Almost live, from Peoria, Illinois, it’s Saturday Night Cheeseburger! Starring Castle’s Patio Inn and featuring the Ready For Prime Beef Player, Marty Wombacher. And now, please welcome, this week’s host, Castle’s Patio Inn!
Wow, I haven’t been in here in years. I used to come here when it was called, Ray’s Patio Inn. It was sold and renamed, Castle’s Patio Inn years ago and it hasn’t changed a bit on the outside. A lot of people have suggested I stop by here in my MBIP travels and last week, Steve Tarter suggested it in the “Lunch With...” column, so I decided to stop by tonight.
This place has always been famous for their homemade garlic cheese spread which is given away at the bar along with a stack of Ritz crackers. I’m dying to have some of that after a two decade hiatus!
Okay, let’s see if anyone’s moved the cheese in this joint.
Wow, it’s like walking back in time in here, nothing’s changed at all. Let’s snag a stool and get a beer!
And friendly bartender Alex serves up that beer. Alex is a great bartender and a rock 'n' roll music fan and we had a great conversation at the bar.
The specials of the night are displayed behind the bar.
And speaking of special, here's Castle's homemade cheese and Ritz crackers! It tastes exactly like it did over two decades ago. It brought back delicious memories of sitting at this bar years ago.
And behind these wooden doors...
Are plastic crocks of cheese you can buy to take home with you.
And here's the patent-pending taps shot for Spike. I think the Michelob Ultra deserves some points, you don't see that everywhere!
Fans overhead are stationary, I guess they wait till summer to turn them on.
I didn't need to look at the menu, but I wanted to show the vintage menu to you, so here you go. I placed my cheeseburger order with Alex, so now let's take a look around in here.
A lone table sits next to the jukebox and ATM machine to the right of the bar.
And there's more tables lined up on the wall opposite the bar.
I love the penguin table cloths in here!
There's lots of interesting signs and knick-knacks on the walls in here.
Castle's is a St. Louis Cardinals bar and here's some autographed bats and balls on display.
Here's a Peoria Journal Star article about their cheese written up by MBIP pal, Phil Luciano.
I bet this phone has been hanging here on the wall since this place opened.
I love places that don't accept credit cards. Always the sign of a fine establishment!
Okay, let's go back to the bar and check on our cheeseburger.
The condiments are out and my glasses are off, looks like it's time for the main event!
And here's the cheeseburger topped with mustard and grilled onions. The dinner comes with french fries and cole slaw.
A delicious cheeseburger!
All done! My compliments to the chef...
Kevin, who was standing next to waitress Ali behind the bar as I was leaving. Thanks to everyone at Castle's for a great Saturday Night Cheeseburger evening! See you all tomorrow!
My Meal
The cheeseburger at Castle’s Patio Inn was very good, but the bun dragged it down, just a hair. It wasn’t stale, but it wasn’t bakery fresh either and I’m kind of a stickler for that. If they would’ve toasted it, it would’ve helped immensely. Having said that, it was still a great burger and I ordered my french fries extra crispy and they were fried to perfection. All in all, a very decent and tasty meal.
Castles is known for their prime rib sandwiches and their crown prime rib really sounds noshable as it’s topped with onions and their homemade garlic cheese spread. Other items available on the menu include: Fried Catfish, BBQ Sandwich, Walleye and Pork Tenderloins. There’s also several styles of pizza to choose from. And there’s always a free crock of homemade cheese and a stack of Ritz Crackers waiting for you at the bar!
Cheeseburger Rating
Two and a half Wimpy’s, a decent and solid cheeseburger.
Castle’s Patio Inn
802 W. Loucks
Peoria
309-685-9570
Further Reading: Peoria Journal Star, Urban Spoon and We 8 there.
