We've stopped in to Mississippi Culture a several times, and have usually found co-owner Tracy…read morebehind the bar. He's created an atmosphere--and product--that makes me want to stick around awhile. In fact, for our last visit we got carry-out food from an Italian restaurant in town and enjoyed it at MC's bar so we could make an evening of it. The mood in the room is comfortable, with high ceilings, dark wood, and just enough warm lighting. The music is cool; Tracy knows what works in the space and creates a nice vibe. Printed menus are readily available, listing current house beers, guest taps, and can and bottle offerings. They also have a nice cocktail menu featuring house-made cordials and such. And the beer--it's really good! They specialize in oak-fermented ales, and seem to know what they're doing and take pride in their work. A couple farmhouse ales hit the spot on a recent hot day. My fave on the menu was the Orange Peeler saison, and I regret not bringing home some cans (the first beer they've canned, I believe.) They also have some collabs with Perennial Artisan Ales available in bottles; those did come home with us. Another beer that's not currently on the menu, but I enjoyed a few months ago: Fuzzy Guitars, an oak-aged saison with blackberries. There's always something new and interesting here, as well as beers worth coming back to each time. Also a hit for me: the cocktails and mocktails. I chose a cocktail off the menu (the name of it escapes me... something about a worm) that involved tequila, absinthe, vermouth, and... I don't know what else but it was perfectly balanced and lovely to sip. I followed that up with a flavored soda that was also top-notch. Mississippi Culture is hosting events, including live music and trivia nights--I'm looking forward to returning for those soon.

This is an awesome local brewery. You can bring in food, they play a variety of good music, and…read moreoften participate or host local events. Their beer & cocktail menus change seasonally and always offer a variety of well crafted options.

To be honest, I was not impressed. I walked out without buying anything and that is unusual for me…read morewho has a fully stocked bar at home. I thought the variety of liquor was poor and leaned towards the lower end of quality and price point. With that being said, my local grocer beats them on price. I was not impressed with the mixers, garnishes and bar accessories, too. However, they did have an extensive selection of beer and the prices were good. For me, a cocktail snob, I'll make the drive to Edwardsville or Saint Louis for a better liquor store.

Way over priced terrible service certain liquors are seven to $15 overpriced some of the wine us 3…read moreto 5 dollars overpriced and say they have the best prices in town

I am a local now, moved here in retirement. I've only been in a few times now. This place is about…read more5 minutes from my house, so it will likely be a frequent quick stop. It is a small store with a lot of inventory. I respect that they are trying to cover their bases with options, but there is a serious feeling of clutter (for me, I am a neat freak, former Army). I'm sure the owners/staff know where everything is, and I will eventually know the things that I want. There are not prices on everything (especially the many beer choices) but the prices seem fair. Of course they won't ever beat Walmart (15 miles away) or other large volume stores. There is a drive up window as well. They have wine, spirits (lots of bourbons), beer, malt drinks, THC type products and other smoking accessories/products. I think it will always be a grab it now kind of option for me.

Owner is very nice and kind. Great selection. Worth the short drive off the interstate.read more

Stopped in for lunch and had a great burger! Also, the slaw and potato salad were delicious!…read more Excellent service as well, will definitely stop here again!

Visits in JUL-AUG-OCT 2025…read more We moved into town this summer. Our realtor provided gift certificate as a closing congratulations. After we came the first visit I wanted to take my time, have a few more visits before I wrote. My rating of 3 (okay) in this case think of it as an academic C, a passing grade but certainly room for improvement. Rooster's Pub is okay, the food is okay, the service is okay, it is clean. If you are looking for a bar food meal this is an okay place to choose. You can stop here, disregard the rest and make your choice. I suspect that Rooster's is popular locally (and has some high ratings) is familiarity, and a customer base that hasn't widely traveled, there is nothing wrong with that. I am comfortable saying that this place is also likely a good bar, for those interested in that environment. It is not quite for me (us) as a restaurant. We have only been during the lunch hours. I have never owned a bar or restaurant. I worked in them at various levels earlier in life. I acknowledge how tough it is to be a bar that also has standout food. In my experience that is rather rare. I know that when a bar does get that balance right, they have a limited menu. They make a few things and make them well. A full menu is always going to have to carry some amount of frozen "Sysco" things dropped into hot oil. Our meals, I have had two okay tenderloins and one burger, my wife two fish (slightly overdone) meals, and one burger. My wish is for continued success for Rooster's, it is a fine place for others. As currently functioning it is not a place for me. This is also okay if the oil is always fresh, and the cook is attentive and pulls things soon enough to guard color/texture and the cooking finishes during delivery to table. On another note it seems that in our 3 visits, things are cooked hard and fast but then sit in the window, cooling until delivered lukewarm and past that "golden moment". A few lines about the fries. People do like them, I however do not prefer house cut fries. I think the basic restaurant frozen fry, well executed, is an easy win. Our's have been dark and soggy on arrival. I did get the tots on the middle visit (better), had forgotten the fry defeciency and got them this last time. My wife, a Midwestern lover of all things potato, left nearly half of her order. Overall plating has been a bit haphazard, not expecting a cooking show, but I do appreciate something that arrives looking intentional. There just doesn't seem to be a level of care applied to the meals that have come to our table (a note on that at the end). We have only had the same two front of house workers. They are polite (maybe stiffly and overly so), they get the order right and they accomplish the mission. However is feels a bit like a "transaction", which I understand it is, the customers aren't your friend. I don't think it's just us, there doesn't seem to be any warmth with anyone that comes in (even what I presume are regulars). If there is a scale with annoyed that I exist on one end, and a warm hug on the other, the service here is much closer to the left hashmark. A final note about my meals here. If the gaps in execution are some message that I am not worthy of a best effort, or simply not welcome- message received.

