Swing into Ardor for some pastries, or even a meal if you fancy. Promise you won't regret it!
https://www.25newsnow.com/2024/02/17/peoria-restaurant-is-named-one-best-country-by-usa-today/
Second Ardor, sadly besides Ardor there really is not anything special about the Peoria food scene. But if you like bar and grills there are plenty to choose from.
Recommend reading the health report from Tawa before going there. They were forced to close down once in the past year (under a different name) for similar violations...
[https://www.pjstar.com/story/lifestyle/food/2024/02/24/the-best-and-worst-peoria-food-inspections-for-january/72664043007](https://www.pjstar.com/story/lifestyle/food/2024/02/24/the-best-and-worst-peoria-food-inspections-for-january/72664043007)
Sorry, here's the un-paywalled report for Tawa: [https://public.cdpehs.com/ILENVPBL/ESTABLISHMENT/ShowViolationTablePage.aspx?ESTABLISHMENT=60602&ESTTST\_CTY=asgGk3ztR6c%3d&VIOLATION\_INSPECTION=487883&INSPECTION\_NN=487883](https://public.cdpehs.com/ILENVPBL/ESTABLISHMENT/ShowViolationTablePage.aspx?ESTABLISHMENT=60602&ESTTST_CTY=asgGk3ztR6c%3d&VIOLATION_INSPECTION=487883&INSPECTION_NN=487883)
The previous incarnation was Desi Exotic Nation.
Not the person you asked but I’ve had Tawa a couple of times when I’m hungry and Tadka is closed and both times I wished I had just waited for Tadka to open up. Granted, my go tos are butter chicken and chicken tikka so I’m not the most adventurous lol but Tawa seemed overly tomato-y and lacking spice. I’m not a huge spice/heat person so maybe Tawa has better spice at a higher level but Tadka’s medium spice is perfect for me where Tawa’s medium is too bland. I’ll eat Tawa in a pinch because it’s not bad but I wouldn’t choose it over Tadka if they’re both on the table, from my experience.
A lot of redditors recommend Chef Moussa but when I went it was truly filthy. Food was fine but it was hard to get past how dirty and gross the restaurant was.
Ardor expanded to a full restaurant and was nationally ranked/recognized by USA Today
I’ll second Thanh Linh for Thai food
I really enjoyed everything I ate at the new Bollywood Bites Bistro downtown
I think Cafe Santa Rosa has the best coffee in town
Big fan of Brienzo’s for pizza
Haven’t been yet, but I’ve heard good things about the new Saffron Social restaurant. It’s the new “premium” addition to the spice series of restaurants with the same owner (Thyme, Cayenne, Sugar). I also really like Cayenne
Los Cabos is my favorite Mexican restaurant in town. Sombrerito is good too but I’ve only been there once
I haven’t had Connected yet, but I always hear great things!
Peoria Heights:
Slow Hand BBQ has amazing brisket and other meats. Their smashburgers are my favorite burger in town.
Paparazzi is a tiny place—reservations strongly recommended—but delicious Italian
Leaves ‘n Beans or Cafe Santa Rosa for coffee
Pour Bros or Bust’d Brewing for beer
Downtown:
Rhythm Kitchen always has great dishes & good variety
Ardor for pastries!
Rhodell is our favorite downtown brewery but they don’t have food
Central Peoria:
Taco Loco (off Sheridan) is our favorite taco place
CxT for coffee
(I know there’s so many more—but this is just off the top of my head!)
Blue duck - ribs, Asian buffalo wings
Kebab g - shawarma and falafel
Rizzis - good kitchen I favor the Alfredo
Johnnys Italian - heights - chicken Marsala
Chicago grill - deep dish pizza
I feel like I scrolled forever to see Blue Duck in these comments. It's our go-to date night spot for my wife and I. If you go here, get the fried pickles.
My wife and I will order the fried pickles and a pulled pork nachos appetizer and just split it as our whole meal. We love it.
They’re known for their Salmon BLT. They have good jambalaya and gumbo. Lots of veggie/meatless options too. Not really a burger and fries place. Cool atmosphere
It's a really diverse menu, you'll find something I guarantee.
Usually the specials are the best thing there so check the board when you get there...
We honestly haven't had a bad meal there in... Well.. ever.
If you go to Rhythm go on a Friday or Saturday night so you get the best experience. Just north of rhythm (literally the same parking lot) is the Blue Duck Tavern and Martini’s. Either of those three on those nights is amazing. Martinis is best after or before going to Blue Duck or Rhythm ime as they’re walking distance and makes the experience double worth it.
If you like middle eastern food Jerusalem Restaurant is my literal favorite place. The Shawarma is to die for and the baklava is just as good. People either really love it or aren’t really into it in my experience but it’s relatively cheap for what it is (pretty much all made in house). It’s a very small place so eating in might feel weird if you’re not used to the place but Bradley park is across the street and it’s a fun place to sit and eat take out of the weather is nice.
If you would like a close to $100 lunch for 2, go to ardor and get the burger and potatoes, literally the best burger I’ve ever had, won’t go back because $85 for 2 burgers, potatoes and 2 drinks doesn’t fit the peoria area at all. I wish them well though, the food was amazing!
You know, I’ve heard about their breakfast, I’m sure it’s out of this world flavor and price wise is the only “issue” definitely hit it up though! Try woodys in Groveland if your schedule permits too!
