Von Jakob Winery & Brewery — Restaurant in Carbondale

Where do I even begin...

I decided to take my girlfriend on a wine trip in Southern Illinois and to stay at Von Jakob Bed and Breakfast for her birthday. We have stayed at Hermann Hill B&B in Missouri a few times so I decided to change things up. When we first arrived we waited at the bar for 30 minutes just to be checked in. (We arrived on time, 3-5pm is the check-in time period) The first thing we noticed was the green algae/moss growing on the side of the house. I checked out the kitchen and it was just a normal kitchen, minus the basket of snacks that are promised on the website, we was handed a "gift" basket that contained packets of coffee and what looked to be a 100 year old orange, quite unpleasant. One odd thing we noticed was that there was bug killer under the kitchen sink. Once I was first let into my room I thought it was pretty nice until I looked closer and noticed ants by the deck door which told me why there was insect killer in the kitchen. The deck itself smelled horrible due to the algae/moss to the point where we couldn't even sit out there and enjoy the weather. There was Japanese folding doors which I liked and I moved them to check them out and seen they were simply there to hide an unfinished project I guess? The Jacuzzi had dead flies in it and the jets looked dirty. Our pillow cases had hairs on them that were neither mine or my girlfriends which gives me the impression the bed sheets and pillowcases had not been washed. The bed was not comfy at all. After we got settled in we went back to the bar for wine tastings, yes, tastings at the bar where live music and obnoxiously drunk people were yelling. There was a wedding there that day and the normal tasting room is also the event room which is a huge flaw. It was not enjoyable at all. We decided to sit down and get some food and I also wanted to try some beer, which they were out of 5 beers, which I would think it was due to the wedding but after seeing reviews on google it is a common occurrence. I also thought maybe it was just me that thought the beer tasted like dirty tap water but after google and untapped reviews I quickly seen that others also thought the same. They were out of a lot of food, so we ended up eating a side of fries and a pretzel. After seeing the things i seen in my room and my experience with the tastings and dinner it was becoming really hard for me give this place the benefit of the doubt. The next morning we went to have breakfast, which was located in the event room. we were seated at a huge round table and couldn't even sit across from one another. while we were waiting for food decorations were being taken down from the night before and dust was falling into our water, coffee, and orange juice, already our day was off to a bad start. We finally received our food and it was no better than hotel food, the worst part was the the war we had with the flies, we were swatting away flies the entire time we were eating, couldn't even eat our oatmeal because they were landing in it and was getting stuck, so gross. Overall, I had a very bad experience here and will be seeking some type of refund. If it wasn't for Feather Hill, Owl Creek, Honker Hill, and a few other wineries being amazing, this trip would have been an...

We briefly visited Von Jakob Vineyard with a group of 14 people and were very disappointed. Von Jakob’s came highly recommended and we were looking forward to topping of a beautiful day of wine tasting for a friend’s birthday celebration. First, I must say that Southern Illinois is absolutely beautiful and the hospitality we received at all other local wineries and eateries were amazing. When arriving at Von Jakob we were greeted with a nearly vacant facility and a sign asking us to seat ourselves. We did and – perhaps in doing so – was somewhat noisy as this required moving together some tables and bring a group together. Note, the tables were bare – no table cloths, water cups, utensils, nor napkins. There were two other tables in the facility (6 couples) at the time all of which were lovely and seemed un-bothered by the situation. Immediately, a person who I presume was the manager came over and – rather than greet us into the facility and ask us if we needed assistance – snarled at us that this was ‘fine dining’ and to be quiet. We apologized and began looking at the menu. The menu looked good but –at best - it was bar food and included nachos, pizza, pretzels, and sandwiches. This would have been perfect for our group but it was not fine dining. We sat there for several minutes and no one came to offer us drinks nor to take our order. When a waitress finally did arrive she seemed upset but we placed an appetizer order anyway. Again, we waited several more minutes and no one came to the table to offer water nor offer any other introductions typical for a ‘fine dining’ establishment. Finally, the lack of service seemed to us to be a clear indication that we were not wanted so we asked the waitress to package the appetizers and called for the manager. The manager did not apologize nor did she seem bothered that a large groups was preparing to leave the establishment. ||||I do not recommend this winery. There are several other stops that were much more hospitable with wonderful wine and authentic, southern...

I have just left after staying here for 2 nights. To start with positives, the housekeeper was very friendly, and the room had good facilities.||Unfortunately, it appeared the rooms are not cleaned very thoroughly. There was noticeable dust on the wall behind the bed, hair on the sheets, and crumbs on the floor. There was also a terrible smell of mold when entering the house.||Breakfast is included, and is a good size. However, I went for breakfast right before leaving on Monday morning. Breakfast is at 9.30, I arrived at 9.24 and they already had my order from the previous day. As it’s cooked fresh, I can gladly give 15-20 minutes to make eggs and bacon, maybe even stretch to 25 minutes if it’s busy. There was myself and my partner, and 1 other couple. My breakfast arrived at 10.32 - that’s over an hour o make eggs, bacon and toast. The coffee was ice cold by now, nobody had been round to pour fresh coffee. I believe there was only 1 person working, hence the delay, but if you cannot afford enough staff to provide a good experience to your customers, then don’t run a business!||The whole place, winery, pub, b&b all have the same feel - outdated. It very much appears that no Care is given by the owners and the place suffers as a result.||If your stopping by on the winery trail, you’ll probably enjoy this place, if your spending more than a few hours here then you will start to notice the many...