Surprise Surprise Surprise! Great distillery in Peoria Illinois. Great bourbon and whisky. Good, not exceptional vodka. The service was exceptional though. Food was better than expected. Try the Brown Butter Fries with your Smash Burger! The Adult Grilled Cheese had good jam but needed more cheesy product for my taste. But, ya wanna know the best part? The Restroom ratings are off the chart! 10 out of 10! ¹ read more

Black Band Distillery - Still #1 - Distilleries Near Me - Peoria, Illinois

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After a bit of time, it was time to get this up on here. The food in this place is absolutely fantastic. That's what makes this review so darn awkward... The food makes you happy you came, but the staff makes you wonder if they actually want you there. This isn't a one time thing, but the general vibe. Everyone has their heads down like they've been shamed into doing side work instead of customer engagement. Chatting with the staff feels like an obligation for them to reply. But the food, it's so damn good! That's the kicker, the food is great, but when you're there you don't feel welcome. Not once has the staff chatted while eating or come by to engage other than order, food delivery and payment. Not sure who is running the ship over there, but the vibe is way off. Keep doing what you're doing in the kitchen, but now bring some of that love to the front facing side of things and you'll have a hell of a joint! read more

I am a gin lover and I so wanted to love this gin but I just don't. When I opened the bottle of course I took a sniff and expected to smell that wonderful juniper but all I smell is alcohol. I made myself a gin and tonic which is one of my favorite cocktails and this gin just isn't very good. I'm so disappointed! I loved coming to Blackband and having dinner and cocktails and buying some spirits to take home, but I won't be buying this gin again. I'm sorry, I really wanted to love it! read more

Very cool space in the warehouse district, Black Band is a true functioning distillery which also has a restaurant and bar. I've been here twice, both at the bar, and I really enjoyed the visits. It's definitely unique and upscale, with a restaurant section, bar, and patio. You can see the distillery through glass which gives the place a steam punk vibe. I tried a number of their whiskey based cocktails - old fashioneds, manhattans. and such. The cocktails are well-executed although they tend to run a tad sweet. Still, with the service and ambiance and quality, it's definitely a great spot to come alone or with a group. read more

Black Band Distillery - Current cocktail specials - Distilleries Near Me - Peoria, Illinois

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The steak was cooked to perfection but all I tasted was butter, and the broccoli were twigs, basically not edible because they were crunchy sticks.... Very disappointing. Service was fine and I love the atmosphere, hopefully next time the food will be more to my liking. read more

located in the warehouse district an up and coming area. The building is a century old filled with history a lot of the original bones have been kept. I would call this a very upscale distillery with everything they do. From the moment you walk in a see it's multi level done in monochrome colors very sleak and classy. You can sample by doing a flight or have a mixed drink. This is an organic distillery which shows the love they have for what they do. The food menu is a seasonal type menu since the food is sourced from local Midwest growers. read more

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We had a wonderful meal at Black Band Distillery last week. This place is very classy & distinctive. It makes its own whiskey & vodka & gin & other kinds of liquor. For an appetizer, my husband & I shared an order of lamb ribs. They were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. For my entree, I had the pork loin. It also was superb. Very flavorful & served with a tasty sauce & yummy carrots. read more

Black Band Distillery - Pork loin - Distilleries Near Me - Peoria, Illinois

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The food was excellent. We had the sweet potato cornbread, apple blue salad and the Cornish hen with gnocchi. The cocktails were also good. We did also have the smash burger and fries. 3 of us shared all the plates. The fries were great, but the burger was just ok. Great service and ambience. read more

Black Band Distillery - Cocktail Flight - Distilleries Near Me - Peoria, Illinois

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The bartenders are always knowledgeable. I've never had any kind of food that was bad. Although I will say as a person has to eat gluten-free due to celiac disease, and not just the new rave of gluten-free food, I struggled with finding some options. I love attending their vinyl night on Mondays. Chill atmosphere sometimes I'll come down with a Book to draw other times I just like meeting friends and chatting. Most the time that's good. Sometimes the music is a little bit too loud. Highly recommend checking it out. read more

Black Band Distillery - We guest DJ'd vinyl night! - Distilleries Near Me - Peoria, Illinois

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Coming from Chicago, this restaurant felt like it belongs among the other great restaurants in the West Loop. The drinks..amazing, the food..amazing. Our server Jonah was super attentive and didn't steer us wrong. They have their own distillery on premises, and we left with a bottle of their own Bourbon. Will definitely be back again. read more

Black Band Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Peoria, Illinois

Food was great, but waaaaay too expensive. I will not be going back just for that reason. I would have given a 5-star rating if the food had been worth the price. read more

