Cyd’s in the Park

We celebrated Valentine's Day here there was a five-course special that began with Zucchini Fritas, followed by Brussel Sprout salad with apples and walnuts, bread and cheese, Porcini and Portobello Ravioli, Filet of Beef Steak w/mushrooms and a dessert plate that had a chocolate covered strawberry, pistachio white chocolate mousse, a chocolate flourless torte and berries in a meringue cloud. The meal was finished with a heart-shaped muffin. We were served pretty quickly. Our waiter was very pleasant, and the first few selections were served quickly. We really did not care for the Zucchini appetizer. There was not enough zucchini, and it was greasy tasting. The salad was nice. The bread was unimpressive, not even as appetizing as Avanti's bread and oil. The "cheese" that we were told was a popular item was a reimagined cheese mixture that contained several forms of cheese along with cream. It tasted bland and lacked authentic cheese flavor. Are ravioli was undercooked and chewy. It had a wonderful sauce and mushrooms with it, but it was hard to get past the texture of the ravioli. After our ravioli was served, we ended up waiting over 30 minutes for our main entree. We noticed that a couple who came in after us received their entry prior to us. We really didn't complain because it was Valentine's Day. Our waitress made an excuse that there was some type of delay in the kitchen, but we could see that it clearly a "mixup." By the time that we received our main course, our dessert plate was already being served. Our waiter and waitress that served us were pleasant, but for the price we paid, we would not revisit this restaurant.

The bartender does not know how to make any drink. I had to return a martini twice, wine was horrid, old fashions tasted completely wrong. The interior is very nice, so we had high hopes. We had their lasagna and seasonal pasta. Both were very tasty. The winter bowl however is tasteless and inedible. We had high hopes for this place. Unfortunately we will not be returning.

Spring, Summer, Winter or Fall. All seasons are a great time to head to the wonderful atmosphere of Cyd;s in the Park. Whether you are sitting on the patio or the revitalized mid-century modern space inside, you have lots to visually take in. Summer sunsets on the patio are pretty amazing. But a warm fire ring in the fall is a close second. The food is always top notch and the menu changes frequently. This a welcome relief from other eateries that served the same menu for decades or more. The mixed drink menu and craft beers rotate as well. I would be remiss if I did not mention the surroundings of Donovan Park. If you are early for your reservation (highly recommended) or need a walk after an amazing dinner... Take a stroll through the Peoria Heights Art walk that are a short walk away. Oh, and if you are just hanging out at the park... Stop downstairs and grab something from the bakery.

First tike here! Such a wonderful atmosphere! Staff was very nice & food was prepared fairly quickly & it was SO SO GOOD!!! I got a mimosa & my husband got a iced coffee to start! We ordered lunch, he got a turkey club & salt & pepper fries and I got the BLT & a cup of tomato basil soup! Hands down the best tomato basil soup I've ever had. Our friends got a cheeseburger and the grilled cheese & soup (I'm getting next time) Price is fair!!! I can't wait to come back!!!

The main restaurant is not open Monday and Tuesday’s but their cute little stop and go area is. Was a pleasant surprise to come across. Had the avocado toast with a fried egg. SOO good. Nice little area to sit by flowers on the picnic table. They offer all sorts of smoothies sandwiches salads coffee sodas and adult drinks. Will be back again perhaps on a bike next time!

I think the vibe, the view, and the ambiance is 85% of the appeal of Cyd's in the Park. The outdoor seating area is absolutely gorgeous and if you're there during a sunset? WOW. So far, I've tried their avocado toast and ordered the Hot Buttered Rum. The buttered rum was a great fall drink. The avocado toast was probably the messiest meal I've ever eaten out. The drizzled oil from the roasted tomatoes to the poached eggs... it is NOT easy to eat. And the avocado spread was pretty thin in comparison to the offerings if other restaurants in the area. My biggest deterrant to this place was how expensive it is. From the food to the drinks, everything was incredibly expensive. It's definitely a "for an occasion" type of restaurant.

Jun 2022 – Cyd's is really good for appetizers. We had some really fancy deviled eggs with smoked salmon, bacon, jam & brie bites, and bacon wrapped dates (not shown). Wowzers. You might have to call ahead cos these were served at an event I attended there. Sep 2021 – Cyd's is a really great place for lunch. Burgers & the fried cod sandwich are really great. My friends also like the vegetarian burger and the citrus salmon salad as well. They're also building out a new outdoor bar as well. Can't wait.