You Gotta Eat: Jack’s on Adams

PEORIA - I’m back in the River City looking for some brilliant bar bites. Word on the street is, a new spot just opened and its bringing some killer flavor to the downtown area.

Jack Berres knows what it takes to make a great restaurant. He spent years working his way up the ladder before returning home to open Jack’s on Adams.

“Started washing dishes, became an assistant manager and then a bar manager,” Jack said. “After that, it was time to bring that back to Peoria and do it for this city.”

You can find Jack's on Adams at 107 SW Adams Street in Peoria. — You can find Jack's on Adams at 107 SW Adams Street in Peoria.(25 News)

Jack’s on Adams is serving up classic tavern fare, and a lot of its fabulous flavors are inspired by family recipes.

It’s time to try it out for myself, and Jack sets us up with several popular plates - starting with something you don’t see every day: Chicken Lollipops.

“We push all the meat to the bottom of (the bone), we season them a little bit, slow-cook them for two-and-a-half hours, and then we toss them in our sweet-heat honey - our ‘Jacked-Up’ sauce,” Jack said.

Crispy and flavorful "Chicken Lollipops" — Crispy and flavorful "Chicken Lollipops"(25 News)

How many bites does it take to get to the center? These things are so good, it only takes one.

Next up, we’re treated to some awesome fried shrimp, tossed in some more of that Jacked-Up sauce. Plus, one of Jack’s best-selling bar pies: “The Mayor”.

Jack's meat-lovers pizza: "The Mayor" — Jack's meat-lovers pizza: "The Mayor"(25 News)

Finally, I’m brought not one - but two - specialty sandwiches: a delicious classic Cuban and a Jack’s on Adams staple - the “Bluesy Beef”.

This food is nothing short of fantastic, and it’s just a short walk from the Peoria Riverfront. We’re talking awesome flavor, a convenient location and an outstanding environment.

“Everybody wants to eat,” Jack said. “If you’re sad, feed people. If you’re happy, feed people. If you’re celebrating, feed people.”

You can find Jack’s on Adams at 107 SW Adams Street in Peoria.

Here are their hours:

Monday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Sunday: Closed.

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