Review Visit: May 2nd, 2015…read more Not just a bakery but a tourist stop. If you mention getting donuts (or doughnuts) in East Peoria, everyone will talk about how good Carl's Bakery is. They produce a lot of doughnuts (or donuts) that are beloved by the residents of East Peoria. Having lived in the general area and having drove by the place a million times, I thought it was time to check it out. If you are familiar with Carl's Bakery, you are familiar with the giant rooster that is outside the building. If you aren't familiar, then there is a giant rooster outside the building. One that is prime for taking a fun photo with. My dad and I did just that after trying out their food. Carl's Bakery is one of those places that seems to be open from before the sun rises to around noon-ish. So, if you are interested in going, you better head there when the roosters crow or else they will be closing up shop. When you go, you have to compete for a parking spot on the side of the building. While Carl's has an indoor eating area, I took the limited parking as a sign that they cater to the 'pick up my donuts (or doughnuts) and go' crowd. Nonetheless, my dad and I found a spot to park and headed in. Once we were inside, we had to squeeze a large throng of people to get to the counter. We told the cashier we wanted to eat in. She guided us to a table and we took a seat. While looking over the menu, I had hopes of getting some breakfast as that is what I assumed they specialized in. Maybe we missed a cutoff point or something else happened but we ended up ordering some lunch instead. My dad got a tenderloin and I got... I honestly don't remember. Maybe a burger that came with a ton of fries. Oh, and we both got coffee. Let us start with the coffee. It was... not good. I've had cheap coffee and this stuff takes the cake. I used more half-n-half and sugar than I normally do. While I am no snob and I put down a few cups, it wasn't worth it in the end to taste some water masquerading as coffee. But no worries. It's just coffee. We were there for the food. How was that?/ A notch above the coffee. I fully admit that I don't remember what sandwich I got but I do remember not being a fan of it. My dad said the same thing about his tenderloin. Both just lacking in everything. How does that happen? Can a chef or someone with cooking knowledge explain that to me? The french fries were salvageable at least. In fact, they were the only things that tasted good. Hype. It has it's place in the world but more often than not, I find that hype ruins a lot of things for me. Movies, video games, restaurants, and various other things. It's nice to get excited about something but when it doesn't live up to that level, I believe it is more disappointing than if it weren't hyped at all. But we aren't here for a hype discussion. My dad and I got to hang out and try something new. Was it the best place ever? No. Do I cherish the memory of this outing? Heck yes. While I may have had a lack luster time here, don't let the opposite of hype dissuade you from checking it out if you are a doughnut (or donut) person. Or you want to stop and take a photo with the giant rooster outside and then find yourself magically teleported inside, trying out their coffee and menu offerings.

This is an older family business that has become curbside only, check FB for menu or call ahead to…read moreplace an order. Do not let this stop you from heading over ! Open Thursday to Saturday (always check) . Can only speak for donuts & pastries but I can't imagine that they'd fail at dinner ! The service was very personal and polite. The donuts are Old School ! Fresh Home Made, hot if you're early! Big variety , fair prices , honestly good ingredients that you can taste . I was in town for a dog show, picking up 2 dozen to have out for people and this place was a fan favorite for many . You want commercial, cookie cutter , uninspired donuts you can find that anywhere. If you want to impress or treat yourself, friends and family give this place a try !

Trefzger's is one of those places where you bite into one of their creations and you immediately…read morethink "Ahhh I understand why they've been around since 1861". The thumbprint cookies are pure flames. I can't think of a single item that doesn't have the sweetness precisely dialed in. My only real nitpick I can think of is with the bread used for the pastries (danishes, cinnamon rolls). It's slightly too... Dry? Gluten-y? But it's not an overarching issue so it's pretty insignificant.

Beautiful, large, independent bakery with incredible sweets. Everything is amazing about this…read moreplace except for the unfriendly staff.

I like to buy their treats for service above and beyond!…read more Everyone loves their iced cinnamon rolls and their pecan rolls! The staff is always so friendly and quick to serve you! They have lots of choices so I doubt you will ever be disappointed!

I loved this bakery, I especially liked the small pies, crust is always baked well with lots of…read morefilling and topping. Their cream pies are wonderful and the fruit pies also I just tried the brownies and were wonderful. Going to try the cheesecake next but sure I'll not be disappointed. The staff is always pleasant and helpful.

