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In late November of 2023, when the Pop Up Chicken Shop of Bloomington, IL announced that they were adding a Peoria location for late Spring 2024, I was thrilled. Well, I was more than thrilled—I was absolutely stoked! I had been traveling to Bloomington to eat at their restaurant there, and I was thrilled to hear a location was coming to our town! For months I kept an eye on the restaurant’s socials to see when they would announce the grand opening for the new location. Tuesday, June 25th was the day. They officially opened their second location in the Warehouse District in Peoria, IL at 800 SW Adams Street. I couldn't get there fast enough!
The very next day I was there, in line, waiting for my order to be taken with a friend. Mind
you, it was raining, a lot. If it had been a different restaurant, the weather may have detoured me from venturing out for lunch, searching for parking downtown, or from walking blocks in the rain, but for a taste of that Korean Chicken Sando, I got my umbrella out and made the trek, gladly. When you make plans to go, get there early and be prepared to look for a parking spot. There is parking on the street wherever you can find a spot as well as a small lot a couple of blocks down. The City of Peoria is in the process of working on building a parking garage in this area….or so they say, so hopefully parking will continue to improve in the Warehouse District as residential, commercial, retail, and dining options grow.
When I arrived at Noon, it was busy but the line moved quickly and we got our order in and
were seated promptly. I ordered the Korean Chicken Sando and a Double Stuffed Oreo shake and a glass of water (both the items are on special through July 7th ). My friend ordered the Double Smashburger and OG Fries. While we waited for our order, we took in the room, the vibe, and watched to see what other people were ordering. The dining room was mostly full, with only a few tables not in use. It didn’t take long to get our orders and let me tell you, both were incredible. At the Bloomington location, I jump between ordering a Smashburger (truly the best ever!) and the Illinois Hot Chicken Horseshoe (depending on if I have someone to help me finish it), with a cup of pickles (IYKYK)) but this time I was really feeling the Korean Chicken Sando. It was a combination of sweet and tangy, with a kick, a crunchy slaw and the best fried chicken you will eat! As for the shake, let me start by telling you that I haven’t had one of their shakes before, and after trying the Double Stuffed Oreo Shake yesterday, I will continue to order them! It was honestly one of the best shakes I have ever had (and I really like milkshakes)! I can’t put my finger on exactly what makes it so special but it was absolutely delicious. If I am ever near either location and I have a craving for something sweet, that alone, will be worth the stop for sure.
The vibe in the restaurant is great. Great care was taken with the design, construction, and finishing of the space. There are murals painted on the walls and lots of light. There is also plenty of seating. Although I am not sure of the guest count for each location, I am sure that the Peoria location has at least double the seating of the dining room in Bloomington. The bar also appears to be HUGE. There is plenty of room for seating and serving, making it a future happy hour destination for those working in the Downtown and Warehouse District areas. I know that I will be chatting with friends over drinks at the bar in the near future. Well, sometime in the future. The liquor license for the location hasn’t been approved yet by the Peoria City Council. Pop Up Chicken Shop is on the agenda for the July 1, 2024 Liquor Commission meeting and then will proceed to the following City Council meeting. I will be ready for one of the amazing signature cocktails that they are known for as soon as that license goes into effect!
By the time we left the restaurant, the line to order was out the door and running down the sidewalk! If you have never heard of Pop Up Chicken Shop, now you know. Next thing you need to know is that they are opened Tuesday through Sunday 11am-9pm (except on Fridays they are open until 10pm) at the Peoria Location. They also offer online ordering and their to-go business was popping the entire time we were there! Get your booty over there in a flash for lunch or dinner! Let's support the businesses that come to our area, especially when they are this well done and this special. You really can’t go wrong with anything that you order. I have never had something from there that I didn’t like. What do you think you will try first? If you have already eaten there before, what is your must try item? Sound off in the comments. I need to know what to try next!
I hope that you enjoy your Pop Up Chicken experience just as much as I did. Now,
stay cool, get your belly full and Keep It Pop Up!
Enjoy!
Heather aka The Doozie Foodie
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