Brown Bag

The Brown Bag is a very unique restaurant in a very unique location. I recommend taking an hour and a half to enjoy the food, and then afterwards take a walk around the old brownstone, the shops, and the rest of downtown Monticello. If you're lucky, there will even be some rain, and you can witness the waterworks and ways atop this charming place.

The sandwiches are good, and the chili is excellent. All this aside however, its the desserts that really take the gold.

And if you're not a fan of a deli sandwich, stop by for a scoop of ice cream, or a piece of pie after having lunch at nearby Filippo's Pizza, a restaurant that has no rival in Monticello, serving by far the best pizza between Champaign and St. Louis.

All and all, Monticello is to this day one of the most charming places I have ever lived, and its places like the Brown bag that make it this way.

Posted 10/22/09 | Report Abuse

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I love the Brown Bag...but then again I am biased.. I was a sandwich girl there and let me tell you...yes Harlene used to p*&ss me off...but I loved her like I loved my mother... she has been in business for years in a town where many speciality diners and what not have thrived and failed.. Harlene knows what she is doing... She is from the east coast and make no bones about it...she wont let you forget it.. I will tell you this.. She doesnt suffer fools..she puts up with not shenanigans...Mazel Harlene and I am not Jewish...but this restaurant is a little ny deli sunk in the HEART of the midwest...the staff is the best.... trust me these guys and girls there are the best..Harlene only hires the best..She will look over your shoulder and tell you that's too much meat...followed with a hand slam on the counter... and a dammit..buffy, you get the drinks you cant handle sandwiches....seems demeaning but its funny when you look back..you'd be soo pissed that your like..f you Har..I can make a sanwich...very Parker Posey in Pary Girl."what do you mean I'm not good enough to be a librarian." It's a small town..everyone know's everone....and harlene is the sheriff....If you want GREAT FOOD and an interesting study in small town success...well look no further than here...this place IS a monticello institution.... I live in Indianapolis and anytime I go aroudn that area I detour...for a brown bag special and (hopefully some cream of asparagus soups) and a slice of pie by inge...(banana cream...oh yum)...life is complete.

Posted 08/11/09 | Report Abuse

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The owner of this quaint deli in the heartland is one of a kind. She is a jewel in that her customers always seem to come first. We had a wonderful experience with her and her staff for five weeks while shooting a movie in Monticello. I certainly haven't meet a restaurateur with spunk, class, passion and a keen sense of giving. And the food was magnificent. Carry on Harlene!

Posted 05/17/09 | Report Abuse

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I have lived in Monticello since 1990 and I love the fact that this town is the one to have the Brown Bag as one of it's establishments, the food is fresh and delicious!! My boss works in a town 60 miles away and loves to come here just so she can eat there! I agree with the guy that thinks they can be rude, it is actually the owner Harlene who carries that distinction. She is notorious for reprimanding her employees in front of customers so I do not doubt her scolding kids for Any reason. She can be very nice as well and has one heck of a loyal following and a business that has survived for many years and thrives!! The food is what it is really all about and it is delicious!

Posted 03/02/09 | Report Abuse

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The brown bag is awesome, the staff is helpful, and the food is great. It is a place where everyone knows your name. It is a great place for a family meal. There is kids table in front of a large fish tank for the kids to enjoy while they eat. You can get fresh baked pies, cookies, or ice cream for desert, and they offer a widervariety of food for everyone. The brown bag is by far the best restaurant that monticello has to offer. If you find yourself in Monticello don't miss out on an opportunity to dine there.

Posted 03/10/07 | Report Abuse

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I'm not particularly fond of The Brown Bag. They feature deli style sandwiches, which in my opinion could be made better at home. The atmosphere is bleak, and the staff aren't all that kind. They have an upper level which looks down upon the front desk, and naturally children are inclined to look down. The staff has often yelled at the children. Not very kind at all.

Posted 12/16/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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