PEORIA – Jim’s Steak House has seen its share of famous faces over the years.
Situated near the Peoria Civic Center, Jim’s manager Kristin Comfort said it is relatively common for celebrities to stop by the longtime fine dining restaurant.
“We have these celebrities that come in and enjoy Jim’s, and if they do come back to Peoria, they remember us and want to come back most of the time…” Comfort said. “My dad has worked hard to make Jim’s what it is, and it’s nice that we have these people that want to come to Jim’s and they enjoy it.”
Here is a look at some of the biggest celebrities who have visited the popular restaurant in Peoria.
Robert Plant
English singer-songwriter Robert Plant was the vocalist for famed rock band Led Zeppelin. Years ago, when Plant visited Jim’s with a group, Comfort said a waitress asked if they were in a band.
“So that was always a joke with that waitress at the time – waiting on Robert Plant (and) asking if he was in a band,” Comfort said.
Ray Liotta
Known for his role in “Goodfellas,” Ray Liotta also starred in movies such as “Field of Dreams,” “Something Wild” and “Narc.”
Comfort said Liotta would visit Jim’s in the 1990s when he was married to Michelle Grace, an actress and producer who graduated from Richwoods High School in Peoria. She described the acclaimed actor, who died in 2022, as “a really neat guy.”
Jay Leno
Comedian and TV host Jay Leno had lunch at Jim’s Steak House. Comfort said Leno was one of the only celebrities she was able to meet in person.
Hal Holbrook
Hal Holbrook, who appeared in movies such as “All the President’s Men” and “Capricorn One,” paid multiple visits to Jim’s.
“When he was in town, he would always come into Jim’s,” Comfort said. “He asked us to open for breakfast and we did just for him and he was actually the only customer we had.”
Ernest Borgnine
Ernest Borgnine was a longtime actor who starred in “The Poseidon Adventure,” “Marty” and TV series “McHale’s Navy.”
Comfort said Borgnine was a “very nice, pleasant man” who “had a friend from Peoria that he served in the navy with.” When he visited Jim’s Steak House at 91 years old, Comfort said he ordered the restaurant’s ravioli.
Eddie Murphy
Comfort described actor and comedian Eddie Murphy as “one of my faves.”
Over the years, the actor starred in “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Coming to America” and “Dr. Dolittle.” He has also been the voice of Donkey in “Shrek” and Mushu in “Mulan.”
Murphy visited Jim’s former location in the late 1980s. She said her father recounted the story of his bus pulling up outside of the packed patio one day.
“The whole patio full of people stood up and started clapping as he walked into Jim’s,” she said. “So, that was a neat story.”
David Carradine
Comfort said David Carradine took “pictures with staff and customers” during his visit to Jim’s Steak House. Carradine, who passed away in 2009, appeared in TV series “Kung Fu,” as well as the “Kill Bill” movies.
Chevy Chase
Having starred in films such as “Caddyshack,” “Three Amigos!” and “Fletch,” Chevy Chase is nothing short of a comedy legend. The actor, of course, is also known for his role as Clark Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and its subsequent spin-offs, including the iconic 1989 “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
Comfort said everyone was shocked – not like Aunt Bethany’s cat, mind you – when Chase made an appearance in December 2024. Chase was in town to celebrate the holiday classic’s 35th anniversary.
“So, that was really neat, and he was just a really nice guy …” Comfort said. “He just enjoyed being with his family.”
The Amazing Kreskin
The Amazing Kreskin was a popular mentalist who starred in his own show and made many TV appearances throughout his career.
Kreskin visited Jim’s multiple times over the years, and Comfort described him as a “really, really nice guy.” During one visit, she said Kreskin took the time to connect with her father.
“I mean they sat for an hour or two just talking, and my dad doesn’t usually do that,” Comfort said. “They just had such a good time talking that when he left every Christmas after that, we got a Christmas card from him.”
Now, a handful of cards from Kreskin adorn the walls at Jim’s alongside other photos and memorabilia.
Also of note: Elton John
While the legendary musical artist did not make an appearance inside of Jim’s Steak House, Comfort said he did place a to-go order following one of his shows. A staff member delivered the meal to his bus.
Elton John, of course, is known for hits including “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer.” A signed portrait and a ticket to his 2011 Peoria Civic Center show can be found alongside other photos and memorabilia inside Jim’s.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Some of Hollywood’s biggest names have dined at this Peoria restaurant
Reporting by Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
