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 5/4/2026 Larissa Rockenbach had this to say:
Amazing service!! Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a good sandwich

On 5/2/2026 C.W. Parks had this to say:
I have enjoyed a meal over 40 times in the last 3 years from Brown Bag Bistro. Every one of them was 5 stars every time. The Salads, Soups, and sandwhiches are exceptional. Fresh meats, Fresh Breads, including some fantastic Naan. Scratch made sauces and dressings. The tastiest fresh made salt & Pepper potato chips I have ever had. Hands down, the best homemade ranch dressing for at least a 300 mile radius. Reubens, Roast Beef, and the Wadlow + The River Riplet are 2 forays into flavor that are worthy of representing the area and Brown Bag Bistro. If you don't know, consider yourself informed. This place is exceptional. Every Bite.

On 4/26/2026 Nikki Whaley had this to say:
Stopped in for some lunch and there were some great sandwich options. As a Reuben conisseuer, my husband is always on the quest for the perfect Reuben sandwich. After one bite he proclaimed this sandwich to be 10/10! I took one bite and can confirm 10/10. Perfection. I got the Adamo and it was also delicious. The sides were great, mac n cheese and pasta salad. I would recommend mac n cheese over pasta salad but both were good. Overall we had a great meal while exploring Alton. If we're ever back in the area we will definitely be stopping by again!

On 4/24/2026 Kevin Swieda had this to say:
Wow! This place was so good! Each of our sandwiches were better than I expected and the mac n cheese was outstanding.

On 4/14/2026 Ashley Burgess had this to say:
Food was delicious! I had the rugrat and the kiddos had the Adamo ! Sandwich was so good and the sauce that goes with it takes the cake !! My kids enjoyed it and wanted more ! I will be returning, I wish they could stay open until 5 on weekdays though!

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

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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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