I love this place! Great drinks and food. I love the sharing idea because you get to taste a variety of delicious items. We loved them all. Tonight it was Brussel sprouts, Korean oyster mushrooms, bao buns, crab cakes and lamb chops. We were so into it we only got a picture of our tasty drinks. We sat upstairs this time. Nice and warm and cozy. If you order all at the beginning you can have a quick dinner. They were very nice about accommodating our dairy allergy and marked the menu for us. Service was good. read more

Black Band Distillery - Billy Blues and ? Jingle - Distilleries Near Me - Peoria, Illinois

What a unique place in Peoria's warehouse district. Beautiful building on the in and outside. They make their own wisely and gin which are amazing. The menu is small but all the dishes were very tasty. Great place to have a nice drink and enjoy a beautiful meal indoor or outdoors. read more

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Incredible selection of food and prepared wonderfully! Lots of unique flavors to try! Also has my favorite alcoholic drink I've ever had, the Sunshine Green Dream! Incredible staff and beautifully decorated! read more

Nice place. Not so nice staff! Dined on a Thursday, not very busy at all. Upon entering the building I asked by host. " can I help you" not would that be a table for two? I shrugged it off. So we took a seat at the bar. The place is really nice. Some great features. We ordered a couple drinks. The drinks were tasty. When we came in we asked if the full menu would be offered at the bar. It was, however we waited a long time to get a menu. Had to stop the bar tender and ask for one. Had to ask to order. Had to ask for a second drink even the the smug bartender looked at our empty glasses. I think the fact that I hadn't shaved and have long hair had something to do with it. We don't want your kind around here! Well cool I heard yeah loud and clear! Only reason they get a three is cause the food was really decent. As for the stuck up staff. Piss off read more

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The food was incredible, the service was quick and the staff is very knowledgeable. Go in and try the beef hearts! They melt in your mouth 10/10 will be back!! read more

Black Band Distillery - Beef Hearts! - Distilleries Near Me - Peoria, Illinois

The new menu at Black Band Distillery has taken the experience to new heights. The urban loft vibe combines with elevated plates to be shared among good friends - a joyful combination. For those who fondly remember the original bar menu, the expanded experience includes innovative, locally sourced items like Leek and Cabbage Fritters (that my high schoolers devoured, they were so delicious) and a Roasted Bone Marrow that competes with foie gras and Wagyu for its melt in your mouth savory-ness. Complete with outstanding service from start to finish - we will be regulars ! read more

Hands down the best meal I've had in Peoria. This would stand up to food in Chicago, New York, or New Orleans. Well done.

Great Food. Greater Whisky. Greaterer Service. Greatererer Vibes. Classy retrofitted establishment in the heart of the original whiskeytown.

Great food. The spirits are good. Great addition to the whiskey city craft scene. The building and interior is cool and the service was excellent read more

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One of a kind experience. Upper level staff. The building alone is beautiful. It offers unique spaces with different vibes that blend together to socialize and connect. The detail put into the menu and quality of spirits is unmatched. I can't wait to watch this brand grow. This is the best addition to the Riverfront in years. read more

Wonderful service, refreshing drinks, the appetizers were awesome, and the steak was cooked to perfection.

The food and drinks are good, a little pricey, though not totally out of line, but the portions are small, the service is acceptable. They make you pay $3 per person for a reservation, just to reserve the table. No application of this money to the bill. One of our party didn't show, so I paid $19 for five people. When we arrived there were several empty tables. This is another way that businesses like this have found to pass along their operating costs to the customer. Though the food and drinks were of good quality, I doubt I will return because of this attitude one should pay through the nose and enjoy it. read more

Great experience- classy. Gin and whiskey were top notch. Wasn't sure what to expect with food portions, but they exceeded our expectations- and very tasty. We sat at the bar- the bartenders were insightful and quick with service. read more

Great atmosphere. Food was unbearable. Would not return. Pork belly ewe! I knew when I asked there would be no ketchup for the burger. Ketchup not cool? Very expensive. Classy but you gotta have something more. Got mustard in the wing sauce. Who puts mustard on wings? Need I go on? read more

Black band is an incredible experience mixing fabulous food and a great bar atmosphere.

horrible, horrible, horrible. we went in before the marine corps ball in our formal attire one of the guys was in his dress blues, and we weren't allowed to stand at the bar off to the side we were asked to leave because they could not accommodate us. the gm had the gall to tell us that we could sit outside in 45° weather when all of the women had on formal gowns. read more

