Students in search of a study break and a good snack can mosey on down to the Panaderia Ortiz Bakery located in downtown Peoria about 10 minutes from campus.
According to Bernardo Ortiz, co-owner of the bakery, Panaderia Ortiz is family-owned. Ortiz started the shop three years ago with his wife.
Bedecked with murals and posters inside and out, Panaderia Ortiz offers a family-friendly atmosphere and delicious snacks such as cheesecake, cookies and flan.
“All the sweets are homemade,” Ortiz said. “The elephant ears are very good, and they’re my favorite. They’re made with pecans and lots of brown sugar.”
Although Panaderia Ortiz has only been open for a few years, the bakery was an idea in Ortiz’s mind long before.
“I had a friend, and he knew how to make sweets, so he taught me how to bake for about two years before we opened,” Ortiz said. “I had a very good teacher.”
burritos, and is located about 10 minutes from campus. Photo by Maddie Gehling.
In addition to pastries and desserts lining the walls, Panaderia Ortiz also serves meals such as tacos and burritos.
“The tacos and burritos are phenomenal, service is prompt and attentive, and the salsas are ridiculously good,” one Yelp reviewer said.
Other snack foods and sweets are specifically made for the changing seasons.
“We make special cookies for Halloween, and then we do other sweets for Christmas,” Ortiz said. “Something festive for each holiday.”
Panaderia Ortiz is located at 1404 Northeast Monroe Street. More information on the bakery can be found at the Panaderia Ortiz Facebook page.
