THE 15 BEST Restaurants in Pekin, IL - With Menus, Reviews, Photos - Updated August 2024 (2024)

Customers` Favorites

“Kenzi Hibachi Express offers a delightful hibachi dining experience with amazing, delicious food at an affordable price. The restaurant serves a variety of hibachi-style meals, including steak, chicken, shrimp, and scallops, along with fried rice and noodles. Customers praise the friendly staff and the exceptional value, making it a standout option in the area.”

Customers` Favorites

“Hacienda Cantina & Grill is a beloved restaurant in the area, known for its excellent service and delicious food. The staff is always friendly and happy to see customers, and the kitchen is accommodating to dietary restrictions, including gluten-free options. The menu is constantly expanding, and the food is consistently hot and quick. The restaurant is praised for its Mexican cuisine, with many considering it the best in the area. With fair prices, great service, and generous portions, Hacienda is a highly recommended destination for a satisfying dining experience.”

Customers` Favorites

“Whiskey Taco offers delicious food, wonderful service, and a family-friendly environment. The menu features amazing tacos, and prices are comparable to other dining options. The atmosphere is good and suitable for families with young kids, with Bar Bingo events also hosted regularly.”

Customers` Favorites

“Pekin's American Grill offers a mix of experiences. Some customers enjoy the good food and top-notch service, giving it high ratings. Others have had issues with the food preparation and service quality. The restaurant has a classic small-town diner vibe, with tasty options like the Denver omelet. Prices are fair, and the service is friendly and attentive.”

Customers` Favorites

“BC BBQ is a restaurant known for its delicious and homemade food, with awesome and knowledgeable staff. The restaurant is very clean and offers great prices for its meals. One of the popular dishes is the brisket sandwich, which comes with steak type fries and a variety of sauces to choose from, including a sugar-free option. The potato salad is a must-try side dish. The restaurant also offers ribs, green beans, and corn bread, all of which are highly recommended. The portions are large, and the food is cooked to perfection. The sides, such as the fried pickle spear, are also well-prepared and delivered in a timely manner. BC BBQ is worth visiting, whether you're a first-time visitor or have been away for a while.”

Customers` Favorites

“Maquet's Rail House is a highly recommended restaurant known for its excellent service, great food, and friendly atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of options, including house-made potato chips, burgers, pizza, salads, wraps, and giant baked potatoes. Their bourbon burger and sweet potato fries are particularly popular choices. The restaurant is also known for its extensive selection of beers, whiskies, ciders, and co*cktails. The staff is friendly and attentive, with some reviewers highlighting exceptional service from individuals like Kate K. Overall, Maquet's Rail House offers a fantastic dining experience at good prices.”

Customers` Favorites

“Ernie's Family Restaurant is a long-standing diner that has been a beloved part of the community for over three decades. Known for its skillet breakfast, greasy spoon atmosphere, and family-friendly vibe, the restaurant offers good food, service, and prices. While one reviewer noted a decline in quality, most praise the restaurant's consistency, kid-friendliness, and value. Overall, Ernie's is a reliable choice for a classic diner experience.”

Customers` Favorites

“Missy's Corner Cafe is a must-visit spot for a satisfying breakfast or lunch. The "Small Monster Breakfast Sandwich" is a reliable choice, perfect for a quick and tasty bite. The portions are generous, and the food is described as scrumptulicious. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The menu offers delicious options like the Jr Tenderloin, salad bar, Omelette, and biscuits with gravy and eggs. Affordable prices and a welcoming atmosphere make Missy's Corner Cafe a top pick for a delicious meal.”

Customers` Favorites

“China King is a reliable and popular choice for delivery and takeout. Their family meal is a great value, providing a generous amount of delicious food with leftovers to spare. Menu standouts include the teriyaki chicken and crab Rangoons. Orders are fulfilled quickly, with hot food arriving in as little as 20 minutes. Friendly service and large portions are always a guarantee, making China King the best in town.”

Customers` Favorites

“Applebee's Grill + Bar is a familiar chain restaurant with a consistent atmosphere and food quality. The customer service is generally good, with friendly waiters and a wide selection of options. The food is often great, with a few healthy choices available, including vegetarian options like the impossible burger and grilled cheese. Prices are reasonable, and $1 margaritas are a popular perk.”

