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!

When I work my part-time gig, I pass by this Germania Brew Haus. Its location makes it easy to pull…read moreinto the huge parking lot, pull up to the order window, circle the building and pickup my coffee on the other side. It's a cute little building, reminds me of a tiny house. The service is quick, easy and the staff is friendly. This is one very fast drive-thru for for your morning cup of joe. If you need a nosh to accompany your java, they've got some baked goods, too. This is Germania's third location. It pleases me, when a local business grows into a mini chain.

Great coffee; made exactly to my specifications! Easy to…read moreorder and pick up. Only drive thru option!

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.

Such a cool space in the old Post Office. Elevated coffee house vibe with total respect and love…read morefor the building's history. So Alton! HANNAH is the GM and she is an amazing host. Knowledge and willing to share ingredients and labels as she helped me order Gluten/Dairy/Sugar free. We had yummy greens with eggs and turkey sausage (hold the croutons). The poppyseed vinaigrette was dairy free and just perfect. My matcha latte and Clyde's coffee latte were delicious. Troy had pizza and he loved the crust ( he had regular but they DO offer GF crust AND vegan cheese!). Sam's French Toast looked amazing in all its gluten-filled glory. We also tried the immunity shots from CJ's Juicery and they were dynamite. If we still lived here full time I'd be making the drive over from STL once a week for that breakfast salad and matcha. The menu is varied and thoughtful, altho I would love to see them find a way to offer at least one gluten free bread (I bet their avocado toast rocks!). I understand it is not an easy undertaking for small kitchens to manage proper handling of GF if it's not their focus. However I promise those on a restricted diet can absolutely find something here due to Hannah's expertise.

If you didn't already know, Post Commons has added two tenants to the building. They now share this…read moregrand old post office with, Good News Brewing Company and CJ's Juicery. However, this review is about them, so let me focus on them only. If you go to Post Commons, you gotta get a biscuit. Their biscuits are homemade and they are delicious. My personal favorite biscuit sandwich is the Sausage. In addition to the sausage patty, it has cream cheese and pepper jam. The pepper jam is what really makes this sammie special. If you're wanting a more hearty breakfast, you can create your own plate with items from the A La Carte menu. I've created one with two scrambled eggs, bacon and breakfast potatoes. The potatoes are cut into little cubes and fried to a crispy golden color. It's a great place to meet friends for a cup of coffee. The staff is cordial and makes you feel welcomed. Why go to a chain coffee shop, when you have a unique one in a old post office building? There is, no reason to go. When: February 4, 2026 Why: Biscuit Sandwich

When I moved out of the big city of STL, one thing I knew I was going to miss was all of the…read morespeciality boutiques. As I learn my new hometown, those needs are being fulfilled by new discoveries. I have always enjoyed buying my olive oils and balsamics from small speciality shops. Especially, little mom and pop stores. Their personalized customer service always seems to go a step beyond. I find that to be true here at the, Olive Oil Marketplace. Moving in a pandemic and cooking more at home while restaurants are shut down for eat-in, my inventory of olive oil was getting depleted fast. While I was shopping for furniture across the street, I noticed OOM as I returned to my car. Needing to stock up on olive oil, I popped inside and was pleasantly surprised. Their offerings were as extensive as some of my favorite boutiques in STL, so I felt at ease. The sales associate working that day was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She asked about my preferences and different things that I liked. She also offered me little samplings to assist me in making my decisions. I was immediately sold on the, Jalapeño Olive Oil. Her letting me sample and sharing her opinion on, Tunisian EVOO sold me. It was so smooth and it was organic, too. In addition to the two bottles of olive oil, I purchased some Italian Herb Balsamic. No kitchen is complete without a bottle of it. While I was checking out, they signed me up for their rewards program. Which is a good thing, because I know I am going to be a regular. Good inventory and customer service is going to keep me coming back. To my surprise, you get a small free bottle on your birthday and since mine was just a day or two away, they honored it. I selected, Hickory Smoked Balsamic. Yum-Yum! When: November 14, 2020 Why: Needed Olive Oil

Well they called me me when they got the Scorpion and Ghost Pepper hot sauce in. I appreciate…read morethat. Now I am overwhelmed by the deliciousness of that hot sauce that I have to put it on everything. This hot sauce is so delicious, it makes everything taste great. I have never had a hot sauce like this in my life. My only complaint is it only comes in a little bottle, because I always need more. This hot sauce is designed for my taste buds, it makes food an experience and everything is better to my taste buds. The sweetness, spicy, hot, salty and fire, it's all there. Nothing overwhelms the other flavors; they all work in perfect harmony to to bring pleasure to the pallet. Everything I put this hot sauce on was enhanced to another level of a great taste explosion in my mouth. Even chips tasted better with this on it...Makes a boring salad come alive and create a party in my mouth. This hot sauce is almost like making love, you taste the sweetness, then a slight salty tease and then the slow release of a pleasurable hot fire hits your mouth and as soon as it peaks you start wanting the next drop on your tongue and lips. It makes your mouth water with ecstasy, your mouth becomes numb with pleasure and then you want more. Who would have known combining two peppers together would make such harmonies pleasure with everything they come in contact with. I recommend this hot sauce over all the others. It has everything I ever wanted, it is sophistication.

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.

Stopped in on a Saturday night. All the machines were full. Cool....guess I will just have a beer…read moreand wait. No...says the staff person. If you are mot playing can't wait. Literally, I offered to buy a beer and wait and she said no. Forgot this place. Better options for your recreational dollats.

I absolutely love this new location on Ridge Street. It's so easy to buzz through the drive-thru,…read moreget a refreshing caffeine beverage before crossing the Clark Bridge. My current favorite is a seasonal offering, Cinnamon Honey Latte. If I'm stopping before noon, it's always hot and after 12 noon, it's iced. I love the blending of cinnamon & honey. It's a sweet treat, but not overly sweet. If you need something savory to eat, I am a huge fan of their, Jalapeño Sausage Biscuit. It's delicious and easy to eat while driving. If you want something sweet, you cannot go wrong with one of their scones. Again, easy to eat on the road. If your co-pilot is your four legged best friend, be sure to get them a free Pup-Cup. They'll thank-you with lots of licks.

First time visiting the new location. Wow it looks amazing and I'm so glad they have a drive…read morethrough now to speed things up. I got a maple cortado which was a seasonal menu item. I love germanias drinks and it's always fun to try something new. The drive through made my experience quick. I liked my drink but I don't think I'd order it again cause it was a bit too sweet for me. I do think they have the best cold brew I've ever had.