Rhodell Brewery — Restaurant in Peoria

Pour me another one, cap’n.

Years ago, Rhodell Brewery was located just a block over from their new location and truth be told, I’ve been to this new location quite a few times. A few times for birthdays and a few times for just grabbing a beer and shooting the breeze. I was in the mindset of not re-reviewing places until recently but I figured new places (and time) mean new experiences so here we are, visiting Rhodell’s again.

Emily and I decided to drop in on a day full of plans going awry. We dropped in on a Friday afternoon and it was a bit less busy than I expected but the line at the bar was short. The bartender that was working has been there for a long time and has always provided excellent service. I wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for so I sampled their Midwest Wheat and decided to order that. Emily got the Strawberry Blonde and I also snagged a sticker for $3. Since this was a bit of an impromptu visit, I wasn’t super in focus on reviewing it for this blog so bear with me on that since I was just wanting a beer and to chit-chat.

We snagged our usual seat next to the door leading out to the patio and talked life. I won’t bore you with those details but while we were sipping our beers, a group of young’uns came in (god, I sound old) wearing shirts with extreme sexual innuendo. It was hard to not try and read their shirts and laugh out loud but we eventually did get to read them all and they were all great.

I haven’t really explored much of the interior or patio area due to it always being busy and I don’t want to disrupt others just to look around/take photos. But the one thing that sticks out to me is the lack of the giant creepy kilt wearing guy from the old location. I don’t know the history of it but it was such a striking thing to encounter and I think it may be a thing of the past? I would love to know what the deal with that thing is.

Since I’ve been here a few times, I’ve tried: blueberry cream ale, american wheat, strawberry blonde lager, wild berry sour and various other seasonal beers. The blueberry cream ale is one I am especially fond of. I’m not sure which beers are seasonal and which are part of their repertoire so check their Facebook page to see what’s currently on tap. There were some pizza signs around the bar so I do think they need food if you need something for the beer to wash down, but don’t fully quote me on that.

Rhodells is the staple brewery in Peoria. I can’t imagine Peoria without it. So, if you are in ‘whiskey capital of the world’ and need a delicious local beer, Rhodells is the...

If you're looking for some of the best beer you've ever had, Rhodell's is the place. Their lineup of brews is constantly changing and all their beer is brewed on-site. They do not distribute; rather, they choose to focus on the quality of their product at the pub. If you want to take some home, they offer large and small growlers for most of their brews. The owner, Mark, is the brewmaster and is an expert at his craft. His staff is knowledgeable in all things beer. There is always a wide variety on tap--nearly every style you could want. And they are all good--without exception. I've gone here for over 10 years and I have yet to taste a beer I haven't liked. I've loved all of them. I'm a bit of a beer guy myself, and this joint has the best micro-brew I've ever had--period. Rhodell's is truly one of Peoria's best kept little secrets. If you love great beer, you'll...

The beers here are solid. It's a good mix of styles so there is something for everyone and the beers tend to lean toward traditional, but the flavors are excellent and there are some adjuncts (like honey or fruit) that are subtle and not overdone. What it lacks in boldness it more than makes up for with finesse. A great beer list for those who like traditional styles and also those who are looking to see what else there is without going into the deep end. It's normal and safe but with something unique to broaden the horizons.

The atmosphere here is also very cozy, a distinct pub feel but also they show off some of their brewing equipment right in that same room. Unique and not hipster at all for those who...