Customers` Favorites

“Monical's Pizza offers a delightful dining experience with its "perfect" light American pizzas and thin crust options. The wait staff are sometimes difficult to flag down, but they excel at handling large groups efficiently, explaining the best deals, and delivering pizzas, salads, and cheese sticks to perfection. The restaurant is also kid-friendly, with a popular pepperoni pizza on the menu and toys available for little ones.”

Customers` Favorites

“Papa Murphy's is a popular take-and-bake pizza restaurant known for its delicious pizzas and community-oriented atmosphere. The chicken bacon artichoke delite is a favorite among customers, who appreciate the quick service and friendly employees. However, some have experienced disappointment when their veggie delight pizza was missing artichokes. Despite this, customers continue to visit the restaurant weekly, enjoying the consistently good food and service.”

Customers` Favorites

“Busy Corner Restaurant in Pekin is a family diner with fast, friendly service and good prices. The John Wayne skillet is a customer favorite, freshly made and delicious. The welcoming atmosphere with plenty of light makes dining here a pleasant experience. If you love pie, this is the place for you. The homemade food and great service make it a new favorite spot for many customers, despite the limited parking availability.”

Customers` Favorites

“Koch Street Bar & Grill is a welcoming establishment on Pekin's south side, known for its safety and comfort. The bar is famous for its affordable drinks and food, with Wednesday tacos being a popular choice. The owners run annual city and county 8/9ball tournaments, and the building is filled with respect and love. The pool tables are free to use, and the staff is attentive, ensuring customers are never left thirsty. The bar has gaming machines and a friendly blonde bartender, making it a great place for pool players looking for good opponents. The bar has cold air conditioning, and the owners ensure every visitor leaves with a great impression.”

Customers` Favorites

“Twisted Spoke Saloon offers a variety of specials throughout the week, like Wing Night and Taco Tuesday. The mild wings were crispy and just the right amount of heat, while the tacos were a bit greasy. Sunday's tenderloin and fries special was a hit, with scratch-off lottery tickets also available. Some complaints about the smell and cleanliness of the bathrooms were noted. Despite this, the friendly staff and good atmosphere make it a spot worth returning to.”

Customers` Favorites

“Double D's Ice Creme is a cute little shop with delicious flavors and generous portions. Customers love their famous cookie dough blizzard/arctic swirl, which stands out for its soft gooey cookie dough. The friendly staff, reasonable prices, and outdoor seating make it a great spot to enjoy a sweet treat. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this ice cream shop is a must-visit for a tasty and satisfying experience.”

Customers` Favorites

“Coffee Connection is a charming spot with a warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Regulars are greeted by name, making it a welcoming spot for a break from daily life. The menu features delicious food options, including the popular chicken salad sandwich and spinach artichoke egg bakes. Enjoy a cup of coffee alongside a meal or snack in this cozy setting.”

Customers` Favorites

“Leaves 'n Beans Coffee offers a welcoming atmosphere with a helpful and courteous staff, always ensuring cleanliness and a tidy environment. Their food is excellent and freshly made, and their iced chai tea latte is a standout. With tasty coffee options, including espresso and cold brew, and delicious treats like blueberry muffins, this coffee shop is a great spot to relax and visit.”

Customers` Favorites

“8th Street Sweet Spot in Pekin is known for its top-notch ice cream, especially the Raspberry Wafflecone Chiller. Despite long lines and slow service, the delicious food like the junior loin sandwich and mushrooms make it the best food parlor in town. Staff may be a bit rude, but the hardworking manager ensures a good experience overall.”

Customers` Favorites

“Ginger Asian Bistro is a favorite among diners, despite its old interior. The food is absolutely delicious and the presentation is amazing. Popular dishes include lo mein, beef and broccoli, and spicy beef noodle soup, all served in huge portions. The pistachio crusted sea bass with fried rice is also a hit. The atmosphere may be lacking, but the friendly and attentive staff make up for it, creating a family-friendly vibe. Overall, Ginger Asian Bistro is a must-visit for excellent food and great service.”

