Cassidy WaigandPeoria Journal Star
As 2023 comes to a close, it is the perfect time to reflect and look back at the past year.
New restaurant concepts debuted, local favorites expanded and shuttered storefronts reopened. So, here is a look at the Peoria-area restaurants, bars and cafes that have opened this year.
More: Looking for the scoop on Peoria restaurants? Sign up for PJStar Dining
1. Ardor 2.0
While many in the Peoria area have come to know Ardor Breads and Provisions for its baked goods, the business launched its restaurant space on May 17. The restaurant offers breakfast platters, hearth-cooked chicken, specialty drinks and more.
“We made this leap because of the continued, very consistent support and business that we've seen for three years, which I think is any new business owner’s dream,”owner Cody Scogin said.
Details: 301 SW Water St., Peoria; (309) 431-7801, https://ardorbp.com/
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2. Bake & Brew Panadería
Ana Chavez-Estrada opened Bake & Brew Panadería with her family on May 6. The coffee shop and Mexican bakery, located at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, serves tres leches, conchas and more.
“I know there's not a lot of Mexican bakeries around here that sell this type of bread and stuff," Chavez-Estrada said. "So, we're hoping to introduce them to that and hopefully they like it.”
Details: 5201 W. War Memorial Drive, Suite 530, Peoria; (309) 670-1040, https://bakeandbrewpanaderia.com/
More: From sweet breads to coffee, new bakery bringing Mexican treats to Peoria shopping center
3. Bollywood Bites Bistro & Events Center
Bollywood Bites held its grand opening in the MAXAM Building on Oct. 13. Customers at the restaurant can find biryani, curries, naan bread and more.
"People are gonna start traveling here for this because this is special," building owner Andrew Driscoll said.
Details: 316 SW Washington St. STE 1B, Peoria; (309) 670-0936, https://bollywoodbitesbistro.com/
More: New Downtown Peoria restaurant opening with Indian dishes and drinks
4. Bust'd Brewing
Peoria Heights' new brewery opened with a selection of eight craft beers on May 17. The menu included names such as "Tower Pale Ale," "Trailblazer,""Misty Mountain"and more.
Dunlap couple Amber and Brian Buss opened the business.
Details: 4408 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights; (309) 839-1032, https://www.facebook.com/bustdbrewing
From hobby to business: Couple is bringing brewing back to Peoria Heights
5. Charlie’s at Sunset Cove
Charlie's at Sunset Cove is situated on the banks of Peoria Lake. Owner Chris Stewart saw the space as a “hideaway with a good view.” The restaurant offers pizza, burgers specials and more.
Details: 1111 Sunset Drive, East Peoria; (309) 822-1800, https://www.facebook.com/p/Charlies-at-Sunset-Cove-100087599510262/
Learn more: Take in river sunsets, fishbowl drinks at new East Peoria eatery
6. Clink Bar and Events
After beginning as a mobile bar roughly five years ago, Clink Bar and Eventsopened its in-person location in October. The menu features starters, sandwiches, salads and more.
Owner Sam Heppard said the goal was to offer "fast casual but really elevated bar food."
Details: 4450 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights; (309) 670-0844, https://www.clinkbarandevents.com/
Raise a glass: Mobile bar to open brick-and-mortar location in Peoria Heights
7. Craft 309 Kitchen and Bar
Craft 309 is not new to the Peoria area. The downtown establishment closed earlier this year to bring the restaurant "up to par," according to JC Shurts, food and beverage director for Hawkeye Hotels.
“We're putting everything we have into this — mind, body, soul, blood, sweat and tears,” he said.
The restaurant reopened on May 29.
Details: 500 Hamilton Blvd., Peoria; (309) 306-3428, https://www.craft309.com/
More: This downtown Peoria restaurant is being reorganized before it reopens
8. Dog Haus Biergarten
Customers at Dog Haus can find hot dogs, burgers, sausages and more. In the Biergarten, there are 14 beer options on tap.
