Lovejoy Wedding and Banquet 401 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002

"This may have been our “hidden gem” venue of 2023. WOW is all we can say. The outdoor space is beautiful and the indoor space is classy and versatile. The owners were flexible and easy to work with as fellow vendors. As a local balloon company, we had the opportunity to help a bride/groom with wedding decor/photo backdrop and we absolutely loved how it turned out complimented by the already stunning venue! Absolutely recommend this spot for brides and grooms and any event!!"

""I recently had the pleasure of attending the chili cook-off at Lovejoy Wedding and Banquet, and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere that instantly put me at ease. The venue itself was impressive, with its stylish decor and spacious layout. The highlight of the event, of course, was the chili. There were so many mouthwatering options to choose from, each with its own unique blend of flavors and spices. From traditional beef chili to vegetarian options, there was something for everyone's taste buds. I couldn't help but go back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)! To add to the festivities, there was a live band playing some fantastic tunes. Their energetic performance created a lively and upbeat ambiance that had everyone tapping their feet and dancing along. It truly enhanced the overall experience and made it even more enjoyable. I must also commend the organizers for their attention to detail. The event was well-organized, with plenty of seating and ample space to move around. The staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring that everyone had a great time. Overall, the chili cook-off at Lovejoy Wedding and Banquet was a delightful experience. The delicious chili, live music, and friendly atmosphere made it a memorable event that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun and tasty outing.""

"Great time, good food, excellent staff. Many seating options with a nice band playing on a Sunday afternoon. We'll be back."

"This is a great venue with an outdoor patio setting and covered seating. They have done a fantastic job in repurposing a former industrial building. They have a nice covered patio with music on weekends as well as partially open bar with seating. They do not have an extensive menu and you pick up your food at a window, but it is designed for the outdoor patio experience. Unfortunately, there was not much of a crowd when I visited on a Sunday afternoon, but I can imagine that it would be really great with the right band and a few more patrons. You can't see much from the front of the building but, when you go to the back patio/bar area, you will be pleasantly surprised. It would be a great place to rent out for weddings, receptions, or other special events. Like many places in Alton, it is a hidden gem that you should explore."

"I love Elijah P's! It is one of my "go to" places! On a recent visit we sat at the bar and were immediately greeted and our drink orders taken. We opted for Bloody Mary's. We both agreed that Raechel makes outstanding Bloody Mary's! After a quick look at the menu our orders were placed for the Hand Battered Chicken Tenders, a side of Mac 'n' Cheese, and New Orleans Shrimp and Grits. The tenders were large and succulent...fried just right. Cavatappi pasta with a 3 cheese sauce combined for a delightfully creamy and not too rich Mac 'n' Cheese. This was the first time I ordered the New Orleans Shrimp and Grits and I was, at first, taken a bit by surprise. I'm used to creamy Grits, but the Grits at Elijah's were more dry. However, with the Andouille sausage chunks, spicy garlic shrimp and sauce, my initial reticence was quickly supplanted with enjoyment as I had bite after bite. Overall, another tasty meal at Elijah P's. By the way, they have 60 beers on draught and many bottles so they are a craft beer lovers dream! EDIT: Sadly, Elijah P’s has closed."