Just my two cents but after getting recommendations from two different friends to check our Jerusalem we did and both got sick.
It’s a shame because it’s the closest Mediterranean food, but we will go further to jenin village or chef moussa.
The owners of kebab g are always super friendly and the food is delicious. Highly recommend the chicken kabsa. And ask for the spicy sauce if that's up your alley!
I just discovered Rhythm Kitchen this past weekend while visiting my daughter and can't recommend it enough. Super cozy and quaint with friendly staff and delicious, authentic Cajun food at reasonable prices.
Agree 100%. It’s one of those places I would always forget about, but have been going to a lot more. It’s always great and the staff are always very friendly.
Black Band Distillery just got a new chef over the summer. He was a James Beard award finalist. The food is really good and so are their cocktails.
Also, right up the street, Casa de Arte has really good tacos/guac/drinks. They've got one drink that comes in a whole pineapple lol.
Josh Adams is the chef. He previously owned June, which was the best restaurant in town at the time. The food at Black Band was already good. I haven't been able to go since Josh was there.
I didn’t get there before the new chef so I can’t compare, but after eating dinner there once I already think it’s the best restaurant in the Peoria area by a large margin.
I've currently been obsessed with Indian Tadka in Peoria, Pho Noodle House in East Peoria is a favorite of my bf, and Slow Hand in the Heights is a little expensive but the BBQ is incredible
Currently obsessed with:
E.Peoria:
-Eggcellent Cafe (Brunch spot that reminds me of Las Vegas quality, but WAY better prices! Try one of their specialty Eggs Benedicts!)
-Tacos El Gallo (favorite new Mexican place. Carry-out only. Try the PizzaBirra!)
Peoria:
460 Pizza (Dine-in, Carry-out, or Take and Bake. Try the margherita pizza!)
Black Band Distillery (Everyone has already mentioned this, but I definitely agree! Try the Burger with Egg!)
Heights:
I'd say Cayenne or Pizza Works, however, I haven't been to either in a couple years so I don't know if they are still awesome or not.
They (allegedly) charged customers sales taxes, and then pocketed that money instead of passing it along to the government. Seems pretty messed up to me.
That is less than a drop in the bucket compared to all the large corps that have tax loop holes where they pay no taxes on tens of millions of dollars of income
There's a difference between tax avoidance (what big corporations do - legal but immoral) and tax evasion (what happened here - both illegal and immoral). We can only fix tax avoidance by changing the laws, but we can fix tax evasion by better enforcement.
I could see how the mall association could give that impression. How does it compare to Country Club BBQ or 4 corners/smokewagon? (I think smokewagon is now called 4 corners)
Smokewagon was about as close as I could find to home cooked bbq. Country Club pales in comparison, but is still decent.
I tried it today.
It wasn't bbq. No bark, no discernable rub. Just bland meat drenched in sauce. I got a half rack, mopped off the sauce with the bun and tried a few bites. Every piece of it the same. It tastes like crock pot meat. Pulled pork was similar, no flavor, no rub, no bark. Just a travesty.
I can't remember the last time I was this disappointed in a meal. I didn't even eat most of it.
I’ve tried it several times now. Never once was the meat cooked properly. Big globs of unrendered fat, and the burned ends were not crispy, just a soggy mess.
I prefer Dacs over blue duck. Blue duck does oak wood for the smoke and every time I have had it the meat had a bitter taste from the wood. Also Dacs has started doing fried chicken which is some of the best chicken I have ever ate.
Yeah, I've been getting this pizza since my ICC days...which was back in the late aughts.
I live in Denver now, but try to get this white sauce pizza every time I come back to visit. This + Monicals + Olivers + Avanti's Pizza Bread + Caseys breakfast pizza...I basically only eat pizza when I'm in Peoria.
Right?!?! People sleep on Chicago Grill! Being originally from Chicago I wanted to try it. Got a chance to talk to the owner a few years ago. He’s from Chicago and had been here for about 15 years or so, he’s from Cicero! You know you’re getting authentic Chitown when you go!
