Recently, some close friends, my wife and I drove over to Dubuque for a weekend getaway. We love farm-to-table restaurant concepts and in-city dining, so we thought Convivium would be an ideal spot to have breakfast on our first day in town. As great as this place could (if not should) be, it will never reach it's potential with the lousy customer service that we experienced. Why do I say this? Read on Yelper. We arrive for breakfast around 9:45 am on Saturday. There was a little bit of a line, which is to be expected at any well known breakfast/brunch establishment, right? The young lady working the register asked if we wanted to pick a table outside, handed us four menus and told us that someone would be out there to help us shortly. We sat at an empty, yet still dirty with plates from the last customers, table that was in the shade. Annnnnd we waited. As staff came out to attend to other customers sitting in the same patio area, the four of us sat there waiting for water, coffee, a smile... heck even an acknowledgement that we were there would have been nice. Seriously, if the Invisible Man was real and sitting at the table, he probably would have had a better chance of being noticed by the servers working that morning. We ended up busing our own table because no staff would bother to do it - I'm very serious. Nearly 20 minutes pass. As another couple comes into the patio, sits down and gets near immediate service with their drink orders, we had it! We entered the restaurant to find out what the problem is for such terrible service?!? The tall, head service member (did not catch her name) had an attitude for sure with her question "Did one of us seat you?" and we answered that "No, your host teammate told us to grab the table." She damn near rolled her eyes. Finally, lightening struck... someone showed up to give us water, wipe the table, and take our order. But don't get your hopes up that this was the end of bad service. Regrettably, it was not. We waited nearly 25 more minutes to get our order of eggs, potatoes, bacon, and sausage. Tough order for a breakfast place, don'tcha think? Out comes the food... without utensils to eat with. 4 mins of watching your food get cold motivated us to good inside and get our own utensils. As we did, the head member walks out with the items. Now - let's shift to the one positive part of the experience and that of course is the food. To show you that I am a reasonable reviewer, I will tell you that the meal was very tasty, cooked to order, and satisfying (especially when you're starving!). When I said at the beginning that this place can be great, the food is the reason why. After a Friday night of fun, a place like Convivium is just what you want for a Saturday breakfast before an afternoon of NCAA College Football - you know what I mean? But until management decides to hold the staff accountable for this terrible customer service, Convivium will be closed in less than 5 years (my prediction). Read some of the other reviews... we share the same general opinion. And this is coming from someone that values restaurant concepts like this one. Get it together before its too late, Convivium. read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - Thanks but no thanks. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

See all

What a disappointment. Yelp usually leads me to amazing spots, but this was a fail. I loved the concept and the cool vibe of the place but the food and the service were lacking the same luster. My dad, sister, and I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon. My sister enjoyed her chicken pesto panini but Dad found his pulled pork to be dry and bland. I ordered broccoli cheese soup with sourdough toast. The soup was absolutely disgusting. It was so thick, overcooked, and tasted like it had been on a back burner for three days straight. Not to be gross, but it looked like congealed dog vomit. When I mentioned to our server, she was very condescending. I would like to try again and hopefully it was just a tough day. read more

See all

You know how sometimes you walk into a restaurant and you know, you know, that it feels right? I had that experience over the weekend on my first stop at Convivium. Located in a Dubuque neighborhood, this former greenhouse is a great venue with an even better mission. I had heard that owners and co-founders Leslie and Mike Shabali had positively impacted the community and found out first-hand on a holiday weekend Saturday morning. A rectangular footprint can be challenging for some businesses, but Convivium embraces it, and the venue's layout results in an open environment that checks every box. Casual attire, street parking. Greeted at the entry, everyone affiliated with the restaurant had a great way about them, unpretentious and kind. They had a live act, Rianna Marie, performing towards the back, and she was outstanding, a pleasant and unexpected element of our breakfast. The natural lighting is lovely, and the overall layout is inviting and warm. BTW, check out their community calendar near the restrooms! Server Jo was excellent, loving her job and environment, and she REALLY knew the menu. Jo elevated our experienced further and told us more about the restaurant's mission statement. I loved my Farm House Plate, a tasty plate that included scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and sensational rosemary-seasoned red potatoes. My better half thought her White Street Plate was great, especially the sweet potato pancakes! Their mission captivates me and makes me a Convivium supporter from this point, Their commitment is to instill food justice and a feeling of community in Dubuque, and they back up their words. They grow their own, teach people in the community how to cook, enjoy the food and make a difference for those not well off. I love their passion for helping others and will support them moving forward. read more

See all

Great concept, painful execution... went for the Disco brunch which consisted of a DJ playing music. No one was dressed "Disco". Waitstaff didn't have a disco look either. We placed drinks and 10 minutes later were told they didn't have vodka, but they would make our Bloody Mary and screwdriver with gin... no thanks. Waited 30 minutes more for food. Everyone around us was already served even though came in after us. My sausage patties were burnt, but we were starving, so I ate them. My companions said their meal was tasty. Waitress interrupted me while talking to ask if we wanted the check. All this would take is a little bit of caring to make this a decent event. (How do you advertise an event, and half the drinks on your menu are vodka, however you don't even have it to serve)? Maybe needs some kind of management intervention. Loved the concept. Won't be back. read more

