Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe — Restaurant in Peoria

I’ve been going to the Rhythm Kitchen since my early college days in the late 90’s. Had my first major experiences with art, music and poetry in that building so it will always be special to me!

Although I moved away several years ago, I try to visit this spot every time I go back to the area and make it my place to visit friends and family. There are many new “local eats” to try in Peoria now but RK is my old faithful. I’ve never experienced this level of consistency in any restaurant. Even though owners have changed hands, most of the menu items offered are the same as 22 years ago and they always look and taste the same! Also, I have a place to go that satisfies a variety of dietary needs (veggie, vegan, low carb, meat and potatoes).

I visited with my family a few days ago - party of five. We sat near the open kitchen as I always try to do. So crazy how the view never seems to change. Love watching the family going crazy behind the counter and kudos to anyone who can sit so close to the homemade desserts and not order something.

We all ordered classics: burger, salmon dinners, portobello pizetta and my all-time favorite, the salmon BLT with the side salad and house pesto dressing (which I have been able to replicate pretty closely at home). They cook salmon perfectly with beautiful grill marks! The night became busy but the kitchen kept up and our food came in very reasonable time and I was so into our meal that I forgot to take any pictures. Servings are not overly sized but satisfying, leaving plenty of room for a dessert. Our table tried the pecan pie, chess pie, bread pudding and the lemon pie. No complaints.

I will also say that I feel the prices here are ridiculously reasonable! Due to this, leaving a larger tip (deserved) is easy to do.

I implore the community to keep this spot going including the neighboring vendors in the building - the Fiber Universe, the CAC upstairs, Running Central next door and I see a new bakery as well but I’ve not yet been there during their open hours.

Thanks, RK, old friend....

It’s impossible to convey just how marvelous Rhythm Kitchen is, but I will try. The atmosphere is fun, creative, and unpretentious, with musical instrument decor and art on the walls. The staff are like a family, and my boyfriend and I come so often that we feel like part of the family as well! Most importantly, the food is so delicious that it elevates me to another plane of existence… which sounds overdramatic, but it’s true. I always get the blackened chicken sandwich (a special, but always there) with grilled pineapple, white BBQ sauce, and gouda on (recent development ) homemade bread! It is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, savory, juicy, and sweet. I always get the grits or mashed potatoes instead of chips, because they are so buttery and delicious. My boyfriend always gets the blackened grouper or the gumbo, both of which he has raved about repeatedly. The bread pudding is heavenly when we have room for dessert! It’s a good idea to call in advance to double check that they’re open, since they are a small operation with limited staff and occasionally have to close for illness and other reasons. Also, come on a night when you are happy to sip your drink patiently while they make your food. It is more than...

Seems business was slow that evening so kitchen closed was between 8 and 9 at the time. Was told could only order pizza. Decided on pizza then was told we could order off menu as kitchen reopening. The 45s dj was not interactive and most tunes were not popular enough to recognize. Opted for the pizza as was concerned about the put away items and now reheating things. Pizza does not appear to be scratch crust. Was hard and the feta cheese baked until entire top was very brown. Was dry and too hard. Didn't even finish the half i got. Wife got veg burger. Burger hot, everything else on it including bun quite cold. Burger got cold fast. She almost ate half. We ordered desert and shared. Choc cake was good ice cream just commercial brand nothing special. They did comp desert at register as was wife's bday outing. We have had more so so experiences than good. Could be fun with right music entertainment. We like the place. They need to work harder at service and entertainment offerings. We will probably go back as we aren't ready to give up on...