Mystery Diner in St. Charles: Alter Brewing + Kitchen enlivens dining scene

The setting is a knockout at the northern end of the First Street redevelopment project, with a spacious patio sporting its own outdoor bar, an adjacent plaza and stellar views of downtown and the river. Good news in these unusual times are the plans to make the patio accessible year-round with a heated seasonal enclosure. We opted to order takeout, which even on a busy night was ready to pick up in 20 minutes. Friendly staff made the phone order and pickup inside the restaurant a smooth process. The patio, with its spaced-apart tables, was bustling, kept cozy by heaters and an inviting fire pit. Patrons also were enjoying the large indoor dining room with its lofty ceiling. Drawing the eye were the towering brewery tanks and equipment.