Great little coffee shop that I try and stop in every year when I'm in the area. Service is polite…read moreand friendly. My mocha and cherry danish were good. It was a cold, damp, and grey day. So I enjoyed my order while listening to soft melodic Christian music. I recommend you stop in and check them out.

Review Visit: March 27th, 2018…read more Does The Spot Coffee hit the spot? The Spot Coffee started out as a mobile coffee truck, making rounds here and there, delivering caffeine to the residents of local central Illinois since 2016. Due to a growing fan base, they set up shop and opened in February 2018. On a dreary week day, my friend and I rolled in during lunch time to a fairly packed place. We were greeted promptly by a nice staff that took our orders and served up our drinks quickly. I ordered a hot Salted Caramel Latte and my friend ordered a cold Banana Bread Latte. This is the first time I've ever seen Salted Caramel offered and I must say, it was delightful. I'll need more if it in my life. My friend let me try her drink and it was also pretty good. The interior of The Spot Coffee is fairly small, so if you have a large party, plan ahead. If it is just you and a friend or two, they can accommodate you no problem. For being small, it didn't feel claustrophobic and it felt like it had a nice level of coziness to it. I give props to whoever designed the inside for doing great. They even have a spot to sit at and look out the windows while you sip a coffee on a cold and dreary day. A few other things offered here is a back room for kids. While my friend had her son with her, we didn't utilize it due to it being full. There is also a drive-thru if you are in a rush and you need that caffeine fix to go go go! They also have a small baked goods section. I didn't get anything this time but I will definitely try a cookie on my next visit. Other than that, there isn't much else to say about this lovely place. It definitely hit The Spot for me ;).

Cracked Pepper catered an event at the Peoria Civic Center. The Harvest salad sat out too long as…read morethe "fresh" spring greens looked dried out and had brown edges. The entree, chicken saltimbocca, was incredibly dry; I almost choked on the first bite of chicken. The sides, dauphinoise potatoes and green beans, were good. Thankfully, the desserts were delicious. There were jumbo lemon or double chocolate cupcakes. The lemon cake was dense, almost like pound cake, but had good flavor. The chocolate cupcakes were divine.

This restaurant is great! The dining area has a cozy vibe, they make pastries including a "bacon…read morelog" and they have great-tasting soups, sandwiches, salads and cookies. Today I had a lemon cookie and a southwest chicken wrap and enjoyed every bite.

The middle Eastern lady working here is truly awful. Rude, combative, argumentative, yells,…read moreeverything is a power struggle. They never do wrong, even when they do. If she makes the drink wrong? Nope, we ordered it wrong. Food not correct? Yes it is!! (Even though it's not!!). Stale donut? Oh well, sucks to be me! Avoid this place at all costs.

Good donuts and they're nice. But I wish my chocolate donuts with sprinkles had more sprinkles :(…read more8/10!

F A B U L O U S food for the vegan in your life. The menu changes daily, one deliciousness after…read moreanother to keep you coming back.

WOW WOW WOW! Sooo good. I found Riley's Vegan Sweets & Eats…read morewhen I visited Radish Kitchen in Peoria (check out my review of Radish Kitchen, too!) These amazing vegan desserts are just the right amount of sweet without being "too rich". But let me tell you - they are A REAL TREAT!! You won't want to miss them. Big huge "brookies" (like brownies), individually wrapped cookies, cookies in a bag for sharing, and all in a variety of to-behold flavors. Literally - a BUNCH of all fabulous (and all are VEGAN!!!) choices. Who knew being vegan could be so YUMMY?!?

The Sheridan Road Hy-Vee has deteriated in the past six months. Not enough check- out lanes opened…read moreon a Saturday, poor produce and no cash self-service lanes. Had guest baggers today and a butternut squash placed on top of bread. Over charged for a product, told checker and she said I'll take care of that for you...you guessed it, had to wait in line at customer service. Wasn't able to get several items on my list. Grand Prairie a much better managed store. I will drive a little farther for better service.

Great Steak Dinner at a great price. Mallory went above and…read morebeyond to make sure I could get this deal, while stuck in a hospital. The epitome of customer service done right!