Looking for Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo? Check out these 26 Peoria-area restaurants

Cassidy Waigand, Journal Star
·10 min read

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner.

The May 5 holiday does not celebrate Mexican Independence Day, which falls on Sept. 16. Instead, Cinco de Mayo honors Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 against the French.

If you are looking for a way to celebrate, here are 26 Mexican restaurants to check out. Some offer unique takes on tacos, while others offer special Mexican dishes.

1. Blue Margaritas

Mauricio Martinez of Blue Margaritas Mexican Bar and Grill displays one of the drinks the Peoria restaurant at 9010 North Allen Road in the Prairie Pointe Shopping Center is famous for.
Mauricio Martinez of Blue Margaritas Mexican Bar and Grill displays one of the drinks the Peoria restaurant at 9010 North Allen Road in the Prairie Pointe Shopping Center is famous for.

Food: The restaurant offers tacos, burritos, ensaladas and more.

  • Lunch chimichanga: A chicken or beef-filled deep fried tortilla served with beans, rice, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese and sour cream for $9. Lunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Chile poblano: A poblano pepper filled with cheese and covered in egg batter. The dish is topped with tomatoes and sour cream and is served with flour tortillas, beans and rice for $11.50.

  • Molcajete: A bowl filled with carnitas, steak or grilled chicken, green or red salsa, avocado, onions and melted cheese. The dish is served with corn tortillas and rice for $17 but can be upgraded to chicken, steak and shrimp with cactus for $21.

Address: 9010 N. Allen Road, Peoria, and 661 N. Cummings Lane, WashingtonPhone: (309) 966-0783 and (309) 481-5363, respectively Website: https://bluemargaritas.com/

2. Casa de Arte

Carla Zamora-Vargas, left, and her husband, Arturo Vargas, are the co-owners of Casa de Arte, or "House of Art," a Mexican restaurant and bar that also serves as a gallery space for local artists. The couple opened the business in November of 2018 after purchasing the old building at 1227 SW Adams St. in Peoria's Warehouse District.
Carla Zamora-Vargas, left, and her husband, Arturo Vargas, are the co-owners of Casa de Arte, or "House of Art," a Mexican restaurant and bar that also serves as a gallery space for local artists. The couple opened the business in November of 2018 after purchasing the old building at 1227 SW Adams St. in Peoria's Warehouse District.

Food: Casa de Arte specializes in tacos, with options such as:

  • "Award winning" al pastor: A corn tortilla filled with pork soaked in a "homemade pineapple, spices and onion marinade" for $3 each.

  • Lengua: A corn tortilla filled with beef tongue meat steamed with garlic and onion for $5.

Address: 1227 SW Adams St., PeoriaPhone: (309) 839-2535Website: https://casadearte1227.com/

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3. Catrina’s Express

The 401 Water Street building in the Peoria Warehouse District, home to a new restaurant, Catrina's Express.
The 401 Water Street building in the Peoria Warehouse District, home to a new restaurant, Catrina's Express.

Food:

  • Taco combos: Two tacos served with rice and beans. Filling options include ground beef, grilled chicken, pork, steak and shrimp and range in price from $10.49 to $11.78.

  • Arroz con pollo: Grilled chicken on a bed of rice and topped with cheese sauce. The meal is served with three flour tortillas for $11.47.

Address: 401 SW Water St., PeoriaPhone: (309) 673-2233Website: https://www.facebook.com/catrinasexpress/

4. Cayenne

The smothered brisket burrito is on the menu at Cayenne, 4542 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights.
The smothered brisket burrito is on the menu at Cayenne, 4542 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights.

Food:

  • Smothered brisket burrito: A burrito with brisket, street corn, jalapeno, crispy potato strings, adobo sauce, chipotle mayo, queso fresco and Mexican cheese. The meal comes with rice and beans for $16.99.

  • "Pick Three" taco meal: Two tacos and one side for $14.99.

Address: 4542 N. Prospect Road, Peoria HeightsPhone: (309) 966-1035Website: http://cayennepeoria.com/

5. Cuco's Tacos

Food: The restaurant offers a variety of meats for its entrees. These include grilled steak, ground beef, chicken, pork, tongue and more. Entrees include items such as:

  • Tortas: A Mexican sandwich served with tomato, lettuce, cheese, crema, avocado and beans for $12. Premium meat options cost $1 extra.

