In Peoria, hidden flavors thrive where you least expect them.
Ardor Breads and Provisions turns a riverside meatpacking space into a playground of fire-kissed sourdough and whey-kissed dumplings—where $5 muffins share menus with dry-aged steaks.
Across town, Kenny’s Westside Pub swaps quiet corners for live bands and bold bites: think dill pickle soup and corned beef quesadillas beside frosty mugs.
Two spots, one rule: come hungry.
Ardor Breads And Provisions
Peoria’s Ardor Breads And Provisions proves big flavors come in unassuming packages.
What began as a cottage bakery during the pandemic now thrills food lovers with fire-kissed dishes and sourdough wizardry in a converted riverfront meatpacking house.
Diners rave about smoky aromas wafting from the open hearth where chefs transform Midwestern ingredients into edible art.
Pro tip: Come hungry—this spot does brunch, bakery treats, and dinner with equal flair.
Food Highlights
- Krispy Kouign breakfast sandwich: A caramelized croissant hybrid stuffed with melty egg and cheese—regulars call it “breakfast crack”.
- Smoked Salmon Tartine: House-cured fish on thick-cut sourdough with dill cream cheese—a photogenic crowd-pleaser.
- Ricotta Dumplings ‘Cacio e Pepe’: Pillowy pasta swimming in whey sauce with embered cabbage—Chicago Tribune called it “comfort food elevated”.
- Basque Cheesecake: Torched meringue crowns this creamy dessert with citrus and fennel streusel—Instagram’s favorite sugar rush.
Atmosphere
The space buzzes with industrial charm—exposed brick, open kitchen fires, and pastry cases brimming with golden croissants.
Weekends hum with chatter as locals clink coffee mugs by morning and natural wines by night. Don’t miss the Liberty Street entrance’s bodega for grab-and-go sourdough loaves.
Bottom Line
Visit for ingredient-driven magic where every dish feels like a chef’s secret handshake. From $5 morning muffins to $108 dry-aged porterhouses, Ardor makes farm-to-table feasting unpretentiously delicious.
Address: 301 SW Water St, Peoria, IL 61602
Kenny’s Westside Pub
Forget boring bar food—Kenny’s Westside Pub slings Irish-inspired comfort eats with a side of live music and downtown Peoria charm.
This spot mixes hearty plates, crispy tots, and a rowdy-but-welcoming vibe that keeps locals and concertgoers coming back.
Located steps from the Peoria Civic Center, it’s equal parts pre-game fuel stop and late-night hangout where cold beers meet even colder pickles (more on that later).
Food Highlights
- Irish Stew: Tender beef, carrots, and celery swim in a rich broth, served with sourdough bread that soaks up every drop. A winter-night essential.
- Dill Pickle Soup: Love pickles? This creamy, tangy bowl—packed with briny flavor—is a cult favorite (but not for the faint of heart).
- Corned Beef Quesadilla: Melty cheddar and savory corned beef collide in a crispy tortilla. Reviewers call it “tasty” with a side of curiosity.
- Reuben Sandwich: Stacked high with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss on rye, it’s a salty, crunchy masterpiece that “hits the spot.”
- Fish and Chips: Beer-battered cod stays crispy outside, flaky inside—paired with vinegar-doused fries for classic pub perfection.
- Tater Tots: Golden, crunchy, and endlessly customizable (think cheese, chili, or just straight-up salty goodness).
Atmosphere
Kenny’s hums with energy: think exposed brick, live bands (from Grateful Dead covers to local acts), and a crowd that ranges from post-work regulars to late-night revelers.
The space cleverly divides into cozy dining nooks and a buzzing concert area, so you can chat or rock out—no judgment either way.
Bottom Line
Go for the Irish stew, stay for the live music, and leave with a new appreciation for pickle soup. It’s where comfort food meets Peoria’s nightlife heartbeat.
Address: 112 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61602