very efficient and sweet staff. scooping ice cream was my first job and so wherever I am visiting…read more I like to check out the local place. pink cow seems to be the place to go. I likes the mint chocolate chip, epresso next. for $2.50, it's a steal. I highly recommend. they close at 9!

I may be in trouble. I use to go to another ice cream shop in Edwardsville to get my Vanilla and…read moreOrange Sherbet twist fix. Tonight, I found out that, The Pink Cow offers it and it's homemade, too. Having The Pink Cow, close to my home, may put some pounds on my frame. The soft serve was not overly sweet and the orange sherbet had a nice tang to it. The twist of vanilla and orange was almost too pretty to eat, but I managed to enjoy it. I liked how the top curled and draped dramatically down the side. The staff of high school students were friendly and helpful. From what I could see through the service window, the preparation area was kept clean. Even the outside in front of the ice cream shop and around the picnic tables were free of debris. My cone was delicious, so I know I'll be back. Except on my next visit, I'll go down a size, so I don't go up a size.

Just visited 1904 General Store for the first time…read more I visited downtown Alton yesterday -- for the first time in years. Decided to check out the general store as soon as I saw it -- it's a cool, welcoming old building. The first floor is full of candy, chocolate, fudge, ice cream, and other treats. I picked out some candy and sampled some delicious Belgian chocolate bars. I bought one for me, but I'll be back in a few months for friends' birthdays, and to try the fudge myself. The ice cream flavors (about 8) were all unique -- you aren't getting a simple chocolate or vanilla here. The most common of the flavors available was a rainbow sorbet. I think some of the other flavors were Shipwreck, Pirate's Bounty, and Superman, though I may not be recalling the names accurately. The upstairs is full of home decor items, including a wall decorated to look like someone's front porch. The styles are cute, though not my speed, as I am something of a minimalist. You can read all about their business and the building's Worlds Fair history over on their facebook page. Hope to visit again soon.

Beautiful old building and lovely stained glass windows! Friendly service from the lady who sold us…read moreice cream and candy.

This coffee was so fun with me and my daughter. We ordered the sausage egg cheese bagel, and my…read moredaughter ordered the croissant with egg cheese and sausage, we LOVED the food, and the baristas choice was lovely and delicious! The energy was so welcoming and home felt, it was cozy and peaceful The barista was working alone, yet was not rude or anything, she welcomed us both with smiles. 10/10 will return!

Memes is a really good place coffee and latte drinks are really good and the food is great. The…read moremorning muffins are always good and the big Italian sandwich is a must. Always a good stop! Jim Greenwald Granite City IL.

I was invited to a dinner party and The Cheesecake Lady, came to my rescue. When I was invited, I…read moreasked if I could bring anything. The hostess immediately said, "Nothing, just bring yourself." Then she corrected herself and said, "If wanted to, I could bring a dessert." I was out running errands and was near Wood River, so I immediately thought of my favorite dessert lady. I went having the intention of buying a whole New York Cheesecake, or a variety of slices. Once I got to her little cheesecake boutique, I saw she had a Box of Bites. It was absolutely perfect. It contained 12 little bite size squares of 4 different cheesecakes. My hostess served a very refreshing and delicious Shrimp Risotto, but the Cheesecakes were the hit of the party. Many of the guest had not heard of, The Cheesecake Lady, so I introduced them to a new locally and woman owned business. Yipe!

Sweet Treats is the BEST bakery I've ever been to!!! Every single item is just outstanding and…read moredifferent from other bakery's. The atmosphere is welcoming and always spotless clean. Service is always quick and the prices are unbeatable. I will never stop recommending Sweet Treats for any and all bakery needs!!

Everything was while cute, dry and rock hard, bland, overpriced, the owner shorted my change and…read morewas very rude. when showing her that a sugar cookie wouldn't even crack when hit on the counter she with a smirk said if you knew how real ones were made it's supposed to be that way. when asking about my change she stat they add grocery tax and she just doesn't have it so shorted the customer instead. $25 for 6 cookies and a rude business owner is NOT the way to go. spend your hard earned money elsewhere!!!!

This place is the BEST! I love their cinnamon rolls and coffee. It's strong and customizable. What…read moremore could you want? Oh yeah-the staff is so kind. I've never had a bad experience here. They are so fast. The vibes are always good. Love this family owned business. Always doing stuff for the community. I recommend trying either an iced matcha with oat milk and vanilla or a cinnamon crème cold brew!! The everything bagel is my favorite sandwich. Started coming here last year and haven't stopped. It's a daily morning staple on my way to work.

Scooter's is a Drive-Thru coffeehouse, with friendly and fast service. Typically, I am not a fan of…read moreany type of drive-thru, but I started to adjust my attitude during Covid. So when Scooter's opened a short distance from my home, I gave them a try. To my surprise, the service was super quick and the quality of coffee was good. Typically, I just get a simple cup of black coffee, but today I went all out. They had a new drink posted on the menu and it caught my attention. I ordered, Vanilla Creme Cold Brew. It was cool, refreshing and not overly sweet. Since I was heading into work my part-time job, I also ordered an, Everything Bagel. It was a sandwich made with, spicy sausage, egg and gouda cheese. Wow! It had the perfect amount of spice and the gouda cheese was melted perfectly around the egg and sausage. I'll be ordering it again and again. The staff was friendly and attentive over the intercom and even more so at the actual drive-up window. Their professionalism shined. Not being a fan of using a drive-thru, this Scooter's has taught me that using one can be a positive experience.

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.

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