McLean
McLean, IL · Food & Drink
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Journal Star
'It's exciting': Veteran Peoria bartender takes over Peoria restaurant spot
After more than two decades in the bartending business, Justin Anderson felt ready to have his own spot. The Peoria native spent years searching for the right space. Untamed Chef , situated at 7338 N. University St., Peoria, seemed like an ideal option. Located close to home, Anderson described the area as “uncharted territory” for a late-night bar. In June 2023, the business was listed on Crexi for $325,000. The option initially proved too costly, so Anderson's search continued. But, in recent months, the asking price was lowered. “And that's when I jumped on it,” said Anderson, who now boasts more than 25 years in the industry and continues bartendering at Crusens on War Memorial Drive. He and business partner Austin Blair – they worked together at Crusens – took ownership of the eatery on Sept. 11. “It's exciting, overwhelming and very scary,” he said. “But … I'm very confident that we will succeed in this.” More: 'Defined area' for alcohol outlined for Downtown Peoria mall space Making a ‘more bar heavy’ space Updates are already underway as Anderson works to bring his vision to life. New TVs have been installed, and Anderson also added a jukebox and new speakers.
Journal Star
Cockroaches and leaks: Peoria County food inspections for October 2026
The Peoria City/County Health Department conducts food inspections for a wide range of establishments in the area. Inspections look for issues that could contribute to the spread of foodborne illness , as well as general cleanliness and maintenance of the establishment. The Journal Star examined routine inspections for restaurants, mobile establishments and bars in Peoria County. There were 107 inspections for these categories in October. The establishments listed below received either no violations or enough violations to warrant a warning from the health department. A section on establishments with 10 or more violations total − with no warning comment − is also included. According to the Peoria City/County Health Department, "inspections only provide a snapshot of a food establishment's practices, as they are based on what is seen at the time of the inspection." More: Downtown Peoria business now aims to open in early 2027 Terminology used by the health department Core violation: These violations relate to "general sanitation, operational controls, sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs), facilities or structures, equipment design, or general maintenance," according to the health department. Priority foundation violation: These violations could lead to priority violations if they are not corrected. Priority violation: These violations are considered
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fastfoodclub.com
familydestinationsguide.com
Feast On Pitmaster-Level BBQ At This Wonderfully Relaxed Illinois Joint That Locals Swear By Daily
Some restaurants make you feel like a guest, and some make you feel like you’ve been coming here your whole life, and Stone Jug Barbeque in Peru, Illinois is firmly, wonderfully in the second category. That’s a rare thing, and it’s worth driving for. Peru sits in...
fastfoodclub.com
These 6 Illinois Family Steakhouses Still Toss A Salad Bar In With Every Steak
Remember when a steak dinner came with a trip to the salad bar, and nobody had to pay extra for it? That tradition is still alive in a handful of Illinois towns, from Peoria to Pinckneyville. The six family-friendly steakhouses below pair real grilled steaks with salad bars you can...
smilepolitely.com
everafterinthewoods.com
Families Drive Country Roads To This Humble Illinois Barn For Its Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Dinners
Peacocks stroll the grounds while families sit down to fried chicken inside an old dairy barn. That alone sounds like a pretty good reason to gas up the car. This Illinois spot pairs that country barn setting with a salad bar loaded with homemade bread, plenty of toppings, and a long list of dressings. On Sundays, a brunch buffet shows up with a dessert spread big enough to need its own line.
familydestinationsguide.com
The Humble Illinois BBQ Joint Where The Brisket Is Absolutely Worth The Drive
There are places you stumble into by accident and places you seek out with purpose, and the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern in Peoria, Illinois is firmly in the second category once you know it exists. Consider this your official notification that it exists. Let’s begin with the building, because the...