Founded in the chi-chi Colorado ski town of Aspen 45 years ago, Le Peep has gradually branched into surrounding states, with Springfield having one of five listed in Illinois. Instead of franchises, the company licenses its concept to local owners, who are allowed to tweak the menu to include regional offerings. Springfield's restaurant was launched by Don Taft and Jeff Taft, who also ran Heritage House, a popular smorgasbord on old Route 66 that closed prior to the opening of Le Peep in 2010. It is currently owned and managed by Mit Balazi.
While some locations have rebranded under different names or gone independent, the Springfield version adheres to the menu and interior style that put it on the map in Colorado.
Best of all are the reliably well-made dishes that usually make for a wait to get in, especially on Sunday mornings. Once seated and an order made, though, it's usually no longer than a 10-minute wait from one of their experienced servers.
If you come with a big party, too, you don't have to ask for separate checks. They'll automatically do it for you, unless told otherwise. Some places still give you dirty looks for wanting that.
Le Peep is probably best-known for its ample selection of eggs Benedict dishes, along with omelets and skillets. For a later-arriving crowd, there is a lunch menu, but breakfast is always served here and at reasonable prices.