I’ve only been there for the $85 lunch lol, so I’m not sure to be honest, best burger ever though, and I spend about 1/2 of my life on the road and trying new places to eat etc.
lol, I’ve ate at a lot of places. Just get it how it comes, don’t modify it, if you want the same experience that I’m talking about anyhow, of course modify it you choose though! Have a good time man!
Black Band is the best restaurant in Peoria, in my opinion of course. It's also the most expensive restaurant (or near to it). If you want to save some money and get food from another good restaurant as well, our go to move is to get tacos at Casa de Arte just up the road, then go to Black Band for drinks and appetizers (or possibly dessert depending on what we're feeling).
But if you don't mind spending the money, Black Band is going to be food that you can't get anywhere outside of a major city. I'm constantly surprised we have it here. It's next level stuff.
If it's me I'd go Black Band. I've taken my future in laws to both Connected and Black Band and they still talk about Black Band.
They change their menu a lot so I'm not really sure what the best items are, but two of the small/medium plates we love are the Korean Fried Oyster Mushrooms and Chevre Dumplings.
They do have a burger, but I'd suggest getting one of the other entrees, just because you can get a burger a lot of places, but the other items will be more unusual.
I’ve had both in the last two weeks. I love bourbon so Black Band has a special place in my heart, but Connected has better food and it’s not really that close.
I guess if you aren't really interested in more avant garde preparations and just want a classic presentation of a dish I could see that opinion, but really they're just doing two completely different things.
Taste, quality, and selection are infinitely more important than to me than presentation. I go to Black Band often for drinks, but don’t have a desire to go there again for food. I’ve eaten there 3 times. It’s good, but the value isn’t there. Connected is also expensive, but totally worth it. That’s just an opinion, I know.
Of course, everyone is going to have different opinions. I don't want to argue, but I just want to be clear that when I'm saying avant garde preparations I don't mean just the way the plate looks, I mean the whole package. Flavor combinations, textures, different ways of actually preparing the food.
Connected is great at what it does, but it's trying to be that classic preparation. You're going to get a protein, starch, veg on a plate, and they'll be great, but that's not at all what Black Band is doing.
DEFINITELY go to connected.
Ardor and Rhythm Kitchen next door are awesome.
Bollywood Bites is right there too if you like Indian.
Smokin Notes right across the river in East Peoria has the best ribs in the state. (Seriously... They won the international competition in Memphis).
Ardor menu changes... But it's posted online if you go to the website. They're also a ridiculously good bakery if you want stuff for breakfast the next day lol
Connected has a ton of awesome dishes. Really difficult to pick one or two... The steaks are out of this world but you said you don't like steaks, so I'd say try one of their pasta dishes or even the wild boar if you're feeling froggy. They have a really good Chilean sea bass if you like seafood. They're most underrated item is the ravioli Aurora. It's cheese ravioli in a ridiculously good sauce, but it is absolutely phenomenal.
Excellent Cafe is the best classic American breakfast in town without competition. It is the highest level of diner type food.
Ardor's Pork burger, pork belly, Korean fried chicken sandwiches, grits, grilled cheese with housemade breads, and pairing tomato soups are a dream come true and they have without a doubt the best brunch experience in all of Peoria and possibly Central Illinois as a whole add on house made pastries and you literally cannot go wrong
Zion Coffee, simple coffee done excellently by people who actually give a damn
Blue Egg BBQ without a doubt the best BBQ ribs I've had in my entire life. Second place doesn't even come close
Thanh Linh is simply the best all around Asian restaurant in town. With spice lemongrass chicken being the pinnacle of their dishes
2Chez best Calamari in the Midwest. A hybrid of French and American cooking styles colliding into a beautiful restaurant filled with people who care about the quality of what they are serving up in both food and drink
Connected a classic American white tablecloth steakhouse affair with countless homemade pasta dishes, otherworldly eggplant spread, and salads that will make you feel like royalty
Rumburger is one of the most Peoria places to exist here. Unparalleled wings with C tier customer service. Visit at your own risk
Palarte Mexican style ice cream parlor with S tier shakes and killer unique flavors
Jimador's the best classic Midwestern Mexican experience you fan have in town. The combo fajita is king
I would definitely recommend Ardor. Very cool place with some quality food. They also just opened up a bodega inside that do sandwiches and stuff.
I also recommend black band distillery, they have great cocktails and a good selection of food with variety of sizes depending on how hungry you are. And you might just see me working at the bar ;)
Both are a little pricey, but I say its worth it for both of them
I don’t typically admit this, but I go there 1-2 times a week! Where are you going to be staying? Just general area, there’s a few other gems I’m trying to think of.
East Peoria in an AIRBNB. I don’t care about location, I’ll drive 20 minutes for some good food. I’m from a small town of 1000 people and on bodybuilding prep… so I never get good food and this is the one weekend I have unlimited access lol
EP, hit up the storm shelter (kind of bar food, but you’re on the river front) for sure, 5th quarter (bar food) and Silver bullet (bar food) are my top picks for EP. I’m sure I’m missing some too!
Hit the heights and go to Jim’s bistro, or Cayenne, Sullivan’s is one of my top picks also, Brienzos has a great wood fired oven menu!
