Johnny Fox's Public House, Peoria

Johnny of Johnny Fox's Public House sought to re-create the comforting pub ambiance he experienced during his time in Ireland with his father. He has accomplished this by building an old-world cottage exterior and large water wheel and filling his pub's interior with Gaelic "craig agus ceol." Following the tradition of Irish pubs, he divided the rooms into quaint sections. Low wood tables and stools sit near a brick fireplace, while one ornate booth stands semienclosed near the back. An old pipe organ sits next to a long table occupied by wayward lawn gnomes, and plenty of natural light floods in from all directions. Bartenders fill pints with Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick's at a bar inscribed with Gaelic sayings. In the kitchen, chefs labor over classic dishes such as shepherd's pie prepared with fresh ground lamb and beef, Guinness-braised short ribs, and pan-seared sea bass. Brunch buffets are available on Sundays, and a good whiskey is easy to find at Johnny Fox's, including an 18-year Jameson, while a carefully selected list of white and red wines can be paired to match all dishes on the menu. The restaurant's 15,000 square foot space is also available for meetings, weddings, or meetings held during weddings.