A small Chicago–style eatery in Washington has moved and expanded into a full fledge restaurant.

News 25's Eric Shangraw is having lunch at Gracie's in this week's You Gotta Eat.

Gracie's Sports Grille and Pizza has relocated to a brand new development on Washington's north end. Owner Greg Wislon, a Peoria native who spent almost two decades in the Chicago food industry, says he feels like he took his business from a garden apartment to the penthouse. Gracie's is now big and roomy, with custom woodwork, big new digital televisions at every angle, and an expanded menu, which features homemade dessert.

"We just decided we needed to get a little bit bigger. We wanted to give something to Washington it didn't already have. It is a sports bar. We added alcohol. We just thought it was a restaurant Washington needed," said owner Greg Wilson.

"This is the first time I have been here. It is kind of a sports bar. Nice and cozy. Washington needed something like this," said first time customer Debbie Burns.

Photographer Larry Faulk ordered the pork tenderloin. Larry loaded it up with mustard and ketchup to go with his French fries covered in cheese and sour cream. I grabbed Gracie's Fried Grouper Filet Sandwich. The thick cut of fish is nicely breaded and comes on a Hoagie Roll. The Grouper easily mingles with the sweet potato French fries. –The owner also tossed his original Chicken Enchilada pizza at us to sample. It's spicy... but the bite is quickly neutralized with any of the eye pleasing sweet treats. With drinks our bill (without dessert or pizza) 23–dollars plus tip. If you have a calorie counter in your crew... leave them at home if you go to Gracie's.

Gracie's is at 1021 North Cummings in Washington.
The kitchen is open seven days a week starting at 11am.
They also have carry out.
Phone: 309-444-7313