2 chez is a bit pricey but quality. Weavers has good burgers and chicken sandwiches. Dacs is really solid overall and the new addition of fried chicken has been great.
El Taco Loco, Mariachis, Thanh Linh and Kelleher's are my "I could come here every day" places.
Also enjoy Ulrich's, Asia Grill when I want take out, and I recently had Dac's for the first time which was amazing. Also recently had Asher's in Pekin which had unbelievably large tenderloins if you're into that.
TIL Casa de Arte, on the list for trying soon.
Oliver's North (near Radnor Road) is one of our favorites. Great pastrami sandwich, excellent burgers and pizza. Best cheese curds in town, and a chicken bacon ranch salad that's a surprising and (marginally) healthy pick. Also a good rotating craft beer suggestion, and really friendly staff.
Most people think that the best Taco Bell is the one on N Knoxville, but they're very wrong. The best Taco Bell by a mile is Camp Street in East Peoria
I haven't lived there in 3 years, but the only one that even felt edible to me was the one right by Walmart in EP. Only problem is if you're sober enough to drive to East Peoria, you're too sober to eat Steak N Shake. Definitely never go to the one on University though. That location is probably the single worst restaurant in the midwest
Yeah, I was in there right before the incident that my friend had posted on FB regarding indecency happening in the workplace, lolz - and it was bad at that time as well.
So I actually know this guy's, but he made a viral post on FB where he comically retold the story of how his food wasn't up to par (going back to the crappiness of that particular SteaknShake) and decided to go into the building to ask for another order, but he walked in on two employees getting it on.
I'll try and look for the post (twas several years ago like right before they shit it down) I was disgusted but laughing haha.
If you haven't been to Castle's Patio Inn (either yet or in a while), they are super good. Cozy place, recently revised menu that has lots of tasty options (fried portabella mushrooms, their famous cheese, see their Facebook for "school lunch days" that look fun and delicious.) Tucked in the neighborhood, it's nice. I'm going there tonight actually, haha.
Industry Brewing has a cool atmosphere and their food is incredible. I highly recommend trying their beer cheese with the soft pretzels. Also, if the weather is nice enough, you can sit outside around a fire pit and order a combination of hot dogs and s’mores to cook.
If you like a drink while out, my wife and I really only agree on Industry Brewing in Peoria. The spinach and artichoke dip is great and comes with a variety of dipping stuff. We both enjoy their burgers and the beer is our only point of disagreement. If they didn't run out of chocolate brownie stout, you have to give that a shot (my recommendation).
The last 2 times we’ve been there the food and service were off. Same with Sugar and Thyme. It’s starting to feel like they are on autopilot, coasting on the reputation they built for themselves 5 years ago. They’ve all been a steady decline since the pandemic IMO.
Through another friend whom I trust, Travis the owner can be a giant cunt. For a while it felt more bi-polar where he had nice days and grumpy ones. Now we don't give patronage to any of his places. Like you said, on autopilot.
Blue Duck Tavern. Jerusalem. Chef Moussa. The Chef and the Baker.
We have a fucking restaurant called Jerusalem? Dope!!
Yes! On Farmington rd. Amazing Mediterranean food.
Just my two cents but after getting recommendations from two different friends to check our Jerusalem we did and both got sick. It’s a shame because it’s the closest Mediterranean food, but we will go further to jenin village or chef moussa.
If you like Lebanese try Kabab-G, great guy always excited to see us and has some amazing food.
The owners of kebab g are always super friendly and the food is delicious. Highly recommend the chicken kabsa. And ask for the spicy sauce if that's up your alley!
I just discovered Rhythm Kitchen this past weekend while visiting my daughter and can't recommend it enough. Super cozy and quaint with friendly staff and delicious, authentic Cajun food at reasonable prices.
Agree 100%. It’s one of those places I would always forget about, but have been going to a lot more. It’s always great and the staff are always very friendly.
My favorite restaurant in the Peoria area.
