The Peoria Hofbrau shut down when the rotten pandemic blew into town, but everything else was shut down, so I didn’t think much about it.

But then this article in the PJ Star back in July of 2020 said the future of this iconic Peoria German restaurant and bar was up in the air. That scared me a little, but I had hopes that they would work something out.

And then in February of 2021 it was announced that the building was for sale or lease. Ugh.

My hope is that someone buys it and just leaves it as it is and opens another chapter in the place. For now we just have to wait and see.

At least I have fond memories of many lunches, dinners and beers at Peoria Hofbrau. And photos from those times are pictured below as we look back in time at the legendary Peoria Hofbrau.

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PEORIA HOFBRAU

I love the outside of the Peoria Hofbrau. One of the most unique buildings in Peoria.

Art Guzman opened this German-styled bar and restaurant back in 1984 and it became a treasured Peoria spot for authentic German food, beer and a place to socialize and meet old friends and new ones as well.

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THE BAR

The bar in here was fantastic. I’ve spent hours at this bar enjoying the many German beers that they offered and having fun conversations with the bartenders and patrons of Peoria Hofbrau.

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THE ATMOSPHERE

Peoria Hofbrau had a warm and inviting atmosphere. It was a dark bar and restaurant even in the daytime.

The walls were lined with art, photos, German memorabilia, knick-knacks and the World Beer Tour Hall of Fame!

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HUMANS OF HOFBRAU: PART ONE

Through the years I met and made friends here at Peoria Hofbrau. Here’s some photos of them that posed for the MBIP Camera through the years.

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HUMANS OF HOFBRAU: PART TWO

And here’s more photos of smiling faces at Peoria Hofbrau.

The place really brought the best out in people and it had such a nice social vibe inside.

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THE FOOD

The food at Peoria Hofbrau was a delicious experience unto itself.

They offered unlimited homemade soup at lunchtime along with freshly made sandwiches, German Potato Salad and authentic German dinners like Wienerschnitzel and Spaetlzle.

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