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 6/18/2026 Steven Schneider had this to say:
Just stopped in for the first time today, totally regret that! Had the Italian Beef upon recommendation and was it worth it? WOW! They have an amazing menu you gotta check this place out! Great work guys and gals!

On 6/18/2026 trina vetter had this to say:
We stopped in for lunch, but our time was limited. When we asked the cashier how long a to-go order would take, she was honest that it might be longer than we had available. She then suggested the soup or salad since those would be much quicker. That was incredibly helpful and appreciated. We ended up ordering the loaded baked potato soup and a lemon blueberry gooey butter cake to take back to the office. I’m so glad we did because it was far better than grabbing fast food. The soup was thick, hearty, and absolutely loaded with ingredients. The bacon wasn’t little bits sprinkled on top. It was generous chunks throughout the soup. Every bite was delicious. The lemon blueberry gooey butter cake was the perfect sweet treat to finish the meal. Great customer service, great food, and a great experience overall. We’ll definitely be back when we have more time to try other menu items.

On 6/10/2026 Megan DeMand had this to say:
The food was really good. The Italian beef sandwiches were great. Can’t wait to eat there again.

On 6/7/2026 Julie Paul had this to say:
We used their catering services for a baby shower and Chris is so accommodating. The food was exceptional and she even cut them in half and wrapped them in brown paper with twine! They were adorable and fit perfectly into the country garden theme! Many thanks for always going above and beyond expectations.

On 5/31/2026 Ryan Lutker had this to say:
Service was friendly and quick. The Garden Variety sandwich was excellent!

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

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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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