Awesome. Just awesome. A place with a lot of heart and soul. Bring your family and see how a few backyards converted to food gardens can transform a neighborhood. read more

This place is awesome. All very organic community grown, made from scratch café/restaurant. staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable. Their eggs are from the chickens that are outside in the back. They have gardens everywhere in the community. Their sweet potato pancakes are to die for. Totally recommend it. Great ambience. Picnic tables, regular tables and lounge area by the fireplace. Plus they have live music at certain times of the week/weekend, various classes, and a little shop that sells breads, different swag, coffee, that kind of stuff. Definitely would come here again. My friend lives here and it's a staple for her a couple times a week and on the weekends. read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

See all

This is a no nonsense place for breakfast. The food was really good and it all helps support the community read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - Pancakes and Bacon - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

See all

I really wanted to like this restaurant as the physical space is beautiful, a former greenhouse, with tall ceilings and lots of light. Unfortunately, the dining experience didn't live up to my expectations. What breakfast place doesn't offer bottomless coffee? Half the pleasure of enjoying a Sunday brunch is drinking three or four cups of coffee without paying $10 for the pleasure. Then I was told no substitutions over the weekend. The place was maybe 40% full. I was simply asking that they leave out the yolk. The black bean soup was good, the quinoa dish was terrible and far too expensive for what it was. They nickel and dime you if you want sauce on top, which it needed. The first glass of water is brought to the table, but after that, it's self serve. The waitress wasn't very nice or attentive and I could see her munching on something in back. This wasn't the worst experience I've had, but I won't be returning. read more

See all

Very good service quick and delicious food! Quiet and peaceful drip coffee if fabulous not too many people

I was pleased with the portion size of the salad. The candied walnuts were delicious and the dressing was very good. I sat on the patio, which was nice with a shaded tarp. Enjoyed a double espresso after lunch. read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - Convivium Salad with chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

Hubs and I came here on a Wednesday at about 11:30 am. It was dead. Cashier/server was nice and helpful, giving recommendations when we asked for them. We ordered, then sat in the large indoor seating area. Covid info: staff wore masks, there was indoor and outdoor seating, and there was definitely enough seating available to do 6 feet apart. Food: it was okay. We ordered the breakfast panini, the fritata, and a side salad. The panini was the best of the 3, but it wasn't outstanding - egg, ham, and cheese. The bread was really good. The fritata was disappointing. It must have been baked earlier, then reheated - making the outside kind of rubbery. Flavor was okay. The "salad" was mixed greens with a side of balsamic dressing. We did dip the panini in the dressing; that was a nice addition. Overall: our takeaway - this is a coffee shop that serves food. We love the idea and mission of the place, but we wouldn't come for food. read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - Ham, egg, and cheese panini; side salad; fritata - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

Great breakfast burrito as well as eggs, bacon and toast Service was good Nice family atmosphere read more

Stopped here for breakfast and really enjoyed our coffee and breakfast. Really cool vibe and nice up cycle of an old building in an older neighborhood. While we waited for our order, the young man that took our offer gave us a bit of info about how they give back to the neighborhood. Really good food and coffee. read more

Waited 2 hours for food. Pancake was raw when we got it. 2 tables of 11 got here 20 min after we ordered and left before we got our food.

took 2 hours to get food but they did comp utterly disappointed food was very very mid read more

What an cool place for breakfast/brunch/lunch! Food was great and atmosphere was comfortable/cozy! Wish we lived closer to take advantage of their classes and events. read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - French toast bread pudding! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

See all

My partners food was pretty good and the property was cool. The quinoa bowl was really bland. Nice concept, may return later in the year due to the flies read more

I can't wait to try this place again in the summer. Met an old friend for brunch and had a lovely meal. They had me at sweet potato pancakes. The space is large, with very casual seating (long rectangular tables seating around 8, maybe? High ceiling space, cool art. This might not be everyone's cup of tea (or coffee) - our meal was leisurely, so it's probably not a place to go if you're in a rush. That being said, I also didn't feel like the server was trying to push us out the door. Refills on coffee aren't free, but it's also a reasonable price. They have a carafe of water and you get it when you want it. The only real downside for us was that they had live music. The performers were really good, but our table was right by the stage area and under the speaker, so it was a bit loud. I suspect that's not an all-the-time thing. Parking appears to be along the street, but I was also getting there in a bit of a snowstorm, so I'm not absolutely certain of that. Glad to know they're here - will be back! read more

An amateur place run by amazing people. Offering a unique menu and space for the community. A wide open room that is the restaurant as well as a reception hall they also offer cooling and gardening classes. The food is wonderful, fresh baked goods and excellent quiche. Definitely a favorite and highly recommended read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - The main stage - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

