A couple of week’s ago, contributing writer and photographer, Bob Gordon did a piece called, Peoria Before and After and one of the entries was the Pepe Taco building on University in Pioneer Park. I also posted the picture we used in that piece up on my facecrack page and it got a ton of responses (388 “likes” and 137 comments.) I think I had my first taco in that building, many moons ago after smoking about a half of kilo of pot in a used Pinto on a wayward Thursday night in my wild youth. It closed in 2005 (I think), but instead of staying empty or having a piece of shit chain store moving in, it’s still a local Mexican restaurant called, Los Jimadores. I thought I’d stop by today and stir up some Pepe Taco memories and see how much the place has changed since I was last there over a decade ago.
Okay, here we are at Los Jimadores. The building itself is just like the old Pepe Taco, let's go take a further look.
They serve Negra Modelo here, I love that beer but sadly it's just lunchtime and I have to be at work in a few hours, so no beer for me.
Here's the door, let's break on through to the other side.
Whoops-a-doozy, there's another door here. Okay, let's make a deal and do a Carol Merril and go through door number two.
Wow, it's decorated differently, but it still kind of looks the same as the old Pepe Taco. It feels like "Taco Tuesday" all over again.
Comfortable and sturdy wooden booths still line the walls, just like the old days.
Here's a shot of the main room from the front of the restaurant.
I love the hand-painted Mexican themed artwork on the walls in here.
Grifo de la caminata.
Here's the side room, off to the left of the main room. This hasn't changed much either and is the room I would usually sit in, back in the day. All this has changed though because the front counter area where you used to order is now...
A bar! And I always prefer to sit at the bar and this is a nice one!
Here's the view from my perch at the bar.
And here's friendly bartender Carlos with an iced tea. They have a lot of different margaritas offered up here, so I'll have to stop by on a non-work day and sample some of them.
Just like the walls, the bar is hand-painted with Mexican themes.
And as you can see, it's a well-stocked bar.
Here's a shot from the end of the bar.
This guy blows...sorry, couldn't help that one!
Here's Lalo, the friendly manager serving up some complimentary chips and salsa. Nice!
Everything here is made on the premises, these aren't chips out of a bag and they're really tasty. The salsa has a nice zing to it and is a perfect compliment for the chips. A great starter for today's lunch.
And here's the star of the day, the number five lunch special on the menu. It's a burrito, rice, taco combination and it looks great! Let's dig in.
The taco's here are outstanding! Crunchy and delicious.
The burrito is a real treat. It's packed with tangy seasoned beef, wrapped up in a light, soft tortilla and covered with house-made chili sauce and melted cheese. And best of all there's no beans inside. I hate beans and they don't belong in burritos or chili. I've had this argument with many people, but when it comes to burritos and real chili, you leave the beans out.
Okay, one look out the window and I'm gone like a cool breeze. While I miss Pepe Taco, I have to admit that Los Jimadores has done an outstanding job of filling the shoes of an old Peoria landmark. Now if only they'd bring back Taco Tuesdays all would be well in the world! See you all tomorrow. And hey...let's be careful out there!
Los Jimadores
7723 N University St
Peoria, IL 61614
309-689-9930
Further reading: Peoria Journal Star, Peoria Night Out and facecrack.
Happy Birthday To “Boris!”
It’s MBIP contributing writer/photographer, “Boris” Boden’s birthday today! Happy birthday, Daddio! Can’t wait for your next post! And don’t forget to listen to the “Secret Weapon” radio show on Woody Radio. “Boris” picks the tunes and DJ Gidget spins them, tune in today and I’m sure you’ll hear some birthday tributes to “Boris!”