With the water turning warm and summertime months here, Peoria has no shortage of establishments to enjoy a meal or drink outdoors.
Peoria has several options, from beer gardens with games and casual patios to swanky rooftop lounges. Whether you are seeking riverside views or a scenic view of the city, there is a table and summer menu waiting.
Looking for the best outdoor dining across Peoria? Here are 15 restaurants and bars to have fun in the sun with friends and family.
1. Kuchie’s on the Water
Known for its waterside view and “Shipwreck” milkshakes, this casual restaurant sits on the river’s edge and has an outer deck for the summer months, with patio umbrellas providing shade from the heat. Kuchie’s also offers a covered upper deck, if you’re driving a boat, there are 15 spaces to launch or rest your boat next to the restaurant.
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday-Thursday hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dog-friendly: No
2. Tangled Roots
The newest location of the Ottawa-based franchise, Washington’s new craft brewpub recently opened up its rooftop patio for the summer overlooking the historic downtown Square. Guests can enjoy summer cocktails and a new summer menu starting July 1.
Hours: Monday-Thursday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dog-friendly: Only service dogs.
3. The Twelve Bar
In its rooftop lounge and event space, The Twelve in Peoria features elevated bar snacks and specialty cocktails to enjoy with live music. A variety of seating options including tables and couches are available.
Hours: Open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Dog-friendly: No
4. Obed & Isaac’s
A hub for both beer and bocce, Obed & Isaac’s features an outdoor beer garden bar with 24 taps, along with bocce courts, cornhole and DAGZ dice game boards. Visitors to the Downtown Peoria location can mingle by the outdoor firepit in colder months, live music and various events.
Hours: Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dog-friendly: Yes
5. Thyme Kitchen
Thyme Kitchen, located in Peoria’s Warehouse District, specializes in craft beer and bourbon on a lofty bi-level. A tree-lined outdoor patio with flower boxes gives guests a space to enjoy the weather along SW Washington Street.
Hours: Mondays-Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Saturdays, brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the regular menu available from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sundays, brunch is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the regular menu from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dog-friendly: Yes
6. The Blue Duck
Specializing in barbecue and smoked meats, The Blue Duck is located at 212 SW Water St., in a converted rail depot on Peoria’s downtown riverfront. Outdoor patio tables face Water Street and the riverfront, making for a laid-back summer dining experience.
Hours: Closed Sundays and Mondays. Open Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., then 4 p.m. to 9; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dog-friendly: Yes
7. Cyd’s in the Park
Known for sandwiches and other elevated cafe fare, Cyd’s in the Park is located in Donovan Park and has a covered patio area with a beer garden making it perfect for quaint dining and picnics.
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner from 5 p.m. to 8. Friday and Saturday keep the same lunch hours, but dinner extends to 8:30 p.m.
Dog-friendly: Yes
8. Last Chance Bar & Grill
Last Chance in North Peoria serves burgers, beer, breakfast and other standard pub food. Indoor diners can take advantage of televisions, pool tables and a gaming area, while outside offers a heated patio and deck.
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dog-friendly: Yes
9. River Side Cafe
River Side in East Peoria prepares quintessential American cuisine, with an outdoor patio and views of the Illinois River. The cafe is located inside the Embassy Suites, so visitors to the area have a built-in dining area and exposure to the city’s best views.
Hours: Open every day, including weekends, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dog-friendly: No
10. Alexander’s Steakhouse
Located in a former factory along the river, the steakhouse’s fine dining comes with outdoor seating options year-round.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dog-friendly: No
11. Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro
Easily identifiable by its orange and yellow chairs and green tables, Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro on SW Adams Street has an interior both eclectic and rustic, and a covered outdoor seating area with purple lighting.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Open until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Dog-friendly: Yes
12. Suite Fire Bar and Grille
Located inside the Holiday Inn & Suites in North Peoria, this upscale casual restaurant’s open-air patio is now open for the 2025 season, with comfortable seating options including umbrella-covered patios, couches with ottomans and plush chairs. In the winter, a fireplace provides heated ambiance
Hours: Breakfast is served daily from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m., and dinner is served Monday-Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dog-friendly: Yes
13. The Neon Bison
The Neon Bison brings the Nashville honky-tonk feel to Downtown Peoria, with plenty of TVs, a surround system, live music and trivia nights. The bar was recently renovated and has new outdoor seating.
Hours: Bar open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. The kitchen is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Dog-friendly: Yes
14. Hearth Restaurant
A rustic enclosed outdoor dining area hugs this Peoria Heights eatery with an expansive wine and whiskey menu popular for its sandwiches and seafood.
Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dog-friendly: Yes
15. The Fox Pub
The Fox takes Peorians across the pond with traditional and elevated British fare, trivia nights and British decor from the owner’s family history. Outdoor picnic-style tables and tables for two are available.
Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday. Open TUesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dog-friendly: Yes
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Dinner and a view: 15 patios, rooftops and outdoor dining spaces around Peoria
Reporting by Christina Avery, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
