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Family restaurant in Pekin, Illinois
What should I order at Ernie's Family Restaurant?
What to order
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Pancakes
Recommended multiple times for being especially good, including the 'best teddy bear pancakes around' and the 'Cookie and Cream pancakes' that were described as insane with beautiful presentation.
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Homemade French Toast
Specifically highlighted as highly recommended, with reviewers praising it as delicious and making it a top reason to visit.
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Patty Melt
Called one of the best patty melts the reviewer has ever had, making it stand out as a strongly recommended menu item.
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4
Fried Chicken
Praised as fantastic, with reviewers emphasizing the quality of the chicken as a standout dish.
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5
Swiss Steak
Recommended for being fork tender and served with a good tomato sauce, suggesting a well-prepared comfort-food dish.
Details
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 restaurant in Pekin, Illinois that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual, cozy, and quiet setting. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly service, home-style food, and welcoming atmosphere. The menu is known for comfort food and local specialty items, with frequent mentions of fried chicken, catfish, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes. It also offers dine-in, takeout, and onsite service, with a price range of $10 to $20.
Amenities
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
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is Ernie's Family Restaurant known for?
Ernie's Family Restaurant is especially known for fried chicken, catfish, and its breakfast plates, including teddy bear pancakes and biscuits and gravy. Reviewers also call out the homemade, home-cooked style and say the food is consistently good and filling for the $10 to $20 price range.
What dishes are most recommended at Ernie's Family Restaurant?
Reviewers most often recommend the fried chicken, catfish, philly cheesesteak sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and the country fried steak skillet. Breakfast favorites also include homemade French toast, omelettes, the 2x2x2, and cookie and cream pancakes, with several comments about generous flavor and good presentation.
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. Reviews mention warm, friendly staff and a hometown, comfort-food vibe that works well for families, groups, tourists, and solo diners.
Is Ernie's Family Restaurant good value?
Yes, reviewers repeatedly describe it as very reasonably priced and affordable, and the listed price range is $10 to $20. One review mentions a 2x2x2 breakfast for $8.50, and others say the portions and home-style cooking make it a good value for the money.
What should I know before visiting Ernie's Family Restaurant?
Breakfast is served all day, and reviewers say that makes it a reliable stop for pancakes, omelettes, and French toast at any time. It also accepts reservations and usually has plenty of free parking, including a lot across the street when the main area fills up.
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.