  • Taco combo: Three tacos served with fries or rice and beans for $12. Customers can select elotes — Mexican street corn — as their side for an extra dollar.

Address: 2626 N. Sheridan Road, PeoriaPhone: (309) 643-1212Website: https://cucostacospeoria.com/welcome/

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6. El Mexicano Restaurant

El Mexicano Restaurant in Peoria serves burritos, tortas and more.
El Mexicano Restaurant in Peoria serves burritos, tortas and more.

Food:

  • Burrito ranchero: Steak, chicken or beef burrito served with lettuce, tomato, beans and cheese. The dish is topped with Mexican cheese, red or green salsa and sour cream for $9.99.

  • Torta: Meat options include beef, chicken, chorizo and more. The sandwich also is served with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, guacamole, cheese, beans and sour cream and starts at $6.99.

Address: 1520 NE Jefferson Ave., PeoriaPhone: (309) 636-8858Website: https://www.facebook.com/elmexicano2021/

7. El Molcajete Mexican Restaurant

Food:

  • Quesadilla fajita: Grilled meat, grilled onions and peppers, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and rice for $11.99.

  • Molcajete del Mar: A dish served with shrimp, fish, scallops, rice and avocados for $18.99.

  • Camarones Oaxaca: Grilled shrimp served on a bed of vegetables including carrots, broccoli, squash, zucchini, onions, peppers and cauliflower. The dish comes with a side salad, rice and warm tortillas for $13.99.

Address: 226 N. Fourth St., ChillicothePhone: (309) 274-4213Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elmolcajetemexican/

8. El Taco Loco

Food: The restaurant offers burritos, tortas, tostadas, tacos and more. Specialty tacos include items such as:

  • Azteca: The taco includes nopales, grilled onions, grilled steak and pinto beans for $3.75. Nopales are made from the prickly pear cactus.

  • Super Taco: The taco is served on pita bread and is filled with steak or al pastor, onion, cilantro, avocado sauce and sour cream for $7.50.

Address: 4325 N. Sheridan Road, PeoriaPhone: (309) 713-1933Website: http://eltacolocotogo.com/

9. Good Tequilas Mexican Grill

Good Tequilas opened in the building which once housed TNT's Sports Bar and Grill in Peoria Heights.
Good Tequilas opened in the building which once housed TNT's Sports Bar and Grill in Peoria Heights.

Food:

  • Huevos con chorizo: Mexican sausage and two scrambled eggs served with tortillas, rice and beans for $13.49.

  • Pollo Oaxaca: A dish which includes marinated chicken breast, melted cheese, a mix of vegetables and a bed of rice for $15.99.

Address: 5025 W. American Prairie Drive, Peoria, and 4319 N. Prospect Road, Peoria HeightsPhone: (309) 691-7822 and (309) 839-1368, respectively Website: https://www.goodtequilaspeoria.com/

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10. Hacienda el Mirador

A sauce, mole trina, is on the menu at Hacienda el Mirador, 5805 N. Humboldt Ave, Peoria, in Junction City.
A sauce, mole trina, is on the menu at Hacienda el Mirador, 5805 N. Humboldt Ave, Peoria, in Junction City.

Food:

  • Quesadillas with rice and beans: Two quesadillas with pastor, chicken, chorizo, steak or cheese for $12.99. Lunches are served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Huachinango: A plate of fried or grilled red snapper - either garlic or diablo flavored - served with pico de gallo, rice, beans and tortillas for $22.

Address: 5805 N. Humboldt Ave., PeoriaPhone: (309) 839-2820Website: https://www.haciendaelmiradorpeoria.com/

11. Hacienda Fuentes Mexican Grill & Cantina

Food:

  • Arroz loco: Steak, chicken, bacon, shrimp, cheese sauce and vegetables served on top of a bed of rice for $12.99.

  • Camarón Cancun: A dish with shrimp cooked with onions and jalapenos and served with pineapple pico de gallo, rice and beans for $12.79.

  • Carnitas dinner: A plate of fried pork, rice and beans for $11.89.

Address:  2912 Court St., PekinPhone: (309) 346-1610Website: https://www.haciendapekin.com/

12. Jalapeno's Metro Bar & Grill

Food:

  • Chimichangas: A beef filled tortilla with lettuce, guacamole, beans and sour cream for $13.99.