Details: 4712 N. University St., Peoria; (309) 643-1206, https://doghaus.com/location/peoria-biergarten/
More: Long-awaited eatery to open soon in Peoria with 'unique twist' on American classics
9. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has over 400 locations in the United States. Known for its steakburgers and frozen custard, the restaurant opened an East Peoria storefront in October.
Details: 134 Spinder Drive, East Peoria; (309) 322-0625, https://www.freddys.com/
More: Popular restaurant known for custard and steakburgers opens this weekend in East Peoria
10. Good Tequilas
Good Tequilas opened its Peoria Heights location in the building which once housed TNT's Sports Bar and Grill. Owner Jose Barragansaid he had his eye on the space since before the former establishment had closed.
“The building itself is perfect setup for what I want it to be,” Barragan said.
Details: 4319 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights; (309) 839-1368, https://www.goodtequilaspeoria.com/
Previously: Popular Mexican restaurant to fill vacant building in Peoria Heights
11. Grand Prairie Pizza & Tavern
Grand Prairie Pizza & Tavern opened in the building once occupied by Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom. The former business − situated at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie − rebranded after closing in early July.
Details: 7610 N. Grand Prairie Drive, Peoria; (309) 691-1885, https://www.gppizzatavern.com/
More: Peoria pizza restaurant reopens with menu favorites, 30 beers on tap after rebranding
12. Happenstance Mobile Bar
Happenstance Mobile Bar went to its first public event in late July. The business − which features a retro, 1940s teardrop camper − was created by Megan Eilts.
“It’s been fun,” Eilts said. “A very impulsive, wild ride.”
Details: 4541 N. Prospect Road Suite 300C, Peoria; (309) 391-8253, Heightshttps://happenstancemobilebar.my.canva.site/happenstancemobilebar
More: Peoria business owner takes chance to open new mobile bar
13. Highly Flavored
Highly Flavored opened on Oct. 7. The restaurant was announced nearly four months after Jeremy and Cierra Sargent found a new in-person home for The Fry Spot.
"God always blows your mind," Jeremy said. "I would say the abundance of what we have received these past five, six months has just been remarkable.”
Details: 3225 N. Dries Lane, Peoria; (309) 685-8200, https://www.highlyflavoredpeoria.com/
14. High Voltage Taphouse
High Voltage Taphouse opened in Princeville in February. The business offers a variety of drinks, as well as a grill menu.
Details: 129 E. Main St., Princeville; (309) 385-2159, https://www.facebook.com/highvoltagetaphouse
15. Hong Kong Sushi Buffet
Hong Kong Buffet opened in Peoria on March 9. The restaurant offers Chinese, Japanese and American foods.
Details: 7708 N. University St., Peoria; (309) 839-2417, https://www.hongkongbuffetil.com/
More: Looking for a Chinese buffet? Here are five in the Peoria area to try
16. Intuition Coffee + Juice
In October, Ty Paluska and his wife, Kami, opened Intuition Coffee + Juicein the Kickapoo Building.
The space was previously home to Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. and Paluska had been one of shop’s original founders before moving away. Getting the opportunity to open a new shop in the space, Paluska said, "It felt too right – like the stars aligned."
Details: 734 Main St., Peoria; (309) 285-1110, https://www.intuitioncoffee.com/
More: 'The stars aligned' to bring a coffee shop back to this iconic downtown Peoria space
17. Jonah's at Jump
On May 8,Jonah's Seafood House opened a new location, Jonah's at Jump, in Peoria's Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center. The space features staples from the East Peoria restaurant, such as the seafood nachos and the seven-layer salad.
Address: 1306 N. Berkeley Ave., Peoria
More: Longtime East Peoria seafood restaurant makes the 'jump' to Peoria with new cafe
18. Kung Fu Tea
Kung Fu Tea opened its first Peoria-area location in June. The business has a focus on bubble tea.
Details: 378 W. Washington St., East Peoria; (309) 839-8642, https://www.kungfutea.com/
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19. Okinawa Hibachi Sushi Ramen
Housed in the former home of Jerk Hut, Okinawa Hibachi Sushi Ramen features a range of Japanese dishes. These include ramen, Maki rolls, Japanese spring rolls and more.
