A new micro–brewery in East Peoria is a bringing a distinct restaurant experience to the Riverfront.

Granite City Food & Brewery, an expanding operation based in Minnesota, opened its' 21st restaurant in East Peoria three months ago. (The 23rd location is opening in the St. Louis area this week.) The contemporary warm interior is inviting. The menu has about 75 different items, with no real particular focus.
Matt Vobroucek, Managing Partner said, "We have a from–scratch kitchen. We have a little bit of everything. Steaks. Pastas. –Sandwiches and burgers. –You name it, we've got it."

Stan Komperda, a customer on lunch break said, "It is a nice design they have in here. They have a nice selection of food. –Different kinds of stuff. –Different from what you see in the usual restaurants."

The beer is the real gem in Granite City. There is an assortment; from a classic Light Lager to a bitter stout. There is also a beer guide for the uneducated suds sucker. After a few sips of our beer platter... we decided the beers made here are top–shelf. They'll excite both the novice and veteran palate. –On to the meal. Photographer Warren Brinegar had the Grilled Chicken Burrito. This is one mighty large flour tortilla stuffed with chicken and lots of cheese. Warren barely ate half.
I started with a Cheddar and Ale Soup. –Smart choice on a cold day. Next came the Grilled Garlic Butter Sirloin. Ten ounces of USDA red meat marinated in garlic and butter. It comes on a bed of crispy onion strings and garlic mashed potatoes. It was a cut of meat... but my thoughts kept going back to the micro–brew.
–I too was defeated by the big portion... unable to clean my plate. Our bill: $46.17 plus tip. .
Granite City is a new neighbor you'll want to have a special beer with in East Peoria.

Granite City Food and Brewery is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
They are just south of the Bob Michael Bridge and Embassy Suites in East Peoria.
The Sunday brunch buffet starts at ten a–m.