Welcome to El Mexicano Restaurant
El Mexicano Restaurant serves mouthwatering, authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy nook along NE Jefferson Ave. This unpretentious eatery focuses on delivering delicious food without the frills, making it a go-to for locals seeking comfort food. The menu features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, perfect for dine-in or takeout, and the atmosphere remains casual and inviting for families and solo diners alike. Fast service and friendly staff ensure that each visit feels welcoming. The restaurant accepts both reservations and walk-ins, allowing for flexibility in dining experiences.
Popular dishes
Restaurant Gallery
About
Nestled at 1520 NE Jefferson Ave in Peoria, IL, El Mexicano Restaurant stands out as a hidden gem in the community. Despite its minimalistic seating, this restaurant thrives on providing locals with the true essence of Mexican cuisine. The décor is simple yet charming, enhancing the comfortable vibe without overwhelming the senses. Whether you choose to dine in or take out, the atmosphere encourages patrons to indulge in hearty meals while enjoying the company of family and friends. The establishment is family-friendly, with amenities that cater to kids, and offers an alcohol selection, making it ideal for both casual lunches and cozy dinners. With a peaceful ambiance, diners often find themselves lingering over their meals, savoring every bite while appreciating the authenticity that El Mexicano brings to the table. Accessibility is a priority, as the restaurant features wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating, along with easy street parking. Locals appreciate the nearby community vibe, making it a favored stop for everyday meals and special occasions alike. Open every day, it welcomes visitors at all hours, with peak times during lunch, especially on Fridays when patrons flock to enjoy their delicious offerings.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
Patrons consistently rave about the perfectly sized servings at El Mexicano. Many highlight the steak quesadilla, a dish that never disappoints. The crowd-pleaser horchata stands out as a must-try, beloved for its refreshing and creamy flavor. Customers appreciate the fast service, which complements the busy lunch rush, especially on Fridays. The tacos, particularly the authentic options like lengua and tripa, earn high praise from regulars, including those with roots in Mexico. The casual and cozy atmosphere reinforces a sense of community among diners, creating a homey feel that invites return visits.
Most Disliked
Some visitors note the limited seating as a drawback, leading to potential wait times during peak hours, particularly at lunchtime on Fridays. While many find the atmosphere cozy, others believe the lack of decor might come across as too minimal for a full dining experience. Additionally, parking can be a challenge during busy hours, as limited lot space may require some customers to seek street parking. There have been occasional comments regarding inconsistent portion sizes, where some diners felt a certain dish could have more filling. However, these concerns are relatively minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback the restaurant receives.
Reviews
Mike W.
This is exactly where you find the mind of Mexican food you usually only dream of. The servings are perfectly sized, my steak quesadilla was prefect, and I can't wait to return!
Lisa
Delicious food. A cute little place I’ve driven by a million times and never noticed until a friend took me there for lunch. I’ve already recommended it to others and I’ll definitely be back. Yum!
Alexis N.
We ordered for 6 as a group of 3 because we couldn’t decide what to try. Everything was amazing. Horchata is a must try! Authentic, great service and awesome vibe!
John M.
Food is fantastic. I personally love it when Mexican restaurants are small no frills places because it usually means that the food is on point and this place is no exception to that rule.
Lora B.
Very delicious and actually authentic! My husband is from Mexico, and he gives it a big stamp of approval, especially for the tacos de tripa and lengua. 10/10! We will definitely be back!
Brent N.
Lots of to go orders. Authentic. Nice lady at the counter taking orders. Great food!!!
Rachelle H.
Wonderful tiny authentic Mexican food joint at a great price!!! I had chicken flautas, Mexican corn and a Mexican coca-cola. Amazing!!! My son got the Tacos Birria. We are definitely fans and will be back.