I challenge anyone to convince me that breakfast isn't the best meal of the day. There is nothing better than enjoying a hearty meal of fresh eggs, perfectly buttered toast and a cup of coffee. Making it at home is a great way to get the day started, but getting to venture out to enjoy a breakfast made by someone else can be such a treat. The Vault Café on the Square in Marion, Illinois is spot known for consistently serving up delicious breakfasts in an unforgettable setting.
As the name suggests, The Vault Café on the Square is located on the downtown square in Marion, IL.
The corner building is a great spot to stop in for filling meal to get your day started on the right foot.
Marion is considered one of the fastest growing cities in Southern Illinois, but that doesn't take away from its small-town charm.
The Vault Café is located on the first floor of a five-story building that dates back to 1914.
Before it was a café, the space was used as a bank.
If you were to walk in unaware that the space was a cafe, you might be confused for a moment. Fortunately, once you step inside, the smell of breakfast and lunch foods cooking in the kitchen will confirm you are in the right spot.
Tables and chairs are scattered throughout the The Vault Café.
The flooring is what you might expect to see when running an errand to deposit a check, not eat a pancake.
There is ample seating inside and out, but the best spot to sit is in the vault itself.
There is only room for one table in the vault, so if you and your party want to get the most authentic experience of dining in The Vault Café, be sure to stop in early in the day to request to eat there.
Whether you are dining behind bars or in the larger dining room, every seat in the café is a chair you will want to be in.
The atmosphere of The Vault Café will transport you back in history, but once your food arrives you will want to be present for every bite.
The Vault Café on the Square has a sizable breakfast menu that goes well beyond the typical order of eggs and toast.
If you are craving something sweet or savory, you can take your pick.
The eggs benedict is a fan-favorite order, and the hash browns are praised for being just the right amount of crispy.
When you visit the Vault Café on the Square for the first time, be sure to try "The Money". It's two opened biscuits smothered with sausage gravy with scrambled eggs and cheese on the side.
Between the build-your-own-omelet option and the a la carte add-ons, there will be at least one thing on the menu everyone in your group will like.
Those who crave something sweet can try the Hawaiian bread french toast. Be sure to check out The Vault Café on the Square's lunch offerings as well.
When I go to the bank, the last thing I am thinking about is eating.
The Vault Café on the Square has turned what could be a sterile environment into an engaging community hub that blends history with hearty food.
There are must-try breakfast spots all over Illinois I am hoping to visit next time I wake up early enough to get the early bird special. Next time you find yourself in the line at the bank, plan out a trip to The Vault Café on the Square and give yourself something to look forward to! If you want to take a deeper dive into the history of Marion, check out the Williamson Country Historical Museum and Library after stopping in at The Vault Café. Have you ever been to The Vault Café on the Square? Tell us about your experience!
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