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 Brands include:

Excel Bottling

Our Products include:

Sandwiches
Soups
Chili
Salads
Appetizers
Desserts
Cheesecakes
Beer
Wine

Testimonials

On 12/16/2025 JoWyo21 had this to say:
This place is amazing! I got the granny's grilled cheese and I'm officially addicted. Their salad with their house dressing is phenomenal too. And the brownie cheesecake, it's perfect.

On 12/13/2025 Erin Shewmaker had this to say:
Pistachio Gooey Butter Cake from Brown Bag Bistro. It is by far the BEST dessert I’ve EVER had!!! AMAZING! 😍

On 12/12/2025 Nicholas Schranck had this to say:
Brown Bag Bistro has set the standard in town by consistently delivering high quality food and exceptional service. Their friendly faces make each visit feel like a special occasion. If you're in town for a visit make sure you stop by the 1904 general store for a treat on the ride home!

On 12/9/2025 Nicholas Brokaw had this to say:
They make a pretty good sandwich, better than most. Next time I am going to try there soup as well.

On 11/19/2025 Theodore Tillman had this to say:
This will be my go to for Rubens and corned beef sandwiches. Worth every penny.

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

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: 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 wanted to bring a little holiday cheer with our Christmas-inspired sandwich! 🎄
The Wreath: thinly sliced lemon pepper chicken breast, provolone, basil pesto aioli, roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, and lemon vinaigrette on a toasted plain bagel 🥯

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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