Eramosa River Cafe — Restaurant in Guelph/Eramosa

Quite possibly the worst customer service experience I have ever encountered. I recently visited with my 10 month old baby (in a stroller) along with a friend who also has a 1 year old and a 3 year old.

When we fisit arrived the cafe was empty and we were the only customers. We politely asked the gentleman (who, based on other reviews I can only assume is the owner) if he had any high chairs to which we got a very abrupt no. Immediately I felt very unwelcome. We sat ourselves at a table for 4 out of the way as I needed somewhere to park the stroller. We were shouted to from behind the counter for our order which was then brought to the table.

The gentleman came over several times to check we were still drinking and eating and on more than one occasion tried to take my half drunk coffee.

Half way through our visit he came over to our table and asked how long we were going to be and if we could move (Anyone who has visited this cafe will know it is small and narrow in most parts and is not conducive for a stroller, hence why we placed ourselves in the larger section out of the way) this request was because he had a large group of ladies coming that required a bigger table. I found this to be quite rude as we were still trying to enjoy our warm beverages and food.

The group did arrive and advised the gentleman that us moving was not necessary and they pushed some tables together and sat down.

Our younger guest found the flower centrepieces on the table rather amusing and decided to take the center piece and walk around our table. At this point you could see the gentleman visibly getting upset to the point where he came over and told her she couldn’t be playing with it as it was glass. He then for The third time looked over at our drinks to see if we were done. At this point I told him to take my coffee as I could tell we clearly were not a wanted customer.

When I went to pay at the till a lady was waiting before me to be served however he asked her to move so that I could pay (that is how desperately he wanted us to leave).

Anyone with children will know that going out is already a challenge in itself and as a mum alone it can be an arduous task. While we are out trying to have some piece of normality we do not need to be made to feel publicly humiliated and unwelcome by rude inconsiderate people.

I am a local resident who prides themselves on supporting my local business however I would rather get in the car and drive to Starbucks or Tim hortons than endure a rude, unwelcoming service.

To the owner: I appreciate you want to keep things peachy keen for your regulars and give them an environment that they are accustomed to but this town has a lot of families and at the end of the day, they are the people who will be keeping you in business! You need a refresh on your attitude otherwise you will slowly have less and less customers, I will most definitely not...

We were Australian tourists and stopped in Rockwood quite at random on our way back to Kitchener. There was a very peaceful park beside the Eramosa River where we stretched our legs. The cafe was across the road and we wanted to support the local businesses, so we did! The cafe has a wonderful old-world feel about it with a silver metal-beaten ceiling (see pic) and lots of wonderful decor of knick knacks and oddments. There were two staff, a friendly waitress and the cook, who I think was also the owner in an open kitchen. The menu was hand written in chalk and there was a variety of tempting specials. Two of us chose the quiche with a broccoli salad. The quiche was home made with a generous filling of vegetables and the salad was quite unusual and tasty. My wife had the California Wrap that had humus, baba ganoush, capsicum, avocado and cucumber in a wheat wrap that she said was delicious. Our other friend had the salmon bagel that he really enjoyed. With drinks the bill came to $72, very reasonable! Lovely local cafe with good fresh home made food, attractively presented, that deserves lots...

This is now my third visit to the Eramosa River Cafe and I have enjoyed everything about it. Today was the first time I came in alone for lunch. I eat a bit later so usually end up coming by after the lunch crowd has left. While I enjoyed pasta selections at my past visits I wanted something a bit lighter as I was planning to be out and about and didn't want a heavy meal. Because I come after lunch I always ask for a recommendation. Today was the Quiche with a side of Broccoli Salad. It was perfect. Portion size I found to be very good. The Quiche was filled with all my favourites and the Broccoli Salad was a wonderful alternative to any lettuce concoction. Normally by the time I arrive the waitress is usually on her way out. She has never been anything but helpful during any of my visits. I find the owner friendly and talkative, when he has the time to chat he does. Definitely going to be my go to lunch spot from now on. Prices are good compared to local fast food places...but a much healthier and fresher option...