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!

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 Brands include:

Excel Bottling

Our Products include:

Sandwiches
Soups
Chili
Salads
Appetizers
Desserts
Cheesecakes
Beer
Wine

Testimonials

On 10/14/2026 john lockett had this to say:
Great food the best sandwiches in the area jalapeno popper dip is awesome great strawberry gooey butter cake

On 10/12/2026 Steve corrie had this to say:
Food good, service good, nice patio area

On 10/8/2026 Arbitrary Category had this to say:
Great cheesy garlic bread! The BLT salad was delicious and the large is more than enough for 2+ meals.

On 10/5/2026 Kate M. had this to say:
Another quick jaunt from St. Louis totally worth the trip!! The Brown Bag Bistro is located on the main drag in historic downtown Alton. They offer a smallish dining space. The menu offers a wide variety of sandwiches, soup, and appetizers. Hop in line and place your order at the counter. Snag a seat, and prepare for a treat! We ordered a few different sandwiches and were pleased with all of them. The portions were generous, and served with a side of your choice. The stand out was the lobster bisque. Rich and creamy and delicious! I'd drive back just for a bowl of soup. Pro tip: we highly recommend the wine slush. The peach was a fan favorite. Wine, ice, and fruit blended together is a winner!!

On 10/5/2026 Quiet Scholar had this to say:
Friendly with a cozy atmosphere

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

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Debit Cards, Business Checks

Our Hours

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

News

We’re beyond excited to share that we won Best Sandwiches, Best Lunch, Best Burger, and Best Outdoor Dining in this year’s GOAT Awards! 🏆🍔🥪🌞

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing customers for your votes, love, and continued support — you’re the reason we do what we do! 🙌 And an even bigger shoutout to our incredible staff whose dedication and passion make every meal a winning one. 💪❤️

Come celebrate with us and taste what makes us the GOAT! 🐐✨

#GOATAwards #BestOf #ThankYou #AwardWinning #CommunityLove #BestBurger #BestSandwiches #OutdoorDining #Grateful

Info

Job Application
Downtown Alton
Downtown Alton
Sweet Suite
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Vip Club!

Exclusive Offers & Updates

Join Our Vip Club!

Join the Brown Bag Bistro VIP Club and be the first to receive exclusive offers, special promotions, event updates, and important restaurant news. It's a simple way to stay connected and enjoy extra savings on your favorite menu items.

New VIP members can enjoy 50% off pretzels or cheesy garlic bread as a welcome offer when joining the club.
Receive exclusive discounts, limited-time offers, and VIP-only promotions delivered directly to your phone.
Stay informed about upcoming events, seasonal menu items, and special announcements from Brown Bag Bistro.
Enjoy member-only perks and savings designed to reward loyal customers throughout the year.
Quick and easy sign-up process with convenient text message updates, so you never miss out on a great offer.

FAQ

Do you take reservations?

Nope! We operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do you offer takeout or delivery?

Yes! You can order delivery through DoorDash. Just visit the “Order Online” tab on our website to find us. For pickup or takeout, please call us at (618) 433-9933 or use our walk-up window option.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all payment types, including cash, checks, cards, and digital wallets.

Do you serve alcohol?

Yes! We serve beer, wine, seltzers, and a variety of frozen drinks.

Do you offer catering?

For catering inquiries, please email us at brownbagbistro@yahoo.com or reach out through the contact form on our website!

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