Review Visit: September 7th, 2013
Open. Closed. Open. Closed. Open.
Ernie's is a business that is open, closed, sold, re-opened more times than is normal. So, you are never sure if the place is open for the season or closed until a new owner opens it back up. Knowing this, I knew I had one chance to get there before something happened and they closed again. Don't quote me on this but I believe they closed again shortly after my visit there. But luckily, they are open for now and possibly moving to a new location that will better serve it's needs.
So, I gathered up some of my family and we headed to the legendary and often reflected upon place to get ice cream and food. We got there and thankfully they were open for business. Everyone got in front of the window to see what they were offering at that particular time. Since there were so many of us and it was a good while ago, I don't remember what everyone ordered. I do remember ordering a tenderloin that was hilariously large for the bun it was served on. I was nearly full by the time I got to the bun and toppings. Each bite was full of flavor and slightly juicy. Perfection. But, that's what I love about a good tenderloin. Don't serve me one unless the bun is dwarfed by the patty.
Everyone enjoyed their meal from what I remember. I think almost everyone got an ice cream shake or soda to wash their meal down with. Man, now I am hungry for a tenderloin. That's one of the downfall of typing up these blogs for old places. It gives me a hankering for food from yesteryears.
I want to say that Ernie's was a 'cash only' place back in 2013. I could be wrong on that but if you do get to try out Ernie's when they are open for business, make sure you have a few bucks on you if you go. Again, make sure Ernie's is open and also hasn't moved locations before using the address below.
As a side note about Ernie's. It seems like this business has been a staple in the Peoria area since my parents were my age. Almost everyone from the area that I've talked to about Ernie's has been here and has stories about going there. read more