A couple week’s ago I had a hankering for a pork tenderloin after Hap Mansfield suggested it in a comment. I went to Ernie’s Dairy Dream, which is supposed to have really good pork tenderloins, but sadly it was closed for the Christmas holiday week. Well, I’ve seen him posting on facecrack this week, so let’s go give Ernie’s another shot. From what I’ve heard, the food there is worth a second try, so let's go see!
Here we are at Ernie's, I shot this from the car, let's go park it and see what's happening here.
Okay, we're all parked here in the back, time to check out Ernie's Dairy Dream!
You can't dine inside here at Ernie's, but there are nice picnic tables to sit at, weather permitting and seeing that it's in the mid-40's today, I might just take advantage of this outside seating arrangement.
Hooray, the "OPEN" sign is lit up, looks like we're in for business this week!
The order window is open, so this is a sure thing. Let's look at some of the signage here before we order.
There's a wide variety of flavors to savor here at Ernie's.
In this day and age, I love a place that takes cash only.
What a coinkydink, I need 5 and 10's too!
Eight pieces of cold fried chicken for only $3.99, what a deal!
So I went to the order window and asked if Ernie was in and she told me to go around to the back. Which I did and...
Baboom! Here's the man himself, Ernie! His dad started this restaurant in the '50's, you gotta love a local family owned business that's been handed down through the years.
And here's the third generation hard at work! Brandi is Ernie's lovely daughter and she's been working here since she was 15-years-old. (Note to Al: She wasn't named after the song, I asked.)
Here's some of Ernie's classic fare in a holding warming area: fried chicken and wedge potatoes. The smell is fantastic back here, I'm starting to get hungry!
Crunchy toppings for ice cream are stored in this wheel.
You certainly can't beat the prices at Ernie's!
Buns of Ernie!
I love the vintage cash register in here, I'm guessing it's from the '70's.
The cash register may be vintage, but this ice cream maker is state of the art, very impressive!
Different flavorings for the slushes are housed here with the hot caramel and fudge standing ready in the rear to spill out on top of a hot fudge sundae.
Here's Ernie in action, it gets busy here at lunch time!
Ding, ding, my order is up! And not a second too soon, hanging out back here in Ernie's inner sanctum has got me starvin' like Marvin!
I thought I'd take advantage of this globally-warmed up day and eat outside at one of Ernie's picnic tables.
And here's a birds-eye-view of my Ernie's Dairy Dream lunch! Since I had a pork tenderloin the other week, I asked Ernie and Brandi to pick a perfect Ernie's lunch for me and here it is: A Castle Burger, a chicken breast and an order of their signature potato wedges.
I love these potato wedges. They're slightly seasoned, crispy on the outside and soft and baked-potato like on the inside. A unique potato you'll only find at Ernie's!
Check out the Castle burger! It's a sloppy, messy delight! It's kind of a cross between a Sloppy Joe and a hamburger on a freshly steamed bun, delicious!
And here's the third course in this tasty trifecta of luncheon delights, Ernie's fried chicken. It's crispy and tangy on the outside and juicy and flavorful inside. A really great lunch and I appreciate the hospitality from Ernie and Brandi!
And on the ride home I spy a familiar friend of MBIP! I 'm glad she didn't see us though, I'm a little embarrassed about taking that shot up her dress! Have a great Thursday and sneeze you all tomorrow!
Ernie’s Dairy Dream
2600 Southwest Jefferson Ave.
Peoria
309-673-0420
Further Reading: You Gotta Eat, foursquare and Insider Pages.