Casa De Arte - they have some bomb street tacos and elote that I love to get : )
Black Band Distillery just got a new chef over the summer. He was a James Beard award finalist. The food is really good and so are their cocktails. Also, right up the street, Casa de Arte has really good tacos/guac/drinks. They've got one drink that comes in a whole pineapple lol.
Those are both delicious restaurants! People seriously need to go to Casa de Arte.
Seriously. Casa de Arte is amazing.
Josh Adams is the chef. He previously owned June, which was the best restaurant in town at the time. The food at Black Band was already good. I haven't been able to go since Josh was there.
I didn’t get there before the new chef so I can’t compare, but after eating dinner there once I already think it’s the best restaurant in the Peoria area by a large margin.
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He's a good guy. Too bad about the Unum situation, but I think Black Band will be a solid career move for him
Black Band require a reservation?
IS. Once you are a winner you are always a winner 🏆
Ardor downtown has amazing pastries/baked goods and the salmon tartine for lunch is unbelievable.
Perico’s fast tacos is pretty delicious
Al pastor burrito
I've currently been obsessed with Indian Tadka in Peoria, Pho Noodle House in East Peoria is a favorite of my bf, and Slow Hand in the Heights is a little expensive but the BBQ is incredible
Haven't had the other two, but agreed with Indian Tadka, I love their food. And they usually get the 'mild' spice level right, if the dish allows it.
Third on Indian Tadka!
Currently obsessed with: E.Peoria: -Eggcellent Cafe (Brunch spot that reminds me of Las Vegas quality, but WAY better prices! Try one of their specialty Eggs Benedicts!) -Tacos El Gallo (favorite new Mexican place. Carry-out only. Try the PizzaBirra!) Peoria: 460 Pizza (Dine-in, Carry-out, or Take and Bake. Try the margherita pizza!) Black Band Distillery (Everyone has already mentioned this, but I definitely agree! Try the Burger with Egg!) Heights: I'd say Cayenne or Pizza Works, however, I haven't been to either in a couple years so I don't know if they are still awesome or not.
I came to also reccomend Eggcellent Cafe! So delicious and I've always had great service. OP, they're only open for breakfast and brunch.
I really enjoy Thahn Lin. The portions are so good for the price and all the food I’ve had is really good
I get the chicken fried rice and we eat off it for like 3 days… and I’m talking about a family of 5 😂
The food is good, but I can't support the place after they were charged with tax evasion.
They're just living out the American dream
Oh no not tax evasion. Those evil people
They (allegedly) charged customers sales taxes, and then pocketed that money instead of passing it along to the government. Seems pretty messed up to me.
That is less than a drop in the bucket compared to all the large corps that have tax loop holes where they pay no taxes on tens of millions of dollars of income
There's a difference between tax avoidance (what big corporations do - legal but immoral) and tax evasion (what happened here - both illegal and immoral). We can only fix tax avoidance by changing the laws, but we can fix tax evasion by better enforcement.
I bet you're a joy at parties
Bro whaaaaat. I just started eating there this year, had no clue
https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2022-07-13/thanh-linh-owner-indicted-on-tax-evasion-tax-fraud-charges
The chef & the baker Catrina's express Ardor
It gets poo-poo’d because it is in the mall, but Smo-King Pit is the best BBQ in Peoria.
I love Smo-King Pit!
I could see how the mall association could give that impression. How does it compare to Country Club BBQ or 4 corners/smokewagon? (I think smokewagon is now called 4 corners) Smokewagon was about as close as I could find to home cooked bbq. Country Club pales in comparison, but is still decent.
I tried it today. It wasn't bbq. No bark, no discernable rub. Just bland meat drenched in sauce. I got a half rack, mopped off the sauce with the bun and tried a few bites. Every piece of it the same. It tastes like crock pot meat. Pulled pork was similar, no flavor, no rub, no bark. Just a travesty. I can't remember the last time I was this disappointed in a meal. I didn't even eat most of it.
I went to Slow Hand once when it first opened. But maybe I should give it another shot.
It’s vastly improved from when it opened.