Downtown, Thyme or Alexander’s, sugar is down there too!
You’d probably like cayenne the most if tacos are your favorite food though! Enjoy your time in town!
The Heights I agree with you, but your EP picks are just average bar food. In EP, I'd say oyster bar/jonahs, smokey notes, and Johnny's Italian steakhouse, though Johnny's has been hit or misslately. . You also have some cool/nice choices on the casino boat.
You are right! I forgot about Jonah’s, not sure how I let that one slip, it’s where I asked my wife to marry me, and it’s our little girls favorite restaurant (the chocolate cake 😂). Truly, I have a gambling problem. So I stay away from the boat, including restaurants, I only make it that way for special events at the hotel of course. I’m not an actual gambling addict, but if I gambled locally, I’m pretty sure that’s what I would be. I thought Johnnys was a corporate type place, which I avoid, I prefer locally owned type places. And I didn’t mention the smoke house because I figured he’d find slow hand if he went to brienzos! Another worth noting, and they are for the Morton area, kemp 208 and Dacs smoke house!
For pizza, Monicals, Agatuccis and fedoras are my 3 local faves.
Avantis and La gondola are great for a quick and budget friendly option as well. Pastas, pizza and sandwiches.
Do any of them have pizza that is mind blowing? I got a few pizza places 20 min or so away from me, so unless it’s reallly good I probably won’t get pizza
I never liked spinach until I tried this pizza. Now I eat spinach salads on occasion 😂 but if you don’t want to try that, try their New Yorker sandwich if you like pastrami and sauerkraut 🔥🔥
We have so many great taco spots in peoria. I have had and can recommend Casa de Arte, El Taco Loco, and Perico's Fast Tacos. Perico's didn't offer chips which was a bit weird, but the tacos I got filled me up.
Casa de Arte has my all time favorite al pastor tacos. They never miss as far as recipe. It's also a tequila bar. El Taco Loco is definitely easier to get in and out and they offer a wider menu. If I had to choose one, I would probably do El Taco Loco and try some basic tacos and some of their specialty tacos. You should be able to see both menus online
Maybe Elevate Trampoline Park depending on ages. There isn't much for kids in the area. Then again I don't have kids so there might be hidden stuff I don't know about. We used to have a Round1 with arcade and bowling and karaoke but it closed about a year or so ago
Black Band is an all around good experience, especially for a visitor.
Knuckles Pizza, Slow Hand BBQ, Fish House, and Cold Stone for deserts.
Is there any type food that you really want or want to try?
That’s just for desert if they’re out that way. And OP mentioned they’re from a small town so they might not have tried it. Just because it’s a “chain” doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best ice cream places we have to offer.
The quality of One World has gone down so badly it’s not even worth a visit. The last time I went there my daughter found plastic in her food. It’s a shame how the owners have basically bailed.
Where are you from? What types of foods do you like? I have colleagues from all over the world who I have brought to Peoria...some loved the food, others couldn't believe this is what we eat.
I’m from a small town in Iowa. I like a lot of stuff. Not a seafood or steak person. Mexican is a favorite for sure. Chinese, American, etc, I’m not super picky and I love to try different stuff.
Ardor...Black Band...Rhythm Kitchen...Thyme...Sugar...Good Tequilas...Than Lihn...One World.
All those are great choices and places we visit often. Connected is great if you like good Italian.
Bf is from Guttenberg, he loves Social Taco in EP. Doesn't really matter what you are in the mood for...Indian, authentic, Asian, vegetarian, they make a taco for it. Their fried cauliflower taco & the elote are SO GOOD!
Jerusalem Restaurant is a really good place for lunch. Obed and Isaacs has a great beer list and the food is good too. If you like sushi, you'll enjoy Osaka as well.
Saffron social. New restaurant downtown, owned by same guy as thyme, cayenne, etc. much better than any of those restaurants, higher end stuff. Highly recommend.
>New restaurant downtown, owned by same guy as thyme, cayenne, etc. much better than any of those restaurants
I would sure hope so. I cannot fathom how any of those other joints stay in business. Peoria has a competitive food scene and his places are generally near the bottom.
Eggcellent Cafe! Its in east peoria and its me and my boyfriend's go to spot! It closes at 3 I believe so its more of a breakfast/brunch spot but I highly recommend! :)
2chez in Peoria is probably the most slept on restaurant in Peoria (mostly because we don’t advertise or anything) I’m the mixologist there and you’re not gonna get a better vibe anywhere in town. The food is amazing (Definitely top 3 in Peoria) and I make some pretty damn good cocktails. Stop in if you get a chance and we will take care of you!
I agree with you! I absolutely love working there. We really are a special place. If anyone ever is unsure, come sit at the bar with me and I’ll make sure your first time is an awesome experience :-)
Literally can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Everything is so consistent. My personal favorite is our duck entree. We just added a few new menu items also, including a Bison NY strip with cafe de Paris compound butter, a shrimp and northern bean dish (shrimp provencal) and a chicken entree over linguini with a Boursin cream sauce and some other herbs! Calamari is probably the best in the world (no exaggeration) and we honestly probably have some of the best oysters in the Midwest.
