Fresco On First — Restaurant in Dixon Township

We don't normally come to Dixon but found a specialty shop in the area we wanted to visit and saw this place had good ratings and some fresh-looking foods, and some yummy looking tacos throughout their reviews. Arriving, we were seated quickly, the restaurant was bustling, so we were excited. They seemed to be trying to give the place character in their ambiance, but it came across as half finished with boxes and stuff stored all along the back near the cooking area. It looked like it could have been a really neat experience sitting close to the grill, but seating wasn't set up back there. Looking over the menu, only breakfast tacos, no lunch tacos. I guess they have taco days for those and it's not part of the normal menu, first disappointment, but decided to try a Panini. Placed an order for an appetizer of shrimp, turkey cheese panini and my wife ordered a burger. We waited almost 30 minutes for 8 pieces of shrimp that we couldn't tell it was different than purchasing in a grocery store and very greasy. Which was a problem because we realized we hadn't been given silverware or napkins. Had to wait another 5 minutes for someone to come by so we could get napkins to wipe our hands off. Another 20 minutes went by before our food finally arrived. It was hot, but my panini was terrible. They literally put mayo, cheese and some kind of turkey together on grilled bread, no noticeable seasoning, it tasted worse than a cheap lunchmeat sandwich and would have happily sent it back if I wasn't starving by then. I couldn't bite through the corners without concern for my teeth, the bread was so hard. We both got fries, which although not burnt, were cooked so long the inside of the fries were hollowed and they were a very dark brown, like that fry you know got caught in the basket and went through a second time. No salt or seasoning again and by the time we got them, salt wouldn't stick on them to at least help with the flavor. I am giving 2 stars because my wife said her burger was good, nothing special, but a good burger, so that was at least something. We had discussed getting the dessert crepes, which also looked amazing, but were afraid how much longer we would have to wait, so missed out on that opportunity for redeeming the meal. The waitress brought us our check, ran the card and returned leaving the check for me to sign and walked off. We still would have tipped, but they didn't even bring us a pen to sign with and our waitress had already disappeared by the time I realized the problem. By that time, we just walked out. The food still looks really good in the pictures, and they may have some really good options, but this being our one and likely only time in the area to try them, they left us with a terrible impression...

Came here today with my husband for brunch very excited, but left very upset. I was looking forward to a matcha latte all morning, but when we got there and the girl asked us what we wanted to drink and I asked, “Do you guys have matcha?” she responded with “No, we actually don’t, we’re all out.” I was disappointed, but understand that things happen, but was also confused as it was still up on their small counter chalkboard as one of the drinks of the month, the “Barbie Matcha.”

I ended up just getting a macchiato, though I really didn’t want coffee but was needing a little caffeine for the day ahead. We got our food, which was pretty good, but not 10 minutes later, I hear and see the table next to us order and receive a matcha latte. Confused, I said something to our waitress, stating that the first girl who had asked what we wanted to drink had said that they were “out of matcha.” She responded with “Oh, I’m sorry she must have been misinformed.” The only solution that was offered to me by her was “well, maybe you could order a matcha to go,” to which I replied, “Yes, but then I would have to pay for 2 drinks” (as I had already purchased a macchiato due to being told matcha was not an option.” The waitress said “Well maybe he (my husband) can drink your coffee.” And I said, “No, that’s alright.”

In my opinion, this was not an appropriate response to the issue at hand. I should’ve at least been offered a discount or a free drink, as I was told by the fresco on first staff that the drink I had asked for it was not available, to no fault of my own. I was hoping for a much better...

Fantastic choice in the middle of downtown Dixon. It was around 1pm on a Saturday and it wasn’t busy. Jayden was a phenomenal waitress (and manager), She is pleasant and attentive and you could tell she just genuinely enjoys people. My son got a strawberry boba tea and loved it. I ordered the calming smoothie and it was fresh tasting and delicious. The food came quickly and was all plated nicely. My wife had a veggie panini with a salad, and I had the roast beef panini with fries. The paninis were both cooked perfectly and delicious. Her veggies were fresh and vibrant and my beef was seasoned well, and tender. Her salad was fresh and my fries were pretty bland, although they were cooked well. Our youngest had the silver dollar pancakes from the child’s menu and it came on a wooden mickey mouse shaped plate, which was a nice and smart touch. Pancakes were cooked perfectly and served with very fresh strawberries and grapes. My son had the banana nutella “sandwich” on french toast. It disappeared in 2.3 seconds. Our plates were taken away just after we were done, and we had a super pleasant conversation with Jayden. Aside from the fries (and maybe have a horseradish sauce for the beef panini 😋) there was nothing left to be desired. Actually, our expectations were definitely surpassed. Thank you Fresco, and Jayden, for a wonderful experience. We may be back tomorrow! (I totally should of taken pics of the gorgeous food, but I was too focused on eating it. Here’s our 10 y/o with his fresh...