We got online and looked up restaurants in Marion, Illinois. I thought we'd try The Vault. Of course, the name gives it away, it's in an old bank built in 1904, I believe. Two men greeted us at the door. At least one of them was the owner, maybe both, but they were a lot of fun. Started joking around with us right away. We had to wait for a table for about 10 minutes. The place is not big, not a lot of seating, but it was fun. It was so much fun. John, the owner, came by our table a couple of times joking and having fun, and at the end of the meal, he brought us a couple of gold coins. Of course, it was wrapped up chocolate. If you have seen my reviews, you know I don't give five stars out very often. My wife ordered a Vault Burger with cheese and a small bag of chips. I ordered a Patty Melt with swiss cheese and mushrooms and a side order of their homemade pasta salad. Everything was great. The pasta was wonderful. The bag of chips was a little small, and they didn't give me much mustard, just a little packet. You could get more if you asked for it. The only negative thing I could say is that the prices were high. Of course prices are high everywhere but we ordered two, basically, hamburgers with small sides and drinks and it cost us $40 almost 50 with tip. I would normally give a restaurant four stars because of the price but this place was so much fun and the atmosphere was great that I just couldn't give four stars. Five stars is the way to go for me. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, they don't serve french fries. We were there at about 1:00 and they were still serving breakfast. I don't know if breakfast is all day or not, but they were serving it at 1:00. The owner told us why they don't serve french fries: because he doesn't want to serve deep-fried foods, and honestly, insurance companies don't like deep fryers because they catch on fire. Go check this place out, it's great. If this review is helpful, please give me an...
Read moreMy wife Kerri and I stopped in The Vault Cafe on the Square Saturday for brunch. What can I say about this fabulous establishment that has probably not already been said. In my opinion, it is one of the best Brunch Restaurants in all of Southern Illinois. The food is of great quality, and the wait staff is exceptional, they know the menu inside and out and can answer any question about any dish on the menu. Rob is a fine human being, so friendly, genuine, and inviting and it is not a show, you can really tell that he is passionate about his baby and he never meets a stranger. Everyone who pays patronage to The Vault Cafe on the Square is a friend to Rob. Their kitchen staff is well accomplished and knows exactly what they are doing their experience and passion for food show in the quality of the finished product, down to the plating of the food. It is not just thrown on a plate, it comes out looking appetizing. The food is always cooked to perfection nor anything less than excellent service. If there is anyone out there who has not tried The Vault Cafe on the Square, you are truly missing out on a Southern Illinois Gem. I will gladly give this wonderful establishment ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5. On a closing note, look at the picture I attached of their last five health inspections 100% for all 5. I would eat off that floor. I had The Club Sandwich with a Side Salad and Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing and what else is there to say that I have not already...
Read moreFantastic little place to eat, gather with friends and hang out. The hubby and I had the Philly Steak and Cheese, and Reuben on marbled rye, and WOW! What a happy dance for our taste buds!!! We were pleasantly surprised! The beef was tender, flavorful, juicy, the peppers & onions easy to chew, not crunchy,not mushy but a comfortable "in between". The grilled marble rye, sauerkraut, and corned beef were a perfect combination of tartness. Even the croutons in the salad were excellent! To top it off the hub's and I split a salted caramel creme brulé. I had never tried this dessert before and now I am a happy girl having tried it! Servings were generous and fed both of us, drinks included, for $26.00 The dining area was very clean, no crumbs or water rings on the tables, no tidbits of food or straw papers on the floor.Restrooms were clean! Well stocked, no loose faucets or crappy (pardon the pun) flushing of the toilet. The waitress we had was spot on!!! Giving us time to read the menu, Attentive to our drinks needing refilled, very pleasant young lady that seemed to enjoy her job, even offered to take a picture of the hub's and I together inside the vault. The owner of the cafe came over to speak with us, see we were taken care of and gave us a tour and history of the bank. This is a man that comes across as humble, content, and happy to be where he is in life. We really enjoyed our first visit and it most definitely will not be our last! Hope...
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