Details: 1200 W. Main St., Suite 21A, Peoria; (309) 966-0004, https://okinawa-hibachi-peoria.square.site/
20. On Da Bun Burgers N More LLC
Initially known as Shawn's Kitchen, On Da Bun began operating in February. The business's original location has since closed, but On Da Bun has opened a new location inside the Northwoods Mall food court.
Details: 2200 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria; (309) 307-5066, https://www.facebook.com/p/On-Da-Bun-Burgers-N-More-LLC-100086361426855/
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21. Peoria Nutrition Spot
Customers can find smoothies, refreshers and breakfast items at Peoria Nutrition Spot. The business is located at the Windsor Square shopping plaza.
Address: 7318 N. University St., Peoria; (309) 839-8615, https://www.facebook.com/people/Peoria-Nutrition-Spot/100086272343572/
22. Pickled Radish Provision Co.
Jeff and Shelli Stahl opened Pickled Radish Provision Co. in October. The restaurant fills the space of their previous business, the Chanticleer, which closed in 2021.
Details: 744 N. Main St., Eureka; (309) 481-4055, https://www.facebook.com/chanticleer
23. Popper's Tea
Popper's Tea opened inside of the Northwoods Mall food court on June 24 - filling the space previously occupied by Mrs. Fields and tcby.
The business's menu features smoothies, fruit tea, milk tea and other drink options. Customers can then select from a variety of poppers, boba or jellies to add to the drink.
Details: 2200 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria; (872) 201-4384
More: Check out the drink options at this new Peoria shop
24. Reisons
Situated at 314 Edward St. in Henry, Reisonsopened in May. The ice cream shop wrapped up its season in October.
"Thank you Henry for a wonderful first season, we look forward to seeing everyone in the Spring!" the business wrote on Facebook.
Details: 314 Edward St., Henry; https://www.facebook.com/reisonshenry
25. Richard's Under Main
On July 29, the former home of Richard's on Main was revived as Richard's Under Main. Customers at the restaurant can also find cheese fries, a variety of prohibition-themed burgers and more.
Details: 311 Main St. Lower, Peoria; (309) 674-8007, https://richardspeoria.com/
More: Downtown Peoria restaurant is being revived
26. Saffron Social
Saffron Social opened Sept. 13. The upscale restaurant, owned by Travis Mohlenbrink, offers steaks, seafood, salads and more.
Details: 187 SW Washington St., Peoria; (309) 740-0434, https://www.saffronsocialpeoria.com/
More: Long-awaited downtown Peoria restaurant has opened for business
27. Scooter's Coffee
Situated in Bartonville, Scooter's Coffee opened in August. Customers at the drive-thru location can order cold brew, smoothies, lattes and more.
Details: 300 McKinley Ave., Bartonville; (309) 214-3902, https://www.scooterscoffee.com/
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28. Scrolls
After enjoying rolled ice cream while on a family trip to Florida, Krystal and Jordan Sondag decided to bring the treat to central Illinois.
“It’s been neat watching not only kids but adults of all ages that are experiencing it for the first time and really having a lot of fun with it," Krystal said.
Address: 321 S. First Ave., Morton; (309) 241-5785, https://goscrolls.com/
More: Taking a 'leap of faith,' family rolls out a unique ice cream shop in Morton
29. Sharkey's Fish and Chicken
Located on North Sterling Avenue, Sharkey's offers fish dinners, burgers, boneless wings, chicken tenders and more.
Details: 3108 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria; (309) 966-3312, https://www.facebook.com/people/Sharkeys-Fish-and-Chicken-Peoria/100095386351264/
30. Sucré Sweets and Socials
Months after closing its in-person Morton location, Sucré Sweets and Socials has opened a new brick-and-mortar establishment. Customers can find ice cream, sweet treats and other items found on the business's mobile trolley.
Details: 105 S. Main St., Morton; (309) 291-5065, https://sucresweetsandsocials.com/
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31. Tacos and Thai
While not a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Tacos and Thai began serving the Peoria area this year. The food truck − launched by longtime friends Devin Wyman and Laura Lytle − melds tacos, nachos and Thai food.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacos.and.thai/
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32. Tadoughs
Known for its potato-based Spudnutdoughnuts, Tadoughs opened its new Peoria location in December.
