King Louie's Drive-In is a good old fashioned Root Beer Stand. What? Give me a break, I am old and…read morethat is what we use to call them when I was a little person. It's a restaurant that makes its own Root Beer and serves burgers. The King is not in my immediate area and it's not even in one of my regular driving routes. So I don't think of him that often. I need to change that, because the short out of the way drive is so worth it. I haven't used the car-hop service, but there are always lots of cars with the cute little tray attached to their drivers side window. So, I have it on my bucket list to try on a future visit. Perhaps, I'll bring my fur child to enjoy a plain burger. Since I don't use the car-hop, I go inside to order and eat in the small dining room. Yesterday, it was full of workers from the refinery and other local businesses. Lucky for me after ordering at the counter, I was able to snag a two top table to enjoy my meal. I normally get the Lion Tamer which has jalapeños on it, but today I went with a King Louie. It's a single smash burger and I added cheese. My topping were only pickles, lettuce, onion and a smear of mayo. I had them hold the tomato. I'm not a fan of mayo, but for some reason I like it on my burgers here at King Louie. The edges of my burger were crisp, it had an odd shape so you know it was hand pressed. It explodes with flavor, just like an old time 50's drive-in. The fries are equally impressive. They are super crispy and done to order, no fries sitting under a hot light waiting to be served. What impresses me is they are fries that still have their skins on. For me, that just adds flavor. Of course, the main attraction next to their amazing burgers is the refreshing homemade, Root Beer. It is always the perfect accompaniment to a burger and fries. Next visit, I having a Root Beer Float and really have a flashback to my childhood.

I just went there for my first time today. Kind of unsure what to order, I went with the old school…read moresteakburger as it comes. It was pretty much perfect. Fries are crisp and delicious too! Service took a bit, but that's because it was decently busy when we arrived. I honestly didn't expect the flavor I got with the price I paid. Some say it's overpriced, but this is a local mom and pop place, so you know what kind of quality you're going to get. I definitely recommend this place! Loved it and I will go back.

The ice cream is the best I've ever had and they people that work there one of the most nice people…read moreand I love the little coffee set and ice cream set for little kids an it's so nice

I will say that I made the trip out here solely for the cinnamon roll. I'm always trying to find…read morethe next best cinnamon roll and I was told to check this place out. So, tonight I decided to stop in for coffee and a cinnamon roll. They have my favorite drink on menu so I figured I would try their flat white. I ordered a regular flat white with extra shot of espresso. The staff that served me was very kind and offered to warm my cinnamon roll. She also noted that the espresso machine was going through a cleaning cycle and it would take longer and asked if that was alright. I stated that was no problem and waited. I'd love to say that everything about my experience here was amazing or even great, but unfortunately it fell flat for me and I feel like I wasted some of my money here. The cinnamon roll, it was pretty darn good. I'm picky with my cinnamon rolls and I would definitely come back here for this one. The cinnamon roll was a great size, very good on price point, and most important it was goood! The dough was soft and fluffy with good cinnamon roll gooeyiness throughout, especially in the center. The cream cheese filling was pretty good, not overly sweet. It did have a bit much icing on it for my personal taste but I don't see this being a problem for a lot of people and I'm pretty use to just scraping some off the top to my liking. So, yes, if you are looking for a good cinnamon roll, come to the Vault for theirs. Definitely worth the trip. Unfortunately, the coffee was a miss. I was unable to drink it because it had way too much milk in it. Even with the extra shot of espresso I could only taste milk. I waited to drink it until I got home and brewed a stronger cup of coffee to add to it and still too much milk. So, I saved it for my kiddo who likes coffee flavored milk. Next time for me I'll be ordering plain coffee or americano with my cinnamon roll. That was unfortunately $6.xx coffee I couldn't enjoy. And I was looking forward to having a great cup of coffee with my cinnamon roll! While I was there I thought I would get my husband a concrete. He loves a good mint concrete with some chocolate to it. I knew he didn't like chocolate chips in his mint though so I asked for mint and krunch. I legit thought this would be a crunch bar broken up in with it. When she handed me the concrete I noticed there were a bunch of sprinkles in it so I asked where the sprinkles came from. The staff member told me it was in the krunch. I stated I did not realize that was what krunch was and thought it was the chocolate crunch bar. She stated that it was like a peanut brittle with sprinkles. This was mostly on me...I should have made sure krunch was what I was assuming/thinking krunch was. Despite that, the staff member was very kind and offered to remake the concrete for me. She was in the middle of another order though and told me she would remake a concrete when she was finished. I waited for her to finish thinking she'd come back and ask how I'd like to remake it. I was thinking I'd order him a mint and hard shell or maybe mint and Oreo. However, she just handed me another concrete. I realized she just made a mint chocolate chip. I knew my husband wasn't going to like it, but I felt bad asking her to remake it again so I decided to just take it and head home. I was right, he couldn't eat it. The chocolate chips were just too much and they get hard when in icecream which isn't enjoyable to bite into. So unfortunately, that was thrown out as well. Another $6.xx that wasn't enjoyed. Definitely room for improvement and I hope this feedback helps for future visitors. I do appreciate the staff there. Everyone was very friendly. They were busy and still offered to remake my concrete. It just was unfortunate that I wasn't asked how I would like the concrete remade. This is a very nice place to hang out indoors or outdoor. They have a very spacious inside area with lots of seating from comfy chairs, to bar stools, to hi top tables, to big tables for families/large groups. They also have a walk up window from outside to order ice cream from.

