A list of more than 40 restaurants, shops and cafes that opened in the Peoria area in 2023

Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star
·14 min read

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

Carrots simmer in a pan atop an open fire in the new kitchen space of the newly expanded Ardor Breads and Provisions on the Peoria riverfront.
Carrots simmer in a pan atop an open fire in the new kitchen space of the newly expanded Ardor Breads and Provisions on the Peoria riverfront.

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/

'Peoria wanted more': Popular downtown bakery debuts new restaurant in historic space

2. Bake & Brew Panadería

A tray of fresh, colorful conchas, a type of of Mexican sweet bread, at the new Bake & Brew Panader’a in the Shoppes at Grand Prairie.
A tray of fresh, colorful conchas, a type of of Mexican sweet bread, at the new Bake & Brew Panader’a in the Shoppes at Grand Prairie.

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

An entree of Tashan Tandoori Murgh, chicken marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, cooked in a tandoor oven, with a basket of naan flatbread on the side, at the new Indian restaurant Bollywood Bites in downtown Peoria. A tandoor oven is a traditional clay oven used for centuries in the Indian and Asian subcontinent.
An entree of Tashan Tandoori Murgh, chicken marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, cooked in a tandoor oven, with a basket of naan flatbread on the side, at the new Indian restaurant Bollywood Bites in downtown Peoria. A tandoor oven is a traditional clay oven used for centuries in the Indian and Asian subcontinent.

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

Bust'd Brewing, a new beer brewery in the former Subway building on Prospect Road in Peoria Heights, opened to the public on May 17. (Photo: MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bust'd Brewing, a new beer brewery in the former Subway building on Prospect Road in Peoria Heights, opened to the public on May 17. (Photo: MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)

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, a 9-year-old mini-pinscher, gives Chris Stewart a little affection at their new restaurant Charlie's at Sunset Cove, 1111 Sunset Driver off Spring Bay Road in East Peoria. Stewart opened the business on Feb. 1 after an extensive renovation of a previous eatery called Dolphin Cove.
Charlie, a 9-year-old mini-pinscher, gives Chris Stewart a little affection at their new restaurant Charlie's at Sunset Cove, 1111 Sunset Driver off Spring Bay Road in East Peoria. Stewart opened the business on Feb. 1 after an extensive renovation of a previous eatery called Dolphin 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

Owner Sam Heppard stands behind the bar at his new Peoria Heights tavern Clink Bar and Events above Brienzo's Pizza in Heritage Square. Clink is planning to open for business on Oct. 14.
Owner Sam Heppard stands behind the bar at his new Peoria Heights tavern Clink Bar and Events above Brienzo's Pizza in Heritage Square. Clink is planning to open for business on Oct. 14.

After beginning as a mobile bar roughly five years ago, Clink Bar and Events opened 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 Kitchen and Bar closed in early 2023 with the hopes to reopen in May. The restaurant is connected to the Four Points by Sheraton Peoria.
Craft 309 Kitchen and Bar closed in early 2023 with the hopes to reopen in May. The restaurant is connected to the Four Points by Sheraton Peoria.

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

Dog Haus Biergarten, located at the Metro Centre, has plans to open in December of 2022.
Dog Haus Biergarten, located at the Metro Centre, has plans to open in December of 2022.

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 will open in East Peoria on Oct. 21.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will open in East Peoria on Oct. 21.

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 in the building which once housed TNT's Sports Bar and Grill in Peoria Heights.
Good Tequilas opened in the building which once housed TNT's Sports Bar and Grill in Peoria Heights.

Good Tequilas opened its Peoria Heights location in the building which once housed TNT's Sports Bar and Grill. Owner Jose Barragan said 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 on Aug. 1. The space was formerly home to Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, but the business rebranded to become an independant restaurant.
Grand Prairie Pizza & Tavern opened on Aug. 1. The space was formerly home to Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, but the business rebranded to become an independant restaurant.

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

Megan Eilts stands with her business Happenstance Mobile Bar during an event at So Chic Boutique in Morton. Eilts converted a small vintage camper into the bar complete with a built-in ice box.
Megan Eilts stands with her business Happenstance Mobile Bar during an event at So Chic Boutique in Morton. Eilts converted a small vintage camper into the bar complete with a built-in ice box.

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

An order of ribs, corn ribs and curly fries await hungry customers at the new Highly Flavored restaurant at Landmark Recreation Center in Peoria.
An order of ribs, corn ribs and curly fries await hungry customers at the new Highly Flavored restaurant at Landmark Recreation Center in Peoria.

