The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern
A casual pub in a historic rail depot serving Austin-style wood-smoked BBQ, craft beers, and cocktails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A casual pub in a historic rail depot serving Austin-style wood-smoked BBQ, craft beers, and cocktails.
Arrive Early or Call Ahead
Limited seating means tables fill up fast; arrive early or call ahead to secure yours.
Weekday Visits for Shorter Waits
Consider visiting on weekdays to potentially avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy shorter wait times.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(309) 981-5801
Address
212 Southwest Water Street B, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
Website
blueduckbarbecue.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Austin-Style BBQ
Experience wood-smoked BBQ, from slow-smoked pulled pork to brisket sandwiches with caramelized onions.
Historic Rail Depot Ambiance
Dine in a charming, converted 1890s railroad depot located near the Illinois River.
Signature Smoked and Fried Wings
Don't miss their renowned 'smoked then fried' chicken wings, a must-try for BBQ enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early or Call Ahead
Limited seating means tables fill up fast; arrive early or call ahead to secure yours.
Weekday Visits for Shorter Waits
Consider visiting on weekdays to potentially avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy shorter wait times.
Explore Local Attractions
After your meal, take time to explore nearby attractions along the Illinois River.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early or Call Ahead
Limited seating means tables fill up fast; arrive early or call ahead to secure yours.
Weekday Visits for Shorter Waits
Consider visiting on weekdays to potentially avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy shorter wait times.
Explore Local Attractions
After your meal, take time to explore nearby attractions along the Illinois River.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern is praised for its delicious, authentic BBQ with a unique twist, particularly its smoked meats and flavorful sauces. Diners highlight the friendly service and the historic, inviting atmosphere. While most reviews are glowing, some note that certain sides could be elevated and the restaurant can get busy due to its popularity.
"Holy cow is the service fast!
The poutine to start was delicious. Then the entrees can out it record time. We were in and out in 40 minutes. There was no rush and we could have stayed longer but we ate our food and left.
I recommend this place for some good BBQ."
Chris Kraszewski
"Easy to find, we called ahead to Blue Duck and then drove there and got in a few minutes early even. Hostess was friendly. Like a lot of noteworthy 'que joints, it's smaller to control flow and operating costs, but it's worth the wait! We got seated at a clean table with clean utensils. Our party of 3 ordered and had food on our table in 10 minutes. Good flavor and the sides were well portioned. I got the 1/2 chicken and it was perfectly cooked. We left full but not stuffed. We'll definitely be back."
Bald Eagle
"BBQ that hits the spot!! The sauce was so flavorful, I couldn't get enough of it. The slaw was southwestern and I didn't expect or love that flavor (I wish I'd asked what it was like first), but everything else was fantastic."
Jen Woodrum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include slow-smoked pulled pork, brisket sandwiches with caramelized onions, and their famous smoked then fried chicken wings.
No, they do not take reservations. It is recommended to arrive early or call ahead due to limited seating capacity.
The restaurant is located in a historic rail depot, offering a casual pub atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Yes, they can accommodate groups, as noted by a reviewer who visited with a party of twenty. Be sure to plan ahead due to popularity.
They offer a good selection of craft beers, cocktails, and whisky. The Vermont Maple cocktail and various lemonades are also popular.
While primarily a BBQ restaurant, some sides like mac and cheese and certain appetizers might appeal to vegetarians. It's best to inquire directly.
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Travelers looking for a casual spot in Peoria where they can enjoy a wood-smoked BBQ will want to pay a visit to the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. A visit to this place makes you feel like you are in Austin, Texas. From the pork belly sandwich and the Brisket sandwich topped with caramelized onions and horseradish crema to the pulled pork slow-smoked for a minimum of 12 hours, everything you order at the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern promises to be a real treat for your taste buds.
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Blue Duck Barbeque Tavern {Peoria} // A casual pub located in Peoria’s historic rail depot that offers house-smoked ribs, chicken and pulled pork, BBQ along with beers, cocktails and whisky. Blue Duck uses only top quality ingredients in crafting their scratch-made food, which includes their regionally famous smoked and fried chicken wings, BBQ nachos and dry rubbed ribs. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays; full catering menu offered.
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Located right between the train tracks and the Illinois River, The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern is the perfect place for a taste of Illinois culture – and food, of course!. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot the tavern’s blue duck logo on the historic River Station building. This old train station houses the casual pub of The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, as well as a great little martini and cocktail bar next door!
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The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern made No. 2 on TripAdvisor's list and was also listed as a 2021 "Travelers' Choice.". The restaurant delivers a "familiar and approachable product in exciting and unexpected ways. In this case that product is barbecue." Customers can order items such as "smoked then fried wings" and a pulled pork torta. The restaurant offers a variety of meats, served alone or with a choice of sides.
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For a meal on the water, The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern serves casual pub fare inside a former 1890s railroad depot. For an upscale dining experience, Jim's Steak House on Southwest Jefferson Avenue offers high-end surf and turf with a classy candle-lit ambiance. For apparel, Rambler is one of several boutiques in and around the RiverFront District.
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The name "The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern" is inspired by the comedy Billy Madison. In a classic scene, Billy colors a duck blue simply because he wanted to see this everyday fowl in a different color. At The Blue Duck, we aim to do the same thing: deliver a familiar and approachable product in exciting and unexpected ways.
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The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern sits along the waterfront, offering scenic views and great food. Sitting outside with a view of the water makes this quiet restaurant in Peoria, IL, special and romantic. The waterfront location makes it one of the best romantic restaurants in Peoria, IL, for locals and visitors alike.
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If you’re looking for classic barbecue dishes and flavors with a twist, look no further than The Blue Duck BBQ Tavern on the Peoria RiverFront. Here you’ll find traditional barbecue dishes as well as house-smoked meats, tacos, rice bowls and more to give it a unique flare. Visit to see what locals are raving about!
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212 SW Water StPeoria, IL 61602(309) 981-5801 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Since 2015, the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern has established itself as one of the people’s go-to places in Peoria. It is situated in the iconic building downtown known as The River Station.
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If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Peoria, the menu at Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern includes smoked meats, sandwiches, and even barbecue-inspired tacos. Chow down on a pulled pork plate, or try the Vietnamese-inspired Banh Mi sandwich. View this post on Instagram
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Peoria RiverFront Market: Held every Saturday from May through September, this open-air market showcases the best of Central Illinois’ farms and artisans. Browse stalls brimming with just-picked produce, freshly baked breads, and locally crafted cheeses.
Highest-rated Barbecue Restaurants in Peoria
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (412 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 212 SW Water St Suite B, Peoria, IL 61602-1325- Read more on Tripadvisor
Grab a bite at one of these top 10 Peoria restaurants
Nothing says summer like fresh barbecue on Peoria’s riverfront. The Blue Duck has that and more at 212 SW. Water St. According to the restaurant’s website, its name is inspired by a scene from the classic film, “Billy Madison.
A Date Night Cheat Sheet for Peoria
Other delicious options include Blue Duck, Kelleher’s, Childers Eatery, Cyds in the Park, Brasky’s, W.E. Sullivan’s Irish Pub or Obed & Isaac’s.
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