Connected—formally known as Troy Ummel’s Connected—is an upscale Italian and American fine dining restaurant located at 3218 N Dries Lane in central Peoria, Illinois, just off West Forrest Hill Avenue near the Interstate 74 corridor. Founded by veteran restaurateur Troy Ummel after more than 35 years in independent hospitality, the restaurant transforms a discreet commercial warehouse structure into an opulent, theatrical dining room. Travelers and central Illinois locals book tables here for celebratory dinners, classic tableside hospitality, prime steaks, fresh seafood, house-made Italian pastas, and a comprehensive wine and cocktail program.
What to Expect at Connected
Stepping through the unassuming exterior on North Dries Lane reveals one of central Illinois’s most distinctive interiors. The dining room features dramatic crystal chandeliers, rich fabric drapery, heavy white-tablecloth settings, antique-inspired mirrors, and plush high-backed booths that create quiet, semi-private alcoves for conversation. Every table begins service with a complimentary relish tray and an assortment of warm breads paired with dipping oils and spreads, setting a measured, old-school supper-club pace before appetizers arrive. Live piano music or curated jazz standards frequently fill the room on weekend evenings, reinforcing the intimate supper-club mood.
The culinary program bridges classic Italian-American comfort and high-end steakhouse execution. Guests can open the meal with hot appetizers such as flaming saganaki cheese, lobster cargo, or escargot before moving to a fresh salad or soup course included with main entrees. Signature mains span prime-cut filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip steaks alongside pan-seared Chilean sea bass over shrimp risotto, Atlantic salmon specials, chicken parmesan, veal piccata, and rich pasta dishes like tortellini and fettuccine Alfredo. Diners can review current seasonal selections and wine pairings on the official Connected menu before their visit.
- Theatrical Supper-Club Interior: Behind a modest industrial facade on North Dries Lane lies a lavishly decorated dining room complete with crystal chandeliers, velvet curtains, dimly lit booths, and elaborate seasonal floral arrangements.
- Complimentary Table Starters: Dinner service starts with an abundant house relish tray and warm artisan bread basket accompanied by seasoned olive oil, garlic spreads, and butter at no extra charge.
- Seafood & Risotto Specialties: Standout plates include pan-seared sea bass served atop creamy shrimp risotto, fresh salmon specials, and jumbo shrimp preparations cooked to order.
- Hand-Cut Steaks & Italian Classics: The kitchen turns out char-broiled filet mignon, ribeye, veal chops, and house-made Italian pasta entrees accompanied by choice of soup or salad.
- Curated Wine List & Craft Cocktails: The full-service bar mixes classic martinis, barrel-aged bourbon cocktails, and after-dinner cordials alongside an extensive cellar of Italian and Californian reds and whites.
Connected at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3218 N Dries Ln, Peoria, IL 61604 |
| Neighborhood / Area | West Forrest Hill / Central Peoria |
| Operating Hours | Tue–Thu: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Fri–Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM; Sun–Mon: Closed |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$ (Upscale fine dining; main entrees typically $30–$65+) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site surface parking lot; CityLink Route 3 (University) and Route 16 (Northwest) stops along Forrest Hill Ave & Sterling Ave |
| Official Website & Phone | connectedpeoria.com | +1 309-686-5925 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because Connected is one of Peoria’s premier date-night and anniversary venues, advance reservations are essential, particularly for Friday and Saturday seatings between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. Guests should call +1 309-686-5925 directly to secure a booth, main dining room table, or private dining room arrangement for larger groups. For a quieter evening with easier table availability, aim for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday reservation at 5:30 PM. Smart-casual to business-casual attire is the norm; many diners dress up in cocktail attire or jackets for special occasions.
Situated just north of Interstate 74 (Exit 89 for War Memorial Drive/US-150 or Sterling Avenue) and west of North University Street, the restaurant offers a dedicated, free surface parking lot directly outside the entrance. The single-level entrance and dining floor provide step-free access for wheelchairs and guests with limited mobility, with wide aisles between tables and accessible restrooms on site. Before dinner, visitors can spend the afternoon shopping at the nearby Shoppes at Grand Prairie or Northwoods Mall (5 minutes by car), strolling through Laura Bradley Park just south on Main Street, or exploring the exhibitions at the Peoria RiverFront Museum and Caterpillar Visitors Center located 10 minutes southeast in Downtown Peoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best days to dine at Connected?
Connected is open for dinner service Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM; the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Midweek evenings (Tuesday through Thursday) offer a more relaxed pace and easier reservation availability compared to peak weekend nights.
Do I need a reservation at Connected and how much does dinner cost?
Reservations are strongly recommended and can be booked by calling the restaurant at +1 309-686-5925. Connected falls into the $$$ fine-dining tier, with most pasta, seafood, and steak entrees ranging from $30 to $65+ per person, which includes the complimentary bread and relish tray plus a soup or salad course.
How much time should I budget for a meal at Connected?
Plan to spend 2 to 2.5 hours for a full dinner experience. The multi-course pacing—beginning with cocktails, the complimentary relish tray and bread service, appetizers, soup or salad, made-to-order main courses, and dessert—is intentionally unhurried.
What is the dress code and is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Most guests wear smart-casual, business-casual, or upscale evening attire such as collared shirts, slacks, dresses, and jackets. The building features a ground-level entrance directly from the private parking lot, step-free dining rooms, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
When planning your Peoria travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Peoria, pair this stop with standout local spots including Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro, Detweiller Park, RiverFront, and Childers Eatery (0.3 km away).