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

Exterior view of the Hong Kong Buffet restaurant in Peoria.
Exterior view of the Hong Kong Buffet restaurant in Peoria.

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

Nutella Toast with strawberries, bottom, and Ricotta Toast with prosciutto, arugula and honey is served up at the new Intuition Coffee + Juice in the Kickapoo Building in downtown Peoria.
Nutella Toast with strawberries, bottom, and Ricotta Toast with prosciutto, arugula and honey is served up at the new Intuition Coffee + Juice in the Kickapoo Building in downtown Peoria.

In October, Ty Paluska and his wife, Kami, opened Intuition Coffee + Juice in 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

A line forms at the new Jonah's Seafood outlet in the Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center in Peoria.
A line forms at the new Jonah's Seafood outlet in the Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center in Peoria.

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

Bubbles sit at the bottom of a coconut milk tea at the new Kung Fu Tea shop in East Peoria's Levee District.
Bubbles sit at the bottom of a coconut milk tea at the new Kung Fu Tea shop in East Peoria's Levee District.

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/

'Customized by you': Popular bubble tea shop opens in East Peoria. Here's what to know

19. Okinawa Hibachi Sushi Ramen

A new restaurant called Okinawa Hibachi Sushi Ramen is coming soon to the Campustown Shopping Center by Bradley University in Peoria.
A new restaurant called Okinawa Hibachi Sushi Ramen is coming soon to the Campustown Shopping Center by Bradley University in Peoria.

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

Customers wait to order breakfast at On Da Bun Burgers N More inside of the Northwoods Mall. The location held its grand opening on Dec. 11.
Customers wait to order breakfast at On Da Bun Burgers N More inside of the Northwoods Mall. The location held its grand opening on Dec. 11.

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/

'Excited to have him here': Peoria restaurant opens new location in mall food court

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 stand in a section of the dining room of their new restaurant Pickled Radish Provision Co. in the former Chanticleer Restaurant at 744 N. Main Street in Eureka. The Stahl's closed the Chanticleer in 2021 and decided to renovate the space and reopen it under a new name with a completely revamped menu.
Jeff and Shelli Stahl stand in a section of the dining room of their new restaurant Pickled Radish Provision Co. in the former Chanticleer Restaurant at 744 N. Main Street in Eureka. The Stahl's closed the Chanticleer in 2021 and decided to renovate the space and reopen it under a new name with a completely revamped menu.

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

Customers look at the menu at Popper's Tea in the Northwoods Mall. The shop opened on June 24, 2023.
Customers look at the menu at Popper's Tea in the Northwoods Mall. The shop opened on June 24, 2023.

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

William Reis, owner of the Ice Cream Shack of Sunnyland, is expanding the family business to a new walk-up ice cream shop called Reisons at 314 Edwards Street in Henry.
William Reis, owner of the Ice Cream Shack of Sunnyland, is expanding the family business to a new walk-up ice cream shop called Reisons at 314 Edwards Street in Henry.

Situated at 314 Edward St. in Henry, Reisons opened 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

The new underground bar Richard's Under Main opened July 29, 2023 outside the Apollo Theatre on Main Street in downtown Peoria.
The new underground bar Richard's Under Main opened July 29, 2023 outside the Apollo Theatre on Main Street in downtown Peoria.

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 in downtown Peoria on Sept. 13, 2023.
Saffron Social opened in downtown Peoria on Sept. 13, 2023.

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

A new Scooter's Coffee drive-through opened recently at 380 McKinley Avenue in Bartonville.
A new Scooter's Coffee drive-through opened recently at 380 McKinley Avenue in Bartonville.

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/

'It's been phenomenal': Coffee business opens Bartonville location

28. Scrolls

The new Scrolls Rolled Ice Cream and The Sweet Shop event venue opened earlier this year in the former Sucre Sweet Shop at 321 S. First Avenue in Morton.
The new Scrolls Rolled Ice Cream and The Sweet Shop event venue opened earlier this year in the former Sucre Sweet Shop at 321 S. First Avenue in Morton.

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/

A sweet return: Morton business is offering soft serve, floats and more in a new location

31. Tacos and Thai

The Tacos and Thai food truck draws a steady crowd of hungry customers during a lunchtime visit in the parking lot of Illinois CancerCare off Route 91 in North Peoria.
The Tacos and Thai food truck draws a steady crowd of hungry customers during a lunchtime visit in the parking lot of Illinois CancerCare off Route 91 in North Peoria.

