Top 3 Date Nights in Peoria, IL
We don’t know about you, but we LOVE a good local date that makes us feel like tourists in our own city. What do we mean be that? A fully planned evening with multiple activities—and here’s the best part—we plan them as secrets to each other. We might do this to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or sometimes just-because.
If you’re local to Peoria, IL, surprise your partner with one of these date night experiences—or plan it together—to support local businesses and connect for a full, travel-filled evening close to home!
Whiskey Flight at Thyme Kitchen
Date Itinerary #1: A Little Downtown Action
Head to Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer in Downtown Peoria for dinner. Try out one of their craft cocktails.
Our favorite menu items: the grilled mac and cheese sandwich (yes, you read that right), the maple chipotle dip, and the vegetarian tenderloin.
Take a stroll downtown, all the way down to the Peoria Riverfront. If you can, head down to sit on the edge of the marina and look out over the water.
Head up to Martini’s On Water. Check out their extensive martini menu and try to get the couches right inside the door!
Craft Beer at Pour Bro’s in Peoria Heights
Date Itinerary #2: Pizza and Views in the Heights
Start the evening with a craft beer at Pour Bro’s Craft Taproom in Peoria Heights. Check out their beer wall or order a fresh cocktail at the bar.
Walk across the parking lot to Brienzo’s Wood Fired Pizza for some tasty handmade pizza.
Our favorite menu items: the beer cheese breadsticks, the Bianca Pizza, and The Carnivore
For dessert, walk up the strip to Emack and Bolio’s for a little after-dinner ice cream on the go. Once you have your treats, walk further up the street until you reach Tower Park (see if the Tower is still open, and take a glass elevator ride to the top for a stunning sunset view of Peoria)
Date Itinerary #3: Cafe Lights and Star Gazing
Check out the fun atmosphere at Cyd’s in The Park out near Junction City. Sit outside if you can to play patio games together, jam to some live music, or sit by a fire pit if it’s a little chilly.
Our favorite menu items: All the burgers. You can’t go wrong!
After dinner, take a walk through the grasses and paths at Donovan Park right outside the restaurant. If it’s a clear a night, pop over to the Northmoor Observatory (little grey silo looking building near the parking lot) to see a nearby planet or two.
Next, drive over to The Missing Zither, a classy little cocktail bar right next door to CxT coffee. Settle into a comfy couch in the dim lighting and order a craft cocktail off the menu!
Want us to plan more dates? Let us know in the comments!