See all

The sweet potato Pancakes were excellent! Eggs were fresh, bacon was good! I didn't care for the sausage but that may just be a matter of taste. They are meaty like a hamburger texture and the spice wasn't to my liking, but again...matter of taste. I highly recommend it! read more

Great options and everyone there really cares. The food is good and profits go to helping promote food education. I will usually get a slice of quiche or a breakfast platter. They do offer ordering online and would suggest doing this if you want food to go or in a time crunch. Very enjoyable space and friendly staff, but on busy days can have long waits (30 minutes or more). Definitely a go to for breakfast and lunch! read more

Great food. A place to put on your list for an excellent breakfast. Sweet potato pancakes are the best. Comfy relaxing atmosphere! Service was good. read more

Service was embarrassingly bad. Multiple problems. Two people got food and the other three waited an hour as only 1/2 the order was placed. Then the waitress charged us 3 times the amount due. read more

This place had all the elements of success. It is a farm stand so fresh ingredients. Great decor and open air feeling inside and I was hungry. However, the food sadly didn't taste so great. The chicken pesto panini was the best of all the items I tried. But the chicken was on the dry side. The bread itself didn't taste so great for a panini. I also had the granola bowl with a side of yogurt. The "homemade" granola had zero elements of sweetness except the chocolate chips they added but it was not enough to save the dish. I opted for the greek yogurt which was a bad idea because it also didn't have any elements of sweetness. So finally there was the bread pudding which had the beginning of good taste but it was also dry. I'm not the best baker in the world but my bread pudding actually tastes better than that. You might want to add more liquid guys for the bread to soak in it and it needs to soak longer to develop that taste. read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - Bread pudding - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

See all

Love this place! Food was so fresh and reasonably priced. The ice coffee is what everyone needs with 90F weather! It was a very big airy space. From the literature they posted and on the bookshelf, they also seem to support local art scene etc! They sold out of pastries by the time we got there, but the lunch wrap hit the spot! read more

Don't live here and decided to try. Big WIN. Food. Service. Atmosphere. Friendliness. Clean. All GREAT

Such a unique place! Food was delicious and the atmosphere was charming. Loved the concept! Walked outside and saw the chickens, and took the self guided tour, perfect was to spend a morning! read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - Sweet potato pancakes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

This place rocks! Tons of healthy fresh options. Great service and nice outdoor seating. read more

Convivium Urban Farmstead - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

The food was ok, nothing special. The pastries, however, are where it's at. I'd recommend loading up on those if you're looking for breakfast. read more

The most relaxing, cool setting in Dubuque, Iowa! The food was delectable, and the Irish coffee was so good. We stopped here on a long road trip from Philadelphia and it is one of the best stops along the way. If you are anywhere near this place on a trip or just in town to visit friends or family, do not miss out on this incredible gem read more

food is good and lots of room to bring family . I love the food classes they offer.. sweet potato pancakes and yummy and breakfast burritos.

Awesome spot for breakfast in Dubuque! Cool vibe, great service and excellent food. Will definitely go back 100%

We really wish we lived closer. We loved the food and the atmosphere. I would love to go back in the spring and tour the gardens!

Freshest food I ever ate! Delicious and unique. Fast friendly service, beautiful murals make for an interesting experience!

Driving near Dubuque, Iowa, we stopped here for breakfast. What a pleasant surprise. From the outside, it doesn't look like much but inside we were seated in a spacious modern seating area of a converted greenhouse. After enjoying coffee and breakfast bowls we spoke to the server and learned about the community food education mission centered in the facility. A fantastic contribution to the neighborhood. We finished by splitting an incredible sugared cinnamon roll. I would suggest stopping in if you are anywhere near this place, you wont be disappointed. read more

Drove to galena last weekend and crossed over to this place. Had great recommendations. The coffee is excellent. The food even better. I had a wonderful cheeseburger but the eggs and breakfast burrito were great too. One of our party had egg and quinoa which looked awesome. This place locally sources and gives back to the community - specifically the neighborhood they're in. Just a cool place with great food and coffee that you can sit a while. Really friendly folks running the place too. Highly recommended. Check this place out! read more

Amazing food and very cool concept. A hidden gem. Service was friendly and the grilled cheese and tomato soup were delicious

Healthy great food! Enjoyed the art walls. Melia was a friendly, kind, and efficient server. Great new discovery for those traveling through. read more

Very deceiving from the outside! It's very spacious and also has outdoor seating. The menu is limited but has good options to choose from. I had a burrito in a bowl since it was gluten free and some sweet potato and cinnamon pancakes that were deelish. The menu also offers vegan and vegetarian choices. Everything is fresh! Come in and give er a go I'm sure you'll like it read more

All I can say is delicious! Family came here for breakfast on a Sunday. It was quiet and nice to enjoy the coffee on the patio. Staff were really nice! We took home some rolls, yum! read more