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

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.

Best cat cafe I've ever been to. It was so clean and all the cats were friendly and playful. Staff…read morewas accommodating and friendly as well. Will be returning.

This place was truly impressive!!! I got so excited to see something like this coming to our area!…read moreWe need more places like this. The people were kind and welcoming and the cats were also! Had I not just adopted the two we have, I would have definitely taken one (or two) home. The cafe is warm and inviting and well-organized. I cannot wait to go back one day! Thank you for bringing such an amazing place to our area!

Stopped in to give it a try, and was very pleased! My kids loved the sugar cookies and I loved the…read moreooey gooey butter cake!! This place is a nice addition to our town and to our farmer's and artisan's market!

From the owner: Welcome to Frost Bakery. We are located in historic downtown Alton, IL and we love to bake for…read moreyou. If baked from scratch sweets and frou frou coffee drinks are what you like come see us today. Stop in once and you will be back. We offer: - Gooey Butter Cakes - Scones & Cookies - Coffee Cakes & Pies - Cup Cakes & Breads - Savory Breakfast Items - Cheese Cakes & More We welcome special orders. Call us today.

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.

State Street is easily one of my favorite restaurants in the Riverbend area. They were a shining…read morestar in downtown Alton until their lease was not renewed. At first I thought it was a bad call by the landlord. Now that they are located in Elsah, I realize he did them a favor. Beau and Terri rallied and took on the challenge of relocating their restaurant. They searched hight and low and found the perfect location in Elsah, just 8 miles north of the old location. Elsah welcomed them with open arms and issued them the first liquor license in the history of the township. Since the relocation I have been multiple times for lunch. You cannot go wrong with their famous Mushroom Asparagus Soup or one of the popular Paninis. I've also been to a wine dinner that impressed me and my cousin who is a wine connoisseur. The wine and food were paired beautifully. Experiencing a regular dinner in the boutique dinning room is also a delight. Their menu changes regularly, but I must say when you see Terri's Lasagna being offered, that is a sign to order it. You will not be disappointed. All the servers and staff are spectacular. It blows my mind how many of them can remember the names of all their regulars. It makes for a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Next time you're traveling the River Road, take a detour into Elsah and visit State Street on LaSalle.

This is my first time here since they moved to Elsah, and it's as delicious and wonderful as ever…read more The service is so personal, the kind you only get in a small town. The new dining area is beautifully decorated and cozy. And of course the food is delicious. Just look at their panini options and you'll know what I mean. This time I had the potato soup and the roasted turkey panini, and it was absolutely delicious. I only wish I had gotten a full sandwich! I had a dilemma ordering because there were too many incredible options. Thankfully I was able to see a few other dishes that my friends ordered, so I know how yummy they look! I can't wait to return and try more.

Cafe LaNae is a fantastic addition to Wood River and the entire Riverbend area. In my opinion, you…read morecan never have too many bakeries and cafes in your neighborhood. My first visit I kinda went hog wild and stuffed myself. Being a farm boy, I always have to try Biscuits and Gravy. I did a half order, which was a single biscuit. I had mine to go, so it was packaged in a Eco-Friendly To-Go Vessel. The biscuit was wrapped in foil and the milk gravy was in a separate container. Once I assembled it, it was a winner. The biscuit was fluffy and the milk gravy had a fair amount of sausage crumbles and was seasoned perfectly. It made this old farm boy happy. My other treat was a, Bacon Egg Boursin Croissant. It was a true meal in itself. There was plenty of bacon, the eggs were done perfectly and the Boursin made the breakfast sandwich sing. Seriously, I would have never thought to add Boursin to a breakfast croissant and I have it in my icebox all the time. After sampling a savory treats, I had to have something sweet. My sweet treat was their Cinnamon Roll. OMG! I am thankful I do not live closer, because if I did, I'd be having one of these delights daily. I love the open concept of seeing the kitchen. It's always fun to watch you food being prepared. The staff is friendly and makes everyone feel welcomed. With all the experience and connections that LaNae and A.J. have with other businesses; Duke's, Tony's Ranch House, Gentelin's and all the way back to Wimpy's, you know the food is going to be good. I wish them success and recommend you go give them a try.

Cute bakery with breakfast and lunch options. The cinnamon rolls are the most popular bakery item…read moreand they are delicious. We ordered at the counter, sausage egg and cheese biscuit and fried egg with bacon and truffle boursin on a croissant and food was delivered to the table by staff. And also ordered a cinnamon roll for the table. All were so delicious. Biscuit was flakey, croissant buttery and cinnamon roll with buttercream frosting delicious! Great breakfast spot in WoodRiver.

We were looking for a treat around Edwardsville today & Yelp "surprise me" feature selected Cafe…read moreBirdie for us - so glad it did! I had the gluten free lemon lavender donut & a vanilla latte - both were great! My husband had a scone he enjoyed & lemonade that was very freshly squeezed. Service was prompt and friendly - you order up at the counter. Lots of GF options, no upcharge for oat milk, gender neutral bathroooms, cozy seating both indoor and outdoor on the patio, self serve water station.

I live really close to Cafe Birdie and have been wanting to check it out forever, but I never…read moreseemed to be free during their open hours. Pro tip: definitely check their hours before you go--and honestly, just plan your day around it because it's that good. I was expecting your typical little coffee-and-sandwich spot, but it completely exceeded my expectations. They have a couple of parking spaces behind the building, and if those are full, there's a free lot about 500 feet down the road. It was pretty busy at lunchtime. You order at the counter, and they bring everything to your table. There's a mix of indoor and outdoor seating in various sizes, and the decor is adorable. I especially loved the maps--they make great conversation starters. I noticed several tables pointing out places they'd visited and swapping travel stories. The menu has a nice variety. I ordered the chicken salad on ciabatta with a side salad. The chicken salad had a strong dill flavor that I really enjoyed, and the ciabatta was perfectly fresh--not too tough. Next time, I'll probably pick a different side since the salad was basically just lettuce. If there was any dressing, it was super light, so I ended up adding some of the lettuce into my sandwich. The surprise standout, though, was the lavender lemonade--a total sleeper hit. It was scorching hot that day, and I wanted something refreshing, so I ordered it on a whim. Honestly, it was the best lemonade I've ever had. I don't usually find myself making a special trip to a café just for lemonade, but here I am. I'm not sure if it's seasonal, but I really hope it sticks around.

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'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!