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.

I have a new favorite donut at, Mister Donut. It's the Blueberry Cake. I love Blueberries, but…read morewould have never thought to try this donut. That was until, Ian Frobe the STL food critic sang its praises in a review. The next day after reading the article, I went to experience it for myself. Wow, the donut was moist, soft and cake had a flecks of Blueberries and the flavor was strong, but not overpowering. I immediately feel in love. Now, I change my order up. I'll have some donut holes, then I'll enjoy a Chocolate Long John and the next visit is the Blueberry Cake. The sign above the entry door says, World's Best Coffee. I don't know if I'd go that far to say it's the world's best, but for Donut Shop/Diner coffee it is spot on. I like that they let me bring in my Yeti and they'll fill it up to-go. Save those paper cups. The staff is super friendly. It's a hon and babe, type place, but they still keep it professional. Tipping is optional and these ladies deserve some of your change tossed in their box. When: January 8, 2026 Why: Donuts for Breakfast

A total blast from the past that is 100% genuine! Small…read moretown shop at its best enjoying a brand that has long disappeared from the American landscape. Great people! Great donuts! Great nostalgia! The counter, the stool, the ceramic cups! All like it used to be because it is still a daily business! Make the drive for donuts tomorrow morning!

I picked up a strawberry cheesecake for me and my husband's 27th anniversary. Oh my was it…read morescrumptious! We shared it with some friends and they loved it as well. I plan to order a cake from here for my parent's 68th anniversary. I highly recommend A Little Taste of Heaven. It is truly heavenly.

Cheesecake is the best! That's all I've had from here through work, but it's worth the trip for…read morethat alone.

It always bums me when I have to remove a star from a local business. My last three visits to…read moreTeaspoon Cafe have not been what it use to be. However, the people of Edwardsville still love Teaspoons, because it was packed. Things that disappointed me on my last visit that made me decide to take a star away: They are now serving Kaldi's Coffee a STL roaster. I think it is a shame that they are not supporting one of the many local roasters on the Illinois side of the river. Was disappointed that their iced coffee lids were not sip lids. I prefer them, because I am not a fan of straws. I know some people need or prefer straws, but I like the option of not using one. Save the Turtles. Biggest disappointment was my food. I ordered the Breakfast Platter. My scrambled eggs were fluffy and hot and made fresh. They were very good. The English Muffin was also good. It was obvious it was freshly toasted, because the whipped butter spread and melted easily. The disappointments were the bacon and potatoes. Both were cold and tough. It was obvious that both sides were prepared ahead of time. The bacon did have good flavor, but it was chewy and rubbery. My potatoes were on the burnt side of preparation and cold and chewy like the bacon. Damn, when I've ordered this before it was good, not this time. I will at least say, the service and customer service is still good and consistent with what I've had before. Which actually saved them from getting two stars.

LOVE teaspoons. It's such an underrated tea room in the area. Way better prices than the local tea…read morerooms in stl, but not the traditional experience. Every tea I've ever had here has been off the charts. They have caffeine free options, too! The teapot for two is excellent. I am a sucker for a pick two because I like a lil diversity. The ceasar salad is great. Big fan of the teaspoon pesto sandwich. My partner raves about the chicken croissant and always gets a side salad with olive oil. The workers are nice. Its seat yourself with a number and they clear the table when you're finished. Easy place to bring kids. Plenty of options for seating! Personally love the booth option.

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.

Such a cute little place! Service was good, and the chocolate and original cream horn are a must…read moretry food!! Very good!

I'm so happy to have a place close to me that serves boba/bubble tea. Their taro milk tea is…read moredelicious, the best I've had on this side of the river. I also had a delicious breakfast sandwich here. Every server I've interacted with has been super kind, and the shop is really great to hang out in. I love that they've got late hours, too. I hope more people find there way here.

We've been here twice on the last 2 days! My daughter really loved the Dr. Pepper ice cream and…read morewe had our first ever Açaí bowls! Even the small was a lot to eat. They do serve kaldis coffee, which we didn't try, but I'm sure it's great. We were able to have a nice chat with the owner too. This is such a great addition to East Gate Plaza. As a hockey mom, I'm sure be spending a lot of time here!