals are claiming it as their go-to neighborhood restaurant. So, if you find yourself in the area, do yourself a favor—stop by and see what the buzz is all about.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Great service, food is solid, and drink prices are reasonable. nice place to relax after a round a golf inside or on their patio ”
“ Walking in, it seems like a old neighborhood restaurant that doesn't seem would be all that interesting. Where the decor is lacks a cohesive personality, the staff and food absolutely make up for it. We walked in and were told we could sit anywhere, it was a slow night in the dining room. Our server Bella brought water and answered a few questions. She was very pleasant and was always available, but gave us space. Tony while delivering food to another table, saw us eyeing what he had and came back to give us some info on it. When we got the food we were totally sold. I'm not a huge fried Mac and Cheese ball fan, but they actually tasted like my homemade Mac and Cheese lightly fried, and was amazingly fresh and delicious. One kid loved the angel hair with vodka sauce (which I tasted and agreed), the other had a burger that she thought was great. Wife had chicken marsala, and was pleased, and I had a panzerotti which I forced myself to eat only half of, so that I could enjoy the impending dessert. A skillet cookie. It did not disappoint, but definitely disappeared. I can imagine this becoming one of our old neighborhood favorites for years to come. ”
“ Excellent !!!! Downtown qualify dining right here in the area. The food was outstanding service was great. Third time there this week ”
“ Such a great place, they have it all. Great dinner options, good drinks, slots & amazing staff!! What more could you ask for ”
“ I have gotten food from here twice now and I can’t say I don’t love every bit of it. From the Cheese Curds to the Chicken Alfredo I have had nothing but positive words to say. Whether it’s a late night snack or the place you want to take that one girl on a first date River Cafe is the way to go. I can’t stress enough how great this place is. There is one server Izabella who is divine. Amazing service and treats you as family. Overall 11/10 will recommend to anyone in the area!! ”
“ Great spot to hang out at. Staff and bartenders have been very friendly and personable. We love coming there! Mya and Alina are very attentive and helpful. Great for groups or alone. Check it out at some point! ”
“ I came here with the family on Friday night, and we thoroughly enjoyed our food! Everything here was great! ”
“ We hosted my father in law’s 60th birthday celebration. There is a room available and it’s spacious, right as you enter the restaurant to your left. For convenience this space has a separate entrance and our guests complimented the size and layout. Our bartenders and bus boy were very attentive. I’m particular with how communication is relayed in the service industry and they met all my marks. Down to a gentleman opening the doors for me as I brought in my decorations. The food was very delicious, I might even have to say that the Italian beef is the best I’ve had. Kudos to the kitchen for a job well done. The room is temperature controlled which is a super plus plus. Definitely recommending this spot for your next special occasion. ”