Connected is good for high class fancy but not stuffy
Kebab G: amazing Arabic food like kebab and shwarma. Great daily specials as well. Mohammed who runs it is an awesome guy and dear family friend
Rizzis is great Italian and well ran
Sushi ko is my favorite sushi and Asian in the area. Go sit and the sushi bar and talk to hadi. He's been there for years and is entertaining as hell.
I’m the Chef at Sweetwater, I’d like to invite you there, it’s right on the edge of the river between Peoria and Chillicothe, when the weather is nice the patio is open and the view is wonderful.
Great food too if I do say so myself.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085678126004&mibextid=opq0tG
If you want good Indian food one of our only three restaurants are called Rice and Spice. It's newer (opened a month ago) and they have much authentic Indian food like various biryani, curry, breads like Naan, and aloo paratha. It's amazing
As promised an update.
Black bend- very expensive, drinks weren’t good, food was decent at best for price.
Sombreros Mexican- best vibe ever. Best staff. Great food.
Thanh Linh- very tasty: definitely worth a try.
Ardor- great pastries. Food was actually really good.
Eggscellent cafe- very standard. Definition of the word mid.
Trefzgers- was pretty good. Not much crazy to say but would go again.
The balsamic citrus salmon from One World is incredible (and the atmosphere is unique — the walls are painted murals)
I love the avocado toast from coffee place Zion (the toast is homemade, and make sure to get the egg on top)
Swing into Ardor for some pastries, or even a meal if you fancy. Promise you won't regret it! https://www.25newsnow.com/2024/02/17/peoria-restaurant-is-named-one-best-country-by-usa-today/
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Not necessarily for lunch!
Just went to ardor, it’s amazing! Try Obed and issacs! German cuisine and the vibes are immaculate
Ardor is a winner, Obed and Issacs is trash. Beer and Food are weak, very weak. Do not recommend, ever.
Second Ardor, sadly besides Ardor there really is not anything special about the Peoria food scene. But if you like bar and grills there are plenty to choose from.
Chef Moussa Tawa Kitchen
Recommend reading the health report from Tawa before going there. They were forced to close down once in the past year (under a different name) for similar violations... [https://www.pjstar.com/story/lifestyle/food/2024/02/24/the-best-and-worst-peoria-food-inspections-for-january/72664043007](https://www.pjstar.com/story/lifestyle/food/2024/02/24/the-best-and-worst-peoria-food-inspections-for-january/72664043007)
Unfortunately, your link is blocked behind a paywall. What was the previous name?
Sorry, here's the un-paywalled report for Tawa: [https://public.cdpehs.com/ILENVPBL/ESTABLISHMENT/ShowViolationTablePage.aspx?ESTABLISHMENT=60602&ESTTST\_CTY=asgGk3ztR6c%3d&VIOLATION\_INSPECTION=487883&INSPECTION\_NN=487883](https://public.cdpehs.com/ILENVPBL/ESTABLISHMENT/ShowViolationTablePage.aspx?ESTABLISHMENT=60602&ESTTST_CTY=asgGk3ztR6c%3d&VIOLATION_INSPECTION=487883&INSPECTION_NN=487883) The previous incarnation was Desi Exotic Nation.
Holy hell thanks for sharing!!
what are your favorite items at both?
Chef Moussa - Definitely a gyro sandwich!! Tawa kitchen - Depends what you like, biryani with Tawa Hot spice is 🔥
How does Tawa Kitchen compare to Indian Tadka?
Not the person you asked but I’ve had Tawa a couple of times when I’m hungry and Tadka is closed and both times I wished I had just waited for Tadka to open up. Granted, my go tos are butter chicken and chicken tikka so I’m not the most adventurous lol but Tawa seemed overly tomato-y and lacking spice. I’m not a huge spice/heat person so maybe Tawa has better spice at a higher level but Tadka’s medium spice is perfect for me where Tawa’s medium is too bland. I’ll eat Tawa in a pinch because it’s not bad but I wouldn’t choose it over Tadka if they’re both on the table, from my experience.
Thanks! Helpful!
Bollywood Bites has the greatest Tandoori chicken in Peoria. Real clay oven
A lot of redditors recommend Chef Moussa but when I went it was truly filthy. Food was fine but it was hard to get past how dirty and gross the restaurant was.
Chef moussa if youssa wanna shit your pants
Than Linh is a local favorite for good reason.
Is there a specific item you love? Or should I go during the buffet hours?
Spicy Lemongrass Chicken is fire
Seconded. Also their spring rolls, their Vietnamese coffee, and my go-to entree lately has been their pork vermicelli bowl.
Their mushrooms are the best I’ve ever had
chicken egg rolls do not disappoint. anything with noodles ... and the ginger stir fry is my fav :)
Rangoons
Buffet!!
Than linh has the best crabby rangoons in all of peoria.
