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Taste Authentic Ireland In The Heart Of Downtown Peoria At This Recognizable Pub

Published: June 23, 2025

Downtown Peoria transforms into a slice of Dublin when you step through the doors of Ulrich’s Rebellion Room.

Opened in 2009 by Joe Ulrich, this authentic Irish pub has earned its stripes as the 2013 Journal Star Readers Choice Winner for Best Downtown Pub.

What started as a local watering hole has evolved into Peoria’s go-to destination for exceptional pub fare, where the sounds of sizzling burgers on the flat-top grill create an irresistible symphony that draws both locals and visitors back time and again.

You’ll discover why this intimate establishment has become legendary among burger enthusiasts across central Illinois.

The pub’s unique setup places the kitchen’s flat-top grill right in the center of the action, allowing you to watch skilled cooks craft each meal with precision while the tantalizing aromas fill the air.

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Signature Dishes That Define Excellence

The Ultimate Hickory Burger: This half-pound masterpiece comes topped with thick cut seasoned bacon, beer battered onion rings, Cheddar cheese and barbeque sauce.

You’ll taste layers of smoky, savory flavors that meld together perfectly, creating what many consider the finest burger in Peoria.

Hand-Cut Fries: Fresh-cut fries made to order accompany every meal, delivering that perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

The generous portions ensure you’ll leave completely satisfied, and the quality rivals any high-end steakhouse.

The Famous Horseshoe: A Black Angus burger on Texas toast, buried in hand cut fries and smothered in cheese sauce, this local Peoria specialty becomes an indulgent feast that’s perfect for sharing or conquering solo if you’re feeling ambitious.

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Cheese Fries Perfection: A cheese sauce that is quite possibly laced with crack tops their hand-cut fries, creating an addictive combination that has customers returning specifically for this dish. The rich, creamy sauce perfectly complements the crispy potatoes.

Ribeye Sandwich: Hand cut 8 ounce Ribeye grilled and served on a hoagie roll, this tender, juicy steak sandwich offers premium quality at pub prices.

The meat melts in your mouth while the fresh hoagie roll provides the perfect foundation.

Fresh Grilled Tuna: The restaurant showcases its versatility with perfectly grilled tuna that’s blackened to perfection, served on fresh greens with bright lemon wedges that add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Atmosphere & Historic Charm

Original Irish Pub Design: An exceptional old time bar design with original tin ceiling creates an authentic vintage atmosphere that transports you to a traditional Dublin pub. The beautifully carved wood barback adds elegance to the cozy space.

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Interactive Kitchen Experience: A big flat top griddle is right in the middle of the bar and the sounds of the food cooking makes your mouth water. You’ll enjoy watching the culinary artistry unfold before your eyes, adding entertainment value to your dining experience.

Intimate Setting: Ulrich’s is a small place with a real Irish pub feel, creating an intimate environment where conversations flow easily and new friendships often form.

The compact layout encourages interaction while maintaining a comfortable, welcoming vibe.

Sports-Friendly Environment: Several TV’s allow fans to watch their favorite sports team in action with live broadcasts of NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA, as well as College Sports.

You’ll never miss important games while enjoying exceptional food and drinks.

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Other Considerations

Outstanding Value: You’ll find the pricing exceptionally reasonable for the quality offered, with $3.00 Off any Burger every Monday making it an even better deal.

The generous portions and premium ingredients provide excellent value compared to other establishments in the area.

Limited Seating: Seating here is very limited, so arriving early or during off-peak hours ensures you’ll snag a coveted spot.

The narrow layout can become crowded during busy periods, but the lively atmosphere makes any wait worthwhile.

Late Night Dining: Unlike many restaurants that close early, Ulrich’s keeps the kitchen running late into the night, making it perfect for post-event meals or late-night cravings when other options are limited.

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Beer Selection Excellence: 11 taps, 54 bottles, and 20 cans provide an impressive variety of domestic, imported, and craft options.

You’ll discover both familiar favorites and exciting new brews to complement your meal perfectly.

Parking Convenience: Located in downtown Peoria, street parking is typically available, and the proximity to major attractions like the Peoria Civic Center makes it an ideal stop before or after events.


Ulrich’s Rebellion Room
📍 631 Main St, Peoria, IL 61602

Writer: Jamie Benson
Contributor

Jamie grew up just outside of Springfield, Illinois, and has spent most of his life exploring the state’s mix of small-town charm and big-city energy. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he stuck around to cover local events, hidden gems, and the quirks that make Illinois unique. When not writing, Jamie can usually be found digging through vinyl at record shops in Chicago, hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, or tracking down the best deep-dish pizza outside the city.