William B's Steakhouse — Restaurant in East Peoria

I do not normally write reviews of restaurants, but due to my experience here, I decided that I absolutely must write a review. Overall the service and ambiance was what I would have expected from a high-end restaurant. Unfortunately, that was the highlight of the experience. When I pay $36.00 for just a steak and not counting any side dishes or beverages, I expect the "chef" to know the difference between a medium-rare, rare, and blue-rare steak. I used quotations around the word chef, due to the fact that I had to send back my New York Strip steak twice. I had requested that my steak be cooked blue-rare, which is indicated by a cool blue center and a thin layer of cooked meat on the edges. The first steak that I received was cooked medium rare, which is indicated by very little (but some) pink in the middle. The second steak that I received was cooked rare, which is indicated by a good deal of pink in the middle. The final steak was somewhere between tartare, and what I would consider blue rare. Now it is worth noting, that I found this preparation acceptable, because I prefer my steaks close to the tartare side of cooked anyway. Part of the reason that I prefer my steaks mooing, is due to the belief that the less protein denaturing that occurs, the more unspoiled the flavor of the meat is and due to the fact that it makes the presence of gristle more prominent. Again, when I am paying $36.00 for just a steak, I expect the absolute best cut of meat possible. Unfortunately, there was quite a bit of gristle present in this cut. Outside of the steak, the grilled asparagus was done as expected, although I had to take a lot of time eating it, hoping in vain that I would be able to enjoy it with my steak. After sending the second steak back, I gave up and finished the (by now) cold grilled asparagus before the third attempt arrived. I am grateful, however, for the kindness of the bartender for apologizing to me for the "chef's" failings. It would have been preferred, though, that after the second time sending my food back, the manager should have had the decency to have approached me instead of leaving it to the bartender to handle the repeated errors. I have had manager visits from restaurants where steak meals are MUCH less expensive after sending the steak...

William B's Steakhouse, nestled within the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino, delivers a dining experience that marries classic steakhouse fare with attentive service, making it a worthy destination for a special occasion or a satisfying meal.

The star of my recent visit was undoubtedly the Filet Mignon. Cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the steak was incredibly tender, showcasing the kitchen's skill in handling high-quality beef. The accompanying peppercorn sauce added a subtle kick without overwhelming the natural flavors of the meat.

Equally impressive was the Salmon, pan-seared in a coffee rub to perfection. The fish was flaky and moist, with a crispy skin adding textural contrast. A light raspberry glaze sauce complemented the salmon beautifully, allowing its delicate flavor to shine through.

We started our meal with the Caesar Salad, a classic done right. Crisp romaine lettuce was tossed with a creamy, garlicky dressing and topped with shaved parmesan and crunchy croutons. It was a refreshing and flavorful way to begin our meal.

Beyond the standout dishes, William B's offers a welcoming ambiance, balancing elegance with comfort. The service was attentive without being intrusive, and our server was knowledgeable about the menu and wine list.

While the prices at William B's reflect the quality of the ingredients and service, the experience feels justified. This is not an everyday dining spot, but one to savor for those moments when you want to treat yourself or celebrate a special occasion.

A few minor quibbles: the side dishes, while well-prepared, felt somewhat standard. A touch more creativity or seasonality would elevate them to the same level as the main courses.

Overall, William B's Steakhouse delivers a memorable dining experience, particularly for steak and seafood lovers. The Filet and Salmon are exemplary, and the Caesar Salad is a delightful way to kick off your meal. If you're seeking a special occasion spot or simply crave a high-quality steakhouse experience, William B's is a...

Review of William B’s Steakhouse

William B’s is trying to be an upscale dining experience, but it’s missing some key details that would truly elevate it. If they want to compete with the best, they need to refine their atmosphere—white tablecloths, dimmer lighting, and better music would go a long way in creating the ambiance of a fine dining establishment. Right now, the environment feels more like an extension of the casino rather than a high-end restaurant.

Another detail that detracts from the experience is the clunky name badges on the servers. This isn’t a blackjack table—it’s a steakhouse. Let the service speak for itself rather than making the staff wear oversized identifiers.

As for the food, it was good, and the service was excellent. However, despite the restaurant only being half full, our meal still took 2.5 hours, and our server (who was great) apologized for the delay. It’s pretty clear the kitchen is understaffed, which puts a strain on the entire experience.

One of the bigger issues seems to be the restaurant’s clientele. I’d bet 75% of the patrons are eating for free, comped for their gambling. This means Boyd Gaming doesn’t have much incentive to cater to paying customers. But maybe that’s the problem—if they worked harder to attract the general public, that percentage could shift.

Overall, the meal was fine, but there is so much room for improvement. Right now, it’s not even in the conversation when people are deciding between Jonah’s or Connected for a night out. William B’s isn’t in the running at all. That’s the level they should aspire to, but they’re...