Picture the perfect summer day with sunshine, blue skies, a nice breeze, and free time to embrace everything in a way that speaks to you.

For some of us, that entails relaxing by the pool, hiking, having a picnic at the local park, or indulging in delicious local grub with good company.

What’s better company than “man’s best friend?”

View the list below for dog-friendly restaurants and breweries with pet-friendly outdoor seating in Madison County, featuring Alton, Collinsville, and Edwardsville, Illinois.

Alton

Old Bakery Beer Company

A certified organic craft brewery, this casual brew pub boasts creative, high-quality food, hand-crafted beer, and more to accommodate its patrons.

The seasonally rotating food menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more. There are even vegan and vegetarian options!

You can also treat yourself to the beer and drink menu, including non-alcoholic alternatives and local sodas.

Address: 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002

Hours:

• Sunday – Tuesday; 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday – Saturday; 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Contact: (618) 463-1470 and info@oldbakerybeer.com

The Brown Bag Bistro

A casual café, Brown Bag Bistro is the perfect spot for a laid-back afternoon or evening to dig into a one-of-a-kind American-style, feel-good meal.

Brown Bag Bistro’s menu includes an impressive selection of mouthwatering sandwiches from veggie Mediterranean to Italian beef. Diners can also build a made-to-order sandwich guaranteed to hit the spot.

Address: 318 E. Broadway, Alton, IL 62002

Hours:

• Monday – Friday; 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Saturday; 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday; 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Contact: (618) 433-9933 or brownbagbistro@yahoo.com

Collinsville

Kruta Bakery

Kruta Bakery is a St. Louis metro staple, offering high-quality, hand-made bread, cakes, and pastries since 1919.

While it’s not technically a restaurant, we had to add this historic, multi-generational family-owned business to our list. The original Kruta, Frank Kruta, immigrated from Russia after training as a baker in Germany.

Those Eastern European and German influences created tantalizing baked goods, with some original recipes still being used today, along with more modern selections, like cupcakes, brownies, and dugouts.

Address: 300 St. Louis Rd., Collinsville, IL 62234

Hours:

• Tuesday – Friday; 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday; 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Contact: (618) 344-1115

Old Herald Brewery & Distillery

A family and pet-friendly full-service restaurant, the Old Herald Brewery & Distillery space includes shaded patio seating, an outdoor event venue, and the “Cold Herald” slushie stand and beer garden.

*Dogs and their families can take a load off at the umbrella-covered patio seating*

Dishes from the brewpub-style menu are sure to satisfy any craving, and the craft beer, spirits, sodas, and slushies made on-site offer a wide range of high-quality, tasty beverages.

Previously, the space was home to the “Collinsville Herald” newspaper for 80 years. Older Herald Brewery & Distillery celebrates Collinsville’s history while ushering in new community experiences.

Address: 115 E. Clay St., Collinsville, IL 62234

Hours:

• Tuesday – Thursday; 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday; 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Contact: (618) 855-8027

Edwardsville

Chava’s® Mexican Restaurant

Head over to Chava’s® Mexican Restaurant for a taste of Guadalajara in downtown Edwardsville. You’ll be transported to Mexico with award-winning margaritas and highly praised ethnic cuisine.

Inspired by the owner’s Guadalajara native grandfather, Salvador (Chava for short), the food menu is full of flavorful dishes like the food critic-approved Fish Tacos. You’ll also find:

• Appetizers,
• Burritos,
• Fajitas, and
• More!

We already mentioned the famous margaritas, but the drink menu has more to offer. Non-alcoholic options consist of popular sodas and fruit juices.

Available alcoholic beverages include:

• Domestic and imported beer.
• Wine.
• Tequilas:
  • Blanco – unaged
  • Reposado – aged (2 months – 1 year)
  • Añejo – aged (1 – 3 years)

Address: 217 E. Vandalia St., Edwardsville, IL 62025

Hours:

• Monday – Thursday; 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday; 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday; 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Happy Hour:

• Monday – Friday; 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Contact: (618) 692-8192

Twisted Biscuit Brunch Co.

Visit the Twisted Biscuit Brunch Co. for a fun, feel-good breakfast and brunch with a twist. Be ready for a unique and entertaining experience with innovative cuisine and drinks.

The food menu has options for every diner, from a classic breakfast enthusiast to someone looking for something trendy to post on social media.

Boozy brunch lovers or those preferring a non-alcoholic outing can also find anything and everything from the drink menu.

Address: 1071 S. State Rte., Edwardsville, IL 62025

Hours:

• Sunday – Saturday; 7:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Contact: (618) 800-5001

Global Brew Tap House

Live the good life for an afternoon with your furry friend sitting out on the patio at the Global Brew Tap House.

Global Brew’s craft beer selection is unrivaled, offering more than 200 craft beers and 50 different craft beer drafts at any given time. You can also enjoy bourbon, small-batch craft cocktails, and premium wine.

Of course, when spending the afternoon or evening at a tap house, you’ll need some incredible bar fare to complete the experience.

Pick whatever you like from the food menu, including but not limited to:

• Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Charcuterie boards (and pretzels).
• Chicken wings (your sauce of choice).
• Tacos.
• Specialty tots (for yourself or the table).

Address: 2329 Plum St., Ste. 600, Edwardsville, IL 62025

Hours:

• Sunday – Thursday; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Friday – Saturday; 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Brunch Hours:

• Thursday – Sunday; 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Kitchen Hours:

• Sunday – Sunday; 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Contact: (618) 307-5858

Make the Most of those Perfect Summer Days!

We all benefit from living a little (or a lot). It’s the carefree, joyful days we cherish the most throughout life. And who’s more joyful and carefree than our four-legged friends?

When it comes time to some roots, you will want a community that suits all your family members’ needs.

The Massey Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties can help you find the perfect home in the neighborhood that’s best for you.

Our real estate experts are here for you!

Contact us at (618) 791-5024 & (618) 791-9298 to speak with one of our team members today.