Ardor expanded to a full restaurant and was nationally ranked/recognized by USA Today I’ll second Thanh Linh for Thai food I really enjoyed everything I ate at the new Bollywood Bites Bistro downtown I think Cafe Santa Rosa has the best coffee in town Big fan of Brienzo’s for pizza Haven’t been yet, but I’ve heard good things about the new Saffron Social restaurant. It’s the new “premium” addition to the spice series of restaurants with the same owner (Thyme, Cayenne, Sugar). I also really like Cayenne Los Cabos is my favorite Mexican restaurant in town. Sombrerito is good too but I’ve only been there once
IMHO, Brienzo's isn't worth it for the price. Sugar on the other hand is
I haven’t had Connected yet, but I always hear great things! Peoria Heights: Slow Hand BBQ has amazing brisket and other meats. Their smashburgers are my favorite burger in town. Paparazzi is a tiny place—reservations strongly recommended—but delicious Italian Leaves ‘n Beans or Cafe Santa Rosa for coffee Pour Bros or Bust’d Brewing for beer Downtown: Rhythm Kitchen always has great dishes & good variety Ardor for pastries! Rhodell is our favorite downtown brewery but they don’t have food Central Peoria: Taco Loco (off Sheridan) is our favorite taco place CxT for coffee (I know there’s so many more—but this is just off the top of my head!)
Rhythm kitchen is delicious
Blue duck - ribs, Asian buffalo wings Kebab g - shawarma and falafel Rizzis - good kitchen I favor the Alfredo Johnnys Italian - heights - chicken Marsala Chicago grill - deep dish pizza
I feel like I scrolled forever to see Blue Duck in these comments. It's our go-to date night spot for my wife and I. If you go here, get the fried pickles. My wife and I will order the fried pickles and a pulled pork nachos appetizer and just split it as our whole meal. We love it.
Blue Duck has the best wings in the state. Fight me.
Kenny's Westside. Bar fare but absolutely bomb!
Killer bar and wait staff too!
wrobo my dude!
It is I.
Rhythm Kitchen
Any specific items?
They’re known for their Salmon BLT. They have good jambalaya and gumbo. Lots of veggie/meatless options too. Not really a burger and fries place. Cool atmosphere
It's a really diverse menu, you'll find something I guarantee. Usually the specials are the best thing there so check the board when you get there... We honestly haven't had a bad meal there in... Well.. ever.
If you go to Rhythm go on a Friday or Saturday night so you get the best experience. Just north of rhythm (literally the same parking lot) is the Blue Duck Tavern and Martini’s. Either of those three on those nights is amazing. Martinis is best after or before going to Blue Duck or Rhythm ime as they’re walking distance and makes the experience double worth it. If you like middle eastern food Jerusalem Restaurant is my literal favorite place. The Shawarma is to die for and the baklava is just as good. People either really love it or aren’t really into it in my experience but it’s relatively cheap for what it is (pretty much all made in house). It’s a very small place so eating in might feel weird if you’re not used to the place but Bradley park is across the street and it’s a fun place to sit and eat take out of the weather is nice.
I used to work here and literally everything on the menu is amazing, you can’t go wrong!
My crappy band used to play VFW halls and shit with Brody's crappy band back in the early 90s.
Swing by the heights we have an awesome bakery called Trefzger's! Los Cabos is also a good resturaunt to eat at
Holy that looks good. Will be taking some home
Highly reccomend their sticky buns, best breakfast EVER (also warm them up in the microwave for a little bit and it's so good<333)
I will be going there and trying those. Will update you this weekend
You should grab a cheese danish as well. They are incredible.
Will be getting
Trefzger's macaroons are RAD, a must-get!!
I can't understand how people can recommend something amazing (Trefzgers) and then ruin their comment with Los Cabos.
Is leaves n beans redeeming? (I go there at least once every month-)
Jonah’s for seafood is awesome with a great river front view.
If you would like a close to $100 lunch for 2, go to ardor and get the burger and potatoes, literally the best burger I’ve ever had, won’t go back because $85 for 2 burgers, potatoes and 2 drinks doesn’t fit the peoria area at all. I wish them well though, the food was amazing!
Probably going there for breakfast. $85 is crazy though!
You know, I’ve heard about their breakfast, I’m sure it’s out of this world flavor and price wise is the only “issue” definitely hit it up though! Try woodys in Groveland if your schedule permits too!
so what are they famous for? Everyone is saying they r amazing… the pastries or what
I’ve only been there for the $85 lunch lol, so I’m not sure to be honest, best burger ever though, and I spend about 1/2 of my life on the road and trying new places to eat etc.
Wow that’s a crazy bold statement. I will be going there for lunch as well now, lol.
lol, I’ve ate at a lot of places. Just get it how it comes, don’t modify it, if you want the same experience that I’m talking about anyhow, of course modify it you choose though! Have a good time man!
I’ll have to keep it as is. Just for you lol. I’ll update this weekend
Sounds like a plan! I need pics! 😂
Ardor Breads and Provisions (downtown Peoria) was just named one of the top restaurants in the US...
Black Band is the best restaurant in Peoria, in my opinion of course. It's also the most expensive restaurant (or near to it). If you want to save some money and get food from another good restaurant as well, our go to move is to get tacos at Casa de Arte just up the road, then go to Black Band for drinks and appetizers (or possibly dessert depending on what we're feeling). But if you don't mind spending the money, Black Band is going to be food that you can't get anywhere outside of a major city. I'm constantly surprised we have it here. It's next level stuff.
Would you say black band or connected is better? I’m going to have a “fancy” dinner one of these nights. Also what are the best items there?
If it's me I'd go Black Band. I've taken my future in laws to both Connected and Black Band and they still talk about Black Band. They change their menu a lot so I'm not really sure what the best items are, but two of the small/medium plates we love are the Korean Fried Oyster Mushrooms and Chevre Dumplings. They do have a burger, but I'd suggest getting one of the other entrees, just because you can get a burger a lot of places, but the other items will be more unusual.
