Cafe on the Square: 9 places to eat, drink as part of Belleville’s iconic art show

Jennifer Green
·4 min read

So as you probably already know, Art on the Square takes place this weekend in downtown Belleville.

If you’ve never been to the event, not only are you missing out on some fabulous art – which is really pretty great – you are also missing out on some tasty food opportunities.

The annual event includes Café n the Square, an area dedicated to food and beverages from various local establishments.

According to the Art on the Square website, this year’s Café on the Square will include:

BEAST Craft BBQ

Located at 20 South Belt West in Belleville, BEAST Craft BBQ is back again this year for the annual art fair. Menu items will include:

  • Pork sliders topped with slaw;

  • Brisket sliders topped with pickled onion;

  • Brussel sprouts with pork belly;

  • Excel Lucky Club Soda, Excel Ski and bottled water.

Oma Gisi’s German Bakery

Oma Gisi’s German Bakery is located at 310 N. Madison St. in Kinmundy. You may have enjoyed these delightful baked goods – savory and sweet – at other local events, including the previous Art on the Square events, Belleville Christkindlmarkt and Oktoberfests throughout the area.

These delightful treats are on the menu:

  • German apple strudel;

  • Marzipan/Almond crescents;

  • Apple delight with creme;

  • Sweet pecan or sweet poppy pastries;

  • Other European pastries;

  • German cookies (almond/lemon, raspberry, etc.);

  • Hot chocolate.

Pour@322 Coffeehouse

One of downtown Belleville’s own coffee shops will be at Café on the Square this weekend. Pour@322 Coffeehouse, located at 322 E. Main St., will offer the following drinks and eats:

  • Bottled water, bubble water;

  • Coffees made just for you;

  • Dairy and non-dairy options;

  • Gooey butter original;

  • Cinnamon rolls;

  • Chocolate oatmeal gluten-free bar (gluten free, dairy free);

  • Chocolate chunk cookie;

  • Cake slices - delicious layered chocolate or carrot cake slices;

  • Cookie dippers (great for the kids, but adults like ‘em too);

  • Sugar cookies;

  • Lemon peach gooey butter;

  • Assorted muffins.

Quintessential Nutrition Fresh Juices and Smoothies

Quintessential Nutrition Fresh Juices and Smoothies will be onsite to offer up some fresh fruit smoothies – Strawberry Fields, Pineapple Paradise, Green Garden, Strawberries & Cream – as well as lemonade, bottled water, kale chips and baked chips.

Roy-el Catering

Located at 8000 Concordia Church Road in Belleville, Roy-el Catering will serve up the following:

  • Grilled boneless chicken breast;

  • Grilled pub burgers: ⅓-pound of grilled Angus pub burgers with lettuce, tomato and onion, served with their fresh kettle chips;

  • Ribeye steak: Steak Lovers favorite, simply mouth watering on a hoagie roll with lettuce, tomato and onion. Served with chips;

  • Bottled soda, lemon shake-ups and water.

Swiney Ribbers BBQ and More

Menu items from Swiney Ribbers BBQ and More will include:

  • The Swiney Cuban: honey ham, mustard, pickles, pulled pork and Swiss cheese layered between two slices of bread;

  • Bacon jam grilled cheese on Texas toast;

  • For a bit more try your grilled cheese with pork belly (you choose);

  • Wings, Swiney style;

  • Sauces for your dipping pleasure;

  • BBQ, garlic parm, maple bacon bourbon;

  • All-beef hot dogs, bratwurst, potato salad, cilantro lime slaw.

White Cottage Ice Cream and More

White Cottage is located at 102 Lebanon Ave. in Belleville. The longtime popular ice cream (and more) shop will be on hand to provide, well, ice cream and more.

Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant

Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant, 4660 N. Illinois St., in Fairview Heights, will have:

  • Beef tacos with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes;

  • Nacho supreme with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes;

  • Shredded chicken chimichangas with cheese dip;

  • Chicken fajita nachos;

  • Jalapeño poppers filled with cream cheese;

  • Soda and water.

In addition to all of the great eats, Art on the Square will also have the Wine Court.

Beverage choices include:

  • Duckhorn Vineyards Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Duckhorn Vineyards Decoy Chardonnay

  • Duckhorn Vineyards Decoy Pinot Noir

  • Duckhorn Vineyards Decoy Merlot

  • Duckhorn Vineyards Decoy Sauvignon Blanc

  • Duckhorn Vineyards Decoy Rose

  • Risata Moscato D’Asti

  • Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola Ready to Drink cocktail

  • Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola Zero Ready to Drink cocktail

Hours for Art on the Square are 4-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more info about Café on the Square and Art on the Square, visit artonthesquare.com.