You Gotta Eat: “The Original” Wonderdog

PEORIA (25 News Now) - This week, I’m trying an American favorite - hotdogs! There’s a spot here in town that’ll make it just about any way you’d like.

Wonderdogs are a central Illinois staple. For years, they were sold at local snack stops, until Rob Terlesky and his wife, Linda, opened “The Original” Wonderdog.

“We created the name,” Rob said. “My son-in-law and daughter created that name.”

You can find "The Original" Wonderdog at 8807 Knoxville Avenue - in the Northpoint Shopping... — You can find "The Original" Wonderdog at 8807 Knoxville Avenue - in the Northpoint Shopping Plaza - in Peoria.(25 News)

A fire last year forced the East Peoria location to close, but now, Wonderdog is back up-and-running right across the river.

“(The other location) is under construction now. Hopefully, within two months, we might be back in that facility,” Rob said.

The change in scenery definitely hasn’t led to a change in business.

This spot has a massive menu full of classic snacks, but the namesake is what keeps people coming back.

Time to try a Wonderdog for myself. It’s loaded with mustard, onions and a special meat sauce - a secret recipe.

Classic Wonderdog made with a special meat sauce. — Classic Wonderdog made with a special meat sauce.(25 News)

We head into the kitchen to learn how other popular menu items are made, starting with a classic Chicago dog. This one is packed with flavor from top to bottom.

It pairs well with their awesome chili dog, which isn’t too messy and has the perfect amount of cheese.

We get some other goodies on the side, like a smothered chili cheese tamale, seasoned pickle chips and spicy cheese balls, served with creamy, homemade ranch dressing.

A classic, loaded Chicago dog. — A classic, loaded Chicago dog.(25 News)

All of this great food, though, is only scratching the surface.

“We do a diverse menu,” Rob said. “Philly steaks, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, all kinds of appetizers.”

Plus, all of that great food is met with some great, friendly service.

“We’re going to provide (customers) with the freshest product, we’re going to cook it to order, and we’ll make it your way,” Rob said.

You can find “The Original” Wonderdog at 8807 Knoxville Avenue - in the Northpoint Shopping Plaza - in Peoria.

Here are their hours:

Monday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday: 10:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed.

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