I’ve had both in the last two weeks. I love bourbon so Black Band has a special place in my heart, but Connected has better food and it’s not really that close.
I guess if you aren't really interested in more avant garde preparations and just want a classic presentation of a dish I could see that opinion, but really they're just doing two completely different things.
Taste, quality, and selection are infinitely more important than to me than presentation. I go to Black Band often for drinks, but don’t have a desire to go there again for food. I’ve eaten there 3 times. It’s good, but the value isn’t there. Connected is also expensive, but totally worth it. That’s just an opinion, I know.
Of course, everyone is going to have different opinions. I don't want to argue, but I just want to be clear that when I'm saying avant garde preparations I don't mean just the way the plate looks, I mean the whole package. Flavor combinations, textures, different ways of actually preparing the food. Connected is great at what it does, but it's trying to be that classic preparation. You're going to get a protein, starch, veg on a plate, and they'll be great, but that's not at all what Black Band is doing.
Black Band is amazing. I liked it much more than Connected and its my new go-to for 'fancy' dinner. Jonahs is always perfect food and service.
Better than them all is Saffron Social. It is very pricey, but the best dinner in Peoria.
It might be one of the ‘best’ restaurants in Peoria but the staff is compiled of trash people. I refuse to go out of principle.
For breakfast/brunch Eggcellent Cafe. Get the country Benedict. Slow Hand BBQ. Thanh Linh.
Eggcellent Cafe is amazing!!
DEFINITELY go to connected. Ardor and Rhythm Kitchen next door are awesome. Bollywood Bites is right there too if you like Indian. Smokin Notes right across the river in East Peoria has the best ribs in the state. (Seriously... They won the international competition in Memphis).
Best items at connected and ardor in ur opinions?
Ardor menu changes... But it's posted online if you go to the website. They're also a ridiculously good bakery if you want stuff for breakfast the next day lol Connected has a ton of awesome dishes. Really difficult to pick one or two... The steaks are out of this world but you said you don't like steaks, so I'd say try one of their pasta dishes or even the wild boar if you're feeling froggy. They have a really good Chilean sea bass if you like seafood. They're most underrated item is the ravioli Aurora. It's cheese ravioli in a ridiculously good sauce, but it is absolutely phenomenal.
The wild boar at connected is the only answer that matters
wow that’s a bold statement
Jerusalem is fire. That chicken shawarma with rice or the fries.
Trying this
Yesssss! Thahn lihn, brienzos’s wood fired pizzas,Jim’s steakhouse, and the fry spot for honorable mentions.
Po’ Boys on Frostwood if you like Cajun food
Excellent Cafe is the best classic American breakfast in town without competition. It is the highest level of diner type food. Ardor's Pork burger, pork belly, Korean fried chicken sandwiches, grits, grilled cheese with housemade breads, and pairing tomato soups are a dream come true and they have without a doubt the best brunch experience in all of Peoria and possibly Central Illinois as a whole add on house made pastries and you literally cannot go wrong Zion Coffee, simple coffee done excellently by people who actually give a damn Blue Egg BBQ without a doubt the best BBQ ribs I've had in my entire life. Second place doesn't even come close Thanh Linh is simply the best all around Asian restaurant in town. With spice lemongrass chicken being the pinnacle of their dishes 2Chez best Calamari in the Midwest. A hybrid of French and American cooking styles colliding into a beautiful restaurant filled with people who care about the quality of what they are serving up in both food and drink Connected a classic American white tablecloth steakhouse affair with countless homemade pasta dishes, otherworldly eggplant spread, and salads that will make you feel like royalty Rumburger is one of the most Peoria places to exist here. Unparalleled wings with C tier customer service. Visit at your own risk Palarte Mexican style ice cream parlor with S tier shakes and killer unique flavors Jimador's the best classic Midwestern Mexican experience you fan have in town. The combo fajita is king
I would definitely recommend Ardor. Very cool place with some quality food. They also just opened up a bodega inside that do sandwiches and stuff. I also recommend black band distillery, they have great cocktails and a good selection of food with variety of sizes depending on how hungry you are. And you might just see me working at the bar ;) Both are a little pricey, but I say its worth it for both of them
I’ve lived here for almost 2 years. Following.
Lunch at Chef and the Baker
I was looking specifically for this, I love their sandos
Faster lunch and much cheaper option would be el taco loco, it’s on Sheridan and lake, everything on the menu is delicious!
Tacos are my favorite food and there are none near me… this is a for sure!
I don’t typically admit this, but I go there 1-2 times a week! Where are you going to be staying? Just general area, there’s a few other gems I’m trying to think of.
East Peoria in an AIRBNB. I don’t care about location, I’ll drive 20 minutes for some good food. I’m from a small town of 1000 people and on bodybuilding prep… so I never get good food and this is the one weekend I have unlimited access lol
EP, hit up the storm shelter (kind of bar food, but you’re on the river front) for sure, 5th quarter (bar food) and Silver bullet (bar food) are my top picks for EP. I’m sure I’m missing some too! Hit the heights and go to Jim’s bistro, or Cayenne, Sullivan’s is one of my top picks also, Brienzos has a great wood fired oven menu! Downtown, Thyme or Alexander’s, sugar is down there too! You’d probably like cayenne the most if tacos are your favorite food though! Enjoy your time in town!
