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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

Alton, IL | St. Louis Mo. | Bethalto, IL | Wood River, IL | Godfrey, IL | Edwardsville, IL | Roxana, IL | Grafton,IL | Jerseyville, IL

Our Professional Associations


What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

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Testimonials

On 10/15/2025 Rebecca Spencer had this to say:
Brown Bag Bistro is consistently delicious. The staff are excellent. The food is unbeatable. The “Ultimate Ham & Cheese” keeps me coming back for more!

On 10/14/2025 Jack Kerber had this to say:
So fresh ..so tasty. Great value too!

On 10/13/2025 David E. had this to say:
The food is amazing. You get a lot for the money you spend. It was a beautiful day so we sat and ate outside. They have umbrellas at the tables. It was a very relaxing experience.

On 10/12/2025 Sara Christy had this to say:
This was probably one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. This will be my go to when we are in the Alton area. Got carry out but cannot wait to try dine in.

On 10/12/2025 Shirley Derr had this to say:
It's a cool cloudy day......what could be better than "Tomato Basil Bisque and Granny's Grilled Cheese"?"


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

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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: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM


News

🎉 Taste the season with our summer showstoppers! The Crustacean Sensation sandwich is a seafood lover’s dream, and Granny’s Gobble brings comfort food to a whole new level. Fresh, flavorful, and made to satisfy—only at The Brown Bag Bistro. 🍽️ Come hungry, leave happy!

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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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