Eat, Peoria!

El Mexicano is located at the intersection of Jefferson and Mary Streets, very near downtown. I had heard of it for some time, but never made the time to go there. I am so glad that I did.

First of all, I love “dives.” When I describe somewhere as a “dive,” most often it is in an endearing fashion. This place is that. Secondly, I am fairly certain that, food-wise anyway, I should have been born in Mexico or Central America. I can, and sometimes do, eat it everyday. Needless to say, I was excited.

The kitchen is about 2.5 times the size of the dining area, which has around eight tables; roughly four too many for the size. That said, the dining area is perfect as is.

I was there on a work day, right around lunch time. The dining area was full with all types. Some appeared as though they had just walked off the assembly line, others as though they had just stepped away from the judge’s bench from defending a client. It was not overly busy, but this is the type of place I can envision a line out the door, wrapping around the building.

Several local reviews are displayed throughout.

(Ratings explanation.)

  • Menu

    • Fairly extensive, though not as much as many Mexican joints. It is prominently displayed (with photos) on the front counter. All the favorites; all the necessities.

  • Food

    • Thoroughly enjoyable. Not the best Mexican food in town, but pretty close. Quite a bit of beef is used, which is not my favorite. I might give it a higher rating if i were to order with chicken. Almost too much food for lunch. Great.

  • Ambience

    • Dive: perfect for where I would expect to find good Mexican food.

  • Staff

    • Very nice and helpful, even at a busy period. Glad to serve.

  • Price

    • Right around the $5. Perfect for a good lunch from a local restaurant.

  • Return?

    • Without a doubt. Visit El Mexicano right away. I certainly will again.

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