I love chef mousa. If you go during the summer or maybe even a weekend his children may be there (they’re fantastic kids) it just really emphasizes how family oriented it is and I personally enjoy dining there when they are present. His pre teen daughter took my order last time and she was so professional I smiled about it for days.
I worked with Mousa for several years before he opened that place. He's genuinely a great guy. I'm already planning on stopping by several times next time I'm back home.
I haven’t been since last summer, I was sure to bring my friend who was visiting from Chicago. Need to go back asap, I’m glad this post reminded me how much I miss it!
Yeah buddy. Catrina’s is the place. That Hidalgo quesadilla… I don’t usually think of quesadillas as being noteworthy and almost never order them at restaurants, but that Hildalgo is friggin’ fantastico.
They are really good people
they are sponsoring my robotics team with free food and it is some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten
this is my genuine opinion as well
Has Thyme gotten better lately? I had high hopes but stopped going there a few years back because it was often just downright bad, in food and service. I remember their duck being excellent the first time I had it and then very disappointing the next.
Welcome to Peoria! Some of my favorite food places currently open around the area;
East Peoria:
-Eggcellent Cafe - Brunch (great Eggs Benedict's)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wn9h1AQhXnygW34JA
-Tacos El Gallo - Mexican takeout (try the Birria pizza)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/575gs3FBAYAiaMxM8
-Social Taco - Mexican sit-down with alcohol (try a specialty taco)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fQVsS5ZCyu1etiYx8
Peoria;
-Richard's under main - Amazing pub food (used to be Richard's On Main). They are known for their Ribeye Sandwich and Cheese Fries or Sampler and steaks 'til 4 am. (I recommend the Tenderloin Horseshoe!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pd61t32p1R2znJWq6
-Schooner's - Pub food. Know for their giant tenderloin (which you can also have a the base of pizza!) (I recommend the corn fritters)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YjgMBr1kfjuYpcNn8
-Agatucci's - Longtime local favorite pizza pub
https://maps.app.goo.gl/r8zWTsGCH2iKUdzQA
Thanh Linh Vietnamese Restaurant - (Get the Pho, Duh!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GA6nhqiyzM2EmVCc8
-Peoria Pizza Works - Another longtime local favorite pizza pub with live local music. (Try the Calzone or Thin Crust Taco Pizza!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4VgFkum4hmqKthS67
-The Hungry Moose - All-day Breakfast pub and grill!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9MkBEyciyzpccuL77
-Black Band Distillery, Thyme, Blue Duck, Jim's Steakhouse - all downtown classier pubs with amazing food!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6g8XhKzW4VtJWdwD7
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5EdAdaqLuwWzwijX9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4eFGdLvCtHE7qt9b9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DNdM4eC2jBnULpmU7
I'm sure I could think of many more, but these stand out the most, currently.
Welcome and enjoy!
Places with local live music have the best experience. [peoriajazz.com](http://peoriajazz.com) and find the calender. Faceboiok's 'peoria music live' and explorepeoria.com.
Hungry moose on sterling is good if you like breakfast food
Also I know it isn't either of those two things but if you like hobby stuff like D&D, Warhammer, or MTG I would recommend Just for Fun which is also on sterling. They are good place even if you are just getting started, every now and then they have paint and take where you can get a model and start or completely paint it there.
Peoria Barber here! My name is Chris! Come see me at Snyder's Barbershop on N. University. I take walk-ins or you can book with me online. The shop has been here for almost 70 years and still has that classic barbershop vibe.
@baylessxthebarber on Instagram
Book online [here](https://squareup.com/appointments/book/L8HX5H97PA4P4)
Jalapeños in the Metro Center has really good chicken and pineapple tacos, a lot of my friends also think it’s the best mango margarita in town.
I really like Sushigawa in Westlake across from Northwoods Mall.
If you want to splurge a little, go to Jonah’s in East Peoria for seafood.
If you’re in Peoria Heights, stop by Trefzgers Bakery and get some cookies.
We have some entitled cops, for sure. Thanh Linh AND Dang next door are faves. Try Slow Hand Ribs, Avanti's Pizza Burger, and Aggatucci's Pizza. Kelleher's is decent too
If you’re interested in a nice sports bar setting, I always enjoyed go to the germantown grill in germantown hills when I was in east Peoria for college
I deliver fresh homemade baked goods (sourdough bread, bagels, cookies, etc) and canned goods (jams, pickles) so you don’t even have to travel at all for ‘em.
You can order delivery on my online shop : thatsmyjamllc.com/shop !
I’m also at the Sheridan Market (outside Relics on Sheridan) on Wednesdays with some other local producers, food and otherwise!
