Last minute recs for dinner in Peoria

I just found out I have to go to Peoria this afternoon and would like to find someplace for dinner. Upscale, downscale doesn't matter, just needs to be good and interesting. Thanks!

Peoria is very chaincentric. There are some interesting ethnic places around Bradley U, a number of eateries around the casino and some new places along the Riverwalk. I can't think of anything outstanding in all the years I have gone there to visit my in laws. Some like Vonachen's on North Knoxville and some like The Lariat Steakhouse, I've not been impressed by either. We've had a few good meals in River Station which is in the River Walk area but now when I visit, they usually like a chain. Let me know where you decide.

http://www.peoria.org/partners/?categor ... nd+Lounges

Hofbrau House on NE Jefferson has good (not outstanding) German food.
Always packed with locals. Lots of German beers on tap and in bottles.

I can't vouch for it personally, but, Chef John's in Dunlap is seemingly one of the only non-chain restaurants around that area (or, so my research for an upcoming trip has led me to believe.)

Chef John's Wine Bar & Grill
1719 W Woodside Dr
Dunlap, IL 61525
(309) 243-2020

Hope the trip goes well.

Sorry I'm responding late but I just saw this topic. Peoria has some pretty good non-chain places. Seven, French Toast, and Jim's Bistro are all within a block of one another on Prospect in Peoria Heights. Seven and Jim's are very reasonably priced. Jim's also has a location downtown which is a bit more upscale. Copper Works in in the shopping center at Knoxville and Pioneer Parkway is excellent. For Italian we don't have anything that will blow you away, but Rizzi's (both downtown and on Sheridan) is always pretty decent as long as you don't get the salmon, which is always way over salted. Ponte Vecchio in Sheridan Village and Paparazzi's in the Heights are also reliable options.