Peoria? Haddad's?

I'm going to be in Peoria with my dad in a couple of weeks and I'm looking to improve our dining options, which have historically been horrible. I've come across a place called Haddad's that is Lebanese. However, the reviews and pictures I've read have talked up the gyros quite a bit. Normally that would be fine, but if I can get my dad to venture out of our normal sphere I'd be disappointed if it was merely a gyro joint run by Lebanese people.

Does anybody know anything about this place? Or others? I'm trying to keep things pretty cheap and reasonably quick. I'd prefer to be away from the downtown area as it will be mobbed with high school basketball fans. Bars with food would be great as well.

thanks!

...horrible. Microwaved schwarma meat. Need I say more?

I have been traveling to Peoria for 28 years now to visit in-laws at the major holidays and for other significant events and have really not ever been impressed with the dining options. There is an abundance of chains which my in-laws love and the best Lebanese I had was at a cousin's wedding that his Lebanese grandmother cooked for. I would be open to other suggestions if anyone is familiar with the area. I have managed to get the family to go to The Fish House but it is over priced and bland.

I did stumble upon a small place near the river in an arts center. I didn't get food, just coffee, but it looked like it had some promise. I can't remember the name though. I think it was on Water just off Liberty.

I went to Bradley U. in Peoria and I still miss Avanti's bread. It is sweet and chewy and addictive. I don't really remember much else about the food, except that the pizza bread (made on the sweet, chewy bread) was very good and cheap. It looks like they have three locations in the area:

4711 N. Rockwood in Peoria
(309) 688-6565

1301 W. Main
Main and University in Peoria (this is the one by the University)
(309) 674-4923

2320 E. Washington
in East Peoria
(309) 694-6200

You can see more info (including menus) on the website for the Normal, IL location:

http://www.avantisnormal.com/

-Pam

We just returned from spending a number of days in Peoria because my MIL passed away. We didn't have a lot of time to eat out. Our hotel had a nice mid week happy hour and that was a meal enough for us one night. Monday we wanted to try a Lebanese bakery and a pita place that were both close to our hotel but after we found them both were closed. The pita place had a sign in the window that Monday they would close at 5 and we weren't sure if the Lebanese bakery was just closed or out of business. Just a little further down the road was Avanti's newest location on North Knoxville so we decided to go there because we didn't feel like driving all over. I was one never to like Avanti's very much but it's been 10 years since I last had anything there. I had a 6" pizza with green olives and mushrooms that was very good, lots of cheese and toppings and a nice crisp crust. My partner had spaghetti with marinara that she really liked. I know spaghetti is hard to mess up but she ordered it a few weeks ago at a place in Geneva with terrible results so this made her happy. All in all we were happy with our meal, pizza, spaghetti, 2 house salads and a glass of wine for me cost all of $15. I would go back again, it was good food, good value and friendly prompt service.

Avanti's North
8517 North Knoxville
Peoria
309-691-2525

Pita's Mediterranean Wraps
8831 North Knoxville
Peoria
309-691-9727

Beads and More, Old Worlds Lebanese
8807 North Knoxville
Peoria
309-692-7323