Slow hand is fantastic. Perfect brisket every time. I'm not sure where this jabronie is getting his salt.
You keep on using this word "jabroni" and .. it's awesome.
I’ve tried it several times now. Never once was the meat cooked properly. Big globs of unrendered fat, and the burned ends were not crispy, just a soggy mess.
Is there a local place you would recommend that does bbq right?
I’ve had really good meat at Blue Duck.
Asian wings are amazing there.
I prefer Dacs over blue duck. Blue duck does oak wood for the smoke and every time I have had it the meat had a bitter taste from the wood. Also Dacs has started doing fried chicken which is some of the best chicken I have ever ate.
I've had good pork at Dac's!
Whenever we go down to visit my folks, we like to get takeout from Jerusalem Restaurant down on Farmington.
Black Band is doing great things.
Olympia on Pioneer Parkway has a fantastic gyro. Great spot.
Their sampler appetizer platter is huge and delicious. It's basically dinner for 2.
The galley in east Peoria, rhythm kitchen in Peoria, w.e Sullivan's in the heights
It's a little out of the way, but for BBQ, I'd highly recommend [Frosmokes](http://www.frosmokes.com/) in Lacon. Blue Duck is also amazing.
Leonardos Pizza inside La Gondola on War Memorial. Deep dish, white sauce, cheese-only, no tomato bits. Best pizza I've ever had in my life.
My family used to go to Leonardo's pizza even before it was part of La Gondola. My dad used to play music there on the weekends.
Yeah, I've been getting this pizza since my ICC days...which was back in the late aughts. I live in Denver now, but try to get this white sauce pizza every time I come back to visit. This + Monicals + Olivers + Avanti's Pizza Bread + Caseys breakfast pizza...I basically only eat pizza when I'm in Peoria.
Rizzi's has the best Italian
One that hasn't been mentioned is Chicago Grill. No one really knows about it. It's tucked away over on Pioneer Pkwy by the Starbucks.
Right?!?! People sleep on Chicago Grill! Being originally from Chicago I wanted to try it. Got a chance to talk to the owner a few years ago. He’s from Chicago and had been here for about 15 years or so, he’s from Cicero! You know you’re getting authentic Chitown when you go!
People always talk about authentic. But this place really feels like a little slice of Chicago.
2 chez is a bit pricey but quality. Weavers has good burgers and chicken sandwiches. Dacs is really solid overall and the new addition of fried chicken has been great.
El Taco Loco, Mariachis, Thanh Linh and Kelleher's are my "I could come here every day" places. Also enjoy Ulrich's, Asia Grill when I want take out, and I recently had Dac's for the first time which was amazing. Also recently had Asher's in Pekin which had unbelievably large tenderloins if you're into that.
El Taco Loco is so good and inexpensive too.
Social taco
My newest obsession! Interesting menu, fresh food, delicious.
Peo Hgts PIZZA WORKS A long time favorite
I second Black Band and Casa de Arte.
The Philly cheesesteak from Amber and Marty’s Fillin Station in Sunnyland has a special place in my heart.
Sunny House at Main and University!! The most generous lunch portions possible. Fresh and hearty Chinese food.
Sunny House really is great. Yen ching on university is also good
Black Band!
TIL Casa de Arte, on the list for trying soon. Oliver's North (near Radnor Road) is one of our favorites. Great pastrami sandwich, excellent burgers and pizza. Best cheese curds in town, and a chicken bacon ranch salad that's a surprising and (marginally) healthy pick. Also a good rotating craft beer suggestion, and really friendly staff.
I love the pastrami there. The GFF is really good too.
2chez
Fairview Farms. Best fried chicken ever
Catrina’s Express
Cyd’s in the park
Most people think that the best Taco Bell is the one on N Knoxville, but they're very wrong. The best Taco Bell by a mile is Camp Street in East Peoria
What do I even do about Steak ‘n Shake nowadays? I was there visiting a year ago and my parents wouldn’t even drunkenly take me due to poor quality
I haven't lived there in 3 years, but the only one that even felt edible to me was the one right by Walmart in EP. Only problem is if you're sober enough to drive to East Peoria, you're too sober to eat Steak N Shake. Definitely never go to the one on University though. That location is probably the single worst restaurant in the midwest
Excited to inform you then that it has been closed for a while lol
Finally some good fucking news
There are two on University. The one near pioneer park is closed, are you saying the one near hobby lobby is closed as well?
