By Gretchen Pahia
Photos Courtesy of Mochilero Kitchen

North Peoria is home to several great spots to grab a bite to eat but one local spot that is a must-check out is Mochilero Kitchen. Mochilero Kitchen, located on Happy Valley Road just west of 67th Avenue, is a family-owned restaurant where visitors will find traditional Mexican dishes such as a variety of tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and much more. Chef Jorge Cota and his sister Meliza Miranda created Mochilero Kitchen a few years ago amid the Covid-19 pandemic and it has become a hot spot in the neighborhood.
Some popular dishes you will find on the menu include their Mochilero Mole, Sonoran hot dog, steak picadillo, and Papa Brava Taco. They also offer an amazing weekend brunch menu which includes a breakfast burrito, avocado toast, churro waffles, and more. And let’s not forget the younger members of the family, as Mochilero has a kids’ menu which offers a bean burrito, short rib taco, and quesadilla. For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages, there are several premium handcrafted cocktails and spirits to choose from, as well as several non-alcoholic options.
Officials with the city of Peoria are also big fans of the restaurant. Mayor Cathy Carlat named Mochilero Kitchen as the Mayor’s Restaurant of the Month in January 2022.

Each meal and dish offered by Chef Cota and his team is made from scratch and includes top ingredients, meats, and farm-fresh produce.

If you haven’t had a chance to stop by Mochilero Kitchen yet, it should be on your short list of restaurants to check out in the North Peoria area. Open seven days a week, the restaurant offers dining inside and a patio outside. As we approach the holidays, residents might be looking for great catering options and bigger meals. Look no further, Mochilero Kitchen offers dependable catering options for a variety of different groups.

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information on location, menu offerings, and any dining specials, visit mochilerokitchen.com or call 623-440-5588.