Peoria's Top Coffee Shops Voted Best in the Area

Readers chose their favorite local coffee spots in the annual Community's Choice Awards.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:49am

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Readers of the Peoria Journal Star voted for their top three favorite coffee shops in the Peoria area as part of the 2025 Community's Choice Awards. The winning businesses include Leaves 'n Beans Roastery, CXT Coffee, and Eli's Coffee, which have multiple locations throughout the region.

Why it matters

The Community's Choice Awards highlight the importance of supporting local businesses and the vibrant coffee culture in the Peoria area. These results showcase the community's appreciation for small, independent coffee shops that offer unique blends, roasts, and experiences.

The details

The top three coffee shops voted best in the Peoria area are Leaves 'n Beans Roastery, CXT Coffee, and Eli's Coffee. Leaves 'n Beans Roastery has locations in Morton, Pekin, and Peoria Heights. CXT Coffee has shops in Peoria. Eli's Coffee has stores in Morton, Tremont, and Metamora.

  • The 2025 Community's Choice Awards were held in March 2026.

The players

Leaves 'n Beans Roastery

A local coffee roastery and shop with multiple locations in the Peoria area, known for its unique blends and roasts.

CXT Coffee

A Peoria-based coffee company with several shops in the region, offering a variety of specialty coffee drinks and baked goods.

Eli's Coffee

A local coffee shop chain with stores in Morton, Tremont, and Metamora, providing a community gathering space and high-quality coffee.

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What they’re saying

“Really excited to be recognized as one of the best coffee shops in the Peoria area. We've worked hard to create a welcoming atmosphere and serve the best coffee possible.”

— Gordon Edgar, Manager, Leaves 'n Beans Roastery

What’s next

The coffee shops will be honored at a special awards ceremony in April 2026, where they will receive plaques recognizing their achievement.

The takeaway

The results of the Community's Choice Awards showcase the vibrant local coffee culture in the Peoria area, with readers supporting small, independent businesses that offer unique experiences and high-quality products. These coffee shops have become community hubs, providing not just great coffee but also a sense of local pride and connection.