About
The Table On Main
As the new owners, we are thrilled to have you join us! We are excited to begin the new chapter for 116 S Main. We invite you to join us at The Table On Main! This cafe has had a long, positive history in River Falls. We are honored to carry on the tradition of delicious food and a place for the community to gather together.
We are Barrett and Kris Grove. We bought the cafe in July of 2021. We both grew up in River Falls and also raised our family here. We know the importance of good food, friends & family… and a place to gather. The Table on Main is a place that includes them all!
Where better to make eye contact and to put your phone down, get to know each other over a fabulous meal right here at The Table On Main! Stay and play a game or two! Let’s connect with one another, in person, with screens put away.
Our Cafe's History
116th S Main Street started its long history as a restaurant in February 1915. The three Nelson brothers of River Falls bought the City Meat Market from the owner Joe Cobain and converted it into a restaurant and bakery. The Nelson Brothers’ Café was a favorite of local patrons.
After four years in operation, Nelson Brothers’ Café was sold to W. A. Magee. Magee had many years of experience running restaurants and bakeries. He renamed the restaurant the Ideal Café and strived to continue the café’s reputation.
Magee sold the restaurant to Walter Sutherland in May of 1923. Renaming the restaurant the Sutherland Café, Sutherland continued to provide excellent service to his patrons.
In August 1928, Dan O’Brien purchased the Sutherland Café and returned the name back to the Ideal Café. O’Brien has been the longest owner of the restaurant, he ran the operation from 1928 to 1960. Renovations were done during his ownership, which made it one of the largest restaurants in River Falls.
The Ideal Café saw great success under O’Brien’s ownership. O’Brien sold the Ideal Café on September 29th, 1960, and it opened as Hanson’s Café on October 1st. Earl Hanson ran the café for most of the Sixties.
The cafe was sold and then spent 34 years as the South Fork Cafe. The last 20 of those 34 were under the ownership of Dawn and Chris Berendes.
The Table On Main Events
Sober Social Nights
It is time to socialize!
The first Friday of every month from 9 pm-12 am.
We want to provide a temptation-free zone to gather and enjoy a night out.
Check our Facebook page and Instagram profile to see what the monthly theme will be each month!
The kitchen will be open for appetizers/snacks until 11 pm and we will have a server here to mix up some fun Mocktails to enjoy!