Black Band Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Peoria, Illinois

Too bad, the beautiful esthetic will never been seen again. Terribly RUDE bar staff, I will never go back. Refused to serve drinks because I joined my group of friends at bar and was standing. Three different people offered their bar seat, so that I could order... this is how ridiculous. The response received was, "the bar is at capacity." At that point, Seriously felt discriminated against. There was plenty of room at the bar and the bar staff had enough time to talk bad about other establishments in Peoria - in comparison to the way other bars are ran. Little did they know that we actually know the owners of those establishments. Very unprofessional. I've been here many times... the kitchen always does a great job. It's a shame, the bar staff has such negative vibes. I won't be back - Lost customer. read more

What a great experience. The food and service was the BEST! We tried several items on the menu and was not disappointed by any The charcuterie board was delicious especially the goat cheese. Wow. We also had the lamb ribs that were fall off the bone. Could have a couple orders for a meal. For our meals we had steak frites and the dumplings. Could not eat all but great for tomorrow. To top it off the traditional old fashions were wonderful. Our waitress was Jennifer. Please ask for her as she really understands the menu and provides the best service. Can't wait to visit again read more

Great fun tasting different offerings paced as selections came up. Everything served was exceptional!

Went recently with some long time great friends for a casual night out. Our group tried several of their signature cocktails including two different versions of Old Fashioneds and four small plates. We enjoyed every thing we tried and commented on the pacing of the presentations. Our server was very interactive and complimented our evening well. We will definitely be back to Black Band- our only request - get some coffee to enjoy with your desserts. Thanks read more

Ridiculously impressive place... vodka was exceptional, gin just beautiful... rarebit (French onion-soup-esque) and shrimp n grits just wow dishes. The staff passionate, knowledgeable, helpful, smiley... Everyone drinking the kool-aide here, and it tastes amazing! (Didn't try the whiskey but told fabulous) read more

Someone needs to light a fire on the bartenders and cooks service is terribly slow. This was on a Thursday too.

The place looks amazing inside, the bartenders are very friendly. But here's the rub, when u charge $150 per bottle of a new bourbon and you know literally nothing about it... that's management . The food wasn't anything special, but the building is Impressive. We hope it evolves. read more

Get here. You won't find places like this often. Amazing Bourbon. Recommend the Pulp Fiction. The best part about this place besides the vibe, location, style, design, drinks and service .... The FOOD. I've to date never had a better burger. The fries are fried in brown butter and seasoned to perfection...brown - butter. Come. On. And not only that - the prices might seem steep but literally everything is worth every penny and please end dinner with the sundae! read more

Interesting specialty drinks. Great food. Service was good and bartenders were knowledgeable. A little expensive, but everything I've had there has been good. Especially like the mushrooms. read more

Creative food and drink choices, good value for perfectly sized portions. Recommend giving it a try

Made reservations for dinner with another couple and had a lovely time. I will say that Black band does have a smaller menu than probably most other places but found that each dish ordered was executed to perfection. We started with the mussels which were delicious and fresh. My wife found the broth they were served in the highlight of the dish and one of the highlights of the evening. The couple we dined with ordered the rarebit which was also delicious and balanced, I hadn't seen raclette featured on a menu in Peoria before but if paired with the marrow bordelaise very well. Our table ordered one of each of the three mains and each one was fantastic in it's own right but I would say the pork tenderloin was a real standout, particularly the way the flavors paired with the stone fruit mustard. I actually feel sorry for the reviewer who compared the double smash burger to nothing better than something you could get at Steak n Shake. Not only was the quality of the ingredients far superior to anything I've had at any chain in Peoria but the flavors were balanced in a way that made for an incredible bite. When paid with fries for $19 you could do far worse with more expensive mains at other restaurants. Cocktails were delicious and the service was friendly and attentive. If you're looking for a cheap and quick meal, Black Band isn't going to be for you. But if you're looking for a modern American menu that pairs quality ingredients with skilled execution I can't think of many better options for spending a long dinner with friends in Peoria. We will definitely be back. read more

Service, food and drinks were superb. If you are looking for a great restaurant this is the place. Enjoy!

Black Band has quickly become one of our top date nights spots in the Peoria area! We first visited a few weeks ago for drinks and an appetizer before going somewhere else for dinner. We had the traditional old fashioned and cheese curds which were delicious. We sat by the kitchen and watched all of this amazing food come out and decided we had to come back for dinner. We returned for dinner this past weekend and were not disappointed. We both had the spiced rye old fashioned which was phenomenal. I had the Gin Martínez for round two and it was also incredible. The shrimp and grits were fantastic and my husband's smash burger was "probably the best burger he's ever had". He said the fries were pretty killer as well. We'd heard about the bourbon, pecan and bacon sundae, so we went for it. AMAZING. You'll want to share because it's super rich. Be prepared to spend a bit here, but the prices are comparable to any of the places in the Heights and the food is comparable if not better. The ambience and decor is great as well. We're definitely going to be regulars here! read more

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