We've loved LuciAnna's from the start on State Street. I was so glad to see so many familiar…read morefavorites in the case when we stopped for a visit. The almond horn and espresso tarts are old favorites. My husband was excited to try the sausage rolls and has enjoyed them. The ambiance is cozy and classy. The large windows allow for a great deal of natural light. There is ample seating inside as well as a couple of tables outside when the weather permits. If you get your food to go, they have offered to heat the necessary food or given instructions on heating if needed for a later time. The owners are extremely friendly and kind.

Since I last reviewed, LuciAnna's Pastries, I've moved to IL and LuciAnna's has relocated in Alton…read more The two of us are now within walking distance of each other. That is a good and a bad thing. It's good for their bottom line and a bad thing for my waistline and weight. At least when I walk there, I am burning some of the calories I will consume. During the week, I enjoy stopping by and grabbing a pastry or two. It's hard to only buy one, when they have so many to choose from. I then continue on my way and enjoy a Blueberry Scone or Raspberry Lemon Cannoli at my leisure later in the day. When it's the weekend, that is when I dine in and enjoy the full experience of LuciAnna's. I either take a patio table which is pet friendly, or a relaxing table inside the charming dining room. I order at the counter and get my table marker, so they know where I am seated. It brunch time, so that also means it is Bloody Mary time. I always have mine with a cup of black coffee chaser. The two balance each other out. My two favorite entrees are; Waffles or anyone of their Benedicts. Seriously, you cannot go wrong with either of them. Plus, you gotta get an order of the, Million Dollar Bacon. Service is always top notch and attentive. You'll enjoy the tea room atmosphere.

When a bakery has been around longer then yourself, you know it is a good bakery. Duke has 5 years…read moreon me and I bet they'll still be here after I cross the Rainbow Bridge. There are several new boutique bakeries that have opened in the Alton area and they're good too, but when it comes to traditional baked goods and donuts, nothing beats Duke. They are know for their donuts, my favorite is the Chocolate Long John and a sack of Donut Holes. Another local favorite they serve up is the Cream Horn. It's decadent cream wrapped in a flakey shell. I've branched out instead of getting my standard order and tried the Cinnamon Roll and Cheese Danish. A few seconds in the microwave and you've got a tasty accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea. The staff is young, and they are both friendly and professional. Good bakery items and friendly customer service, gets me as a repeat customer. If you're a selfie person, they have two great places for photos out front of the bakery, Snap Away.

Delightful little local bakery that has been clutch for events & gifts. Great cakes, cookies, and…read moremacrons. They accept orders online and over the phone; but also have a decent selection for walk in orders as well, which is very convenient. So many Last minute cakes! Less than favorable street parking situation, but that's the downtown life.

Beverly Farms is a loving, caring home for adults with developmental disabilities. They provide the…read morenearly 400 individuals who reside their with physical and emotional security and a dignified quality of life, with opportunities and challenges, within each individual's functional capabilities. Developmental training is key to personal achievement for the people who live at Beverly Farm. Through employment at Buzy Bee Bakery, individuals learn new skills, are able to reach goals and function at their highest possible level. The residents at Beverly Farm attend the Development Training Center, where all of the bakery items are prepared. The Buzy Bee Bakery is licensed and inspected through the Madison Co Health Dept. The menu consists of: cookies, muffins, breads, brownies, cupcakes, cakes and rice krispie treats. You can purchase individual, by the dozen, half dozen or cake. The bakery also offers three different flavors of coffee. Today I got the gooey butter cake square, the lady behind the counter asked if I wanted a piece in the middle of the corner, PLEASE give me the corner, I always love the crunchy crust. Here is the kicker a square of gooey butter cake and a large coffee to got for the price of $2.61. I almost fell over, seriously tooooo cheap. But so delicious. I did not notice their hours, my bad, But if you are in the area please check out this wonderful non for profit bakery, and not only do you walk away with a happy wallet and belly, but your heart should feel good as well...

