Tinker’s Rainforest Deli

I’ve given it two shots, and I have to say that Tinker’s is mediocre at best. The employees are friendly enough, but the food quality is really just «eh». The chicken for the chicken salad looks and tastes pre frozen, and it’s a sad excuse for chicken salad — just chicken, mayo, salt and pepper. Got soup the first time, and it was definitely from a can and tasted like it. Got a smoothie the second time, I asked what they put in their smoothies. The gal said, «frozen fruit, yogurt, and syrup». I don’t know what syrup is, but the smoothie tasted artificial.
The kids area is a cute idea, but the toys are grimy, and so are the high chairs and booster seats. In defense of their employees, I asked for something to wipe down the booster seat — it was VISIBLY dirty — and she took it to the back to clean it better than just a basic wipe down.
I know that this is a local favorite and I want to like it, but it has been disappointing both times. We won’t be back to give it a third try.

When I first walked in here, I was overwhelmed. It’s a small shop, overrun with decorations on the wall, the tables, the ceiling. And while I’m sure many guests appreciate the leaves and animal decals, I found it confining. The menu is extensive, which is nice. Unfortunately, while I was glancing over it, wide-​eyed and open-​mouthed, the woman behind the counter impatiently snapped at me. I’m not sure she meant to come across as so short, since later on she warmed up, but it took me by surprise. I ordered a chicken salad sandwich and a mocha. The drink was fine– nothing special– but I was less than thrilled with my sandwich. It had none of the perks of chicken salad– it wasn’t creamy, no celery-​fueled crunch, no grapes– it was more like salty chicken from a salad bar tossed in minimal mayonnaise and thrown on a sandwich. It seems like a cute spot if you have kids, but it wasn’t my ideal.

Fresh, friendly and wonderful. Always greeted with a smile. I feel like I am visiting with friends when I come to buy a sandwich!

Love this place. It’s unique, friendly baristas, delicious bagels, and a great cup of coffee. The artwork is really neat and I thoroughly enjoy looking at it while I relax and enjoy my beverage and bagel. Definitely my go to place.

Local flavor deli in Eagle River with a casual and lived in vibe. We had coffee drinks. My friend found the Kaladi daily roast to be too weak. Staff offered to add a shot of espresso, which did the trick. My nonfat Mexican mocha with whipped cream (don’t judge!) was piping hot.
Our baby companion happily played in the kids corner.

Wanted to try tinkers for breakfast, we weren’t even acknowledged, just a glare when we walked in. We took a seat and mean while all 5 employees were sitting at another table watching videos on their phone. Needless to say no one came to take our order so we left and got a very rude goodbye as we walked out. We won’t be going back!

Small, family run operation.
We went in for lunch and were very pleasantly surprised.
You can pick from pre-​set sandwiches or fill out a build-​your-​own sandwich and it was really satisfying. They also have a really good selection of craft teas/​coffees/​sodas. The staff appears to be a family and they are all smiles and helpful.
Priced very reasonably.

Really great coffee and breakfast sandwiches. They also have a nice little toy niche for kids. Staff is always friendly.

I was starving and a bit cranky but the friendly people at this café hooked me right up. So many choices for fresh, fast and delicious food. If you are looking for an easy and delicious lunch don’t miss this place.

Enjoyed Gluten Free options in Eagle River Alaska great Club sandwich and even had GF muffins everything was good and they understood my concern for GF and even made suggestions. Worth stopping in for lunch

This place is decent. The sandwiches and drinks are fine but the soup can be iffy. I went in for some soup recently and it tasted like too much flour was added. The ladies that work there are nice. Atmosphere is family friendly.

Nice place tucked into a shopping center. I generally get a sandwich and it is above average and by far the best in the area, they offer an assortment of sandwiches and coffee the vegetables are fresh and the sandwiches are great!

A very quaint sandwich shop. The food is good and staff is always friendly. A great local gem.

Just had lunch here and I was impressed with the variety of food available. Coffee, smoothies, breakfast all day, deli sandwiches. On top of that, Tinker is the nicest lady! My egg salad sandwich came on a home made hoagie — delicious. My lunch mate had a Reuben on a croissant and he really enjoyed it as well. I would definitely go back if I am in the area and I am in the mood for a good sandwich. Keep up the good work!

This place has been a great alternative to the Eagle River fast food circuit! The sandwiches are wonderful, and you build them (on an order slip) yourself. Coffee and other drinks are a sure bet, never wavering in taste and consistency. Homemade soups everyday, and awesome chili on Fridays! Breakfast burritos and waffles for a morning start!
This place is a nice getaway, and the staff is friendly. If you’re looking for good food, and a relaxing atmosphere, this is it!