Rio Mirage Cafe y Cantina

The small city of El Mirage, sandwiched between Sun City and Surprise, doesn’t have very many locally owned places to eat. But there you’ll find Rio Mirage Café y Cantina, a spot with Mexican staples as well as one of the best brunches in the Valley. Full of Latin flavor, breakfast includes chorizo con huevos, chile rellenos, machaca, and a glass of sparkling champagne. There’s also red menudo, light on the hominy but packed with beef stomach and a slightly thickened red sauce. To seal the already-awesome deal, fresh-off-the-grill, piping hot tortillas are served in a woven basket. Other times of the day the food is just as impressive, including classics like chips and salsa, a build-your-own taco station, and sizzling fajitas served with fresh guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, refried beans, rice, and tortillas. Finish off the meal with pan dulce, a sugar-coated handmade sopapilla made to order, or a churro stuffed with apple or caramel filling.