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.

Oh, Happy Day. I love the new location of CJ's Juicery. It is so cool having it inside Post…read moreCommons. What I like best, is that they open at 9 AM. I can now stop by and get a smoothie on my way to my part-time job. The new space is just inside the entrance. It's on the left side, that use to be set up as a bar. I like the convenience of being able to order my smoothie and then going over to the Post Commons counter and ordering a breakfast biscuit sandwich. My go to smoothie is always the, PBJ. It's a tasty mix of; blueberries, strawberries, bananas, peanut butter, dates and chia seeds. Once the blended concoction is poured into a glass, it's topped with granola. It's a great way to start the day. The service is always top notch. I've followed CJ's from the two previous locations to this third one and have never been disappointed. If you want a smoothie, avoid the chain company and go local with CJ's. When: February 4, 2026 Why: Breakfast Smoothie

CJ's has a very fun, bright, and chill vibe, with couches, tables, games, and even a video game…read more They also have a bistro set outside. Their PB&J bowl is delicious. The Mother Earth Matcha is beautiful and tasty. I've only ever encountered positivity and friendliness from the owner. She is willing to help with recommendations, as well.

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 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!

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.

Came here on a cold winter day and it filled me with so much warmth and happiness. I forgot to take…read moreany photos of the inside because I was so excited to order. They have a delicious looking menu with lots of good looking sandwiches and some yummy desserts. I opted for a winter special of the granny grilled cheese and it comes to the side of soup and I got a mini cheesecake on the side. The girls working upfront are so sweet and took my order quickly and answered all of my questions. They also did a great job of bagging up my order to go with utensils and napkins in the bag which I really appreciate. They also even tape closed the box so nothing spills. When I got home and sat down to eat, the food all looked delicious and made it home safe because of the careful packaging. The granny grilled cheese was the perfect mix of sweet and savory that I adore. It was a little messy to eat, but I was eating by myself at home so I didn't care. The tomato soup was the perfect addition to a snowy day. it was warm and flavorful. The cheesecake was also delicious. I got the mini one so I could convince myself I was being healthy but wish I would have gotten a full sized slice because of how delicious it was. I got my order to go for a couple different reasons but one is that they don't have the largest inside seating area and it tends to get pretty full. It's nice to come on a summer day because they have a pretty large outdoor seating area that you wouldn't be able to use in the winter is parking but there's a lot of spaces in the area.

Had a great experience at the brown bag bistro! The menu is…read morefilled with unique items and there is something for everyone. I got the granny grilled cheese which had apples, brown butter aioli and cheese that came with tomato soup. It was beyond delicious. My husband got the turkey Rueben which was so filling and that slaw was amazing. Cheese bread is super cheese y and I love the red sauce that came with it. You can't beat a good ceaser salad as well. They have a wonderful patio, indoor seating and seating above their store next door. Our service was great and we got a lot of food and it didn't take long on a busier Saturday.

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!

This is a great place for desserts if you live here or go here you should the cake it's really…read moreamazing