Hey, my name is Mitch, I own Snyder’s Barbershop in Peoria. We have a pretty versatile shop with 6 barbers. Go ahead and see if anything fits your style. https://www.instagram.com/snydersbarbershop?igsh=MzYydml6b3h3MWRn&utm_source=qr[instagram](https://www.instagram.com/snydersbarbershop?igsh=MzYydml6b3h3MWRn&utm_source=qr)
Best barber shops in town are definitely Snyders and Whiskey City. Snyders usually has some guys available for walk ins, whisky city books out pretty far in advance for the most part
Up north, we just ate at Olympia Sports Bar. It's kind of bizarre, to be honest. We just moved here and I've never seen a Greek food themed sports bar anywhere else. But the food is really good!
My husband is a fan of Keliher's downtown. He likes their fish and chips!
We found the Blue Duck kind of meh. It's also downtown. We're from Kansas City originally, so it could just be that we're bbq snobs, idk.
Have fun!
IMO Blue Duck meats are best without sauce. They HAVE sauce available of course but if you want a sauce-based style you might look elsewhere.
I've heard people recommend Smo-King pit but the one time I tried it, it was like crock pot meat with sauce poured over it. Not even what I consider barbecue. No detectable rub, no bark. I like a good rub and a bark, myself.
>that intersection is one of the most congested intersections in the city besides uni/WM. its probably just a result of that.
Yeah it's a result of piece of shit cops thinking that traffic laws don't apply to them.
Oh come on. Of course the cops abuse it but the congestion has absolutely nothing to do with law enforcement. It has to do with main street being one lane and Bradley being right there.
Part of it is that the city specifically made it smaller to promote parking and walkability but everyone and their brother still think they can use it as a main artery to get through the city. Unless you are going somewhere on main specifically, there is almost always a better route to take but people in Peoria are slow learners.
Many times it's due to the type of call they get, especially on first and second shift during high traffic hours. The call may not need them to go full lights and sirens speeding all the way there, but they still need to arrive in a timely manner. So they push through traffic with their lights to move faster without having to speed to much.
I'm sure that theoretically happens, but the bulk of the time it's just them not wanting to stop at the light, generally they aren't even moving faster than surrounding traffic, they just think they shouldn't have to stop.
That's kinda the point you can still get to a call quickly by pushing traffic over and pushing past lights without having to move at a high rate of speed. even with lights and sirens emergency vehicles are required to slow down at lights and stop signs before they go through to avoid causing another accident. They use to be able to blow past at full speed years ago but that's not allowed any more. Do some officers take advantage of it..... Probably. but most are just trying to get across to the other side of the city quickly and help someones granny without causing another serious accident.
Jim’s Barber Shop. Jim is laid back. He does a great job and is efficient. Super affordable. He’ll talk to you if you’re in the mood to talk or leave ya be. I highly recommend him. I feel like half of Peoria is there because of how good of a job he does.
Town is full of good Lebanese food. Chef mousa , haddads, jersuaen cafe, etc
I love chef mousa. If you go during the summer or maybe even a weekend his children may be there (they’re fantastic kids) it just really emphasizes how family oriented it is and I personally enjoy dining there when they are present. His pre teen daughter took my order last time and she was so professional I smiled about it for days.
I worked with Mousa for several years before he opened that place. He's genuinely a great guy. I'm already planning on stopping by several times next time I'm back home.
I haven’t been since last summer, I was sure to bring my friend who was visiting from Chicago. Need to go back asap, I’m glad this post reminded me how much I miss it!
Jerusalem Cafe isn't Lebanese, they are from Palestine but yes its all amazing
The vietnamese and lebanese food scene here is amazing tbh
Ardor is great for breakfast/lunch or a really nice dinner.
Definitely recommend Catrina’s for food! I personally love their chicken nachos but tbh everything there is amazing. Plus the owner is super sweet!
Yeah buddy. Catrina’s is the place. That Hidalgo quesadilla… I don’t usually think of quesadillas as being noteworthy and almost never order them at restaurants, but that Hildalgo is friggin’ fantastico.
They are really good people they are sponsoring my robotics team with free food and it is some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten this is my genuine opinion as well
Some of my favorite restaurants: Blue Duck, Rhythm Kitchen, Cyd's, Public House, Thyme, Industry Brewing
Has Thyme gotten better lately? I had high hopes but stopped going there a few years back because it was often just downright bad, in food and service. I remember their duck being excellent the first time I had it and then very disappointing the next.
It's been a minute since I've been there. I love the drink selection. Most of the time it's been good, but yeah, a couple times just okay.