Since I retired almost 3 years ago, I've enjoyed having breakfast out. I had an early AM shift for…read morework and my body alarm clock hasn't adjusted, so I just get up and go out for a hearty breakfast and Clifton Country Inn is one of my favorites in my restaurant rotation. I've ordered a variety of different breakfasts and have never been disappointed. My recent outing, I enjoyed their Chicken Fried Steak with a side of scrambled eggs, Hash Browns and a Biscuit. When the waitress asked if I wanted Hash Browns or American Fries, I asked her what her favorite was and she said Hash Browns and she recommended adding onions. I took her advice and she was so right. I also liked that they put the Milk Gravy on the side, so I could add it to my Chicken Fried Steak and to my fluffy biscuit. Another thing that I like here, is their seasoning. They do not over salt in the preparation. The service here is friendly and attentive. I typically sit at the small counter, so I do not tie up one of the tables dining alone. One of the advantages of sitting at the counter, my coffee cup is never empty. All the waitress keep it full, since the coffee station is right there. I need to expand my experience and go here for lunch. I've heard the burgers are pretty delicious, too.

This takes the cake as my new favorite breakfast spot! Absolutely what I want from a diner…read morebreakfast. The chocolate chip pancakes were delicious (it's been so long since I've had pancakes this good) and the corned beef hash and potatoes was excellent too. Our server was attentive and sweet, and the place is pretty quiet and relaxing. (Even with our very large group.) It's not too crowded or loud. Not to mention, you can get breakfast all day, I'm pretty sure.

I don't like when I have to give a family owned business a bad review. This week's bakery crawl…read moretook me to Good Knight Cupcake and Cookies in Wood River, IL. First off it is a little hard to get to the place, it is in a strip mall and you have to go down the road, make a U turn and come back. I arrived before 8 o'clock and either them had a huge rush, or they just don't fill the shelves. They had maybe 5 cupcakes left in the case and two six packs of day old cupcakes. These were a bargain at $6 for the 6. We got Choco Mocha, Very Cherry, Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter Cup. They were very pretty and nicely presented, but they were dry and the icing was very sugary tasting. One word......disappointed.

This is the cutest place ever! We walked in and came out with cupcakes, cookies, and cakepops. My…read moreyoungest daughter said that their cakepops are better than starbucks cakepops.

Marie has the absolute best "Cheese Cakes" around!!!! My favorite is her Turtle. You got to try…read moreit because you will want more....I promise!!!

From the owner: Offering more than 60 dielicious cheesecakes, box lunches, party trays, desserts, handcrafted…read morecandies, soups, cookies & brownies, holiday specialties, client gifts, appetizers, wedding cheesecakes & much, much more. If you're having a party & you need food, call us. If you're having a party & you just need desserts, call us. With 30+ years experience in the food industry we can help with every aspect of your event - from planning to cleanup.

Love this fabulously funky coffee space in the Milton Schoolhouse! Comfortable and cozy where…read morepeople sat studying, chatting, reading. My dirty chai was really great and Clyde's latte was as well. We shared a GF/Vegan banana chocolate muffin - yum! Staff was friendly and welcoming. The Milton Schoolhouse is a terrific space with other businesses to check out as well. Highly recommend!

I absolutely love this coffee shop. The coffee is always so good and so strong. They offer a bunch…read moreof different bakery items. I am gluten-free and they had this amazing vegan banana muffin that was gluten-free. It was so delicious. The people that work there are so kind. The vibe is really cool too because it's in an old school house and it has a bunch of different little shops in it too. I highly recommend if you're in the area to check it out. It is definitely worth the trip and you will not regret it. They also have alcoholic drinks too, but I have never tried any there.

Incredible place. Love that they have a shop in Bethalto, IL. We special ordered donuts for our…read moredaughters birthday. She wanted a glazed donut with white icing and gold sprinkles. They look and taste amazing!

Great donuts, not greasy, and taste wonderful the next day! if you ask for special like added icing…read morethey more than welcome your order. Staff is warm welcoming and aim to help the customers. Small seating area inside and outside.