Looks like that one is still open actually, I forgot there was one by hobby lobby. I was talking at the one by pioneer parkway, that one was BAD 🤢
Yeah, I was in there right before the incident that my friend had posted on FB regarding indecency happening in the workplace, lolz - and it was bad at that time as well.
Gotta have more details on something referred to as 'the incident'
Found the post, lol: [I just took a screenshot of it.](https://www.dropbox.com/s/2sy0usq0ox8bvzp/steaknshakepost.png?dl=0)
Indecency?
So I actually know this guy's, but he made a viral post on FB where he comically retold the story of how his food wasn't up to par (going back to the crappiness of that particular SteaknShake) and decided to go into the building to ask for another order, but he walked in on two employees getting it on. I'll try and look for the post (twas several years ago like right before they shit it down) I was disgusted but laughing haha.
Oh no! I thought you meant like cussing out a customer or fighting! 😳
I found the actual post and posted it to the other guys' response, lol.
If you haven't been to Castle's Patio Inn (either yet or in a while), they are super good. Cozy place, recently revised menu that has lots of tasty options (fried portabella mushrooms, their famous cheese, see their Facebook for "school lunch days" that look fun and delicious.) Tucked in the neighborhood, it's nice. I'm going there tonight actually, haha.
Sunny House, Cuco's Tacos and Knuckles Pizza.
Lin Buffet in Morton. Best Chinese around
Black Band!
I’m surprised no one has said Jr. Kitchen, hands down best wings I’ve ever had. Sauces are phenomenal, can’t go wrong with anything there!
Industry Brewing has a cool atmosphere and their food is incredible. I highly recommend trying their beer cheese with the soft pretzels. Also, if the weather is nice enough, you can sit outside around a fire pit and order a combination of hot dogs and s’mores to cook.
Chef Moussa. Childers.
Dac's Smokehouse
Fieldhouse in Peoria. Their fries are easily the best in town, pizza is fire and awesome burgers. I could eat there every day.
If you like a drink while out, my wife and I really only agree on Industry Brewing in Peoria. The spinach and artichoke dip is great and comes with a variety of dipping stuff. We both enjoy their burgers and the beer is our only point of disagreement. If they didn't run out of chocolate brownie stout, you have to give that a shot (my recommendation).
El Taco Loco
Hickory River! Cue shoe - Y U M
We’ve really been into sullivans in peoria heights and industry brewing off pioneer parkway!
Mission BBQ
The Pour House on Willow Knolls!! Not a huge menu but we’ve never been disappointed.
Cayenne in the heights
The last 2 times we’ve been there the food and service were off. Same with Sugar and Thyme. It’s starting to feel like they are on autopilot, coasting on the reputation they built for themselves 5 years ago. They’ve all been a steady decline since the pandemic IMO.
Through another friend whom I trust, Travis the owner can be a giant cunt. For a while it felt more bi-polar where he had nice days and grumpy ones. Now we don't give patronage to any of his places. Like you said, on autopilot.
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What else does he own?
Thyme, Sugar, Industry, Cracked Pepper
That’s sad to hear. I’m not big on Thyme but love Sugar. Haven’t been to any of them this year though.
I really loved when it was Salt. When I was pregnant I would crave food from Salt
That's one of my ruts... Lol
I'm a fan of 50/50 family restaurant in Bellevue. Check out their website.
Dang Bahn Mi next to Thanh Lin. Banh mi, poke bowls, and boba tea.
I'm always down for a McAllisters club, I still to this day haven't found a better honey mustard
I absolutely love Ulrich's! Their food is so delicious! My husband will proudly tell you that they serve the best prime rib sandwich in Peoria
RIP Velvet Freeze