June 16, 2025
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Mystery Diner in Geneva: Patten House home to inviting patio, carryout

An imposing brick home dating to 1857 is the setting for The Patten House of Geneva, which features multiple indoor dining areas and a bar, as well as a lovely and expansive patio.

By Mystery Diner

An unexpected November heatwave found us ensconced at one of the outdoor tables that are liberally spaced and feature umbrellas with built-in lights ideal for the shortened days. It's a romantic setting with candles and charming displays of white pumpkins and ornamental cabbage. (Shaw Media)

An unexpected November heatwave found us ensconced at one of the outdoor tables that are liberally spaced and feature umbrellas with built-in lights ideal for the shortened days. It's a romantic setting with candles and charming displays of white pumpkins and ornamental cabbage. (Shaw Media)

We phoned for reservations to ensure a table and were seated immediately upon arrival. The restaurant is known for a New Orleans-influenced menu, so despite the warm late afternoon, we honed right in on the gumbo. There are as many incarnations of gumbo as there are chefs, and The Patten House produces a delicious and piquant rendition with tender chicken and andouille, a spicy smoked sausage popular in Cajun dishes. This recipe had the heat level just right for the zesty, rich soup, and the garnish of plain rice provided the perfect mild counterpoint.

The menu tempts with everything from crab cake sliders and po boy sandwiches to jambalaya, steaks, fish, Cajun shrimp and grits, red beans and rice, crawfish mac and cheese or alligator bites. I selected the Bourbon Blue Burger, prepared with prime ground beef, blue cheese, grilled onions and a bourbon glaze on a tasty brioche bun. It was beautifully prepared and delicious. I was given a choice of fries, sweet potato fries or a side salad. I'm pleased I chose the latter, whose fresh flavors popped, the green salad full of colorful ingredients from purple cabbage to shaved radishes.

And I didn't miss out on the yummy sweet potato fries, thanks to a generous dining companion who swapped some of his for salad. He chose the pulled pork made with braised pork shoulder and garnished with crispy onion straws, house slaw and barbecue sauce, also on a brioche bun. He summed it up as excellent.

In no hurry to leave, we decided dessert would be a sweet finish to a great meal. While beignets served with a raw honey drizzle and powdered sugar are a staple on the menu, the dessert of the day hit the magic words with pecan pie. We added a scoop of vanilla ice cream and pretended we were tucked away in a restaurant courtyard in the French Quarter. The pie was delectable, and prepared in an unfamiliar way with ground pecans and coconut shreds. It's highly recommended. The Patten House has equipped its patio with heaters and intends to keep it open in this unusual year. The good food and our attentive server made our experience memorable. • The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Kane County Chronicle. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff before or during the meal. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review. IF YOU GO WHAT: The Patten House of Geneva WHERE: 124 S. Second St., Geneva PHONE: 630-492-5040 INFO: Facebook at shawurl.com/3e99