The Gathering Place

This place is now CLOSED.

The Gathering Place was exactly like its namesake: a gathering place in downtown Mascoutah, right next to the Visitor's Center, where you could get together with some friends and have either brunch, lunch, or tea.

I've been there for brunch and also for tea, courtesy of a baby shower. They were really accommodating for the baby shower...can you imagine 20 women, some with children in tow, taking over what is really a small place? Because it was such a small staff, there was some discrepancies with the orders (tea was brought out haphazardly, some tables would get their food faster), but the atmosphere was so cozy and the service so sweet that it really superseded everything else. The food presentation was always very pretty, and the food itself was solid, but not outstanding. Prices were actually really reasonable. Still, it fit into Mascoutah's image rather nicely, and it's really sad to see one of its locally owned places shut down.

Fresh and friendliest in downtown Mascoutah.  

Each time I have lunch here, I am content with the food I am served.  This is a quaint restaurant in downtown Mascoutah; good for breakfast, lunch, or some dessert and tea.  As a vegetarian, I often will have the quiche, breakfast burrito, or salad for a substantial meal option.  All are decent, could be improved a little one way or the other, which is subjective of course, but good homemade food.  Their meals are always freshly made and I hear their chicken salad is pretty delicious too.  

Overall, for this small midwestern town, the food actually, I think, is some of the best you can get in downtown Mascoutah.  Each time I have a choice of where to eat (Wed-Sat at least!) I want to go to the Gathering Place.  Most other places on Mascoutah's mainstreet are typical chain restaurants or bar-type fried and processed foods.  

My only gripe is that the tea options are limited to common teas you could find at any grocery store.  I wish they would consider purchasing their teas and coffees from the Bee Hollow Market only a block away!!!

I suggest you give this place a try for a decent substantial meal at a really affordable price and great staff and ambience.