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/

Thai food or tacos? Friends embark on journey with a new food truck and unique menu

32. Tadoughs

A coffee shop will be part of the new Tadoughs doughnut shop opening soon in the Tanglewood Shopping Center on N. University in Peoria.
A coffee shop will be part of the new Tadoughs doughnut shop opening soon in the Tanglewood Shopping Center on N. University in Peoria.

Known for its potato-based Spudnut doughnuts, 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

Pierre Daoud cuts meat for his shawarma dishes at Terroir 3:17 Your Home Kitchen, his new Mediterranean restaurant on the square in Metamora.
Pierre Daoud cuts meat for his shawarma dishes at Terroir 3:17 Your Home Kitchen, his new Mediterranean restaurant on the square in Metamora.

Husband and wife team Pierre and Scarlet Daoud 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

Managing partner Oscar Ixba displays a few of the "all-American, home-cooked" meals available at The 520 Café at 520 Bloomington Road in East Peoria. Once the site of Mel's CafŽ, the new owners have completely remodeled the business and revamped the menu.
Managing partner Oscar Ixba displays a few of the "all-American, home-cooked" meals available at The 520 Café at 520 Bloomington Road in East Peoria. Once the site of Mel's CafŽ, the new owners have completely remodeled the business and revamped the menu.

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/

'A hidden gem': Neighborhood cafe in East Peoria revived with new business

35. The Coffee Coop

The Coffee Coop, situated inside of 401 Southwest Water St. in Peoria, will offer coffee, tea, lemonade and more.
The Coffee Coop, situated inside of 401 Southwest Water St. in Peoria, will offer coffee, tea, lemonade and more.

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

Jeremy and Cierra Sargent, co-owners of The Fry Spot, have a much larger kitchen to work in since their move to the Premier Event and Entertainment Center, at 3214 N. Dries Lane across from the Landmark Recreation Center in Peoria.
Jeremy and Cierra Sargent, co-owners of The Fry Spot, have a much larger kitchen to work in since their move to the Premier Event and Entertainment Center, at 3214 N. Dries Lane across from the Landmark Recreation Center in Peoria.

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/

'By the grace of God': Shuttered Peoria restaurant is giving it another go at new location

37. “The Original” Wonderdog - East Peoria

The Original Wonderdog at 2430 E. Washington Street in East Peoria.
The Original Wonderdog at 2430 E. Washington Street in East Peoria.

A fire forced “The Original” Wonderdog to 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 new Metro Centre restaurant The Queen of Squash features a lounge area at the back of the business next to a cocktail bar.
The new Metro Centre restaurant The Queen of Squash features a lounge area at the back of the business next to a cocktail bar.

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

W Down Under opened its doors to Washington on April 17. The pub serves drinks and some snacks.
W Down Under opened its doors to Washington on April 17. The pub serves drinks and some snacks.

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/

Beer, wine and specialty drinks: New bar takes over at bustling spot in Washington

40. Wendy Puff Pizzeria + Pub

Wendy Puff Pizzeria + Pub features eleven different pizzas, or "puffs" as the Mayo brothers call them, including this one known as the Red Devil, all created by head chef Bob Mayo. The restaurant also offers a number of creative appetizers and salads.
Wendy Puff Pizzeria + Pub features eleven different pizzas, or "puffs" as the Mayo brothers call them, including this one known as the Red Devil, all created by head chef Bob Mayo. The restaurant also offers a number of creative appetizers and salads.

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/

'Let's make it a reality': Brothers open family restaurant in Eureka

41. Whiskey Taco

The Gruden family, from left, Gibby, 12, Owen, 16, Luke, Lynzie and Brady, 18, stand outside their new restaurant Whiskey Taco, currently under renovation at 507 Court St. in Pekin, the former location of the West Dublin Pub.
The Gruden family, from left, Gibby, 12, Owen, 16, Luke, Lynzie and Brady, 18, stand outside their new restaurant Whiskey Taco, currently under renovation at 507 Court St. in Pekin, the former location of the West Dublin Pub.

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

William B's Steakhouse will opened at Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino on Feb. 16, 2022.
William B's Steakhouse will opened at Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino on Feb. 16, 2022.

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.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria restaurants: Dozens of new businesses opened in 2023