This is a hard review to write. The things Josephine's did right, were amazing and the things they…read moredid wrong, ruined the entire experience. It had me walking out of there after my lunch saying, "It ain't all that." I lived in the area when Josephine's first opened, so I've heard about it for years and years. I moved away and then moved back about 5 years ago. Again, I kept hearing stories about Josephine's, so I finally decided to check them out. I dined as a single male and I am now wondering if I was discriminated against because I did not have a lady with me. My experience started off nice, I was impressed with the fire pit burning outside as I approached the entrance. Once inside, I was greeted by a hostess. Lucky for me they had a table available, because I did not have a reservation. Reservations are recommended. The ambiance is nice, but it's very dated and could use a serious updating. I also found the tables to be extremely crowded. They all were super close, which made it kinda uncomfortable. However, I understand they want to serve as many guests as possible. I had studied the menu on line and basically knew what I wanted. Once I was seated I decided to have a glass of Pino Grigio. Big mistake. If I had seen the price of a glass, I would have not ordered one. The glass of wine was only $6.99 and it tasted like a cheap wine. Major disappointment. My meal was good, but not up to all the hype they receive. The Lobster Bisque was steakhouse quality and very good. I also enjoyed my 1/2 Club Sandwich. They were not stingy with the three meats, (ham, turkey and bacon) and the winter tomato even gets a thumbs up. My Mystery Pecan Pie was average, but it still satisfied my sweet tooth. The biggest disappointment was the service. I have received better service at greasy spoon. My server was rather gruff. She was always rushing and barely stopped long enough to speak to me. After my food was served, I needed a napkin and as she was passing by, I requested one. She reached over to a rack and tossed a linen napkin back to my table. She then told me they had paper ones, if I preferred them. I declined saying, I preferred the linen. I'll go again, but next time I'll be sure to have a female escort. I hate to say it, but I really believe I was treated differently because I was alone. When: February 17, 2026 Why: Lunch

Josephine's Tea Room & Gifts is still one of my absolute favorite places to spend an afternoon. The…read moredrive to Godfrey is always beautiful, no matter the season, with gorgeous river views, colorful trees, and the kind of scenery that makes for great conversation on the way. One of the things I look forward to most is seeing how Josephine's is decorated for each season and holiday. Their designers are incredibly creative and inspiring. I always make a beeline for the main fireplace mantle to see what masterpieces they've put together. And the best part? Everything they decorate with is available for purchase in the boutiques. Now for the real star of the show: the desserts. Almond Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, Bread Pudding, Strawberry Shortcake, truly the best part of the meal. And the dessert trays don't even show everything; they often have cobblers, cream pies, and additional sweets that satisfy every kind of craving. We usually take two or three home to share with everyone. As for the menu, my go-to is the 1/2 Crystal Bowl Salad, which comes with a bowl of soup and a muffin. Their homemade poppyseed dressing is incredible. Other favorites of mine include the Lobster Bisque, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Ham Special Sandwich, and of course, the rotating daily specials. Iced Tea and Sweet Tea here is so good, they even give you, your own mini refill carafe which I appreciate greatly. Josephine's is charming, delicious, and always worth the trip.

I am so excited to announce that, Ruby Wren has moved to a new and larger space. They've only been…read moreopen a year and their success has out grown their original space. I am so glad to see, the community is truly supporting and shopping local. For those of you who do not know, The Ruby Wren is a family owned and operated eclectic boutique. It is now located in Godfrey, IL in the Monticello Plaza. It's the home of, State Street Soap Co Refinery and 30 local Artisans. With 30 Artisans, you will be sure to find a gift for someone on your holiday list. It doesn't even have to be a holiday gift, it's also a great place for birthday, anniversary, baby and house warming gifts. You can even shop for yourself. Ruby Wren is now one of my go-to's, when I need a gift. Give them a try and I am sure they'll soon be your go-to, too.

