Rye River Cafe

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#2 of 11 Restaurants in KilcockIrish, Cafe, €€ - €€€

What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Rye River Cafe

Review

At a glance

Closed now

See all hours

Website

+353 1 675 7290Improve this listing

About

Our emphasis is always fresh, locally sourced produce cooked to order. Our innovative menu brings you a real taste of what fresh ingredients can bring to your plate. We are also proud to say that all our staff are highly trained barista’s and we use Creed Coffee Roasters to give you the ultimate coffee experience . Everyday we strive to provide the best service with our friendly and professional team!

Features

CUISINES

Irish, Cafe, European

Meal types

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Free Wifi

Highchairs Available

Mastercard

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Street Parking

Table Service

Takeout

Visa

Wheelchair Accessible

Location

St Josephs Hall School Street, Kilcock W23KP94 Ireland

Parking Available, Street Parking

Is this restaurant good for dinner?

Yes

Unsure

Save this restaurant

Hours

Suggest an edit

Closed now

• Opens at 8:30 AM

Sunday

9:00 - 4:00

Monday

8:30 - 17:00

Tuesday

8:30 - 17:00

Wednesday

8:30 - 17:00

Thursday

8:30 - 17:00

Friday

8:30 - 17:00

Saturday

9:00 - 17:00

Contribute

Write a review

Upload a photo

Ask a question

We perform checks on reviews.

Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews

Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.

When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.

Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.

Learn more about our review moderation.

4.4

216 reviews

Excellent

152

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Irene M

Maynooth191 contributions

Keep up this standard

Nov 2024 • family

We had a brilliant breakfast with our American family member, food was delicious for breakfast- my husband had the special hash and 2 of us had the potato cake with salmon. Have a suggestion too give the option of a rosti instead of a potato cake or a few small ones thrown around. But all is good. Another suggestion, if people just want any coffee- it will be nice if someone goes around for a top up, as I always finish my coffee before my meal, nice to have it topped up right through my breakkie. Love everything there, this is only some suggestions. Thank you so much

Written 7 November 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Niamh G

Ballina6 contributions

If you don't eat here you are missing out!

Oct 2024 • family

I absolutely love this place! I look forward to trips to kildare just so I can stop in here! The food is so delicious and the kids love the pancakes! My favourite is the breakfast hash which just leaves your taste buds tingling, so good! I have to give props to the staff here, they are always flat out, with queues of people waiting to get in but manage to always stay lovely and chatty, they make us feel so welcome. And, the coffee is always on point! Looking forward to our next trip east!

Written 27 October 2024

Catriona K

7 contributions

Go here!!! They never fail to impress

Sept 2023 • friends

I come here all the time as it is local and suits all picky and non-picky eaters I know plus vegan options. The aesthetic will have you leaving with no phone storage including the bathroom! The staff are so lovely and give off great energy! If you only want a coffee there's an upstairs with low tables, couches, a decent sized bookshelf and piano! Great idea! Loads of alternative milks, syrups, pastries etc. They have both matcha and chai lattes! My only complaint is that the quesadilla (or enchilada I can't remember) was removed from the menu a while back it was my go-to order. Granted it made me try new lovely things off the menu but still was my fav. The service is fast but not rushed, although they do get very busy. Shoutout to Pamela she's usually the hostess, so kind and chatty

Written 25 September 2023

Maps786878

4 contributions

Beautiful setting, crushingly disappointing french toast

Feb 2025 • family

"don't fix it if it ain't broken" is a well known phrase and that should apply to the rye rivers formally "perfect" french toast. For years they had cracked the code using slightly stale bread, soaked in eggs and fried to a crispy perfection. Alas the chef has got " notions" and chosen to serve up pretentious thick cut bread, the lightest coating of egg and sat it in a warm room for a minute, resulting in a stodgy tasteless result. I would have complained but noone came near me after serving and I wasn't asked my opinion upon paying. Left broken hearted

Written 20 February 2025

ColmWicklow

Wicklow63 contributions

Disappointing

Jul 2024 • solo

Disappointed left waiting 35 minutes for poached eggs pancakes while tables that were seated after me were served similar dishes. Then asked to pay €3.30 for coffee I had while waiting as I couldn’t wait any longer for food. Won’t be back guys will try other restaurants in the village. Agree it was very busy however there is obviously no system in the kitchen to prioritise orders as they come in and you have to ask about your order before you are advised of delays.

