John's Place

"Nothing Too Fancy...Just A Good Sandwich"

About Us

John’s Place has been a longtime staple in Peru, Illinois, bringing together great food, friendly faces, and a sense of community that keeps people coming back. What started as a neighborhood lunch spot has grown into a local favorite serving guests from LaSalle, Oglesby, Ottawa, Spring Valley, and surrounding areas—yet it still feels like home the moment you walk through the door. We’re even still answering the phone with “506,” a nod to our switchboard-day roots and the rich history that lives within these walls.

We take pride in serving fresh, made-to-order lunches, featuring hand-pressed burgers grilled daily, hearty homemade soups and chili, and our signature raviolas from Maretta Raviola, served with comforting homemade chicken broth. Everything we make is designed to be simple, satisfying, and full of flavor—the kind of meal that brings you back to the table again and again. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick sandwich, a warm bowl of soup, or lunch with friends, you’ll always find quality and care in every bite.

Beyond the food, John’s Place has always been about connection. It’s a place to grab a cup of coffee, share stories, laugh with friends, and unwind. For those feeling a little adventurous, our private gaming area adds a bit of fun to the experience. With decades of memories, countless friendships formed, and many more yet to come, John’s Place remains a welcoming hangout where good food and good times meet.

Areas Served

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

John’s Place is known for its classic comfort food, nostalgic treats, and welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Guests love stopping in for rich, hand-scooped ice cream available in 12 flavors, indulgent old-fashioned ice cream sodas, and convenient take-home quarts of their favorites. Savory specialties like premium cold cuts and rotating soups of the day make it just as easy to enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner. With daily specials, a fun secret menu, and even private video gaming, John’s Place offers something a little extra that keeps locals coming back for both the food and the experience.

Our Services include:

Dine-In, Carryout & Outdoor Seating: John’s Place offers flexible dining options to fit your day. Enjoy a relaxed meal inside, grab your favorites to-go, or soak up the fresh air with our available outdoor seating. However you choose to dine, you can count on the same welcoming atmosphere and quality service.
Ice Cream & Classic Treats: Treat yourself to one of John’s Place favorites with 12 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream, available by the scoop or in convenient take-home quarts of any flavor. For a nostalgic twist, sip on one of our old-fashioned ice cream sodas, made just like you remember.
Specialty Foods & Soups: From our specialty cold cuts, available in both ½-lb and 1-lb options, to our rotating Soups of the Day, John’s Place delivers comforting, classic flavors made to satisfy. Perfect for a quick lunch, hearty meal, or something easy to enjoy at home.
Daily Specials & Secret Menu: There’s always something new to discover at John’s Place. Our daily specials bring fresh variety, while our secret menu offers fun, off-menu favorites for those in the know—just ask!
Private Video Gaming: Looking for entertainment beyond the plate? John’s Place offers private video gaming, giving guests a fun, laid-back space to relax, play, and enjoy time with friends.

Our Brands include:

Coca Cola
Maretta Raviola
Kemp's

Our Products include:

Daily Specials 12 Flavors of Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
Ice Cream Quarts of Any Flavor
Specialty Cold Cuts - 1 lb and 1/2 lb
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Sodas
Ham, Tuna, Egg, and Chicken Salad
Homemade Sloppy Joe BBQ
Burgers
Sandwiches and Wraps
Salads
Homemade Soups
Ice Cream
Desserts
Shakes, Malts, and Floats
Sundaes
Sodas
T-Shirts and Hoodies

Testimonials

On 3/6/2026 Tim Goodrum had this to say:
Great old time diner!

On 2/5/2026 Teresa Burger had this to say:
Everything was good. Prices are very affordable. Delicious food 😋 we will be back . Cuban burger 😋 grilled chicken 😋.

On 12/11/2025 Jessica Maggio had this to say:
Best prices and burgers by far. Nobody has better soup in the area either. Our favorite work lunch spot.

On 12/11/2025 Judd Heess had this to say:
Good food , good service , good vibes

On 12/8/2025 NBVideos Presents had this to say:
If you are in the area and want a good burger and I mean a good burger, then this is the place to come. I'm sure their other food options are just as good but since I'm mostly a hamburger person, that's all I order. They also have daily specials that offer more than just burgers.

Contact Us

John's Place
1802 5th St Peru, IL 61354
Phone: (815) 223-0506
Email: kapcafeinc@sbcglobal.net

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Apple Pay, Android Pay, PayPal, Debit Cards

Our Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Gaming Hours: 8-4
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Gaming Hours: 8-4
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Gaming Hours: 8-4
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Gaming Hours: 8-4
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Gaming Hours: 8-4
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:45 PM Gaming Hours: 8-3

News

Now through early February, we are open Sundays 8AM-12PM for gaming only.

Info

FAQ

How can I find out about daily soup specials?

Join our soup texting line by texting 81010 with @JOHNSPL to receive updates on our daily soup specials.

Do you have any daily or weekly specials?

For information about our latest specials and promotions, please check our Facebook page for updates.

What are your hours of operation?

John's Place is open Monday–Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:45 PM for lunch. Our gaming area is open Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Do you offer carryout or outside seating?

Yes! We offer carryout, dine-in, and outside seating options so you can enjoy your meal however you prefer.

What makes John's Place special?

We’re known for our hand-pressed burgers, homemade soups and chili, and unique raviolas by Maretta Raviola served with homemade chicken broth. Plus, we have a private gaming area, a secret menu, and daily specials to keep things exciting!

Do you serve ice cream and desserts?

Absolutely! We have 12 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream, ice cream quarts, old-fashioned ice cream sodas, shakes, malts, floats, sundaes, and more. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Where are you located and what areas do you serve?

John's Place is located in Peru, IL, and proudly serves customers from LaSalle, Oglesby, Ottawa, Spring Valley, and beyond. Stop by for a delicious lunch and a friendly atmosphere!

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