The food is fantastic! I just traveled to Moab came across a restaurant that had Elk burgers. Nobody else anywhere that I found had elk burgers …. Until I found Tompkins Riverside. There elk burger is incredibly good! The staff is always friendly and Erica does a fantastic job!
Johnny V.
Unfortunately we did not have a good experience here. Visited for an early dinner and decided to leave after a couple of appetizers, we did not want to order dinner. The appetizer food was not impressive, the waiter was awkward and not attentive, the happy hour drink prices was not honored on the check. We found the ambiance off and the lighting very bright and harsh. It was not a relaxing setting. I believe strongly in supporting local St Charles businesses, however I cannot in good conscience go back to Tompkins especially considering the prices. I hope others have a more positive experience and maybe we caught them on a bad night.
Keith W
The food is fantastic! I just traveled to Moab came across a restaurant that had Elk burgers. Nobody else anywhere that I found had elk burgers …. Until I found Tompkins Riverside. There elk burger is incredibly good! The staff is always friendly and Erica does a fantastic job!
Chuck K
Dinner for 6. Duck-very good. Braised beef-tender & flavorful. Caesar salad-forgot anchovies. Brussel sprouts-skillet way to hot. Salads served after entrees served. Night of Las Posados so very busy. 15 min. to get check-missed processional. Overall nice atmosphere & Ms. Donna, the owner, was a delight.
Anna Faulk
This charming restaurant is truly a gem. The food is excellent. The ingredients are clearly of the highest quality standards. Breads and sauces are all made in house. We had the mahi mahi special and the duck. Both were cooked to perfection. The hand crafted cocktails are delicious and the wine selection is wonderful.I can’t say enough about the atmosphere. Beautifully decorated. Staff are attentive and knowledgeable.We travel across country a couple times a year. We make it a point to stop in Saint Charles and always have a meal here!!Another big plus for us is that we can sit on the deck with our dog. Honour dog lovers and always bring the dog a fresh bowl of water.Highly recommend!!
Gina Lewis
Great cocktails (the violet was one was amazing), great service, amazing food, fair prices. You won't be disappointed !
Athena Catlett
Sourdough chicken salad with homemade shoestring fries …. Mwah!Did I mention the homemade ketchup? If you are looking for a low key delicious treat this is your place. Locally sourced as obvious by the large mint plant that was picked from during my stay. Sounds of Michael McDonald and the Thompson Twins in my ears…. Do yourself a favor and stop by.
Marla L
Thank u Kyle & Carla for taking such good care of our large group for Sunday Brunch. I know we were a handful. Mimosa’s were delicious. Also, loved the sourdough bread & scrumptious homemade butter. Your bacon was thick-cut & perfectly crispy. Btw, also nice atmosphere to hang out with family & friends. ??
Drew R.
We stopped here for lunch hoping to sit outside and enjoy the weather and the view. Sadly they didn't have six seats open outside. We were seated inside, which is very rustic and nice. The menu offers a nice selection of salads, burgers etc. After we ordered the server came back and told us the stove was being repaired so there would take a bit longer to get the food. That was an understatement as it took 45 minutes. Other than that the server was pleasant and attentive. When the food arrived it was very good. My grilled cheese and side salad, the beef burger and the elk burgers were all cooked properly and enjoyed. The manager made an adjustment on the bill due to the delay. We will be back to give them a second chance and I'll post an update.
leda82
The perfect restaurant for brunch. The food was delicious and I especially enjoyed the toddy and chess pie from scratch. Service was on point as well. The server was very pleasant and accommodating and other staff checked on us as well. Highly recommend Tompkins.
I was thoroughly pleased with their event coordinators and their understanding with our event we unfortunately had to cancel. It was supposed to be a baby shower however my niece decided she wanted to attend her own shower. The event coordinator only charged the event deposit fee and NOTHING else which was a huge relief and more money we were able to give in helping my sister and brother n law. If I ever need to host an event in the future I will definitely consider Tompkins Riverside.
VickieH51
We were a party of 12 with a reservation. They were able to seat us quickly. Unfortunately they didn't have a round table so you couldn't talk to everyone at the table. It was a set price and we knew that going in. That being said it was served family style and they were very hesitant to refill the dishes. We had 3 teenage boys and they can eat. I think the price was too high for what we got. I will go back but not for a set price menu, it wasn't the same quality that you get ordering off the menu.
Brendan McGhee
Not worth the wait or the $pend.I made a reservation at 5pm for my wife and I for our wedding anniversary. After ordering we waited for over an hour and a half before being served and this seems unacceptable to me.They did take $40 off of my bill but the food portions were tiny and I left still hungry and aggravated we waited for so long for so little.I have lived in St.Charles for 41 years and there are much better restaurants in the area.Salt N’ Smoke, Lewis & Clark and Prasino are near by and much better for the spend and the wait.