  • Arroz con marisco: A bed of rice topped with scallops and shrimp and served with lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, cheese and sauce for $17.99.

Address: 4700 N. University St., PeoriaPhone: (309) 691-3599Website: https://www.jalapenosmetro.com/

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13. Jimador Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Food:

  • Chori pollo: Chicken covered in cheese and chorizo. The dish is served with rice, beans, lettuce and flour tortillas for $13.25.

  • Tacos al pastor: Three pork-filled soft tacos with fresh pinapple and grilled onions. The dish is served with pico de gallo, rice and beans and spicy tomatillo sauce for $11.75.

Address: 1200 W. Main St., PeoriaPhone: (309) 495-9090Website: https://jimadormexican.com/

14. La Fiesta

Food: The restaurant offers fajitas, burritos, enchiladas and more. Favorites include dishes such as:

  • Roger's Special: Grilled chicken, shrimp and steak over rice and topped with cheese. The dish is served with tortillas for $14.

  • Mauricio's Special: Steak or grilled chicken topped with cheese on rice for $12.

  • Carnitas dinner: A plate with fried pork, jalapeno peppers, pico de gallo, rice and beans and tortillas for $15.

Address: 837 W. Jackson St., MortonPhone: (309) 263-7403Website: https://lafiestamorton.com

15. Lorena's Mexican Restaurant

Food:

  • Burrito roqueta: A soft tortilla filled with chicken, pico de gallo, lettuce, and cheese. The dish is served with rice and beans for $11.

  • Steak a la Tampiquena: A ribeye steak which is served with grilled onions on top. The plate comes with a guacamole salad, tortillas, rice and beans for $15.

Address: 422 Riverside Drive, East PeoriaPhone: (309) 698-6960Website: https://lorenasmexicanrestaurant.com/#

16. Los Cabos Cantina & Grill

The Los Cabos Pineapple Platter is on the menu at Los Cabos Cantina & Grill Peoria, 7800 N. Sommer St., Peoria.
The Los Cabos Pineapple Platter is on the menu at Los Cabos Cantina & Grill Peoria, 7800 N. Sommer St., Peoria.

Food:

  • Los Cabos pineapple platter: Grilled pineapple filled with grilled steak, shrimp and chicken, pineapple, onion and cheese. The dish is served with guacamole, lettuce, sour cream, rice and beans for $15.99.

  • Parrillada: Grilled shrimp, chicken, cactus, pork chop, carne asada and jalapeños. The dish also comes with sautéed onions, queso fresco, tortillas, rice and beans for $18.99.

Address: 7800 N. Sommer St. #106, PeoriaPhone: (309) 692-2710Website: https://www.loscabospeoria.com/

17. Mariachi Mexican Restaurant Bar and Grill

Food:

  • Camarones al mojo de ajo: Jumbo shrimp grilled with garlic butter and served with rice, pico de gallo, avocado and two flour tortillas for $16.99.

  • Fajitas quesadilla: A steak or chicken based fajita served inside of a quesadilla. The dish comes with guacamole salad, beans and sour cream for $12.75.

Address: 1818 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, and 1964 Freedom Parkway, WashingtonPhone: (309) 431-3109 and (309) 717-9311, respectivelyWebsite: https://mariachirestaurantofpeoria.com/

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18. Mi Familia Restaurant

Food: The restaurant offers enchiladas, fajitas, tortas and more.

Address: 2007 N. Wisconsin Ave. #2625, PeoriaPhone: (309) 685-8477Website: https://www.restaurantji.com/il/peoria/mi-familia-restaurant-/

19. Mi Ranchito

Food:

  • Carnitas: Marinated pork served with lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, rice, beans and tortillas for $11.99.

  • Speedy Gonzales: A lunch special with one taco and one enchilada for $6.50.

Address: 110 N. Magnolia St., ElmwoodPhone: (309) 742-6161Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mi-Ranchito-Elmwood/100083924394944/

20. Perico's Fast Tacos

Food: The restaurant offers tacos, tortas, burritos and quesadillas.

