Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar Restaurant Review
November 17, 2007
By Kris Kolk
O’Fallon, Missouri—I enjoyed a late lunch at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar last Thursday.
The café projects an intimate, homey feel. A patio area, complete with umbrella’ed tables, parallels the entrance pathway. Inside, the menu is written on a blackboard (hard copy menus available) and there are couches and a charming fireplace.
The décor is accented with rustic furniture pieces, wine and unique gift items. Each table is topped with a vase of fresh flowers. A Christmas tree and strings of lights add festive holiday flair. I heard some Rod Stewart songs playing softly in the background and was grateful to be listening to what seemed to be a CD and not some radio station.
Since arriving after the lunch rush, I didn’t expect to see a crowd; however, a group of ladies were leaving just as I entered. A staff member was also grabbing a quick bite after, I assume, a hectic time prior.
I ordered the chicken salad sandwich and a four-berry-blend smoothie. The chicken salad was fruited, containing grapes and pecans—lettuce and tomato on the side. The sandwich was on a croissant along with chips and a pickle and served on dual, stacked plates, adding interest. Although, I’m not a smoothie connoisseur, it was above-average-fruity and refreshing with my sandwich.
The menu consists of wine-partnering appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Many items on the menu are listed with a suggested wine. Rendezvous offers breakfasts, a variety of desserts and a kids menu. Most meal items cost around $7. My 16 oz. smoothie was $3.50.
After lunch, I ventured through a doorway to the wine room. There I was greeted by owner, Tom Thomson, and learned of their wine, beer and coffee offerings. He also gave a quick tour to another space where the tastings and cuppings are held. Tom displayed hospitality and warmth, adding to the friendly feeling. Our introductions were post-tour. The Carlson-Wagonlit Travel Agency shares some space with the café, apart from the dining room. The agents were well-behaved.
Rendezvous is not for women only. On the way out, I noticed a couple of gentlemen arriving for lattes and probably something to eat.
The café regularly hosts events and live music.
What to know:
Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar is on the opposite side of the street and across the tracks from O’Fallon City Hall. Parking is in the rear.
Customers order and pay at the counter and then take a seat. Or, they can seat themselves and take a while to decide on their selections and approach the counter when ready to order. A server brings the food to the table. To-go orders are OK. They are open seven days a week.
To see the full menu, events schedule and more, visit their website.
Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar
217 S. Main Street
O’Fallon, MO 63366
636-281-CAFÉ (2233)
Owners: Tom and Stephanie Thomson
Opened July, 2007
Copyright 2007 Neighbors About Town

Rendezvous Café and Wine Bar in O'Fallon has over 200 bottles of wines available for purchase.