State Street is easily one of my favorite restaurants in the Riverbend area. They were a shining star 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. read more

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This is my first time here since they moved to Elsah, and it's as delicious and wonderful as ever. 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. read more

State Street on LaSalle - Soup Du Jour and Roasted Turkey Panini - New American Near Me - Elsa, Illinois

Nothing but good service and great food at this restaurant every time. Again, I had to go with the pick 2 combo because I just can't decide on 1. Plus, I make my husband order something different so I can taste 4 items. I ordered the roasted turkey panini and beet salad. This was probably my all time favorite and will definitely order it again. The cranberry horseradish sauce makes this panini top notch. The beet salad is fresh, colorful and an explosion of flavors that compliments each other. The owner, Terri, is always there to greet you at the door with a smile and welcome you back soon. I love the history of the building and the decor is fabulous. read more

State Street on LaSalle - Look at the colors in that salad! It is definitely an "eat with your eyes" meal with an explosion of flavors in your mouth. - New American Near Me - Elsa, Illinois

Truly had an amazing dinner and experience. What a a wonderful time and cozy atmosphere. I should say something less attractive about this restaurant because if everyone knows about it you will never get a table. I would highly recommend this for any occasion. Family owned and the details of perfection are on point. If you're lucky you can ask for a song and hear an angelic voice. Thanks again for an eventful and incredible time. read more

Fantastic culinary oasis off the River road. Always a consistent superior level of food, wine/cocktails & service. The ambience is special. read more

The location and atmosphere were both charming. The restaurant was only about half occupied, but it took over 40 minutes to get our food (apparently, a large group arrived just after we did). Food was someone bland but our server brought some hot sauce that really brought out the flavor. The owner, Teri, took the time to explain to us that they have only been at this location for four months, and they are still establishing their clientele. She was super kind and generous. Best wishes on future success! read more

Incredible birthday dinner last night! New menu items for August are wonderful! Love the blooming onion filet. Dad loved the truffle pork chop and my partner loved the seafood pasta. Great service as always at dinner. It was my birthday and they kindly gave me a chocolate berry torte at the end! Such a sweet surprise. read more

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Always great food and service! They have the best menu options. Cutest patio, too! Highly recommend! read more

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My first experience here and I really appreciate the staff. Food is unique and our waitress was exceptional

Lovely country kitchen decor. Wait staff knowledgeable, courteous, and friendly. Menu varied with specials added. Locally sourced ingredients. It is my go-to restaurant. read more

Amazing meal. Went got the salmon and steak which were both amazing. Quaint atmosphere in the small town of Elsah. Our server Melanie was so sweet. I also told them that we were celebrating a grad school milestone and the whole staff congratulated me. Such a welcoming environment. Can't recommend enough!! read more

We arrived at this historic restaurant and saw immediately the charming ambiance. The wait person was also charming, sweet, helpful, and attentive--we all really liked her. My Arnold Palmer was deliciously mixed. Our party of 4 were impressed with the salads and sandwiches we got for lunch. I had the Braunschweiger and mustard sandwich and salad with beets. I happily ate every bite. I'd advise you to give this little gem a try! read more

Delicious food and great company!!! Moving to Elsah. I have a nice 1bd. spacious apartment to rent in Elsah for any staffers. Rentfromtonya@yahooo.com read more

From great service to great food. Everyone was super friendly and I really enjoyed my brunch. The bloody Mary was excellent! There was some confusion on my order and it was fixed immediately. I can't wait to come back and sit on their patio, it looked super cute! read more

State Street on LaSalle - Bloody Mary - New American Near Me - Elsa, Illinois

We had a lovely dining experience at State Street Market. The tamale with white chocolate mole sauce was the hands down winner of our table, but the Asian fusion shrimp, bone in pork chops, and Moroccan salmon dishes were all excellent. The drinks were made and served to perfection. The wait staff were friendly and helpful. We will definitely return to this restaurant when we are in the area. read more

