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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 8/30/2025 Jared Beck had this to say:
One of my absolute favorite bistros. Their sandwiches are delicious. I had one of the best gooey butter cakes I’ve had here. It is one of our go-to weekend lunch spots. Would 100% recommend.

On 8/26/2025 Doug J. had this to say:
Great sandwiches! They have an awesome patio. Definitely worth checking out. A friend told us to check it out and we really enjoyed it.

On 8/18/2025 Michelle C. had this to say:
Fantastic food! I will return the next time I'm in the area. Homemade and reasonably priced.

On 8/16/2025 Phil Green had this to say:
Nice place and great food. The staff is very nice also.

On 8/11/2025 Emilee Santiago had this to say:
I've been here a few times now and love trying all the different items on their menu. Everything is delicious. They are usually busy so be prepared to wait!

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 - 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!

☀️ Summer’s here, and so is patio season at The Brown Bag Bistro! Kick back with a cold drink, enjoy live music, and dig into our signature soups and sandwiches. Whether you're catching up with friends or soaking in the sun solo, our patio is the place to be. 🎶🍹 Let the good vibes (and great bites) roll!

Customer Shoutout! 🚗💬
A huge thank you to one of our wonderful guests who made not one—but two—stops at The Brown Bag Bistro during their travels! We’re so glad our chicken salad hit the spot (even if we had to keep the recipe a secret 😉).
We love hearing your stories! If you’ve had a great experience with us, leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!
#CustomerLove #BistroFavorites #ChickenSaladCravings #BrownBagBistro #ReviewUs #WorthTheDrive

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