MVC cities - what to do/see/eat

[BCPanther]

Cedar Falls:

Bar Food Pepper's. Fresh and consistent. Everything is hand breaded. Great salads as well.

Pizza: The Other Place. It's an institution in the Cedar Valley for a reason. Unfortunately, the one on campus just closed because of COVID but there are 3 other locations in town.

Steak: Montage. Upscale and a bit pricy but incredibly good.

[MSUBear42]

I've been living away from Springfield for quite a while, but still visit whenever possible. Sure I may be missing some of the 'newest' spots.

MVC Cities I have visited; Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Normal.

1) Fantastic Caverns-ride through cave, only one in USA, pretty cool.
2) Visit Bass Pro Shops and go to the Wonder's of Wildlife, voted USA's top Aquarium.
3) If you have kids, hit up the Discovery Center.
4) If you're into history, visit the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. Even if you aren't into history, I really do recommend this. Chilling and cool to see.
5) Day trip 45 minutes south to Branson.

My favorite restaurants from my time in Springfield, in no oder, would be Gilardi's, Avanzare, Metropolitan Grill, Flame Steakhouse, Jimm's Steakhouse, Pizza House, and Farmer's Gastropub.

Breakfast: Gailey's

Lunch: Black Sheep Burgers

Coffee: Classic Rock Coffee, Mudhouse

Bar for cocktails/drinks: Golden Girl Rum Club, MudLounge, Vantage Rooftop Lounge, Sweet Boys, Finnegan's Wake

Hotel: Hotel Vandivort

[Birdfan2018]

I can't wait to hook up the Ole wagon and horses to visit murray state.

I like Murray. Just a short drive to Kentucky Lake. Nice hotels on the lake, nice cabins on the lake. Large Boat Marina’s. Football trips to Murray State can be quite enjoyable if you’re into spending some time on Kentucky Lake for a few days after the game.

[BUFanatic]

Peoria/MSA

Coffee… We have a few good shops but I haven’t really had a favorite since Eysal’s in East Peoria closed. Zion is too sterile for me. 30/30 won a National roaster award several years ago. I’m personally a fan of The Blend in Washington.

Mexican… Take your pick, to me they all taste the same. Fishbowl Margaritas are good at Tequila’s but don’t ever chug one in 5 minutes before going to a movie

Chinese… Nothing really but I’ve had actual Chinese food so I’m not really a good person to ask.

Steak… Alexander’s, especially when they let you cook your own steaks. Great atmosphere, “world famous” salad bar, and Harry Caray used to hang out here from time to time (I’m told). Mind the surrounding neighborhoods though.

Burgers… I can’t really vouch for it anymore but when they had indoor dining at the EP Steak and Shake overlooking the River this was my go to. Used to be good quality smash burgers with a nice view of downtown but SnS has since ceased all indoor dining.

Italian… I know it’s old school but I’m a fan of Paparazzi in the heights. It’s a hole in the wall “Scenes From and Italian Restaurant” style place.

Pizza… This is really a “which experience do you want” thing. I personally like The Firehouse (EP) for its sweet sauce, though some people hate it. If you want the Bradley student experience get hammered and grab a giant slice from Baccis just off campus right after 2/3 AM.

Irish… I’ll go with a tie between Donnley’s, Kelleher’s, and WE Sullivan’s.

Bars… There’s a ton. Pick one. Richard’s used to be a cool spot but it closed down during COVID.

I can’t quite call it “Italian” but my favorite restaurant is Bernardi’s in Washington.

Unique to Peoria is our large Lebanese population. While I have only eaten home cooked meals (which are quite literally to die for) try Haddad’s on Main. Khoury’s Cuisine is good as well. Kouri’s (yes it’s different) is also good but my favorite location is in Pekin. The Skillet Cookie and Hummus with Pita are fantastic. I don’t think the Peoria location has the hummus but I was told the Germantown and Pekin locations had the matriarch make it from scratch every couple of days.

Breakfast… Le Peep or Childer’s. Childer’s has about as many different “Benedicts” as you could name and if you get there earlier the scotch eggs are so addictive (make sure you have a good heart and be ready for a mini spike in cholesterol lol).

[Adunk33]

Surprised no BU fans mentioned Big Als in the "what to do" portion

[Mikovio]

Big Al's isn't the same since it moved to its big location on Jefferson. Which is good since the players are more likely to stay away lol.

The best Bradley experience restaurant is One World for American or Avanti's for cheap Italian. Jimador in Campustown is my Mexican go to and has the best margaritas in town. They add Sunny D to their margs but don't knock it til you try it lol.

[otterbelle]

Mexican - Too many to name, there are family owned places all over town, and almost all of them are good.

Micro-Brewery - If you end up at Turoni's, they also make their own beers, and they are good. My favorite place for a micro though is Myriad located downtown. Great atmosphere and really good beers. They usually have food trucks on weekends as well.

As far as Mexican food, I do think a shout out to La Campirana is warranted. If you're looking for something more authentic, La Campirana is the place to go.

I'd also say, yes, the beer at Turoni's is very good. Myriad Brewing downtown is also a great place to stop. You could make the 5 block walk there from the Ford Center.

Also, if you're into coffee, Penny Lane is excellent. Honey Moon is also real good and has two locations. The original one is right by the UE campus and the newer one is out on Burkhardt Road on the far eastside of Evansville.

Also - Donut Bank

[sivert]

Peoria - add coffee: 30-30.