Address: 4203 N. Sterling Ave., PeoriaPhone: (309) 839-0856Website: https://www.facebook.com/pericosfast/

21. Rudy’s Mexican Cantina & Grill

Food:

  • Chiles Poblanos: Two cheese-filled peppers cooked in an egg batter, topped with red sauce and served with rice and refried beans for $14.50.

  • Arroz con mariscos: Grilled shrimp and scallops with cheese dip on top of rice and served with lettuce, sour cream, guacamole and tortillas for $16.99.

Address: 3311 N. Sterling Ave. Suite 20, PeoriaPhone: (309) 361-1894Website: https://www.rudysmexicancantinaandgrill.com/

22. Social Taco

Social Taco, located at 900 Riverside Dr., East Peoria, will bring tortilla diversity to central Illinois with a variety of Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean-inspired tacos.
Social Taco, located at 900 Riverside Dr., East Peoria, will bring tortilla diversity to central Illinois with a variety of Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean-inspired tacos.

Food:

  • Social Birria: Listed as the restaurant's "signature" taco, the social birria is $4.50. The taco is filled with birria - a tender, stew based beef — cilantro, onion and Mexican cheese. The tortilla is also dipped in the broth of the birria.

  • Fish and chips: A flour tortilla filled with slaw and beer-battered cod for $4.50.

Address: 900 Riverside Drive, East PeoriaPhone: (309) 966-2442Website: https://www.socialtacoil.com/

23. Sombrerito Mexican Restaurant

Food:

  • Chimichanga: Two soft or fried flour tortillas filled with beef tips, shredded beef or shredded chicken. The tortillas are then topped with red sauce, nacho cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole. The dish is served with beans for $12.

  • Alambres: A mix of vegetables, rice, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and lettuce. Customers can choose chicken, steak or shrimp for the dish, which costs $14.

Address: 111 W. Spring Creek Road, East PeoriaPhone: (309) 698-5420Website: https://somberitomexicanrestaurant.com/#

24. Tacos El Gallo

Jose Reteguin Jr., middle, and his sons Jose Reteguin III, left, and Osvaldo Reteguin opened Tacos El Gallo, 234 W. Camp Street in East Peoria, in May after their bakery business, El Gordo Bakery in Peoria, closed in September.
Jose Reteguin Jr., middle, and his sons Jose Reteguin III, left, and Osvaldo Reteguin opened Tacos El Gallo, 234 W. Camp Street in East Peoria, in May after their bakery business, El Gordo Bakery in Peoria, closed in September.

Food:

  • Tortas: Customers can select a chicken, breaded or grilled steak, marinated pork or Mexican sausage filling for $9.95. Tortas include cheese, onion, tomato, lettuce, beans, sour cream and mayonnaise.

  • Tacos: Served on a corn tortilla with onion and cilantro for $3.50 each. Fillings include chicken, grilled steak, chorizo, marinated pork and vegetarian. A steamed beef taco is $3.75.

Address: 234 W. Camp St., East PeoriaPhone: (309) 839-2151Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tacos-El-Gallo/100083370577560/

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25. Tequila's Mexican Bar & Grill

Food:

  • Famous taco salad: ground beef or shredded chicken, tomato, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream and tortilla strips served in a tortilla bowl for $10.50.

  • Molcajete chipotle: Spicy chipotle coated grilled chicken topped with cheese. Served with grilled onions, peppers, rice and tortillas for $15.50.

Address: 370 W. Washington St., East PeoriaPhone: (309) 694-2685Website: https://tequilasmexicanbarandgrill.com/

26. Taqueria Jalisco Antojitos Mexicanos

Luz Concileon, in the purple top, stands for a photo with her children Magnolia, Juan, Esther and Samantha (left to right). Concileon opened Taqueria Jalisco Antojitos Mexicanos to give her sons a business of their own one day.
Luz Concileon, in the purple top, stands for a photo with her children Magnolia, Juan, Esther and Samantha (left to right). Concileon opened Taqueria Jalisco Antojitos Mexicanos to give her sons a business of their own one day.

Food: The restaurant offers tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more.

  • Anay's Special: Chicken or steak, rice and melted cheese for $6.50.

  • Tamale dinner: Two tamales served with rice and beans for $9.99.

Address: Northwoods Mall at 2200 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Cinco de Mayo 2023: 26 restaurants to check out in Peoria, Illinois