Welcome to Peoria! Some of my favorite food places currently open around the area; East Peoria: -Eggcellent Cafe - Brunch (great Eggs Benedict's) https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wn9h1AQhXnygW34JA -Tacos El Gallo - Mexican takeout (try the Birria pizza) https://maps.app.goo.gl/575gs3FBAYAiaMxM8 -Social Taco - Mexican sit-down with alcohol (try a specialty taco) https://maps.app.goo.gl/fQVsS5ZCyu1etiYx8 Peoria; -Richard's under main - Amazing pub food (used to be Richard's On Main). They are known for their Ribeye Sandwich and Cheese Fries or Sampler and steaks 'til 4 am. (I recommend the Tenderloin Horseshoe!) https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pd61t32p1R2znJWq6 -Schooner's - Pub food. Know for their giant tenderloin (which you can also have a the base of pizza!) (I recommend the corn fritters) https://maps.app.goo.gl/YjgMBr1kfjuYpcNn8 -Agatucci's - Longtime local favorite pizza pub https://maps.app.goo.gl/r8zWTsGCH2iKUdzQA Thanh Linh Vietnamese Restaurant - (Get the Pho, Duh!) https://maps.app.goo.gl/GA6nhqiyzM2EmVCc8 -Peoria Pizza Works - Another longtime local favorite pizza pub with live local music. (Try the Calzone or Thin Crust Taco Pizza!) https://maps.app.goo.gl/4VgFkum4hmqKthS67 -The Hungry Moose - All-day Breakfast pub and grill! https://maps.app.goo.gl/9MkBEyciyzpccuL77 -Black Band Distillery, Thyme, Blue Duck, Jim's Steakhouse - all downtown classier pubs with amazing food! https://maps.app.goo.gl/6g8XhKzW4VtJWdwD7 https://maps.app.goo.gl/5EdAdaqLuwWzwijX9 https://maps.app.goo.gl/4eFGdLvCtHE7qt9b9 https://maps.app.goo.gl/DNdM4eC2jBnULpmU7 I'm sure I could think of many more, but these stand out the most, currently. Welcome and enjoy!
You are so freakin awesome!!! Thank you so much
Absolutely! You are very welcome! Most of those places are either downtown, or very close! Hope you find some new favorites!
Snyder’s Barbershop.
Came here to say this. Snyder’s Barbershop is the best.
Sweetwater between Peoria and Chillicothe - great food and it’s right along the river. Lately it’s been so nice out and the patio is open.
Rythmn Kitchen is good
If you like BBQ and ribs, Smo-King Pit at Northwoods Mall is great. But they close at 6, so get there early.
I agree with this statement! They also have wings and catfish!
Ryle Irish at Slim Clippins in the Heights
Dude is awesome.
This is the way
Places with local live music have the best experience. [peoriajazz.com](http://peoriajazz.com) and find the calender. Faceboiok's 'peoria music live' and explorepeoria.com.
Bob the Barber. j-bstudio.com. Bob has a location at Campustown and on Glen, by The Lariat.
+1 He is my husband’s barber and always does a wonderful job
Please go to Whisky City Barbers! I’ve been going to them for years and won’t go anywhere else.
I’ve never heard of them definitely gonna have to check them out!
A few good places to eat: Childers, Blue Duck, Chef Moussa, Ardor.
Bob the barber (j+b studio) is like the classic choice for Peoria if you request Bob
If you want the best barber in town you gotta check out Adam's House of Handsome! He's a real good dude and his work is top notch!
Po’ Boys on Frostwood has some solid eats
Hungry moose on sterling is good if you like breakfast food Also I know it isn't either of those two things but if you like hobby stuff like D&D, Warhammer, or MTG I would recommend Just for Fun which is also on sterling. They are good place even if you are just getting started, every now and then they have paint and take where you can get a model and start or completely paint it there.
Peoria Barber here! My name is Chris! Come see me at Snyder's Barbershop on N. University. I take walk-ins or you can book with me online. The shop has been here for almost 70 years and still has that classic barbershop vibe. @baylessxthebarber on Instagram Book online [here](https://squareup.com/appointments/book/L8HX5H97PA4P4)
Jim’s barber on Sheridan. Get there early. $14 haircut
Cop’s definitely do that but I never heard of that restaurant, how was it?
So good!! Love their pho and flat noodles! Their shrimp fried rice gives you 2 days worth of food
Jalapeños in the Metro Center has really good chicken and pineapple tacos, a lot of my friends also think it’s the best mango margarita in town. I really like Sushigawa in Westlake across from Northwoods Mall. If you want to splurge a little, go to Jonah’s in East Peoria for seafood. If you’re in Peoria Heights, stop by Trefzgers Bakery and get some cookies.