From the owner: The Painting Bee has joined the Ruby Wren Eclectic Boutique in Godfrey, Illinois in a collaboration…read moreto create a unique walk-in DIY creative space in the Wren Den. We offer group workshops each month, including hat burning, sea glass lighted faux succulents, terrariums, bath salts, dot art, and acrylic painting. We also offer walk-ins in dot art, bath bar, candle bar, switch-craft door rounds and personalized layered wood cutouts, faux-to-go crushed glass & resin, sea glass lighted succulents and terrariums. The Wren Den is also a space that can be reserved for your private party room or private workshop. We are frequently adding more to our offerings.

OMG! White Birch has given itself a refreshing remodel and it looks amazing. The side entrance is…read moreno longer, you now enter through the front. A simple change like that, totally improved the flow of the entire store. Whenever I need gifts for my female family members and BFF's, I know I can find something at White Birch. They've got everything a person needs for entertaining. I have to control myself when shopping, because I want to buy something for myself. I love Nora Fleming and I'm always tempted to buy the newest items. I like that they have locally branded items. They'll offer locally themed tea towels with both. Alton and Godfrey printed on them. Another one of my favorite things to purchase here are; cocktail napkins and greeting cards. They've got some of the wittiest cards and the napkins make me laugh, too. They also have a fashion boutique for the ladies. A couple of my family members have bought items and have looked very stylish. On occasion, WB will have a few mens shirts and I've bought them and constantly get compliments, when I wear them. The service is very personalized and when you become a regular, they'll remember your name. If they don't remember your name, they'll remember what you bought and will make recommendations based on previous purchases. That's impressive and excellent customer service. Getting married soon? Be sure to use the Bridal Registry at White Birch.

Return/expiration policies are very strict. No exceptions...at least for me but I'm betting there…read moreare plenty depending on who you are.

If you need a unique gift, Honeybee is where you need to shop. It's a good mixture of new and…read morevintage merchandise. It is a great addition to E Broadway (Downtown Alton). I'll admit, I haven't bought a gift here. However, I have bought myself several new pairs of socks, a couple of Christmas ornaments and a candle or two. As you can see, any of those items would make a nice one. I apologize for no pictures, but was I so impressed while I shopped I just forgot. I'll go back and add photos at a later date. I also enjoyed talking with the owner, she is so bubbly and pro Alton.

Love this locally owned boutique! They have work from lots of local makers, it's beautifully laid…read moreout with a selection great for browsing. You'll spend more than 20min here. They have fancy chocolate, local food, dishes & silverware and ceramics. There's art for sale by local artists. They have plenty of jewelry to browse through. There's clothes and antiques too. Great spot!

Had a great visit to this one after eating next door. We grabbed some fudge and my wife was able to…read morefind some fun thing for the front of the house going into fall :) Pretty sure we were talking to the owner, she was super nice! We will be back to this one again as well. Near laid out store, lots of seating upstairs with tons of outdoor stuff or things for around the house. Worth a visit :)

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.

We were walking by and stopped in. So many plants. So many sizes of plants. They even have a…read moreprorogation walk. Leave one. Take one. Check their website. They even offer classes.

This store is like Christmas morning to a plant lover. Such knowledgeable staff and owner, very…read morehelpful and kind. I've learned so much from them. They have online ordering too if you do not live nearby. They have really good house plant supplies such as soil, fertilizers, lots of things to promote growth, etc. so much more than I can describe. Of course they have an amazing selection of houseplants. They label which ones are pet friendly too. Love love love. Cannot say enough wonderful things about this business.

Very sweet & kind owners just love the shop . Jamie Fornachon lots of things to choose from …read more Nice floral arrangements .I would recommend the shop to anyone who wants something sweet &personable.

From the owner: we do floral arrangements for all occasions. We add a special hug or prayer if needed to those who…read morehave had loss. We provide smiles to those who have birthday's, congratulations, anniversaries, etc.