Upon our arrival, we were greeted with an air of welcome so warm and obliging that one might believe oneself a most esteemed guest in the home of a dear and generous friend. The staff, attentive yet unobtrusive, anticipated our every need with an ease that bespoke great skill and hospitality. Such attentions did indeed set the tone for an evening of sheer indulgence.
We commenced our repast with the Chef’s Board, a most bountiful assemblage of cured meats and cheeses, harmoniously paired with accoutrements that lent both contrast and complement to each bite. It was, indeed, a feast for the senses, the selection curated with such expertise that no element outshone the other, but rather, together, they formed a symphony of flavor.
Next, we were graced with the Short Rib Tacos, which presented themselves with an air of unassuming elegance. The meat, slow-braised to tender perfection, melted upon the tongue with the most exquisite richness, each bite made all the more pleasing by the fresh, crisp adornments that accompanied it.
However, it was the Classic Burger that utterly ensnared my affections, for rarely have I encountered such mastery in so simple a dish. The patty, formed with evident care, bore a thickness most satisfying, its juices a veritable nectar of the gods. Seasoned with the precision of a true artist, it was elevated further still by the house-made pickles, their tang a delightful counterpoint to the richness of the beef. And oh, the aïoli! A sauce so velvety and decadent that it rendered the entire affair near celestial. To call it one of the finest burgers I have ever had would not be an exaggeration, but rather a plain and honest truth.
Nor should I neglect to extol the virtues of the Brussels Sprouts, which arrived glistening with a delicate char, their softened centers yielding effortlessly to the fork. The marriage of goat cheese and pomegranate lent a surprising yet welcome contrast—creamy, tart, and ever so slightly sweet—while the balsamic drizzle wove its magic with restraint, enhancing rather than overwhelming. It was, in short, a revelation of flavor.
As we took our final sips and cast lingering glances at the empty plates before us, we found ourselves not merely satisfied but utterly enchanted. For it is not merely the food that defines an establishment, but the manner in which one is made to feel within its walls. And at The Social on 83rd, one is made to feel...
Read moreI’ve been to this bar a handful of times & I am not hard to please. It’s overpriced, trying to charge scottsdale prices in Peoria, sure—but the staff has always been exceedingly kind, and the atmosphere is solid. That’s why I came back.
Unfortunately, today I had an unexpected issue: my phone died after I ordered a single beer. I had thought my phone charger was in my bag- I was mistaken. I explained the situation honestly to the bartender and asked if there was a charger around or any way to resolve it—fully intending to pay once I could log into my banking info.
Instead of a solution, I got the owner—a man named Will—storming out of the back, clearly pre-judging me from the second I walked in. No conversation, no questions, just “grab your stuff and go.”
I still tried to shake his hand and explain that I wasn’t trying to walk out on the tab. His response? More condescension: “Next time, come with the proper supplies.” The irony is, I’m in the service industry myself—and I know what good customer service actually looks like. And I made sure to let him know that on my way out ✍🏼. I was (previously) always truly confused why the bar was so dead every time I had been there but now I completely understand. :)
And get this: I got home, charged my phone, and called back to pay for the beer. He flat out refused my money. So clearly the issue was not the bottle of beer that cost him $2.
So if you’re looking to support a business where honesty is met with hostility, and the owner prefers to profile customers rather than listen to them—this is your place.
Otherwise, take your money somewhere it’s actually appreciated. Because the staff here deserve so much better than the...
Read moreTonight, we dined at "The Social on 83rd" in Peoria. Kelsey was our fantastic waitress. We loved that we could sleep in because they don't open until 2 PM. This place has won awards for best happy hour and best dinner in Peoria for 2023 and 2024! As I stepped into the restaurant, the enticing aroma filled the air, and I eagerly perused the menu. Looking around, I could see patrons savoring their meals with contented smiles. I indulged in a delicious Bardot cocktail, made with absolute citron vodka, raspberry liqueur, and triple sec. It was so refreshing and had a lovely dried lemon slice. The sugar rim added a nice touch. I could have easily ordered three of these! For dinner, I opted for the Cubano panini. It was a flavor explosion of mojo pork, ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mayonnaise, and a house pickle on perfectly grilled sourdough bread. The mojo pork was seasoned to perfection with cumin, garlic, onion, oregano, and possibly other spices. The sourdough bread was buttery and had a satisfying crunch. The house pickle provided a delightful tang that complemented the pork. I couldn't stop eating! The accompanying french fries were perfectly seasoned, piping hot, and plentiful. Kelsey, our waitress, was incredibly friendly and attentive. Even though the restaurant was busy, she made us feel like the only customers. She always had a smile on her face and prepared our drinks to perfection.
The decor and music at The Social have a retro 1960s vibe. Whether you're dressed up or casual, this place is a great option. I recommend making a reservation, especially...
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