Francesca's by the River: User Reviews

misses the mark
By Paul from Campton Hills, January 26, 2009

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The thing about this Francesca's location is that I'm not sure this place wants to be upscale or family/casual. The exposed brick, cloth linens, and higher-priced wine list say upscale, but the t-shirted waitstaff says otherwise. I've been here several times, but always go away unsatisfied. The food is fair at best (my last pasta dish was extremely salty), the service is not-so-good (I waited 20 minutes after my main course and had to ask the waiter about dessert; he also failed to bring more bread when I asked), and it's just too dark to read the menu. Would candles on the tables be so wrong? With all the Italian restaurants in the area, this is the last place I'd go back to.

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Average Experience--nothing special
By Catinthehat from Global Citizen, November 5, 2008

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I am not familiar with St. Charles so went on Metromix to get restaurant recommendation. I chose Francesca's based on the reviews but I don't know why everyone loves this places so much. It was fine, but certainly nothing special at all. The decor was rather drab, wooden chairs with a couple of wooden chandliers. A large, square dining room, no fresh flowers, the view looks out at a busy street. I had the carpacio as an appetizer. I order this at other restaurants and the weird thing about how it's served here is it has all kinds of things thrown in. Mushrooms, asparagus, beans, etc. I prefer a carpacio with shaved cheese, a bit of capers and some olive oil or lemon. The point is to enjoy the meat, but throwing all this stuff on top of the meat turned into some kind of garbage salad. Next I had the tilapia special on a bed of a lentil beans. The fish was okay, but the lentils were smooshy, overcooked. I thought it was pricey as well. It was lunch, two appetizers and two entrees, without any alcohol, was $55. Kinda high for the whole experience. I wouldn't say stay away, but I wouldn't drop everything and run over there either.

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Francesca's by the river
By objectiveone from west suburban, June 9, 2008

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While my wife and I have eaten at f.b.r. several dozen times, we do not eat there anymore due to veal not being offered !

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Francesca's.. my Favorite! I should own stock.
By Katrina from wheaton, February 25, 2008

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When my husband and I ask each other if we want to go out to dinner, we only mean one place.. Francesa's by the River. We have been regulars there for so long now.. we love all of the wait staff, and Willie the bartender, and the food and wine.. yum. The best are the fish selections, bottom right of the menu.. so fresh, so creative, so plate scraping worth it. We have tried many other Francesca's, and they are just not quite the same.
The noise level and high ceilings make us feel like we are in a lofted dowtown location, and add to the fun. Go in groups, go with only 2 of you, but you should go.. it will make you go mmm.

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Longtime favorite Italian
By waj from Aurora, January 25, 2008

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While I've been to 4 of the Francesca's restaurants in the Chicago area, St Charles is our most frequent destination. Due to its location and parking it is more convenient than a trip to downtown or South Naperville from Aurora. With the weekly updated menu (although many items haven't changed) its always a treat to see what's new and what Bruchetta they have conjured up. Although, it can get pretty loud, and you are in close quarters for many of the tables, the food and service is usually top notch. Expect a wait on Friday and Saturday nights, even with a reservation.

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After reading the other reviews...
By Joanna from Wheaton, IL, April 26, 2007

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After reading the other reviews i was hesitant to got to Francesca's for dinner, but decided to go for it anyway. Needless to say, all the negitive things said in the other reviews are all wrong. The tables are just as close and the noise level was just as loud as in any other restaurant. I did not think either were in extreme. The food was amazing and reasonably priced. My dad even said we were all a cheap date that night. Wait staff was great and attentive. I would highly recommend Francesca's by the Lake.

Were there on Christmas Eve....
By Keith from Naperville, IL, December 26, 2006

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Were there on Christmas Eve. Overall, the food was outstanding. My only complaint, similiar to others I've read, is that the place is way too loud & crowded. Tables were right on top of one another. With other Francesca's to choose from, I'm not sure we'd make the trek out there again. Would highly recommend any of the Francesca's for the food, though. It's always outstanding.

Food is excellent here. ...
By paul from North Aurora, IL, November 17, 2006

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Food is excellent here. Try the carpaccio appetizer...awesome. It is a bit noisy, but that IS the atmosphere - they aren't trying to make it the most romantic restaurant around - just the most fun with the best food. They do a good job.

We have been regular diners...
By Marilyn from Batavia, IL, October 9, 2006

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We have been regular diners here since this restaurant opened, and we forsee continuing to be regular diners. The food is very good; the one time this was not so, the meal was comped for us. The wine list is a bit pricy but interesting. Helmut, MaryBeth, and the waitstaff are excellent. The bus staff (is that a term??) are outstanding with everfilled water glasses and constantly cleared table. Food is fresh tasting, pasta is always correctly cooked, and the fish is outstanding. Yes, it can be loud. So sit at a bar table and overlook the fun!! I can have quiet at home.

The tables for parties of...
By nicki from Saint Charles, IL, September 18, 2006

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The tables for parties of 2 are crammed in too tightly next to each other. You feel like you're eating at the same table as your neighbors. The food is good, but the dining room is too loud and crowded to relax and enjoy.