Review of Tony's Restaurant in Alton, Illinois

Tony's Restaurant is well-known as one of the nicest places to eat in the Alton, Illinois area. Their menu primarily consists of Italian food, steak, seafood, and chicken dishes, and comes highly regarded. They are most famous in the St. Louis Metro East for their pepperloin steak. Not having grown up in Alton, I had never been there before, but I'd heard only good things about it. I recently decided to try it out for myself and discover if Tony's Restaurant would live up to its reputation.

The level of service at Tony's was very professional. Employees were dressed well, helping to create the mood of the restaurant, and their hosts and servers were some of the best you will find in Alton or the Riverbend area. They knew the menu well and were able to answer questions about the wines and Italian dishes satisfactorily. Customers are treated as welcome guests at this restaurant. Valet parking is available, which is a rarity in Alton.

Also upscale for the Alton area is the atmosphere at Tony's Restaurant. Classic prints adorn the walls without being overdone as many chain restaurants are today. The lighting was dim but not too much so, creating a romantic mood. Outdoor seating is also available during warm months, but I was not able to enjoy this feature when I ate there.

One complaint I have about the setting at Tony's, which in all honesty I take issue with at a number of restaurants, is the noise level. During busy hours, it got very loud and became somewhat difficult to even have a relaxed conversation with someone sitting across the table. Also, it became somewhat cramped when the restaurant was full. However, the building itself is old and has a classy, antique feel (the restaurant has been operating in Alton and owned by one family since 1954)-which contributes to the noise level and cramped spaces but also adds a positive dimension to the meal. Overall, these annoyances were worth eating at Tony's Restaurant.

The cost of eating at Tony's is in line with the quality of food there without seeming unreasonable. As I was dining with a few other hungry people, we ordered the Combination Platter appetizer. This consists of chicken strips, mozzarella sticks, toasted ravioli, mushrooms, and zucchini for $9.99. I enjoyed the Alfredo with Broccoli for the main course, priced at $10.99. Everyone agreed that their meals were delicious, and with generous portions no one left hungry. One person commented, "I don't even like Italian food and this is great!" Another friend said that she had been to Tony's years ago and would be returning regularly as this visit had reminded her how good the food is.

Overall, eating at Tony's Restaurant in Alton, Illinois, was an enjoyable dining experience for everyone. The full menu with prices can be found on the Tony's Restaurant website. They are located in the Metro East area of St. Louis-a short drive across the Mississippi River from the City.