Chicken, coffee and cocktails: 6 restaurants and bars coming soon to the Peoria area

Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star
·3 min read

From cat-filled cafes and cold-pressed juice bars to cozy neighborhood grills, the Peoria area has welcomed a variety of new food and drink businesses in 2024.

We are less than halfway through the year, however, so there is still plenty of time for new restaurants and bars to open their doors. Here are some of the establishments which expect to open later this year.

More: A new Peoria juice bar is open at Junction City. Here's what to know

The Neon Bison

Owners of the Neon Bison nightclub at 514 Main Street in downtown Peoria are planning to move the business into the former Wing Works restaurant at 617 Main Street later this year.
Owners of the Neon Bison nightclub at 514 Main Street in downtown Peoria are planning to move the business into the former Wing Works restaurant at 617 Main Street later this year.

The Neon Bison is working to shift operations to 617 Main St. The new, larger space is a hop, skip and a jump away from the business’s current location at 514 Main St.

“We'll be here rocking and rolling until we're able to transition up the street,” Managing owner Jon Hopkins said in July 2023.

That same month, the Peoria City Council voted to approve the new location’s liquor license request.

Hopkins went before the Liquor Commission this April to request a six-month extension for the site approval. The commission voted to approve the extension.

More: Peoria approves financing deal for Main Street bar's move to new downtown location

Nightjar

A new business aims to spread its wings at the former home of Bearded Owl Brewing this summer. Nightjar plans to offer craft cocktails, craft beer and artisan pizzas.

Bearded Owl Brewing announced it had “reached the end” in a 2023 post to social media. The business – which operated for nearly six years – served a variety of handcrafted beers.

'We’ve reached the end': Peoria brewery plans to close

Matilda’s

Whitney Calvert is working toward renovating the former 8-Bit Arcade Bar at State and Water Street in Peoria into a new cocktail spot called Matilda's Lounge. 8-Bit moved a couple doors down to 619 SW Water Street in 2023.
Whitney Calvert is working toward renovating the former 8-Bit Arcade Bar at State and Water Street in Peoria into a new cocktail spot called Matilda's Lounge. 8-Bit moved a couple doors down to 619 SW Water Street in 2023.

Situated at 100 State St. in Peoria, Matilda’s will sport a ‘70s/’80s theme with vintage décor, wood paneled walls and old-fashioned furniture. Customers will find alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, as well as shareable foods.

Owner Whitney Calvert drew inspiration for the business’s name from the street where multiple family members lived when she was a child.

“That's where (the name) comes from – is like a place to feel at home when you're not at home, so I hope that I can provide that sort of comfort,” Calvert said.

'A place to feel at home': New cocktail lounge coming to downtown Peoria space

Pop-Up Chicken Shop

Aaron Francis, owner of the Pop-up Chicken Shop in Bloomington, plans to expand to a new renovated space in the 800 block of SW Adams Street in Peoria's Warehouse District.
Aaron Francis, owner of the Pop-up Chicken Shop in Bloomington, plans to expand to a new renovated space in the 800 block of SW Adams Street in Peoria's Warehouse District.

Situated in Peoria’s Warehouse District, Pop-Up Chicken Shop expects to open its second location in June. The restaurant – which began in Bloomington in 2018 – is known for its Illinois Hot Chicken.

An April 23 Facebook post from the business announced Ryan Smith would be the new location’s general manager. The post described Smith as “A Peoria Legend” and “a man of many talents.” Smith previously worked at Peoria restaurants such as Ardor Breads and Provisions and Slow Hand Craft BBQ.

More: This popular Bloomington chicken restaurant is expanding to Peoria next year

Revel & Maker

Revel & Maker is described as “a place for celebration and craftsmanship” on its website. The new concept will be located directly above Ardor Breads and Provisions – which was named on USA TODAY’s 2024 Restaurants of the Year list.

More: It started as a bakery. Now it's one of the best restaurants. Everything to try at Ardor

Reverence Coffee

Reverence Coffee will open in East Peoria on May 15. The shop ? located at 409 Richland St. ? "promises an exceptional coffee experience that transcends the ordinary."

Owners Chris and Kelsey Olson are aiming to create "a community hub" which will serve coffee from a variety of roasteries. The menu will also feature tea and other menu items.

“The Levee District's newest addition aims to be a sanctuary for its community, where they can enjoy their coffee amidst a harmonious interplay of comfort and sophistication,” A May 8 press release stated. “Reverence Coffee believes that a cup of coffee should be more than just a beverage; it should be an experience that enriches the senses and soothes the soul.”

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: New restaurants and bars that will open in 20204 in Peoria

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