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What a nice little spot for drinks and dinner in downtown Alton! We sat at the copper bar for drinks. Didn't order food but everything looked great coming out of the kitchen. This place is a bit upscale with a nice patio out back and plenty of room in the dining room. They also sell high quality wines. Great place to go for a date or take your parents/family out for a nice dinner! read more

State Street on LaSalle - Charcuterie Board small - New American Near Me - Elsa, Illinois

A real gem of a bistro located in a historic bldg. that Abe Lincoln once stayed in Alton, IL. The staff is amazing and the food is too. The outside patio reminds me of Greenwich Village NYC with old brick and fountains - what a great vibe. Really cool solid copper bar with a super-entertaining bartender whipping up some badass drinks! Owners are on-site most nights too and take time to hang out and meet customers. How cool is that??! read more

Service was excellent, food excellent and ambiance was excellent We'll be back! Very unique location in Alton, doing a bustling business on a Wednesday evening. read more

Our first visit to Alton, IL and my wife and I found State Street Market. The food is fantastic, Erin served us and her recommendations were spot on for our tastes. We both had the BLT and Avocado sandwich. The portions were very generous. Took some asparagus and mushroom soup home. We live in St Charles, but will visit often. Hope we see you soon, Erin. read more

Dinner time - When we walked in a very nice and polite employee was on the phone and turned around to let us know she would be with us in a moment. Understandable, they were busy. Yea for them! She did come back, only to be rudely spoken to by another employee at the receptionist desk, wow.They need to work on this! We were asked if we had reservations? Did not strike me as a place that you would need reservations?? Would suggest posting that online. The service was great and they have good choice of health foods/meals. Note,They rotate the menu to keep it fresh. Enjoyed the wine, music, and decor. Also, note that the seating is tight for a party of two. They truly are making the best out of the space they have. Will return. read more

Another Saturday at State Street! Erin's the best never lets my Prosecco go empty! Or my girl's bloody.

Parked on the street to go to a nearby restaurant and was drawn into this restaurant, bar and wine store. The owner and staff were so friendly and helpful. They insisted in carrying my box of wine to my car. Amazing experience! read more

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I have never been to State St Market where I did not have a great lunch. Tried it for dinner this time for a family birthday dinner. The poor little server had to stand and recite all the changes and substitutions on the menu. It was overwhelming and very confusing. The only people at the table that were happy with their meals were those that got a salad only. They were so confused with the menu changes they played it safe. The salmon was good. The pork chop and chicken dish they offered that evening were sub par. To make the dining experience even more uncomfortable was the owner was well in to her cups and was going around to tables, slurring her words and it was downright embarrassing. I am not going to write off SSM because in the past it was always delightful for lunch. But until they get the dinner menu straightened out, no more dinner visits. read more

One of the coolest spots around no matter what big city you hail from across the nation, this might beat your cities best! (Please prove me wrong and I'll come see for myself!) The curated menu is full of thoughtfulness and imagination. First time to have beat crisps, burrata and flower infused pappardelle and it was all in one dish! God! It was good! Hats off to the chef read more

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I met a friend for lunch and we loved the ambiance - it's very cute and although we ate indoors, the patio looked lovely. Our sandwiches were very good and the service was great. We will be back! read more

Amazing food and ambiance!! Quick and hospitable service! We can't wait to return !!! read more

State Street on LaSalle - The braised beef tamal and rhubarb chicken - New American Near Me - Elsa, Illinois

My son and I stopped in for dinner one evening and were so pleasantly impressed with the ambiance and quaint decoration throughout. The lady who sat us also ended up being our waitress and she was by far the best we've had for servers- she mentioned that if we came in the fall, they have a very lovely back patio and large fire pit and they have nice blankets for use in sitting out back. I asked the server to suggest a good gin drink and we settled on a vioux mot (gin, lime, elderflower liqueur...sooooo good). I was truly impressed with the knowledge and descriptions of the food provided by the server it was hard to decide what to try! I settled on the house soup and roasted beet salad. My son had the meatball appetizer and Twisted Cuban. Everything was very good. I took my husband back on another occasion and had a different server and the experience was not nearly as good. However, I would recommend this restaurant. And the gin cocktails are delicious! read more

