What should I order at Ernie's Family Restaurant?
Ernie's Family Restaurant
Pancakes
Frequently praised across multiple reviews, especially the Teddy Bear Pancakes and Cookie and Cream Pancakes. Reviewers called them amazing, insane, and a favorite breakfast item.
Homemade French Toast
Specifically recommended as delicious and highly worth ordering, with one reviewer saying it should be on the top list of things to try.
Patty Melt
Highlighted as one of the best the reviewer has ever had, making it a standout sandwich recommendation.
Fried Chicken
Mentioned as fantastic, showing up as a strongly recommended dinner option.
Liver & Onions
Called out as good and available for dinner, suggesting it is a reliable comfort-food choice.
Steak Sandwich
Recommended alongside the chicken as a good menu item that reviewers enjoyed.
Omelette
Mentioned as good in a breakfast review, with positive comments about the overall meal and service.
Eggs
Praised in the 2x2x2 breakfast order as great, contributing to an overall meal that tasted great.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM to 3 PM |
About Ernie's Family Restaurant
Ernie's Family Restaurant is a family, breakfast, and lunch restaurant in Pekin, Illinois, with dine-in, takeout, and onsite service. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly service, home-style comfort food, and welcoming, clean, relaxed atmosphere. The menu is known for breakfast items like pancakes, omelettes, French toast, and biscuits and gravy, along with lunch and dinner dishes such as fried chicken, catfish, patty melts, and steak sandwiches. It is priced in the $10 to 20 range and is described as a good value.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Ernie's Family Restaurant known for?
It is especially known for fried chicken, catfish, and all-day breakfast, with reviewers also calling out teddy bear pancakes and homemade French toast. People mention the food as home-style and filling, with a local, community restaurant feel in Pekin.
What dishes are most recommended at Ernie's Family Restaurant?
Reviewers most often recommend fried chicken, catfish, biscuits and gravy, patty melts, and the homemade French toast, plus specialty pancakes like teddy bear pancakes and cookie and cream pancakes. The country fried steak skillet and steak sandwich also come up as solid choices for a hearty meal.
What is the atmosphere like at Ernie's Family Restaurant?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and quiet, with a clean, relaxed diner feel and eclectic wall hangings. It seems to suit groups, solo diners, and families looking for a comfortable place to eat and talk.
Is Ernie's Family Restaurant good value?
Yes, it is generally seen as very reasonably priced, and the listed price range is $10 to 20. Reviewers specifically say the food is affordable and does not break the bank, with examples like a 2x2x2 breakfast for $8.50 and generous home-cooked meals.
What should I know before visiting Ernie's Family Restaurant?
Breakfast is served all day, and reviewers say the service is usually friendly and timely, even when the restaurant is busy. It also accepts reservations and has free parking, including an overflow lot across the street, which can help at peak times.
Is parking available at Ernie's Family Restaurant?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is Ernie's Family Restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes, Ernie's Family Restaurant is good for kids.
Restaurants like Ernie's Family Restaurant in Pekin
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