Castle’s Patio Inn re-opened after the pandemic shutdown last year under new ownership with a little re-modeling and it’s started a new chapter for this legendary Peoria tavern that’s been serving up food and drinks on this corner since the ‘60’s.

Speaking of chapters, rumor has it that Castle’s Patio Inn is starting it’s very own library of books written by local authors. Hey, I’m a local author, I think I should take some books over there and have some lunch and check this out!

Here we are at Castle’s Patio Inn and look at this..they have an actual patio out here now!

The joke for decades was that Ray’s and then Castle’s Patio Inn didn’t have a patio and now they do and it has two picnic styled tables with umbrellas. Nice!

Above the door is a reminder that this is The Cheesiest Place in town, a reference to the famous Castle’s Patio Inn homemade cheese spread.

As we enter the bar I see a familiar face at the end of it.

It’s Michelle who was bartending when we were here doing a luncheon post a year ago. Great to see her, she’s looking fabulous and she is now the General Manager of the bar.

The local library is Michelle’s idea and she’s going to show that to us after lunch.

There’s Erin behind the bar serving up an iced tea with a friendly and pretty smile!

I placed my lunch order and now let’s take a quick look around inside of Castle’s Patio Inn.

There’s the trio of taps at the bar.

There’s a nice dining area opposite the bar. They have a full menu here for lunch and dinner and they now have a Sunday Brunch!

There’s a gaming area discreetly located behind this brick wall.

Here’s the vintage wooden coolers where the famous cheese spread is housed.

Here’s Kevin, the Executive Chef here at Castle’s Patio Inn delivering the beginning of today’s lunch, The Jumbo Pretzel!

Wow, this is one giganzo pretzel! It comes with three dipping sauces and you have your choice of: Queso, Pizza, Hot Mustard and Castle’s Cheese Spread.

The pretzel is crispy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside. The sauces were delightful and this is a taste sensation! It’s easily shareable with two people and would be the perfect appetizer if you come here on a date.

Now it’s on to the main course, the Corn Dog Basket! There’s Kevin deep-frying it up back in the kitchen and there he is serving it up at the bar.

Thanks, Kevin!

They have the largest mustard selection in town including their own house-made Castle’s Hot Mustard.

Well I have to try that!

Wow, this is one delicious corn dog and that mustard takes it over the top! It’s got a nice flavor. with just the right amount of heat and the corn dog was crispy on the outside, soft inside with a tasty and juicy all-beef hot dog.

What a wonderful lunch!

And now it’s time to visit…

——

The Local Library At Castle’s Patio Inn

Michelle told me she’s just starting this library, but it will consist of local authors and books about Peoria. I think this is such a cool idea, no other bar in Peoria has anything like this!

There’s books here and at every table. Here’s just a few pictured below.