River & Rail Cafe — Restaurant in New Milford

*EDIT Thank you to the owner who replied to my review with kindness and grace. I appreciate you going out of your way to address issues that arise. As one small local business owner to the next - that is really nice to see. I hope the employee who I dealt with learns how to act within reason and hope they understand your core policy which seems to be warm and welcoming. Thanks.

My friend wanted to stop in here today for her favorite latte and lunch meal. I joined her to catch up and chat as she loves this place. I walked in with a bubble tea from across the street, another local small business, and instead of addressing me the staff told my friend (who was spending money on a latte and lunch) that my tea was not allowed inside. (At this time I was grabbing a table for us) The staff member told her I would have to throw it out or we would unfortunately have to leave. Why not address me on this matter? You have a frequent local customer spending money in your cafe all the time and is told to leave because I (me) have a drink from another local place? After accepting her business and taking her money - she can’t enjoy her meal and chat with a friend in your establishment? I truly wish I could understand this mentality. We sat outside in the cold on the sidewalk table. How is this fair? I am not seeking anything out of this review I just find it really sad that this is how people are treated in your cafe. I will for sure not be returning to this place. How about support other small business? You don’t even sell bubble tea from what I see. What’s the big deal? Money was spent from our party regardless....

While this may be an unpopular opinion, I must admit that I just wasn’t impressed with River & Rail.

A friend and I visited yesterday morning and were lucky enough to sit outside on a beautiful day and enjoy the tranquility of Bank Street. Truthfully, while the interior of the cafe is cute, the environment doesn’t exactly scream “comfortable.” It’s floral and cutesy, but not a place to spend hours studying or passing the time.

As I said before, the staff was great. I was personally disappointed with the small menu, which to me, felt overpriced.

The bakery selection was rather small, which I feel is a huge missed opportunity for downtown New Milford. I ultimately wound up ordering a Blueberry Scone and a Golden Milk Latte, but would have loved more pastry options to grab and go.

Taste wise, the Bluberry Scone was “okay.” The texture was a tad dry and I would have loved more jam options.

My Golden Milk Latte didn’t have a lot of flavor and I think could have benefited from richer spices and aromatics.

Perhaps I hyped up River & Rail too much in my head before visiting. While I love supporting small businesses, I personally think the quality of the products and the environment are simply too subpar to warrant me another visit. To each...

I don't know how I hadn't discovered this gem before now! I stopped in for lunch yesterday. The space ls light and airy and beautifully, yet simple decorated. There are several tables to sit at, but you can also get your food to-go, which makes it nice if you want to eat out on the Green on a beautiful day.

At first, I was a bit unsure of they served food as all that was posted on the wall behind the counter was the coffee/drink menu. I almost walked out before discovering the food menu on the checkout counter. I would suggest to the owners that they also display the food menu on the wall behind the counter, too, for easy customer viewing.

I ordered a breakfast plate which consisted of two eggs any style, bacon, potatoes and a buttermilk biscuit. It was delicious! The potatoes were PERFECT. Crispy on the outside, warm on the inside....yummmm. I had to ask for ketchup, butter and jam, which is totally not a problem and the staff was happy to oblige. But, to make it easier on the staff, I would suggest keeping ketchup and some other essential condiments in a place easily accessible by customers.

Overall this place was great and I look forward to going back again, taking some friends and family with me...