Welcome to Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe
At Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe, we harmoniously blend the flavors of New American cuisine with a soulful musical ambiance. Nestled by the river in Peoria, our cafe serves a diverse menu featuring standout pizzas like the Blackened Chicken Smoked Gouda and the Caribbean Pizza, alongside comforting dishes such as homemade meatloaf and spicy crawfish etouffee. Guests revel in our warm atmosphere, enhanced by live jazz music on Tuesdays, making every visit a celebration of taste and sound. Join us for a memorable culinary experience, where every bite resonates with flavor and every note uplifts the spirit.
- 305 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602 Hotline: (309) 676-9668
Welcome to Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe, a hidden gem located at 305 Southwest Water Street in Peoria, IL. This New American restaurant harmoniously blends delicious cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere where music takes center stage. Each evening, patrons gather not just for a meal, but for an experience that delights the senses, featuring captivating live performances, particularly on Tuesday nights when the air fills with the sounds of jazz.
As you step inside, you're enveloped by the warm ambiance and the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen. The menu showcases an inventive lineup of dishes that pay homage to global flavors, with a special nod to Creole and Cajun traditions. Whether you're indulging in a plate of Jamaican Jerk Chicken or savoring a hearty Gumbo Ya-Ya, each dish tells a story that encourages patrons to explore and celebrate diverse culinary backgrounds.
For those starting their journey with appetizers, consider the Fruit and Brie Platter, a delightful arrangement that pairs mild Danish Brie with seasonal fruits and a sweet Jezebel sauce, enticing both the palate and the eyes. Or, dive into the Cajun Caviar, a refreshing twist on traditional salsa that brings together black-eyed peas, corn, and a medley of Latin flavors, perfectly accompanied by tortilla chips.
- Must-Try Favorites:
- Shrimp Creole with a rich blend of French and Spanish heritage flavors, served with a sweet biscuit—a delightful harmony of taste and texture.
- Crawfish Etouffee, simmered to perfection in a blonde roux and bursting with bold seasoning—this dish embodies the spirit of New Orleans.
- BBQ Shrimp and Grits, juicy shrimp bathed in a homemade barbecue sauce over creamy grits—a Southern classic reimagined.
The pizza selection is equally impressive, featuring unique options like the California Dreamin Pizza, topped with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic pesto, and the Blackened Chicken Pizza, a decadent offering with smoked Gouda and Alabama white BBQ sauce that showcases the culinary creativity that Rhythm Kitchen is known for.
But it isn't just the food that dazzles—customer reviews echo a common theme. Patrons rave about the attentive service, with staff often facilitating conversations that enhance the dining experience. From talented bartenders to friendly wait staff, every team member contributes to a welcoming environment. Feedback like, "everything we have tried has been great," encapsulates the shared gratitude of those who visit.
And let’s not forget dessert! Do not miss out on the homemade bread pudding or the decadent chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. Customers reminisce about their sweet encounters, often expressing a longing to return for another taste of these delightful treats.
In short, Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience, a celebration of diverse flavors, and a place where food and music intertwine seamlessly. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by for an unforgettable journey through taste and sound.

Great food ,great staff, sweet place to hang out and enjoys life. E erything we have tried has been great.

The food and the vibes were amazing. The moment you walked in, jazz music was playing and placed smelled amazing. The bartender Dylan, who helped me with my order, was very kind and held a great conversation while I was waiting for my order. I got the crawfish etouffee and bread pudding. The crawfish bowl was a bit small for the price, but still delicious. The bread pudding was a big hit in my book. If I'm ever in the area, I will definitely be back!

First time at Rhythm Kitchen great food and great service. Homemade desserts. Live music only on Tuesdays.

We had an excellent meal at Rhythm Kitchen. The service was wonderful and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. The Caribbean pizza and carrot cake were amazing! Thank you for a great experience!

A group of us went there for the first time. The service was top tier during our entire dining experience. Two of us had the shrimp creole, two had the blackened grouper and one person had the grilled Ahi tuna. All of it was fabulous. We shared bread pudding, chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, carrot cake and sugar/ cinnamon cream pie They definitely did not disappoint us either. The drink menu has something for everyone I can't wait to go back again.

This was by the BEST did the city has to offer, I would've never expected to find Creole food of this caliber in Peoria.. And yes I mean CREOLE, their chef has surpassed Cajun. Anytime I'm in the area I will definitely have to make this place a MUST go. Highly recommend anyone who wants an authentic New Orleans cuisine experience .. This is your place to go.

Came with a group from Chicago for a visit. This restaurant did not disappoint. Everyone loved the food, lots of different dishes. Great price, Great food and great service. Will be back again.

Really neat restaurant on the river. Service was great. Everyone was so friendly. And the food was superb! They don't lie about the BBQ grits being amazing! We also tried the homemade sugar and cinnamon cream pie and the bread pudding for dessert and they were both delicious! Would love to come back for the live jazz they have on Tuesdays.

In town for business, and I had no idea we'd walk into the most delightful and delicious restaurant! Live jazz was playing (a wonderful Tuesday night surprise)...I enjoyed the perfectly seasoned and proportioned blackened grouper salad, served with with a side of remoulade. It's tucked away, somewhat eclectic, and entirely fabulous! Highly recommend!

What can I say about RKMC that hasn't already been said. This has been my go-to first choice in Peoria for many years. I dreamt about the food when I had moved away, and could not find any restaurant that came close to the excellent quality of food found here. Always, always, always: get the muffin! Get the biscuit! Get the pie! Jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp and grits... I know what it's like to miss n'awlins, but RKMC helps me alleviate that longing!