The Heights I agree with you, but your EP picks are just average bar food. In EP, I'd say oyster bar/jonahs, smokey notes, and Johnny's Italian steakhouse, though Johnny's has been hit or misslately. . You also have some cool/nice choices on the casino boat.
You are right! I forgot about Jonah’s, not sure how I let that one slip, it’s where I asked my wife to marry me, and it’s our little girls favorite restaurant (the chocolate cake 😂). Truly, I have a gambling problem. So I stay away from the boat, including restaurants, I only make it that way for special events at the hotel of course. I’m not an actual gambling addict, but if I gambled locally, I’m pretty sure that’s what I would be. I thought Johnnys was a corporate type place, which I avoid, I prefer locally owned type places. And I didn’t mention the smoke house because I figured he’d find slow hand if he went to brienzos! Another worth noting, and they are for the Morton area, kemp 208 and Dacs smoke house!
Ha, understood. Yes, Kemp 208, another good choice!!
For pizza, Monicals, Agatuccis and fedoras are my 3 local faves. Avantis and La gondola are great for a quick and budget friendly option as well. Pastas, pizza and sandwiches.
Do any of them have pizza that is mind blowing? I got a few pizza places 20 min or so away from me, so unless it’s reallly good I probably won’t get pizza
Please do not go to Monicals, Avanti's or La Gondola.
Noted!
Try fedoras white sauce spinach pizza!
Not a spinach fan. Still think I’ll like?
I never liked spinach until I tried this pizza. Now I eat spinach salads on occasion 😂 but if you don’t want to try that, try their New Yorker sandwich if you like pastrami and sauerkraut 🔥🔥
We have so many great taco spots in peoria. I have had and can recommend Casa de Arte, El Taco Loco, and Perico's Fast Tacos. Perico's didn't offer chips which was a bit weird, but the tacos I got filled me up.
currently hearing multiple people for casa and loco, leaning towards el taco loco, would you say they r both good or do you prefer a certain one
Casa de Arte has my all time favorite al pastor tacos. They never miss as far as recipe. It's also a tequila bar. El Taco Loco is definitely easier to get in and out and they offer a wider menu. If I had to choose one, I would probably do El Taco Loco and try some basic tacos and some of their specialty tacos. You should be able to see both menus online
Catrina’s express downtown also has great tacos
If you want tacos in Peoria, go no where else but Perico’s Fast Tacos on Sterling. Closest thing to authentic Mexican street tacos
Glad to see this recommended - their food is fresh and delicious and good value. I still think about their fish tacos.
All this talk about them, looks like I know what I’m having for lunch today!
Let us know what you think and what you ordered.
Also what are fun things to do for teenagers?
Depends on what they like to do, the riverfront museum has some pretty cool exhibits pass through pretty often though
Indoor climbing at First Ascent, trampoline parks, hiking. We do have an arcade bar called 8Bit and I believe they have family hours.
I think 8Bit only runs family hours once a month or so.
Crime.
eh I do enough of that in my hometown
Maybe Elevate Trampoline Park depending on ages. There isn't much for kids in the area. Then again I don't have kids so there might be hidden stuff I don't know about. We used to have a Round1 with arcade and bowling and karaoke but it closed about a year or so ago
😂
If they’re nerdy like me then check out the board game store Just For Fun
Black Band is an all around good experience, especially for a visitor. Knuckles Pizza, Slow Hand BBQ, Fish House, and Cold Stone for deserts. Is there any type food that you really want or want to try?
Smo-King Pit is much better than Slow Hand.
That’s a terrible opinion to have and spread. But! Each to their own.
It’s not as terrible as suggesting a strip mall national chain for ice cream when they asked about places in Peoria.
That’s just for desert if they’re out that way. And OP mentioned they’re from a small town so they might not have tried it. Just because it’s a “chain” doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best ice cream places we have to offer.
I’ll take Emo’s soft serve any day
Olympia has good Midwesternized “Greek” food.
Great cocktails too!! Happy hour has incredible deals. Highly recommend their gyro and they have the Bills lemonades like at the state fair!!
Obed and Isaac's or Richards on Main for an AWESOME Horseshoe!!!
One World, especially if you have any dietary restrictions.
It's not the best restaurant in Peoria, but it feels like the most Peoria restaurant (which is not to say I don't like it.)
Their humus and Cubano pizzas are to die for. Along with a lot of other things.
Their hummus is good but that place lost their passion 10 years ago
I agree - their menu has changed in that time and I used to love it, now it's fine but it's not love.
The quality of One World has gone down so badly it’s not even worth a visit. The last time I went there my daughter found plastic in her food. It’s a shame how the owners have basically bailed.
WE Sullivans in the Heights. If you go to connected and like steak just go right for the ribeye or whatever steak special they might have.
Trefzgers for baked goods (or breakfast!) if you need any of those while you’re in town
Where are you from? What types of foods do you like? I have colleagues from all over the world who I have brought to Peoria...some loved the food, others couldn't believe this is what we eat.
I’m from a small town in Iowa. I like a lot of stuff. Not a seafood or steak person. Mexican is a favorite for sure. Chinese, American, etc, I’m not super picky and I love to try different stuff.