Best liquor store in Illinois or Missouri!! They almost always have what I want and if they don't…read morethey are sure to order it

According to their website, Good News Brewing Company is not a restaurant or a bar. They are a…read morebrewpub with a mission to build communities with craft beer and wood-fired pizza. That mission is being fulfilled here in Alton. There's nothing fancy about Good News, it's a simple process. You order at a counter, get a buzzer and go find yourself a table. There's seating in the Post Commons side of the building, outside picnic tables, or sit at the counter and watch them make your pizza in the wood-burning oven. I've opted and done all three and they're all satisfying. The patio is dog friendly, so bring your fur-baby with you. My recent visit, I enjoyed the special pizza. It was a Cheeseburger with, Read Sauce, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Beef, Bacon, Onion and Topped with Pickles. The associate asked if I would like to hold the pickles off and I said, yes. I have nothing against pickles, I just thought it would be better without them. Once my pizza was done and brought to me, (they were slow and didn't give me a buzzer) it was delicious. The blending of hamburger, bacon and onion made it taste like a true cheeseburger. I like how the crust around the edges gets a little charred, for me it adds flavor. Also, I don't always eat all the edging crust, I take it home and use it as a dog treat. My dogs give Good News crust, two paws up. Good News has Growlers and Gift Cards available, so I know what several of my cousins will be getting for their birthday. We may even, Gather, Eat and Drink at Good News to celebrate their aging. Staff is cool, they make eating pizza and drinking craft beer a fun and rewarding experience.

We had a great experience! This wood-fired pizza and brewery has a cute outdoor seating area that's…read moreperfect for relaxing. The service was friendly and welcoming, the wood-fired pizza was absolutely delicious, and the prices were very reasonable for the quality and portions. We'll definitely be back and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for great food, craft beer, and a laid-back atmosphere.

This experience was one for the books! I have never been to Grafton Harbor so for this to be the…read morefirst experience, they definitely can count me for several more. How are you doing the Cinco de Mayo dinner cruise which was from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Upon entering, it was very professionally set up they took your name at the door and as soon as you walked in was the bar which was very convenient so you can get your drink before you sit. The two bartenders said they were fairly new, but I cannot tell they held it down all night. Drinks were on point and they were getting the line down really fast no matter how long it got. Drinks were also very reasonably priced. I don't think I paid over five dollars for any drink. As for the food, the cruise included a unlimited taco bar, which was very good. The chips were very fresh and the meat was very well seasoned. I love that they include fresh guac and fresh sour cream, which I think is the perfect addition to any taco bar! They get 5 stars from me!!

Took my friend on a boat ride on the Hakuna Matata. It was a beautiful day and we had a great…read moretime. The boat had a bar and restrooms on it. You could sit in top or bottom or stand on the bow. And if you are a kid or kid at heart, the captain with let you drive the boat. The gift shop at the harbor is nice and large. Lots to choice from and they give free wine tasting. This was great to do before the boat ride because we were able to determine which wine we liked on the boat. There is also a restaurant right there if you want to grab a bit to eat.

If you go to Bluestem Distillery and do not have fun, something is wrong with you. The staff is…read moresuper friendly as is the other patrons. When you come, it is one big party. Everyone mingles and gets along. Bluestem is a vodka distillery in Meadowbrook, but everyone says it's in Bethalto. It's close enough, to count. The distillery is located in an industrial type building, but once you enter through their door it is as if you are Dorthy stepping out of your house in Munchkin land. The difference is like going from Black & White to Color. They've redecorated the inside with amazing lighting and big screen televisions. The bar has been expanded and resurfaced. They have a variety of signature cocktails, but I am a creature of habit. When I am at a vodka distillery, I have to enjoy a Martini. Stephanie the bartender, who is also one of the owners with her husband made me a fabulous one. She made it skate and served it with Bleu Cheese Stuffed Olives. It was so refreshing, I had to have two. In addition to the vodka, Bluestem also makes a gin and a coffee liqueur called, Early Warning. EW is made with Bluestem vodka and Old Judge coffee. Old Judge has been roasted in STL, since 1858. It truly is a local brand. Bluestem will be celebrating 10 years in April of this year. That will be one celebration, I do not want to miss. The distillery is dog friendly. So bring your well behaved four legged friend. When: February 14, 2026 Why: Valentine's Day - Celebrating with a friend.

My rating is for the rumor I'm hearing about discontinuing the "specialty" cocktails! Bartender is…read moreamazing with many of his drink recipes. It's what I go for. I hear that is going to stop and orders must be made from the posted menu. Such a shame. I truly hope this doesn't happen!