You Gotta Eat: Yesterday’s Bar & Grill - 25 News Now

PEKIN - On a windy day in Pekin, I’m looking for some good food. Time to try a spot that’s been in town for quite a while, but recently underwent some big changes.

JoElle Schramm has always had a passion for cooking, and after finishing culinary school and earning a degree in hospitality, she bought Yesterday’s Bar & Grill from her parents a few years ago.

“It was always a comfortable neighborhood bar & grill,” JoElle said. “I turned it more into a restaurant with a really great cocktail program, and I think now we kind of have the best of both worlds.”

You can find Yesterday's Bar & Grill at 363 Court Street in Pekin.(25 News)

Yesterday’s Bar & Grill is serving up high-quality grub with a range of flavors. The inviting atmosphere makes for a fun fusion rarely seen in our area.

Everything JoElle makes is cooked to order, and I start with some fresh and savory French onion soup. It is boiled - and blowtorched - to perfection.

Next up, an out-of-this-world appetizer: these aren’t your typical Brussels sprouts, and I couldn’t just stop at one.

“They’re just half Brussels sprouts that are fried quickly and tossed in a little bit of lemon juice, salt, and served with our chipotle aioli,” JoElle said. “If you’ve never had a crispy or a fried Brussels sprout, then you’ve never had a Brussels sprout.”

Delicious and addictive fried Brussels sprouts.(25 News)

It is the perfect way to set us up for some marvelous main courses, starting with some fresh, flaky and flavorful salmon.

“It’s grilled with olive oil, fresh lemon and sea salt. That kind of poaches it while it’s on the grill, but you still get the good char flavor from the salmon as well,” JoElle said.

This fabulous fish comes with veggies and a seasonal butternut squash risotto, and it all goes perfectly with some buttery, cheesy bucatini pasta.

I’m sure to save room for dessert, and good thing I did - JoElle sets us up with her incredible creme brulee.

Classic and creamy creme brulee.(25 News)

This is quality food served in a quality environment, and the previous owners say they couldn’t be happier with how Yesterday’s has evolved.

The master chef herself just has a few simple rules for her guests to follow.

“I want them to just have a place to eat really good food and relax,” JoElle said.

You can find Yesterday’s Bar & Grill at 363 Court Street in Pekin - right on the corner near the Tazewell County Courthouse.

Here are their hours:

Monday: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Saturday: 4:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed.

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You Gotta Eat: Yesterday’s Bar & Grill - 25 News Now
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