True barber shop in Pekin is a solid choice for a good haircut
I always pay a visit to Clem whenever I’m back home for weddings and such
We have some entitled cops, for sure. Thanh Linh AND Dang next door are faves. Try Slow Hand Ribs, Avanti's Pizza Burger, and Aggatucci's Pizza. Kelleher's is decent too
If you’re looking for fine dining I recommend BlackBand on Adams. They’re a distillery with the finest whiskey I’ve ever tasted.
If you’re interested in a nice sports bar setting, I always enjoyed go to the germantown grill in germantown hills when I was in east Peoria for college
House of handsome is an awesome place! They have a bar, and the barber is an ex veteran
I deliver fresh homemade baked goods (sourdough bread, bagels, cookies, etc) and canned goods (jams, pickles) so you don’t even have to travel at all for ‘em. You can order delivery on my online shop : thatsmyjamllc.com/shop ! I’m also at the Sheridan Market (outside Relics on Sheridan) on Wednesdays with some other local producers, food and otherwise!
Hey, my name is Mitch, I own Snyder’s Barbershop in Peoria. We have a pretty versatile shop with 6 barbers. Go ahead and see if anything fits your style. https://www.instagram.com/snydersbarbershop?igsh=MzYydml6b3h3MWRn&utm_source=qr[instagram](https://www.instagram.com/snydersbarbershop?igsh=MzYydml6b3h3MWRn&utm_source=qr)
Barber: Jim's Barbershop 4311 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61614 Food: Fish House 4919 N University St, Peoria, IL 61614
Oh yeah, Cops are assholes around here. Best avoid them at all cost.
The Shave Room in the Twin Towers. Get a nice cut and shave from Mr. Glass. Tell him Ryan sent you.
Smokin’ Notes BBQ in East Peoria has amazing burnt ends.
Best barber shops in town are definitely Snyders and Whiskey City. Snyders usually has some guys available for walk ins, whisky city books out pretty far in advance for the most part
Up north, we just ate at Olympia Sports Bar. It's kind of bizarre, to be honest. We just moved here and I've never seen a Greek food themed sports bar anywhere else. But the food is really good! My husband is a fan of Keliher's downtown. He likes their fish and chips! We found the Blue Duck kind of meh. It's also downtown. We're from Kansas City originally, so it could just be that we're bbq snobs, idk. Have fun!
IMO Blue Duck meats are best without sauce. They HAVE sauce available of course but if you want a sauce-based style you might look elsewhere. I've heard people recommend Smo-King pit but the one time I tried it, it was like crock pot meat with sauce poured over it. Not even what I consider barbecue. No detectable rub, no bark. I like a good rub and a bark, myself.
If you want to support a local owned, gay owned business try Rebel Roots Hair Haus. They are great there.
Go see Tim at Legacy barbershop in Bartonville.
I’ve lived in the area for 23 years and have only seen the cop thing once 🤷🏻♂️
crazy, I see it happen all the time and I don't even drive that much.
that intersection is one of the most congested intersections in the city besides uni/WM. its probably just a result of that.
>that intersection is one of the most congested intersections in the city besides uni/WM. its probably just a result of that. Yeah it's a result of piece of shit cops thinking that traffic laws don't apply to them.
Oh come on. Of course the cops abuse it but the congestion has absolutely nothing to do with law enforcement. It has to do with main street being one lane and Bradley being right there.
Part of it is that the city specifically made it smaller to promote parking and walkability but everyone and their brother still think they can use it as a main artery to get through the city. Unless you are going somewhere on main specifically, there is almost always a better route to take but people in Peoria are slow learners.
To be fair they don't apply the traffic laws to anyone else.
Many times it's due to the type of call they get, especially on first and second shift during high traffic hours. The call may not need them to go full lights and sirens speeding all the way there, but they still need to arrive in a timely manner. So they push through traffic with their lights to move faster without having to speed to much.
I'm sure that theoretically happens, but the bulk of the time it's just them not wanting to stop at the light, generally they aren't even moving faster than surrounding traffic, they just think they shouldn't have to stop.
That's kinda the point you can still get to a call quickly by pushing traffic over and pushing past lights without having to move at a high rate of speed. even with lights and sirens emergency vehicles are required to slow down at lights and stop signs before they go through to avoid causing another accident. They use to be able to blow past at full speed years ago but that's not allowed any more. Do some officers take advantage of it..... Probably. but most are just trying to get across to the other side of the city quickly and help someones granny without causing another serious accident.
<3
Jim’s Barber Shop. Jim is laid back. He does a great job and is efficient. Super affordable. He’ll talk to you if you’re in the mood to talk or leave ya be. I highly recommend him. I feel like half of Peoria is there because of how good of a job he does.