Customers` Favorites

“Our Inn Place is a well-established restaurant in Pekin that has consistently impressed diners. The menu offers a variety of delectable options, including the popular pizza tenderloin, cheese fries, and mushrooms, as well as thick and creamy wizard shakes. Customers praise the clean and shiny environment, as well as the friendly and courteous staff. With a reputation for exceptional tenderloins, onion rings, and outstanding customer service, it's no wonder this local favorite continues to thrive.”

Customers` Favorites

“Jimbo's Jumbo is a popular spot that serves a variety of dishes. The Italian steak and cheese sandwich is a top seller, with customers raving about its flavor. The service is fast, and food is hot and fresh. The zesty Greek chicken pizza is also a crowd-pleaser, alongside the Jamaican jerk and Buffalo wings. The restaurant offers close parking and reliable delivery service. While some customers miss the garlic crust, the sandwiches and pizza are still highly enjoyable.”

Customers` Favorites

“Ashers Bar & Grill is highly recommended for its excellent mixed drinks, variety of beers and ciders, and delicious food. Standout dishes include burgers, nachos, Mac and Cheese, grilled fish, and possibly the best fried chicken with homemade mashed potatoes. The service is attentive, and the atmosphere is clean, organized, and inviting. Prices are reasonable, with a generous serving of fried chicken and two sides for only $15.”

Customers` Favorites

“Mings Of Pekin offers a good dining experience. The food is fresh and timely, with a variety of options including seafood, chicken, and Asian cuisine. The service is great, and the buffet is a good value at $15 per person. The restaurant is also kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a good selection of food options.”

Customers` Favorites

“Lian Wang Chinese Restaurant offers good food at affordable prices. The restaurant has a wide range of vegetarian options and caters to dietary restrictions with its healthy and fresh food. The parking area can accommodate a large number of customers, and it is wheelchair accessible. The sweet and sour chicken is a kid-friendly favorite. The personal service and attention to customers, including special treatment for regulars, contribute to a loyal customer base.”

Customers` Favorites

“I had so much fun! I drank Heineken and I swear it was cheaper there than if I was drinking at home! That patio is what Midwest dreams are made of! I sat out there with a cold beer and watched the storms roll in. It was awesome! I’ll be back for sure! Unfortunately I had already eaten so I did not order food.”

Customers` Favorites

“The Sunset Hills Eatery offers a delightful dining experience with its tasty burgers, wraps, chili, and nachos. The staff is attentive and accommodating, even going the extra mile to provide a pizza for customers during a boil water order. The restaurant also excels in catering, providing outstanding food and service for special events like remembrance gatherings. Customers consistently praise the Sunset Hills Eatery for its excellent cuisine and exceptional hospitality.”

“Took a friend of mine that I haven't seen in a couple years to MacDuffs, I used to frequent McCritters, and told him, same owners, people, I kinda knew that on Sundays no food is served. So I called, she said just Pizza's. Good enough. I knew I wouldn't see my regular waitress etc. Lo and behold I walk in and there's Dee, a bartender that worked at Mccritters!! My friend LOVED the pizza! What food that was at McCritters, is at MacDuffs. I knew that, but not my friend. So good seeing Dee again, atmosphere was excellent, food, clean bar, went out on the patio, so nice!!”

Customers` Favorites

“Nate Dawgs is a popular food truck offering a range of hotdogs with unique flair. The owner is friendly and dedicated to serving high-quality food. The menu features standard fare as well as innovative options like the PBJ Dog. The chili dogs are a highlight, with one reviewer giving it a perfect 5⭐️ rating. With excellent customer service and a commitment to promoting other local businesses, Nate Dawgs is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.”

Customers` Favorites

“Cobbler Corner is a long-standing, family-run restaurant with a legacy of homemade dishes. They offer a variety of vegetarian options and cater to dietary restrictions. This kid-friendly eatery serves delicious, well-cooked food, including their signature pies and cobblers. Despite limited parking and wheelchair accessibility, the staff is always eager to help.”

Customers` Favorites

“La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant offers great service and flavorful food, perfect for quick lunches. Customers have enjoyed complimentary fried ice cream for birthdays and friendly waitstaff. However, some have experienced watered-down margaritas and order mix-ups, leading to disappointment. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a popular spot for Mexican cuisine.”

“Awesome bartenders! Fast service and good drinks. The owners are awesome people and it shows in the attention to detail they give this place. Oh yea.. slots that PAY!”

