The Vault Cafe on the Square

We got online and looked up restaurants in Marion, Illinois. I thought we'd try The Vault. Of course, the name gives it away, it's in an old bank built in 1904, I believe. Two men greeted us at the door. At least one of them was the owner, maybe both, but they were a lot of fun. Started joking around with us right away. We had to wait for a table for about 10 minutes. The place is not big, not a lot of seating, but it was fun. It was so much fun. John, the owner, came by our table a couple of times joking and having fun, and at the end of the meal, he brought us a couple of gold coins. Of course, it was wrapped up chocolate. If you have seen my reviews, you know I don't give five stars out very often. My wife ordered a Vault Burger with cheese and a small bag of chips. I ordered a Patty Melt with swiss cheese and mushrooms and a side order of their homemade pasta salad. Everything was great. The pasta was wonderful. The bag of chips was a little small, and they didn't give me much mustard, just a little packet. You could get more if you asked for it. The only negative thing I could say is that the prices were high. Of course prices are high everywhere but we ordered two, basically, hamburgers with small sides and drinks and it cost us $40 almost 50 with tip. I would normally give a restaurant four stars because of the price but this place was so much fun and the atmosphere was great that I just couldn't give four stars. Five stars is the way to go for me. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, they don't serve french fries. We were there at about 1:00 and they were still serving breakfast. I don't know if breakfast is all day or not, but they were serving it at 1:00. The owner told us why they don't serve french fries: because he doesn't want to serve deep-fried foods, and honestly, insurance companies don't like deep fryers because they catch on fire. Go check this place out, it's great. If this review is helpful, please give me an indication of that.

This building was a pleasant and unique surprise. welcoming staff and great food. The cafe is in a remodeled Bank with its "vault" still in place, you can even still ear your sandwiches inside the vault if you want, there is a table in there for the more adventurous of you. The place is spotless, the food was outstanding and the people were great. make sure you experience this wonderful establishment in this architecturally rich building. More of these places please.

This is an awesome restaurant. We stopped here for breakfast on a Sunday. There was about a 10-15 minute wait, but well worth it. The staff were super friendly! Our food came out quick and was excellent. As a bonus, they have one table in the old bank vault…pretty neat!!

We have driven through Marion, IL while traveling numerous times. This is our first time stopping for lunch but it won’t be the last. The Vault Cafe is an amazingly unique breakfast/lunch spot. Our server knew the history well and eagerly answered our questions. We had lunch there but can’t wait to try breakfast next visit. My husband loved the chili and I had the grilled chicken on a pretzel bun. Yum. It was beautifully decked out for the holidays.

Loved this gem! Traveled for Christmas and decided to stop by for a late breakfast. We got to sit in the vault, which was so fun! One gentleman, we didn’t catch his name, explained some of the history and the wishing well. We got to throw some money into the security box wishing well and check out the cool old door with all of its locking mechanism. The food is all breakfast/lunch items but several things sounded amazing! We settled on the hash brown Philly cheesesteak breakfast and “the money” which is all the works on biscuits and gravy. Our server was quick, and almost immediately brought it all out. We devoured everything and actually argued over who got the last bite of waffle! The bill was very reasonable and as we got up to leave the same gentleman from earlier chatted with us a bit, and even took a few pictures of us in the vault. Everyone there was super sweet! And the location is cool. It’s smack dab in the historic area so there was the cutest manger scene and lights out for Christmas. Next time we visit we’ll definitely stop by!

Amazing food, people and unique building. We enjoyed everything but especially the biscuits and gravy! It was our first time eating here, looking forward to coming back!! Service was exceptional!

WOW!! What a pleasant surprise! We’re from Florida and were recommended this restaurant… it was a wonderful experience from the moment we walked in the door! The atmosphere is so cool, the employees are wonderful, and the food…OH MY!!! We will definitely be regulars when in town! Thank you for an amazing experience 👍

Had lunch there last week and was not disappointed. Great service and clean. Nice family owned and ran restaurant and not overpriced for the location. Burgers are on pretzel buns and the salad is huge. An old bank and the vault is still there to dine in. Will be back.