The Thriving Thistle Market has gone out of business. But still functions as a 'comfort station'. You'll need go behind the building.

Surprising find attached to a gas convenience store. Courteous waitstaff. Eclectic variety of breakfast & lunch selections each with its own subtle seasonings. Cajun chicken was juicy but could use a dash more spice. 1/2lb burger with pepper Jack cheese and avocado was cooked just right. Sweet potato and regular fries were both good too. Add to the above an actually good coffee. Reasonably priced. read more

Love the variety, including vegan options. I had the golden milk smoothie-OMG, never has healthy tasted so good. Friendly service. Lots of seating inside and out (sat out with my dog). Nice vibe. read more

We came for brunch on New Year's eve and everything was fantastic! Food was very very good! We love the decor and friendly staff. We will definitely be coming back! read more

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This review is for the bistro attached to the market. Great find in an unlikely place. Gourmet coffees and homemade sweets. Open for breakfast and lunch with enough options that choosing was tough. read more

Thriving Thistle Market - a plate of breakfast foods - Convenience Stores Near Me - Apple River, Illinois

I would never have guessed that a gas station in this quaint little town would have so much to offer! Great food that's made to order, often with local ingredients. The Thistle even has espresso drinks made to order. The menu items are named after people who lived in the area. I bought some local honey and grass fed beef while I was there. You owe it to yourself to stop! Try their pizzas! This one has sausage, arugula, and honey drizzle! It's my fave! read more

Thriving Thistle Market - Convenience Stores Near Me - Apple River, Illinois

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The new Wellness Center is an amazing addition to the market and bistro. This was my first experience in the Salt Flotation Tank and it was sublime. The feeling of wellness you have when you are finished is spectacular. The facility is very clean and top notch. I will definitely be a repeat customer. The chai latte was also perfect. read more

This is a secret gem. My son tells me to be prepared because it's attached to a gas station. I was expecting the chicken filet place like the one at the Shells gas station in Stockholm. It's brand new and decorated nicely. The food was very good, but the pies are to die for! You must try! read more

We've driven thru Apple River a million times to our lake house and finally stopped in for breakfast/lunch and glad we did. Well appointed cafe and great food. Carrot cake is a must try if that's your thing. Very trendy spot in an unlikely area. Congrats to the owners. read more

We had breakfast for the first time at thriving thistle and it was outstanding. Everything from the omelet, to French toast, to the paleo pancakes tasted fresh and delicious. Trying the cinnamon roll bread pudding is also a must. Can't recommend this place enough! read more

First and last visit. Wife's order was completely forgotten, slow service, bland food and the list goes on. One of the worst eating experiences I've ever had. read more

Food was fantastic! My mom took me here for lunch - super great prices, friendly staff, clean restaurant. All around WONDERFUL!!! read more

Thriving Thistle Market - Bob-a Louie - Convenience Stores Near Me - Apple River, Illinois

Amazing little bistro adjacent to a convenience store and one-pump gas station. The menu has a lot of seasonal ingredients - we had an excellent lunch. Loved the raised garden beds with herbs and veggies in the parking lot. Procedures for covid social distancing were excellent and outdoor seating was pleasant. Very clean, new restrooms. read more

Great new addition to the area. Variety of food options for all. Definitely coming back

A hidden gem if you aren't from this area. Great quality food with a pretty broad menu that will satisfy the heartiest of appetites and those looking for something on the lighter side. With only 1 person working all of the tables at lunch time service suffered slightly but was still good. Recommended for couples and those with families even though there isn't a specific kids menu. The regular menu has plenty of kid friendly options. read more

We were so impressed by the food and experience at this restaurant that I feel compelled to write a review. We visited on a Saturday night and had a fantastic meal. I had the Prime Rib and Brussels Sprouts and it might have been the best Prime Rib I've ever had. The Brussels sprouts were no joke either, super buttery with a bit of bacon crumble, yum! My wife ordered the scallops and chili, needless to say both were delicious. They also brought out some awesome dinner salad and garlic bread before the meal. We were raving to each other about how lucky we were to find this place. We were actually heading toward Galena for dinner and stopped outside the Thriving Thistle to check our directions. As we looked over and saw this nice looking restaurant, we decided to give it a shot and we are so glad we did. The food, experience, service, and atmosphere surpassed any restaurant that we would have visited in Galena. We're already talking about how we can find a way to make the 1.5 hour trip back to visit again! read more

Great breakfast place. It's a gas station but don't be fooled, this is probably the best breakfast I've had while vacationing in NW Illinois. We've had the Crusher and the Hommie Busch sandwich and both of these are full of unexpected ingredients. A lot of small town restaurants try to be gourmet doing things like putting the dinner seasonings in the breakfast foods or other gimmicks, but the goal here seems to be different. Thoughtful recipes with local and quality ingredients. Stop here on your way out to Galena for a better breakfast and good coffee shop coffee and skip paying the tourist surcharge you're going to pay once you get there for lower quality food. They also have a decent although small set of obscure beers and some local wines cheeses and meats. My only complaint is no tortilla chips for sale. read more

Have gone to the Market 3 times for lunch. Sandwiches can be made to order or from a menu. Had the Chet Atz. Sundown breakfast sandwich.... Tasty and fresh. Love the garlic aioli on my sandwich. Fruit smoothies are also available, as well as special coffees. This is a perfect spot between Warren and Galena on Stagecoach Rd. Need to mention they also carry beer, good wines and milk as well as snacks. You can even gas up here. Oh they make their own pizzas! And they're open until 9 PM. read more