Top 6 Best Bars in Peoria, IL
Peoria is a small city, but it has a truly great bar scene—everything from dive bars, to trendy breweries, to swanky cocktail lounges. Being as our side gig is bartending, we’re a little obsessed with mixology, so we’re always seeking out Peoria’s best drink spots, and so far we haven’t been disappointed!
Black Band Distillery
If you’re feeling a true craft cocktail, made with all-fresh ingredients, mixed by a professional, Black Band will be your heaven. The head bartender, Billy, is consistently adding to the menu, and he’ll make you something exquisite off menu too, if you ask.
What we love about Black Band:
The industrial, classy atmosphere
Top quality food and drink with gorgeous presentation
The Distillery Tour - Black Band’s tour doesn’t just cover their whiskey. They’ll give you a Peoria history lesson about the roots of “The Whiskey City”.
Casa De Arte
This small, cozy taco bar offers more than just great margaritas and a truly authentic Mexican taco. The owner (Arte) has a passion for art, and every month the dining room exhibits a local Peoria artist’s work, beginning with a welcome night on the First Friday of the month. Arte is always looking for more artists, so if that’s you, head over to their website to request a spot on their calendar!
What we love about Casa De Arte:
For my (Madison) 21st birthday, Rob arranged a surprise birthday party at Casa. Arte was very willing, helpful, and accommodating!
Their fresh strawberry margarita and volcano taco are our go-to’s.
Casa not only has a modern indoor dining room, but also an outdoor beer garden where they host live musicians on warm summer nights.
Pour Bro’s
Beer walls are just superior. In every way. Especially when they offer more than just beer. Pour Bro’s not only has a long wall of craft beer on tap, they also have a seltzer/cider/wine section for non-hops-people.
What we love about Pour Bro’s:
They host trivia nights on Wednesday’s at 7PM.
Courtyard concerts happen regularly in the summer.
The bartenders are really cool and will mix you a cocktail if you’re not feeling the wall!
The Missing Zither
Most people don’t know about The Missing Zither, which is why it’s nickname was “Peoria’s Speakeasy” through the pandemic. The inside is decked out in midcentury modern furniture, couches, and tables. The wait staff will come right to your couch and the menu includes classic cocktails, specialty drinks, as well as interesting mocktails if you’re not feeling the liquor. Small bites are also available.
What we love about The Missing Zither:
It’s great if you’re feeling fancy want to be transported out of Peoria (it’s upscale and feels like a big city bar).
Their company branding is terrific.
The dining area is dimly lit and feels extremely cozy when the sun sets.
Kuchi’s On The Water
Feeling tiki drinks and a big plate of greasy fries? Kuchi’s is where it’s at. This hopping, costal themed restaurant is always full when we go, and their bar menu rocks. You have the option to sit inside and soak in the beach vibes, or sit out on the patio overlooking the Illinois River.
What we love about Kuchi’s
Their Shipwreck Shakes (check out the picture)
They have a phenomenal Philly cheesesteak, and a giant prezel that’s pretty incredible.
The peaceful atmosphere out on the patio (we’re suckers for outdoor seating on the water)