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Name: The Brown Bag Bistro
Telephone: (618) 433-9933

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The Brown Bag Bistro

About Us

Since 2018, The Brown Bag Bistro has been a beloved spot in Alton, IL, offering an exceptional American dining experience. With a menu that features a delightful variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and irresistible desserts like cheesecake and ice cream, we cater to every taste. Our carefully chosen beer and wine selection enhances any meal, making us a favorite for a night out. Proudly serving Alton, Grafton, and the greater St. Louis area, we remain committed to providing exceptional food and inviting hospitality. Come join us for a delicious meal today!

Our Story

Co-owners and mother-daughter team Chris and Erin Velloff started Brown Bag Bistro together in 2018. Chris had a lifelong dream of opening her own restaurant and after her daughter, Erin, graduated college, they decided to take the risk together. Brown Bag Bistro has been providing their local community with delicious food and friendly service ever since!

We’re a family-owned and operated business that makes fresh and consistent sandwiches that are unlike any of our competitors! Our made-to-order sandwiches are completely unique, so stop by Brown Bag Bistro for a one-of-a-kind eating experience. Our menu also includes soups, salads, appetizers, and desserts like ice cream and cheesecake. We also have a beer and wine selection that makes us the best place in town for a night out!

We’re proud to say that our customer service is the best around because we treat all our patrons like family! In addition to great food, we also boast a fun and relaxing atmosphere, so you’re sure to have a good time whenever you visit Brown Bag Bistro!

Brown Bag Bistro provides carry out, catering, and a pickup window where customers can stop by and quickly pick up their food orders. Another thing that sets us apart from other restaurants is our Itty Bitty Brown Bag Bistro food display truck! This is the ultimate food display vehicle ideal for weddings, corporate events, baby showers, and more.

We’re looking forward to partnering with Alton, Grafton, Wood River, and the surrounding areas to continue offering delicious food and excellent customer service. For more information about our products and services, contact Brown Bag Bistro at (618) 433-9933 or stop by for a visit to learn more.

Areas Served

Our Professional Associations

Alton Main Street
Rivers and Routes
Riverbend Growth Association

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Specialty Sandwiches

Our Services include:

Pickup Window
Patio Dining
Live Music (Seasonal)
Catering

Our Products include:

Sandwiches
Soups
Chili
Salads
Appetizers
Desserts
Cheesecakes
Beer
Wine

Testimonials

On 5/13/2025 Deb Heath had this to say:
We were driving through town on business and were blessed to be able to stop there both on the way and back. Very cute little cafe with excellent staff. I chose the chicken salad because I am a chicken salad freak and it is the best chicken salad I have ever had. I begged the cook to sell me the recipe so I could make it at home in Wisconsin but no luck. Just have to find a reason to drive 5 hours to get another fix. Great place!!!!

On 5/12/2025 Ethan Safly had this to say:
Good sandwiches and salads Must visit if in town

On 5/9/2025 Ralph Buddemeyer had this to say:
Military friendly, a big plus! Great atmosphere with a nice terraced patio area! Twenty-three years ago, I had a halibut sandwich at the Alaska state fair that I swore could never be equaled until I had the Stuffed Sicilian sandwich today! Simply the best conceptualized and executed sandwich I've ever had! And the crab bisque, amazing! I can die happy! Ok, a little overly dramatic, I know, but you get the idea! My wife, who's a granny, had the granny gobbler and just raved about it! She said the potato chips were a little pedestrian, but no big deal! Ever go to a restaurant and look at every choice and wanted to say 'yes!' This is the place for you!

On 5/8/2025 Keith Allen had this to say:
Place is great. Food is amazing. Staff is very nice!

On 5/1/2025 Rhea Henderson had this to say:
First time trying restaurant today. Family and Ioredered sandwiches soup and salad.. All were very good. Employees were very friendly and professional. Will definitely be back.🥰🥰

Contact Us

The Brown Bag Bistro
318 E Broadway Alton, IL 62002
Phone: (618) 433-9933
Email: brownbagbistro@yahoo.com

On Broadway Street, about 1/2 mile from The Argosy Casino and The Clark Bridge

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Debit Cards, NFC Mobile Payments, Cash, Business Checks

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM

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