Written 24 July 2024

goodtimer

Mullingar16 contributions

Owners beware!

Aug 2024 • couples

I visited the rye today with my wife,we are regulars there,at least once a week. Reason for our frequent visits,good food served promptly,by efficent staff(especially Caroline,when she is there ,the game is upped a notch or two). However on our last couple of visits ,the standard has dropped, poached eggs over cooked,cold tea ,cold toast,and slowness in service. As some one that has worked in this buisness for many years,i feel now that the staff ( and theres plenty of them) lack motivation,and leadership, and after observing people being served before us,despite arriving well after us,i suggest you get someone to manage your pass,this too would help keep your normally great standard up. We love the place,but my wife said today that we may give it a miss, now if 5 couples decided that today,then you multiply that by 7 days,and so on it wont take long to feel the effects. So dont rest on your laurels,dont take your great public for granted So instead of sitting in the restaurant,in the middle of service,get involved,and motivate your team.

Written 30 August 2024

Helen Murray

3 contributions

Bad experience all round

Jan 2025 • friends

Regular in Rye Valley, food and service normally, however, today was appalling. Watery soup, meant to be vegetable. Soggy sandwiches and vile coffee. The staff were rude and dismissive. Definitely not returning.

Written 13 January 2025

Leon G

2 contributions

Bad experience and bad service

Feb 2023 • couples

Ordered two hash dishes as well as pancakes, both hash’s came out missing tomatoes and onions which were listed on the menu and we highlighted this to the waitress.. she discussed this with the chef and came back and gave us raw onions and tomatoes in a cup to which I nearly laughed in shock.. raw food given for a hot dish.. in the end we had a word with the supervisor who took the drinks off which was around a fiver and never offered to remove even one of the hash dishes off the bill.. I also found it baffling that they never offered to replace the meal with the correct one at the time or even asked were we happy to continue with the meal with the missing ingredients.. the supervisor mentioned that there must’ve been a miscommunication with the kitchen and the waitress but how could the chef forget the main ingredients for a dish listed on the menu and provide raw ingredients for a hash dish?! Too many excuses and the lack of experience really showed between the waitress and supervisor.. disappointing experience because the food was decent.

Written 26 February 2023

shonabourke2000

Thank you for taking the time to review our cafe. Your feedback is really appreciated. I’m genuinely sorry this happened and I will fully investigate and come back to you. It is way below our standard and not acceptable. If you could pop me an email with your contact information and I will come back to you on this. Thank you Shona

Written 27 February 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

girlfromireland

Dublin5 contributions

Disappointing + rude

Mar 2024 • solo

I went to Rye River Cafe on a Thursday morning and, upon arrival, was seated in the main (downstairs) section by a member of staff who's attitude left a lot to be desired! There were a good few empty tables at this time. I was given a menu and left waiting ages before someone came to take my order. When the server eventually came over, I ordered a flat white and almond croissant. She asked me if that was all I was ordering (!) and when I said yes, she told me in an impatient tone that they have a coffee and pastry seating area upstairs. I was taken aback and asked if she was implying that she needs the table for someone else. She said 'no, not for now but if we get busy, we might.' I found this to be a very disrespectful attitude to take with a paying customer. I said 'well, I was seated down here by a member of your staff.' When I was originally seated, no one asked me whether I would be ordering coffee or a meal, so I had no idea about the separate area. I felt unwelcome and rushed, and to be honest, couldn't wait to leave. Any staff members I encountered during the rest of the experience were not attentive at all. I was left standing at the counter waiting to pay for ages while a few servers (who clearly saw me) faffed around and had a generally flat attitude. Overall, very disappointed with this cafe. The food looks great but the staff and general attitude is a complete flop.

Written 1 April 2024

Jane

Cork185 contributions

Started off great but quality and service slipping

Mar 2023 • none

This was a great little place when it was on the bridge but since moving to the bigger and fancier premises it has gone downhill. It started off great when it reopened but since then the food and service have declined. It's a victim of its success. The food is slow to arrive, but at least they tell you in advance about the waiting time, however it is then dried out - obviously left sitting under lamps before serving. The food that arrives is often not what you ordered but as the wait is so long you just take it. Also be careful when paying as I was over charged on a couple of occasions but only realised later. Many less tables and more attention to detail would be better.

