El Mirador En El Rio - Cozy Riverside Mexican Café with Artisan Empanadas & Specialty Coffees in Peoria

Such a cute place! The empanadas are delicious, we had the sampler and tried one of each empanada they had. Their drinks are so delicious too. Seating indoors is beautiful, and the patio seating was great (pets allowed, which was a plus). Will definitely be back!

Wow, what a great spot! Very unique, beautiful presentation and flavors. We had coffee and empanadas but those were just a sampling of thier full menu. They had delicious coffee, served in cute clear cans. Perfect location on the river next to the train tracks, by a stage, etc. They said there is a summer farmer's market and other events here. They had a full bar menu as well, with cocktails, beer, wine as well a food menu. The spinach and cheese empanada was good, but the beef was stellar. Sweet potato dough filled with big chunks of perfectly seasoned beef and served with a delightful sauce. Do not miss this spot if you are looking for a pick me up coffee or a drink and relaxation. Top notch service from the two gentlemen who helped us.

We have stopped by a couple of times now and the quality of food and drink is outstanding. It’s a beautiful little spot. Great for checking out the riverfront and the museum and then stopping in for a bite or a coffee break. The outdoor patio has very comfortable seating with thick cushions on the seats. The indoor area is quite intimate. I was really impressed with the variety of food, drink, and desserts for such a small place.!

The drinks and food were amazing! We had two different iced coffees. My daughter had the Pistachio Caramel Royal and I cannot remember the name of mine. It was a special that was on the door but was a tiramusu flavor. Both were very delicious. We were both gifted with trying to other drinks called Affogatto. One was made with italian coffee and the other made with colombian coffee which were poured over gelato. Both were delicious I preferred the Italian one due to it having a stronger coffee taste. The Columbian one was also delicious. It has a milder and smoother taste. The panini sandwiches we had both ordered were fantastic! I got the Spicy Italian Panini and my daughter got the Chicken Panini with avocado. Both were served with plantain chips. The portion sizes were great too. A definite 10 out of 10! A little on the pricey side I would normally say but well worth it. We will definitely go back!

We were so excited to check out El Mirador in El Rio in Peoria recently! There was a group of four of us that went but it will accommodate many different sizes of groups. The inside of the building does have limited seating but outside they have a beautiful large pergola with many tables for all different size parties. When you first walk into the cafe you're presented with all these amazing delicious looking treats and drinks & Large menu! You make your way down the line and place your order! Everybody was so sweet and so friendly I just loved talking to them all! We I didn't have to wait too long before they called our name saying our order was ready. I think my favorite thing that I had, besides my coffee, was the meat empanadas & the Dubai chocolate! This Cafe is seriously just the cutest, when you walk in you just see Greenery and all these beautiful modern decorations! After you place your order and walk through the doorway there's a large selfie mirror where you can take pictures with your friends and as you turn around there is a large cherry blossom tree right in the middle of the cafe! It's absolutely beautiful, you can even choose to sit around the tree in the tall stools that they have available! I can't say I've ever been in a coffee shop that was this beautiful! I absolutely love this Mexican cafe and we definitely will be returning!

A rare fun find in Peoria. I only knew this place existed off a random TikTok someone posted. I go out to east often & never knew about it! My daughter & I went for lunch on a Monday. Greeted right away and took time with the menu. Ordered the caprese panini and I would get that over and over again. Soo good and filling! We also had a empanada to start that was delicious and great side sauce. The chicken caesar salad had a good taste however it could’ve used twice as much lettuce and a little less chicken. The lettuce mixture is mixed greens, which is thin to begin with, but after many pieces of chicken with every bite of lettuce, we were left with a bowl full of chicken. Some might like that, personally just felt the lettuce portion felt short. Had a beer and a coffee drink. Total $50. We will be back again.

This place was shockingly OUTSTANDING. It’s located in a somewhat lonely spot with a beautiful view of the bridge/river. The staff is kind, smart and customer oriented. Their faire and environment is super creative and could match an upscale restaurant. I certainly hope they make this business a success!

I was so into the empanadas I forgot to take a photo! Honestly, some of the best I have ever had. Each empanada is unique, their drinks are so unique and their deserts, well, decadent. 10/10 you need to go!