I had a thrift store 5 blocks from there and I know what its like down town during the weekend.
Very few people are touring downtown on the weekend and find a new restaurant.
I live 5 blocks from main street3 blocks from 74 The hospital is 4 blocks from me The only thing we are missing down here is a grocery store..
Almost every day we travel Washington street. The great Warehouse district and all the well spent money.Truly is a shame any business closing or leaving. Not just everyone steps into a business and runs it like the old owners do.Again I would like to see more downtown yet so far failing business are leaving.

I would actually have thought about it if she had not expanded into the space next door. Yeah, she has some events and catered affairs in there but don't know if it is worth paying (and heating/cooling/lights) the extra for that square footage. I've worked in that kitchen...it drives me nuts....I'd seriously have to re-vamp it.Over the last 5-ish years she changed the vibe/food to be more New Orleans.And she has supported live, local music probably as long as anyone in Peoria. Good for her.

Really sorry to hear this news, but yes she's been at it a long time and I can't blame her. Will have to get there a few more times. I was lucky to play quite a few gigs there several years ago and always just loved the vibe of the joint. The epitome of local non chain for sure. Thankfully my wife makes an awesome meatloaf cause until we met 16 yrs ago, The Kitchen was my go to place for a good slice. I hope and pray that the tradition of local live tunes lives on!

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@cjsummers Thanks but very seldom expert,,,,,,,,, some one always like you who knows more.

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@ChefKevin :I wonder if you could negotiate that extra space out of the lease agreement with the building? Although there have been a couple times, when I was there, when both sides were completely filled (not sure how often that happens?)

@cjsummers All because I said would need some good advertisement. @cjsummers Yes I do know what business is like around that area. I had a store a couple of blocks away. Saturday and Sunday there is no traffic.

@tntrecycling :I'm not sure you are down there the same times I am. She isn't open on Sundays so that won't matter at all. Saturdays are very busy down there with the seasonal Farmer's Market, weddings in her actual building as well as up the street at the Waterhouse, Running Central shoppers all day on Saturdays, etc. What business is leaving besides New Amsterdam who is forced to move based on the tear-down? Blue Duck- super popular, Martini's- been there for decades, Running Central- brand new and booming, Rhythm Kitchen- again DECADES.

It does not take a rocket scientist to know and to see that downtown Peoria is lacking in traffic, including foot traffic, especially after dark. Yes, in some parts there is an improvement and other areas need much, much more improvement especially when there are no ballgames or events at the civic center. Especially as the days get shorter and the cooler weather sets in. There have been times when we have walked down Main St. to the riverfront or on to Rhythm Kitchen and did not see one moving vehicle or other pedestrians. That is a weird feeling.

I have a certain person on ignore but I can see posts being quoted.I suspect that when Rhythm Kitchen is packed on Saturday evening, and there is a 20 minute wait for a table, some people are already in bed sleeping. ;-)

@joepyeweed Once you get to the area around Rhythm Kitchen there is a noticeable pick up in activity. If you are walking through downtown Peoria to get there---not much along the way. Which makes me wonder if a large part of their business comes from across the river.

@billybob :This is what I am trying to get across. How would you even know there is a restaurant down there not because you was driving by.

@joepyeweed :Yep, that's why I clarified what times I am down there. I either go for lunch or I am in that area from about 10pm-2am so possibly we are not crossing paths. I can tell you that warm weather, that area is buzzing from Martini's and the shows at CEFCU stage. Cold weather will find us inside at Rhythm Kitchen keeping warm and watching bands.

@tntrecycling :Maybe they use the lil old internet and find out it's ranked #12 in all of Peoria? Maybe word of mouth? Not everything needs a giant Wal-Mart sign to get people in you know.