Written 10 March 2023

Shona Bourke

Thanks for your review Pauline. Sorry you had this experience. I’m not sure how you can be overcharged. Our system is fully automated so you only get charged for what was brought to your table. The fact you say this happened more than once without letting us know or checking your bill is strange. I don’t feel we are a victim of our own success, I do however feel that 3 months into a brand new premises that has tripled our capacity we are doing really well. The queue for tables would agree. We can all have negative experiences and I’m not denying that can happen however the reason there is a wait time for food to go to tables is because it is cooked to order therefore served fresh. I’ve never had a complaint or comment that food was dry. Many less tables would not really make sense from a business perspective. Today alone we have 18 tables waiting to be seated with a full house. Would adding to the wait time help? We serve on average 500 customers a day, many coming from all over north Kildare. We are proud of what we have achieved as a family run business but in saying that we can not be for everyone. All the best Shona

Written 19 March 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

paula k

Dublin6 contributions

Very disappointed with food.

May 2023 • couples

Very disappointed with the food, I ordered lasagne which was ice cold in the middle, I'm not one for complaining but this was inedible, By the time my replacement food arrived my husband was finished his. When we went to pay the girl said she discounted mine , when we looked at receipt the discount was six euro! I really should of complained more , very very disappointed.

Written 16 May 2023

Shona Bourke

So sorry you had this experience and it should not have happened. I would be delighted if you would contact me personally at info@ryerivercafe.com I would love you to come back and have a much improved experience on us. Thank you for the review Shona

Written 19 May 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Em123

2 contributions

Extremely rude Manager and Staff

Jun 2023 • family

My mum and I went in for a coffee and lunch midweek it looks nice and trendy but the treatment we received from the Manager and staff was appalling. They shouted at us to move to put plates down and their manner was very aggressive and condescending as if we weren't good enough to eat there. Although the food was nice the atmosphere made us completely uncomfortable won't be visiting again!

Written 12 June 2023

Johnny

Kilcock14 contributions

A Tasteful Revival of History and Flavor

Oct 2024 • solo

Love this place! The food is excellent — personal favorites include the breakfast burrito and any of the burgers. They offer three blends of gourmet coffee, along with a delicious selection of fresh pastries to choose from. The building itself, a former schoolhouse built in 1871, has been tastefully renovated to a high standard. With much of its original charm preserved and a touch of urban vibe, it’s a very cool spot for Kilcock — I wouldn’t be surprised to see it featured on an interior design show someday! The staff are friendly, and the service is quick. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so pet owners can bring their pups (just make sure to check the doggy dining rules on their Facebook page to keep things enjoyable for everyone). If animals aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty of room, just try to visit outside peak hours. Highly recommend!

Written 29 October 2024

Occasional Reviewer

County Kildare36 contributions

Would return if they rethink the dogs…

Sept 2024 • couples

Food here was good and overall we were pleased with the surroundings but I’d love if they’d reconsider allowing dogs in as I just don’t think it’s safe or hygienic in a place serving food. Apart from the fact that our server twice almost tripped over a retriever lying on the floor beside our table there’s that doggy whiff that if you’re not used to it can be off putting while eating your sausages. We weren’t offered the option of sitting in a “dog free area” so not aware if there is one even. Pity as it was otherwise a pleasant place and coffee is very good.

Written 3 October 2024

Aileen F

1 contribution

Their tables have a time limit…rude manager.

Jan 2024 • friends

The food was lovely and the young staff were very pleasant and attentive. This I can’t fault. I came here to meet a friend for breakfast and a catch up. We rarely get the opportunity to meet so when we meet up we like to relax and chat without any pressure. Sadly this is not what we got. I couldn’t criticise the food or the young staff on this Sunday morning, but the manager on the other hand was so rude and wanted us out as soon as we put our forks down. The place was not packed, there were plenty of seats and tables and an upstairs area also. So I don’t understand. I wish I had known there was a time limit on how long you could stay in their cafe. We bought a breakfast and a second round of coffees, which we didn’t get to finish. He came over to our table mid coffee, so abruptly, and asked us to pay our bill and if we wanted to stay we would have to go upstairs. He then proceeded to stomp up and down past our table. I felt such stress myself and friend decided to just go to Costa instead so we could finish our conversation without this rude man doing laps around our table. I let feeling so annoyed and embarrassed that my friend had to experience this behaviour in my local town. Never have experienced the likes. I wouldn’t mind but I supported this business during covid. I speaking to friends about this experience, they have also had the same reception from this man. I will not be returning every again.

Written 10 February 2024