“They're not like any other doughnut. You know what I mean?” said Jackie Walden, a manager at the shop.
Details: 7024 N. University St., Peoria; https://www.tadoughs.com/
More: After delays, new Peoria shop finally comes together
33. Térroir 3:17 Your Home Kitchen
Husband and wife team Pierre and ScarletDaoud opened Térroir 3:17 Your Home Kitchen in June. The restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean staples.
Details: 128 N. Davenport St., Metamora; (309) 367-4256, https://mediterraneancuisinemetamora.com/
More: Love of cooking evolves into family restaurant
34. The 520 Cafe
The 520 Cafe opened in May. The location was previously home to Mel’s Cafe, which operated in the space for more than a decade. The online menu features waffles, biscuits and gravy, burgers, pasta and more.
Details: 520 Bloomington Road, East Peoria; (309) 839-1416, https://www.thecafe520.com/
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35. The Coffee Coop
Housed on the first floor of 401 SW Water St., The Coffee Coop opened in September. The business has since opened a mobile shop, as well.
Details: 401 SW Water St., Peoria; https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeecooppeoria
More: This new coffee shop with doughnuts and iced drinks is opening in downtown Peoria
36. The Fry Spot
After closing The Fry Spot's North Prospect Road location last year, Jeremy and Cierra Sargent have reopened their business. Now found on North Dries Lane, the restaurant continues to serve fries decked out in a variety of toppings.
Details: 3214 N. Dries Lane, Peoria; (309) 989-2298, https://www.fryspotpeoria.com/
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37. “The Original” Wonderdog- East Peoria
A fire forced “The Original” Wonderdogto temporarily close its East Peoria storefront last year. The location was able to hold a grand reopening on June 17.
“It's kind of like starting over with a brand-new beginning,” said co-owner Lin Terlesky.
In late 2022, “The Original” Wonderdog also opened a Peoria location.
Details: 2430 E. Washington St., East Peoria; (309) 839-1535, https://www.facebook.com/originalwonderdog/
Peoria location: 8807 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria; (309) 406-1499
More: Popular eatery to reopen in East Peoria after being closed by fire
38. The Queen of Squash
The Queen of Squash opened on April 29. Customers can find turkey, veggie or beef burgers, as well as bowls, flatbreads, salads and appetizers.
Details: 1108 W. Glen Ave., Peoria; (309) 670-0948, https://thequeenofsquash.com/
39. W Down Under
Situated in the space that once housed The Blacksmith Steakhouse, W Down Under opened on April 17 as a "hometown pub." Customers can find beers, special drinks, bar snacks and more.
Details: 105 N. Main St., Washington; (309) 508-7155, https://www.wdownunder.com/
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40. Wendy Puff Pizzeria + Pub
Brothers Mike and Bob Mayo opened Wendy Puff Pizzeria + Pub on Nov. 1. The Eureka restaurant serves a variety of pizzas − known as "puffs" – as well as salads and starters.
Details: 112 S. Main St., Eureka; (309) 304-1020, https://wendypuff.com/
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41. Whiskey Taco
Customers can find tacos like "Baja Fish," "Whiskey BBQ" and "The Dragon." The Pekin restaurant, which opened in late August, also offers nachos, grain bowls and more.
Details: 507 Court St., Pekin; (309) 512-8226, https://whiskey-taco.com/
More: From unique tacos to nachos, new Pekin restaurant opens for lunch and dinner
42. William B's Steakhouse
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino opened William B's Steakhouse on Feb. 16. The casino's previous steakhouse, Boyd's, closed shortly before the opening.
"It's an entirely new look and feel from Boyd's," Vice president and general manager Cori Rutherford said.
Details: 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria; (309) 699-7711, https://paradice.boydgaming.com/dine/william-bs-steakhouse
More: East Peoria casino welcomes new steakhouse
Connect with Cassidy Waigand by emailing her at CWaigand@gannett.com or by following her on Twitter at @justxaxwriter.