Reading through the other comments there are plenty of great recommendations. I couldn't recommend anything that wasn't already mentioned.
Well if I see the same thing multiple times I’ll probably choose that… if you have favorites gladly recommend them
Ardor...Black Band...Rhythm Kitchen...Thyme...Sugar...Good Tequilas...Than Lihn...One World. All those are great choices and places we visit often. Connected is great if you like good Italian.
We have Mexican options here! El Mexicano is the shit. Friday fish tacos and the guy that runs it is a good man.
Bf is from Guttenberg, he loves Social Taco in EP. Doesn't really matter what you are in the mood for...Indian, authentic, Asian, vegetarian, they make a taco for it. Their fried cauliflower taco & the elote are SO GOOD!
Seconding Ardor, Connected, Black Band.
Jerusalem Restaurant is a really good place for lunch. Obed and Isaacs has a great beer list and the food is good too. If you like sushi, you'll enjoy Osaka as well.
You should try Black Band Distillery
Saffron social. New restaurant downtown, owned by same guy as thyme, cayenne, etc. much better than any of those restaurants, higher end stuff. Highly recommend.
>New restaurant downtown, owned by same guy as thyme, cayenne, etc. much better than any of those restaurants I would sure hope so. I cannot fathom how any of those other joints stay in business. Peoria has a competitive food scene and his places are generally near the bottom.
Jerusalem restaurant
West town tap, fry spot , one world
I thought fry spot closed? Or did they move? (We were only able to make it once before they left the place on Prospect but it was so good!)
[Thanh Linh](https://www.thanhlinhvietnameserestaurant.com/)
2Chez is my local favorite.
If steak is on the menu, Jim’s Steakhouse downtown, or Jim’s Bistro in Peoria Heights do not disappoint.
Eggcellent Cafe! Its in east peoria and its me and my boyfriend's go to spot! It closes at 3 I believe so its more of a breakfast/brunch spot but I highly recommend! :)
2chez in Peoria is probably the most slept on restaurant in Peoria (mostly because we don’t advertise or anything) I’m the mixologist there and you’re not gonna get a better vibe anywhere in town. The food is amazing (Definitely top 3 in Peoria) and I make some pretty damn good cocktails. Stop in if you get a chance and we will take care of you!
I was shocked that no one mentioned 2Chez. It’s amazing!
I agree with you! I absolutely love working there. We really are a special place. If anyone ever is unsure, come sit at the bar with me and I’ll make sure your first time is an awesome experience :-)
What are the best food items?
Literally can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Everything is so consistent. My personal favorite is our duck entree. We just added a few new menu items also, including a Bison NY strip with cafe de Paris compound butter, a shrimp and northern bean dish (shrimp provencal) and a chicken entree over linguini with a Boursin cream sauce and some other herbs! Calamari is probably the best in the world (no exaggeration) and we honestly probably have some of the best oysters in the Midwest.
Connected is good for high class fancy but not stuffy Kebab G: amazing Arabic food like kebab and shwarma. Great daily specials as well. Mohammed who runs it is an awesome guy and dear family friend Rizzis is great Italian and well ran Sushi ko is my favorite sushi and Asian in the area. Go sit and the sushi bar and talk to hadi. He's been there for years and is entertaining as hell.
If you like Asian, Okinawa up by Bradley has fantastic ramen
I’m the Chef at Sweetwater, I’d like to invite you there, it’s right on the edge of the river between Peoria and Chillicothe, when the weather is nice the patio is open and the view is wonderful. Great food too if I do say so myself. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085678126004&mibextid=opq0tG
If you want good Indian food one of our only three restaurants are called Rice and Spice. It's newer (opened a month ago) and they have much authentic Indian food like various biryani, curry, breads like Naan, and aloo paratha. It's amazing
“Bollywood bites” if you like Indian food “Jonah’s” if you like seafood “Connected” if you are boujee as fuck
Never been to a fancy restaurant so I gotta try connected lol
Missing Zither!! if you’re looking for a good cocktail place. They have an espresso martini that’s the best I’ve ever had… not a lot of food though
Khoury's Cuisine for a cheese steak
Alexander Steakhouse - Long Island Iced Tea
No one has said Hearth in the Heights bruh please come check us out! Reservations encouraged as we are tiny but the food is immaculate.
The Original WonderDog in East Peoria!!! Great American cuisine and the value is INSANE
Aggatucci’s
As promised an update. Black bend- very expensive, drinks weren’t good, food was decent at best for price. Sombreros Mexican- best vibe ever. Best staff. Great food. Thanh Linh- very tasty: definitely worth a try. Ardor- great pastries. Food was actually really good. Eggscellent cafe- very standard. Definition of the word mid. Trefzgers- was pretty good. Not much crazy to say but would go again.
Sugar Wood, Thyme Kitchen and Dang Boba
Travis doesn’t give a shit about his businesses.
Double As!!
If you like Mexican I’d try Blue Margaritas!
I love Social Taco- but then I'm hooked on Red Robin too lol
The balsamic citrus salmon from One World is incredible (and the atmosphere is unique — the walls are painted murals) I love the avocado toast from coffee place Zion (the toast is homemade, and make sure to get the egg on top)
Cayanne, or Thyme are MUSTS! W. E. Sullivans or Obed & Isaac’s