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 4/10/2026 Jillian Johnson had this to say:
Excellent find! We visited on a Saturday afternoon. The restaurant was busy but service was fast. Granny’s grilled cheese was incredible. Great vegetarian options.

On 4/9/2026 Paula 7. had this to say:
This place makes some yummy delicious food! The chicken sandwich was fantastic and the view is out of this world. Just a different experience next to the Mississippi River.

On 3/30/2026 Carly Caesar had this to say:
My partner and I have been here a few times and each time it just gets better! The place has a very cozy and relaxed vibe, both inside and outside. The dips are to die for- we love the spinach artichoke dip as well as the jalapeño popper dip. This last time we went, we both got the adamo sandwich and it was fantastic. Generous portions and fresh ingredients. We were told it would take about 25 minutes to get our food, but it only ended up taking about 15. Employees are all super friendly and helpful. Keep doing what you’re doing- you’re doing great! <3

On 3/17/2026 Darrin Williams had this to say:
Excellent! Delicious we love the Granny toasted cheese special with tomatoe soup. It was surprisingly delicious it has some sliced thin apples with some sauce that was sweet with that melted cheese. It was perfect with the soup. Then also got the veggie Naan. We made sure for lunch we got to try the special as much as we could it was great for the weather. Something warm and cozy. I still haven't tried few sandwiches that is on my list but I will soon.

On 3/14/2026 Angelina L. had this to say:
Had a great experience at the brown bag bistro! The menu is filled with unique items and there is something for everyone. I got the granny grilled cheese which had apples, brown butter aioli and cheese that came with tomato soup. It was beyond delicious. My husband got the turkey Rueben which was so filling and that slaw was amazing. Cheese bread is super cheese y and I love the red sauce that came with it. You can't beat a good ceaser salad as well. They have a wonderful patio, indoor seating and seating above their store next door. Our service was great and we got a lot of food and it didn't take long on a busier Saturday.

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, 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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