Fish House - (Near Peoria, IL)

Mike Mansfield An easy location to get to we arrived around 4:45 pm and it was already getting busy. We didn’t have reservations so they sat us over in the bar area. No problem as it was more secluded and quiet than the open dining room. The decor is of a 1920’s Speakeasy with all employees dressing the part as well. My wife had a 6 oz. Flat iron steak cooked to medium well and the chef nailed it. I had Cajun chicken with a slab of baby back ribs and a side of baked sweet potato. Chef nailed that one too. The Cajun was not overly spicy and the chicken was as moist as I’ve ever eaten. The ribs fell off the bone and had a nice BBQ sauce that was slightly sweet. An overall great food experience. They also have a piano bar with live music playing. I’ll suggest that if you go later in the evening to make reservations.

Katlynn Mckee Had a wonderful lunch! I got the apricot chicken over rice with the summer corn chowder. For dessert I had the peach bread pudding and it was the best bread pudding Ive ever had! Service was great! Will definitely be back!

Rachel Fuys This place is incredibly welcoming and charming! I sat at the bar and was taken care of by two wonderfully kind and hospitable bartenders, Darin and Julie—they were fantastic. I ordered the mezcal margarita from the signature cocktail menu, and since I don’t usually love overly smoky mezcal drinks, Darin thoughtfully adjusted the recipe to suit my taste. It was perfect! Parking was easy on the side of the building, the food was delicious, and I highly recommend this spot!

Leon Corriea This place is a true gem! We came here to celebrate our anniversary, and the entire experience was exceptional. • Service: While there was a bit of a wait for our table, the staff went above and beyond to make it right by comping our first drinks and appetizers. Our server was attentive and friendly all night. Truly impeccable service. • Personal Touches: The biggest surprise was the custom menus they printed for us with our names and a "Happy Anniversary" message. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made our night feel incredibly special. They also gave us a free dessert. • Food: Absolutely delicious! Every single dish was beautifully prepared and full of flavor! Definitely do not skip the mussels!

Luis Rodriguez Decided to visit this location and was received by a friendly staff, followed by the owner. He recommended a stake. The chef was able to create a great sauce (with ingredients i requested)to a perfectly cooked medium well NY steak. Delish!

Culinary Chronicles of Central Illinois SevenMALKIN Acres Inn in Pontiac is a radiant example of Central Illinois’s vibrant food scene, perfectly blending small-town warmth, local sourcing, and culinary ambition. Culinary Chronicles of Central Illinois had the honor of visiting after connecting with Nick Rynerson of WGLT/NPR, who brought us in as part of their upcoming feature spotlighting our region’s restaurant excellence—huge thanks to Nick for championing local eats and giving us a platform to share why Central Illinois food is so special! Acres Inn: The Back story Owner Jake Haag and front-of-house manager Darian have energized the corner of downtown Pontiac with a cool, unpretentious vibe that traces its roots to a coffee shop—but this place has gone full-throttle rogue into dinner territory. Known for inspirational hospitality and a kitchen that buzzes with energy, Acres Inn is expanding quickly, with menus that thoughtfully showcase locally sourced ingredients from heavy-hitting Central Illinois farms and dairies like Kilgus Farmstead, Chicken Feather Lane Farms, and Ropp Jersey Cheese. Local Ingredients, Punchy Menu Cheese Curds: Made with Ropp Jersey Cheese, these are as fresh and springy as they come. Pimento Cheese: Signature dish—creamy, bold, and designed to make you say "wow." Crispy Loaded Potatoes: Every bite pops with flavor, making a classic feel inventive. The mains set the benchmark for local sourcing: Acres Double Cheese Burger: Ground beef from Kilgus Farms, juicy and beautifully charred, layered with local cheese—this burger showcases what farm-sourced can really mean. Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Chicken from Feather Lane Farms, transformed with kimchi, spice, and house-crisped bun—East Asian flavors meet Illinois farmstead freshness. Illinois Hops & Sips Acres Inn’s drink program pops with local flavor too: Pints from Emancipation Brewing Company, "Hopping on 66" and "Barn Bier" keep things fun and true to the region.Vibe & Service Step inside and you’re greeted by a space that feels just right for a meal with friends. Darian and the team make guests feel instantly at home, with fast, enthusiastic service and visible pride in every plate heading out. The energy hums—expect laughter, conversation, and a low-key party as lunch rush turns into evening, and plenty of locals dropping in for coffee or a frosty pour.