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Located in the heart of Peoria’s riverfront, El Mirador en el Río brings you a taste of Latin America with a curated menu of handmade empanadas, fresh salads, gourmet paninis, and artisan coffee. Whether you’re stopping by for a bold espresso, a savory meal, or a refreshing cocktail, we offer an unforgettable experience filled with rich flavors and warm hospitality.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 110 Northeast Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: (309) 264-2351
Menu Photos
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Reviews
Isreal Evans
Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by Raam, the owner of this location, along with a few other partners whose names I unfortunately can’t recall at the moment, but they were all a pleasure to talk to.
Raam and his team provided excellent customer service, creating a welcoming atmosphere and an overall experience that was truly memorable.
When I asked what the most popular items on the menu were, Raam offered several recommendations. I decided to trust his suggestions and was delighted by the rich, flavorful taste of the pollo empanada. I also tried the Riverfront Sunset alcoholic beverage, which was just as enjoyable.
While waiting for our order, I learned that the business originated in Bolivia and that their high-quality, premium coffee beans are imported from Italy and Colombia, such a great touch that reflects their commitment to quality.
Once our order was ready, we entered the dining area, and to my surprise, it felt like discovering a hidden coffee shop with a secret entrance. The back lounge is absolutely captivating and has such a cozy, charming vibe.
I highly recommend this spot to anyone who loves a great coffee shop experience, definitely check it out for yourself!
Sn: parking is somewhat decent and it seems kid friendly as well.
… moreRaam and his team provided excellent customer service, creating a welcoming atmosphere and an overall experience that was truly memorable.
When I asked what the most popular items on the menu were, Raam offered several recommendations. I decided to trust his suggestions and was delighted by the rich, flavorful taste of the pollo empanada. I also tried the Riverfront Sunset alcoholic beverage, which was just as enjoyable.
While waiting for our order, I learned that the business originated in Bolivia and that their high-quality, premium coffee beans are imported from Italy and Colombia, such a great touch that reflects their commitment to quality.
Once our order was ready, we entered the dining area, and to my surprise, it felt like discovering a hidden coffee shop with a secret entrance. The back lounge is absolutely captivating and has such a cozy, charming vibe.
I highly recommend this spot to anyone who loves a great coffee shop experience, definitely check it out for yourself!
Sn: parking is somewhat decent and it seems kid friendly as well.
Jen Benningfield
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.
… moreHelen Sample
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!
… morekelle williams
Hi Peoria
You know I had to try out this new riverfront Latin-inspired coffee house!!
Here’s the thing… I really want to love it, and will try it again, HOWEVER, I spent almost $40 (with tax and tip) on two iced coffee drinks and two small empanadas. The decor and packaging at this coffee house are very upscale.
So, let’s get down to taste…
The iced latte with vanilla and oat milk was great! I will gladly pay for another one!
The spinach and cheese empanada by itself lacked flavor, but their yogurt sauce is phenomenal (side note: they were out of the guava sauce which hurt my heart, so I will be praying for it’s return).
The saltena de Pollo empanada was pretty good, and paired with the jalapeño sauce made it even better! The crust on the empanadas is more like a pizza dough than traditional empanada crust, so if you’re looking for the crisp it’s not there. That said, I didn’t mind it.
This place is a great addition to Peoria, so I encourage you to try it out. I’ll go back and try a different drink, or one of their many dessert options. Check out the pics – see for yourself
UPDATE: Had a wonderful experience at El Mirador during First Friday! My hubby and I just wanted a snack and caffeine, but stumbled in during an art event. The dessert and drinks were awesome, and they brought the guava sauce back for the beef empanada. I was a happy customer today!
… moreYou know I had to try out this new riverfront Latin-inspired coffee house!!
Here’s the thing… I really want to love it, and will try it again, HOWEVER, I spent almost $40 (with tax and tip) on two iced coffee drinks and two small empanadas. The decor and packaging at this coffee house are very upscale.
So, let’s get down to taste…
The iced latte with vanilla and oat milk was great! I will gladly pay for another one!
The spinach and cheese empanada by itself lacked flavor, but their yogurt sauce is phenomenal (side note: they were out of the guava sauce which hurt my heart, so I will be praying for it’s return).
The saltena de Pollo empanada was pretty good, and paired with the jalapeño sauce made it even better! The crust on the empanadas is more like a pizza dough than traditional empanada crust, so if you’re looking for the crisp it’s not there. That said, I didn’t mind it.
This place is a great addition to Peoria, so I encourage you to try it out. I’ll go back and try a different drink, or one of their many dessert options. Check out the pics – see for yourself
UPDATE: Had a wonderful experience at El Mirador during First Friday! My hubby and I just wanted a snack and caffeine, but stumbled in during an art event. The dessert and drinks were awesome, and they brought the guava sauce back for the beef empanada. I was a happy customer today!
Via A
This place added their own tip to my bill after I explicitly selected “NO TIP.” The cashier had already rung in a tip with my order, and then the payment screen prompted me to tip again. The prices are already inflated, so this felt extremely greedy and deceptive.
Salad: $15
Hot-pocket-style item: $8 (this was the only decent item)
Panini: $12
Chocolate cake: $10
Canned Soda $5
The total came to $63 with tax and their added tip, which I believe is illegal in Illinois unless it’s clearly labeled as a service charge. I like to add my own tip preferably at the end once I see how the service is. There was no service and they should invest in a tip jar instead like most places without waiters.
On top of that, the panini tasted like it had a chemical or artificial aftertaste, so I threw it away.
Overall, it’s overly hyped. The ambiance is nice, but the food quality and billing practices are not worth it. Beware and always check your bill. I won’t be returning.
… moreSalad: $15
Hot-pocket-style item: $8 (this was the only decent item)
Panini: $12
Chocolate cake: $10
Canned Soda $5
The total came to $63 with tax and their added tip, which I believe is illegal in Illinois unless it’s clearly labeled as a service charge. I like to add my own tip preferably at the end once I see how the service is. There was no service and they should invest in a tip jar instead like most places without waiters.
On top of that, the panini tasted like it had a chemical or artificial aftertaste, so I threw it away.
Overall, it’s overly hyped. The ambiance is nice, but the food quality and billing practices are not worth it. Beware and always check your bill. I won’t be returning.
ᗰคгรєlค ᗰ.
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!
… moreThis 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!
Nikki Yeazel
Caprese panini was delicious as was the supreme latte! Service was wonderful and the selection of sweets and empanadas was sooo tasty looking. Great atmosphere. Will be back.
… moreChris Zel
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!
… moreRobin Ragan
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.!
… moreMarleana Watts
Such a hidden gem! The empanadas are amazing and juicy and the coffee was delicious. The sauces paired perfectly with the empanadas and everything was fresh and homemade. Will definitely be back!
… more