State Street on LaSalle - Front: Roasted beet salad, house soup, Back: Twisted Cuban sandwich, Cocktail: Vioux Mot - New American Near Me - Elsa, Illinois

The staff was very accommodating about moving chairs, etc. to fit my daughter's wheelchair. The servers checked on us several times, and the food tasted super fresh. I'll be back! read more

Had the best dinner in our lives!! Filet was amazing and the pork chop was out of this world. This is quite a gem in Alton. The chef's offerings are superb! Can't say enough about the quality and tastiness of our meals. Service was outstanding and the ambiance perfect!!! read more

The food is great, but Erin is her own reason to come here. She makes this our favorite brunch place. #bestserverinthearea

Lovely lunch served quickly and cheerfully by Erin with a slice of Key Lime Pie to finish it all off Yum!

My Granny and Grammy ate breakfast today! Erin was awesome! They can not stop talking about her and their food was good!!!

Erin was amazing!! She makes me want to come back!! She is so friendly and knowledgeable

My husband and I have been here twice so far. Once for brunch and other for dinner. Both experiences were excellent. The staff is super friendly, welcoming, and accommodating; including the owner. The atmosphere is quaint, and the food is delicious! Everything we ate was wonderful, but my favorite is the hunka hunka burnin love. We will be back and highly recommend! read more

Always good, love the food and atmosphere. Especially Erin. She is always bubbly and happy to help

I couldn't stand this place. The owners are so political that it's a turnoff. The one time I went the food was terrible and the gaggle of teen waitresses were profoundly disinterested in doing their jobs, seemingly unacquainted with the word hospitality. I'll never go their again. read more

A good variety of food and on the other side of the restaurant is a well stocked bar. Staff is helpful, attentive, and unobtrusive. Great place. read more

Ordered the Quilt Cab (by Kelly's recommendation) & the 90+ Malbec to prime the pump. Personally loved the Quilt. Proceeded to fret over the menu choices - all looked great! Settled on the Osso Bucco and Filet of Beef. The meats were cooked to perfection, buttery and full of flavor. The attending sauces and accompaniments were well prepared and complimented the dish. Loved the potato pace and flash-fried spinach, and the thyme gnocchi...must visit. read more

State Street on LaSalle - Osso bucco (top) Filet of beef (bottom) - New American Near Me - Elsa, Illinois

My aunt and I were on our way to Grafton and wanted to patronize Alton prior to. When we walked in the market we were greeted to what looked like the manger or even the owner. He politely explained that there were no more tables inside due to a wedding, but there was one table remaining on the patio once it was cleaned off. He even walked us to the patio. While we waited a couple that was already seated with menus came in and asked the waitress could they move. Without hesitation she said yes. I stated we were going to sit there, she rudely and loudly said they were here first and I don't know what to tell you, as she threw her arms in the air. We were in such disbelief at her behavior we just left. I will reach out to speak to someone tomorrow but I'm sure her behavior has been allowed, it just flowed off her lips. However, Anna's cake shop directly across the street has some AWESOME cheesecake pastries! Save yourself and go visit Anna. read more

Stopped for a quick mid-week lunch on our easy through three area. The ratings are legit. I try not to give 5 stars too readily so I sit back and ask myself "what would I change" and I couldn't come up with anything... except they only had one soup choice that day, and I don't like asparagus. However, my husband loved the soup and it is summer after all (not big soup season.... therefore not worth the removal of a star.) I had the chicken Florentine crepe and a delightful "Blue" salad with blue cheese, blueberries and other good stuff. Every bite was delightful. We shared a homemade coconut cream pie, which was probably the best I ever had. The ambiance was nice: decor, music and not freezing AC, which is so important to us in the summer months. Wish we're lived closer in order to further explore the menu. read more