Town House Books — Local services in St. Charles

This is definitely one of St. Charles hidden gems. Most find this hidden gem when googling for bookstores. I love this place and have been here many times over the years. The smell of books, food, bakery goods and the sound of old creaky floors. This bookstore has a small cafe attached that is usually packed. The patio is divine in the warmer months. I’ve tried so many things here over the years. Some of my faves are vegetable club, townhouse reuben (ranch on the side), avocado tuna melt, lea’s grilled cheese, apple roast pork, all their cold salads (egg, tuna, chicken), and even their main salads. The quiche is to die for!! Homemade chips, fruit salad (dried cranberries, apricots, lemon juice). You can take home deli meat, whole quiche, soups, salads, platters, fixings, bakery goods. Don’t get me started on the soups and bakery goods!! On the weekends the cafe offers a brunch menu which is just as tasty as there lunch menu. The chips are homemade and delicious. I can go on and on. All I can say is definitely come hungry and be prepared for a small wait. This place will...

I was really excited to visit here after reading such good reviews. When my friends and I arrived we had a bit of a wait, which we spent in the bookstore. It was kind of cramped, but fine. Our waitress was polite enough, but my issue was with how the staff handled my food allergy. I never have gone to a restaurant before where I felt like an onion allergy was a problem. I simply asked for the Spinach Turkey sandwich with no onion, and aparently that was an impossible request without also getting no spinach on my sandwich. When they said no because the spinach and onion was sautéed together I asked if they could just do regular spinach or any other lettuce or greens on the sandwich and I got more no's again, and the waitress suggested I pick a different sandwich. I am very frustrated with how inflexible the kitchen was with my food restrictions and do not recommend this place for anyone with food allergies or dietary...

Lactose Intolerant Cheat Meal Review

This spot is one of the most unique shops I've ever been to. If you're a bibliophile this is a spot for you. They have an extensive bookstore and a dining area for brunch. I'm lactose intolerant but every now and then I opt for a lactase pill. This was one of those days. I've heard about the legendary quiches here so I didn't want to miss out.

The quiche was great and the cup of soup was too. My reaction to the quiche was basically non-existant so I will be going back again.

The location was packed inside but there was only about a 10-15 minute wait to get a seat. We could also go walking around while waiting and look at the building and books.

The building is a historic landmark so that alone makes it a great reason to come see it.

*Everyone has a different reaction to lactose intolerance. This is my personal experience. Don't assume you will...