Spencer Hedges
The menu looked interesting when we looked at it earlier in the day so we went back for dinner around 7ish. The restaurant was virtually empty at that time. That should have been a sign to avoid the place! We ordered the cheese plate and bacon crab dip as appetizers for the 4 others at the table. Apparently, they were both quite good. I ordered a French onion soup for myself. Unfortunately, (perhaps fortunately) it never turned up. The young waitress was apologetic about the kitchen mixup and finally after 15-20 minutes of waiting, during which time my table mates finished their appetizers, I said to forget it. The entrees came shortly thereafter. My hamburger was burnt on one side. I was so hungry that it took a while to notice but nevertheless..... Another hamburger at the table didn't get eaten at all. The "pork steak" was a flattened overcooked pork chop. My wife enjoyed the crab cakes however. All in all a $250 disaster. Not the worst meal I've ever eaten at an expensive restaurant, but darn close.
Macie Fellows
From start to finish this was the most odd dinning experience ever. Standing and waiting for the host to appear nearly lost us. We took into consideration that there was a festival going on so it’s possible the staff was very overwhelmed. Once we checked in for our reservation hope was restored, but quickly disappeared as we watched every server argue over whose table we were at. Eventually we were greeted and placed our order immediately. I made my way inside and to my surprise it was nearly empty which left me wondering why there was any delay in service. Each table arriving there after was also a confusing experience to watch. The tables around us experienced a very delayed greeting followed by “ sorry, I wasn’t aware you were my table.” Communication is a key part of customer service but I can’t say the host didn’t make attempts to communicate. It was obvious that the servers had zero priority to serve the guests. It felt as if guests being there was an inconvenience.Another hostess arrived and seem to take charge and tried to get through a small rush of patio reservations. She was obviously experienced and cared about her job. It’s a shame she didn’t have more support.Eventually our food arrived and was utterly phenomenal. My partner and I both looked at each other and said “this is why the doors are still open.“ I can’t complement the food enough. Perfectly seasoned, perfect portions, fantastically delicious, and the only reason I’d ever return.Our food was delivered and enjoyed but our server never returned. I went inside to an empty dinning room and all the servers huddled around the bar talking.We eventually paid our tab and walked around the festival. Every other restaurant was packed and fully on an hour or longer wait. It is very difficult to find a dedicated serving team but it’s crucial.It’s possible this was a single bad experience, we all have an off day. I felt compelled to give honest feedback on the service because the food is worth every table being filled!
The food is fantastic! I just traveled to Moab came across a restaurant that had Elk burgers. Nobody else anywhere that I found had elk burgers …. Until I found Tompkins Riverside. There elk burger is incredibly good! The staff is always friendly and Erica does a fantastic job!
Unfortunately we did not have a good experience here. Visited for an early dinner and decided to leave after a couple of appetizers, we did not want to order dinner. The appetizer food was not impressive, the waiter was awkward and not attentive, the happy hour drink prices was not honored on the check. We found the ambiance off and the lighting very bright and harsh. It was not a relaxing setting. I believe strongly in supporting local St Charles businesses, however I cannot in good conscience go back to Tompkins especially considering the prices. I hope others have a more positive experience and maybe we caught them on a bad night.
The food is fantastic! I just traveled to Moab came across a restaurant that had Elk burgers. Nobody else anywhere that I found had elk burgers …. Until I found Tompkins Riverside. There elk burger is incredibly good! The staff is always friendly and Erica does a fantastic job!
Dinner for 6. Duck-very good. Braised beef-tender & flavorful. Caesar salad-forgot anchovies. Brussel sprouts-skillet way to hot. Salads served after entrees served. Night of Las Posados so very busy. 15 min. to get check-missed processional. Overall nice atmosphere & Ms. Donna, the owner, was a delight.
This charming restaurant is truly a gem. The food is excellent. The ingredients are clearly of the highest quality standards. Breads and sauces are all made in house. We had the mahi mahi special and the duck. Both were cooked to perfection. The hand crafted cocktails are delicious and the wine selection is wonderful.I can’t say enough about the atmosphere. Beautifully decorated. Staff are attentive and knowledgeable.We travel across country a couple times a year. We make it a point to stop in Saint Charles and always have a meal here!!Another big plus for us is that we can sit on the deck with our dog. Honour dog lovers and always bring the dog a fresh bowl of water.Highly recommend!!
Great cocktails (the violet was one was amazing), great service, amazing food, fair prices. You won't be disappointed !
Sourdough chicken salad with homemade shoestring fries …. Mwah!Did I mention the homemade ketchup? If you are looking for a low key delicious treat this is your place. Locally sourced as obvious by the large mint plant that was picked from during my stay. Sounds of Michael McDonald and the Thompson Twins in my ears…. Do yourself a favor and stop by.