Customers` Favorites

“Kouri's Grill & Bar is a popular spot in Central Illinois, known for its crispy breaded cheeseballs and blue moon on tap. The menu features oven-seared wings and homemade ranch, as well as breadsticks praised as the best in town. Leah, a standout waitress, contributes to the friendly service, while the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Unique decor includes Pekin memorabilia and an indoor beer garden. Customers appreciate the quick and kind service, often running into familiar faces.”

“The coffee is delicious! They have 6 great slot machines to choose from. Very friendly and helpful staff. It is very clean and inviting!”

Customers` Favorites

“Culver's is a favorite spot, comparable to Steak and Shake. Their hand-dipped ice cream and shakes are top-notch. The gluten-free options are a plus, although some find the prices a bit high. The staff is friendly, efficient, and attentive to orders. Overall, Culver's is a great choice for a satisfying and allergy-friendly meal experience.”

Customers` Favorites

“Arby's is a restaurant known for its helpful and courteous staff, great food, and efficient service. It offers a kid-friendly menu and easy wheelchair accessibility. The restaurant provides ample parking and a convenient drive-thru option. While some customers have encountered occasional service issues, the overall experience at Arby's is generally positive.”

“Small town bar with pool tables and gambling machines. Very nice people. Not always super busy but has its moments. The employees are great and really nice. It's one of my favorite places to go when I need a little me time. It's the only bar I know of now days that sell lottery tickets. My grandparents bar and grill sold lottery tickets when I was growing up. So it reminds me of home. Thanks potties for being here”

“I didn't eat due to it being the 4th of July of 2024 and I was stuffed. But the atmosphere was terrific and the service was amazing and I enjoyed it ⁉️ Personally I plan to go back soon if it's in GOD ALMIGHTY will I'll be feeling better.”

“it was very clean the people really nice and have my favorite slots”

Customers` Favorites

“Krystal's in Pekin is known for their delicious chicken and reliable delivery service through Door Dash. Customers praise the great food, service, and ambiance, making it a must-visit spot in the area.”

Customers` Favorites

“Cranwill's Rootbeer Stand/Drive In is a popular restaurant known for its fantastic food, friendly staff, and classic drive-in experience. They offer a variety of dishes, including burgers, hotdogs, and a tenderloin. Their root beer is always fresh and highly recommended. The restaurant is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, with no stairs and drive-up service available. Prices are reasonable, but it's only open in spring and summer. Overall, it's a great place to enjoy a meal and support.”

Customers` Favorites

“LaGondola is a beloved restaurant that has retained its charm despite its age. The food is consistently good, with standouts like the Spaghetti & sauce and Lasagne being highly recommended. The staff is friendly and courteous, making it a great option for takeout or drive-through. While the building and decor may need an update, the restaurant's history and tradition make it a worthwhile visit. Reasonable prices and a clean atmosphere add to its appeal, making it a popular choice for pick-ups and large parties.”

Customers` Favorites

“Buffalo Wild Wings is a popular restaurant known for its delicious chicken dishes, particularly the southern-style chicken sandwich. The establishment is praised for its great service, with attentive staff who ensure customers' needs are met. While the food is consistently excellent, the service quality can vary at times. The restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere, with a dedicated kids' menu and ample parking, making it a convenient choice for both casual dining and special events.”

Customers` Favorites

“Fast Dragon Buffet is a Chinese restaurant that offers a reasonable buffet option. While some of the food may appear old or dry, the fresh items are decent. However, the fried dishes were often empty and not consistently refilled. The restaurant has seen a decline in quality over time, leading some customers to take a break before trying it again. Despite some negative reviews, the restaurant remains a popular choice for Chinese food in the area, with one customer even suggesting they add Peanut Butter chicken to the buffet line.”

Customers` Favorites

“Avanti's Ristorante offers a variety of delicious dishes. While the buffet may not be the best option due to cleanliness issues, ordering a meal is a better choice. The staff is friendly and accommodating, with exceptional service from servers. For takeout, the food is fresh, prompt, and satisfying, especially the spaghetti with meat sauce, bread, garlic bread, ravioli, and Gondola. A great spot for a hearty Italian meal.”