Looking for some place different for dinner? Then check out these restaurants.

The next time your family wants to eat out, why not skip the restaurant you always go to and try something different? Some of the best places to find good eats don’t have a hostess stand or dining room.

You’ll find great food in bowling alleys, gas stations, coffee houses and food stands if you know where to look. Consider this list your guide to underground dining the metro-east.

▪ Swansea Fish Stand. (301 Service Rd., Swansea 618-222-7171) In the mood for fried fish? Look for the yellow tiny house with twinkle lights hanging outside. If you still can’t find it, look for the sign next to the VFW next door. This cash-only fish stand serves cod, catfish, walleye and bluegill fish all year round. That means you don’t have to wait for Lent to dine here. Take it to go or eat outside at the picnic tables. Pro tip: The stand is only open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

▪ Coffee with Christ. (6 Wade Square, Belleville 618- 744-7337). A coffee shop might not be your first choice for lunch, but you might change your mind after checking out the menu at this place. One of the most popular items is the Impossible Burger. The plant-based patty contains no animal products, but you wouldn’t know that unless someone told you. The café has lots of option for meat eaters and vegans. Chickpea salad is another popular menu item. It’s served on ciabatta bread. Want to go? The cafe is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The cafe is closed May 26 through May 28 for the Memorial Day weekend.

▪ Fairview Lounge. (914, 10616 Lincoln Trail, 618-394-8904) It looks like a gas station at first glance, but if you take a look inside you’ll find a lively restaurant and bar. The lounge serves Peruvian Cuisine. From salads and sandwiches to kabobs and seafood, the menu offers a wide range of choices. The lounge is closed on Sunday, open from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday. Open from noon to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

▪ Mascoutah Community Lanes. (106 East George St.., Mascoutah 618-566-2052) The next time you’re in the mood for pizza check out this bowling alley. No one will give you a weird look if you order your pizza for carry-out and leave. You don’t have to bowl to enjoy the pie here. The bowling alley opens at 5 p.m. daily.

▪ Tienda El Maguaey Mexican Store. (8402 Collinsville Rd., Collinsville 618-345-3042) This Mexican grocer has restaurant and bar attached. Locals recommend the tacos at this longtime Collinsville establishment where you can have dinner and shop for groceries. The store is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

▪ Good Heaven BBQ. (7610 State Street, East St. Louis, 314-325-6771) Go for the barbecue, fall in love with the dessert. This East St. Louis barbecue stand serves homemade peach cobbler, too. The catering company operated from a food truck for two years before opening a permanent location. Want to go? The barbecue stand is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

▪ The Weingarten. (1780 IL-15, Belleville, 618-257-9463) This popular destination offers more than wine. From cheese plates and wraps to salads and sandwiches, the winery has snacks and meals for hungry patrons. The winery is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

▪ The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Restaurant. (442 S. Demazenod Dr., Belleville, 618-397-6700) The option of dining al fresco could be one of the Shrine’s best kept secrets. Go for the soup and salad or check out the buffet for lunch. The next time you’re there tell the host or hostess that you want to dine outdoors. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

▪ 4204 Main Street Brewing. (4204 W. Main St., Belleville, 618-416-7261) Craving steak? This brewery’s steak night keeps customers coming back for more. The brewery has a full-service restaurant where you can have dinner or a snack to go with your brew. This location is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

▪ The Railshake Brewery. (504 Walnut St., Highland, 618-651-4900) This brewery serves more than beer. It’s known for burgers, jambalaya pasta, and everything in between. Have a sweet tooth? There’s a five layer chocolate cake on the menu, too. The brewery opens at 11 a.m. daily.

▪ Mi Tierra Mexican Store. (3203 Collinsville Rd., East St. Louis 618-271-7311) In the back of this grocery store, you’ll find one of the area’s best kept secrets. Wash down your meal with a Mexican coke made with real sugar. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

This story was originally published July 30, 2018 at 11:53 AM.