Thank u Kyle & Carla for taking such good care of our large group for Sunday Brunch. I know we were a handful. Mimosa’s were delicious. Also, loved the sourdough bread & scrumptious homemade butter. Your bacon was thick-cut & perfectly crispy. Btw, also nice atmosphere to hang out with family & friends. ??
We stopped here for lunch hoping to sit outside and enjoy the weather and the view. Sadly they didn't have six seats open outside. We were seated inside, which is very rustic and nice. The menu offers a nice selection of salads, burgers etc. After we ordered the server came back and told us the stove was being repaired so there would take a bit longer to get the food. That was an understatement as it took 45 minutes. Other than that the server was pleasant and attentive. When the food arrived it was very good. My grilled cheese and side salad, the beef burger and the elk burgers were all cooked properly and enjoyed. The manager made an adjustment on the bill due to the delay. We will be back to give them a second chance and I'll post an update.
The perfect restaurant for brunch. The food was delicious and I especially enjoyed the toddy and chess pie from scratch. Service was on point as well. The server was very pleasant and accommodating and other staff checked on us as well. Highly recommend Tompkins.
Restaurantji Recommends
I was thoroughly pleased with their event coordinators and their understanding with our event we unfortunately had to cancel. It was supposed to be a baby shower however my niece decided she wanted to attend her own shower. The event coordinator only charged the event deposit fee and NOTHING else which was a huge relief and more money we were able to give in helping my sister and brother n law. If I ever need to host an event in the future I will definitely consider Tompkins Riverside.
We were a party of 12 with a reservation. They were able to seat us quickly. Unfortunately they didn't have a round table so you couldn't talk to everyone at the table. It was a set price and we knew that going in. That being said it was served family style and they were very hesitant to refill the dishes. We had 3 teenage boys and they can eat. I think the price was too high for what we got. I will go back but not for a set price menu, it wasn't the same quality that you get ordering off the menu.
Not worth the wait or the $pend.I made a reservation at 5pm for my wife and I for our wedding anniversary. After ordering we waited for over an hour and a half before being served and this seems unacceptable to me.They did take $40 off of my bill but the food portions were tiny and I left still hungry and aggravated we waited for so long for so little.I have lived in St.Charles for 41 years and there are much better restaurants in the area.Salt N’ Smoke, Lewis & Clark and Prasino are near by and much better for the spend and the wait.
The menu looked interesting when we looked at it earlier in the day so we went back for dinner around 7ish. The restaurant was virtually empty at that time. That should have been a sign to avoid the place! We ordered the cheese plate and bacon crab dip as appetizers for the 4 others at the table. Apparently, they were both quite good. I ordered a French onion soup for myself. Unfortunately, (perhaps fortunately) it never turned up. The young waitress was apologetic about the kitchen mixup and finally after 15-20 minutes of waiting, during which time my table mates finished their appetizers, I said to forget it. The entrees came shortly thereafter. My hamburger was burnt on one side. I was so hungry that it took a while to notice but nevertheless..... Another hamburger at the table didn't get eaten at all. The "pork steak" was a flattened overcooked pork chop. My wife enjoyed the crab cakes however. All in all a $250 disaster. Not the worst meal I've ever eaten at an expensive restaurant, but darn close.
From start to finish this was the most odd dinning experience ever. Standing and waiting for the host to appear nearly lost us. We took into consideration that there was a festival going on so it’s possible the staff was very overwhelmed. Once we checked in for our reservation hope was restored, but quickly disappeared as we watched every server argue over whose table we were at. Eventually we were greeted and placed our order immediately. I made my way inside and to my surprise it was nearly empty which left me wondering why there was any delay in service. Each table arriving there after was also a confusing experience to watch. The tables around us experienced a very delayed greeting followed by “ sorry, I wasn’t aware you were my table.” Communication is a key part of customer service but I can’t say the host didn’t make attempts to communicate. It was obvious that the servers had zero priority to serve the guests. It felt as if guests being there was an inconvenience.Another hostess arrived and seem to take charge and tried to get through a small rush of patio reservations. She was obviously experienced and cared about her job. It’s a shame she didn’t have more support.Eventually our food arrived and was utterly phenomenal. My partner and I both looked at each other and said “this is why the doors are still open.“ I can’t complement the food enough. Perfectly seasoned, perfect portions, fantastically delicious, and the only reason I’d ever return.Our food was delivered and enjoyed but our server never returned. I went inside to an empty dinning room and all the servers huddled around the bar talking.We eventually paid our tab and walked around the festival. Every other restaurant was packed and fully on an hour or longer wait. It is very difficult to find a dedicated serving team but it’s crucial.It’s possible this was a single bad experience, we all have an off day. I felt compelled to give honest feedback on the service because the food is worth every table being filled!