Granite City Food & Brewery 2000ml growler
East Peoria has its very own brewery that you should not miss out on. If you ever travel to the Peoria area, don’t miss this cullinary cross between a full service restaurant and brewery. If you want a lifetime membership to the beer mug club, they are half-price on Mondays (about $10). Mugs are a hefty 25 oz., and if you are a member, will cost you around 4 dollars, (3 dollars at happy hours). If you are not a member, about 5 dollars, for a 20 oz. glass.
“Growlers” are a nice way to take home 2 liters (2000ml). You must purchase your first growler, as your “to go” container, for about 18 dollars. If you decide to fill it with beer, this will cost you $10 on all nights, except Tuesday, which will cost you $5. This converts to about 5 1/2 beers, or just shy of a six pack of 12 oz longnecks. They place your choice of beer in a signature bottle, plug it, and seal it, to make it legal for transportation back home. I purchased a growler of Burning Barn Irish Red and gave it to my neighbor to try. He promised to repay the favor by purchasing one himself, refilling it, and bringing me home a different variety.
We visited last Sunday for the Seasonal Mug Party (5 per year), and the whole family attended. All five of us were seated somewhat near the bar. However, this is not the usual loud, obnoxious area that most are accustomed to. The waitress was extremely knowledgeable, and, as I later found out, was a managing partner of this location. She was able to rattle off all the beer varieties and which would be tasty with my meal. The kids all found a burger on the menu that they wanted, with french fries very similar in appearance, but not taste, to Steak-n-Shake. (they were much tastier!) My wife found an excellent grilled chicken breast sandwich that we quickly boxed up to finish at home later. My choice was the 10 oz. GC Steakhouse Classic CAB® Top Sirloin Certified Angus Beef cooked medium to perfection. Tender in the middle, still hot, with nice grill marks, served on a bed of delicate, crispy onions which were succulent and sweet. The reggiano potatoes and steamed broccoli were upto expectations as well. Be aware, soup and salad is available, but not included with all selections, and is an additional $2.49.
Now, the managing partner was nice enough to tell me a little history. This company started in Minnesota, and has expanded over the years to Rockford, Sioux Falls, Davenport, St. Louis, and many others branching out from the midwest. The menu items are abundant, made from scratch, and seem to be high quality. I am quite impressed with the quality of the Broad Axe Stout, Northern Light Lager, and the Burning Barn Irish Red (seasonal). I think the food was excellent and the prices moderate-high. We all five ate for just under $100 including tax and tip. To some, this may be too expensive, but, you will spend upto $80 at a steakhouse, especially if you order any drinks from the bar. But, if you are looking for a high quality dinner spot to celebrate a special occasion, a nice atmosphere to take a collegue or group of professionals, or to meet up with a friend for some light discussion, I think this would be a great place to visit. They will provide you with good service, good beer, and great company!
http://www.gcfb.com
PLEASE READ THIS WARNING: Please do not drink beer or other alcoholic beverages in excess; do so in moderation. The liver eliminates alcohol in a zero order process. (not dependent upon concentration, and at a constant rate that never changes) This oxidatitve elimination process is rate limited by alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme in the body. Therefore, the alcohol in one(1) 12oz. beer will NOT be eliminated as quickly in every person, due to differences in size, weight, and/or liver elimination rates. So, do not expect or assume that in one hour, one beer will be eliminated completely in every person. Excercise moderation and drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive. Do not buy, sell, or distribute alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21.
GOVERNMENT WARNING:
(1) According to the Surgeon general, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.
(2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.