The oldest continuously settled community in Texas, home to Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and the Tigua people, with traditional bread baking and chile cultivation tied to the historic mission.
Chico's Tacos is El Paso's most singular institution: rolled corn tacos submerged in seasoned tomato broth and topped with shredded cheese, served.
Order: Rolled tacos in tomato broth with shredded cheese
Tip: Cash only at all locations. Order a combination of tacos plus a tostada for the full experience.
Mariscos Los Mariachis on Alameda Avenue serves Mexican seafood with tableside salsa, fish tacos, shrimp cocktails, and fried octopus in a casual room.
Order: Shrimp tacos with tableside salsa or the fried octopus
Tip: Closed Mondays; the fried octopus and shrimp cocktail are the boldest orders.
Chico's Tacos is El Paso's most singular street institution: rolled corn tacos submerged in tomato broth and blanketed with shredded cheese, cash-only.
Order: Rolled tacos in tomato broth with shredded cheese
Tip: Cash only. The late-night crowd peaks after midnight on weekends.
Mariscos Los Mariachis on Alameda serves Mexican-style seafood with tableside salsa, shrimp cocktails, fish tacos, and fried octopus in a bright room.
Order: Shrimp tacos with tableside salsa verde, or the campechana cocktail
Tip: Ask for the tableside salsa preparation; the green version with tomatillo is the best match for fish tacos.
La Colonial Tortilla Factory on Paisano Drive is one of El Paso's oldest tortilla producers, pressing handmade flour and corn tortillas daily alongside.
Order: Fresh-pressed flour tortilla burrito with brisket
Tip: Arrive early; the burrito line builds by 08:00 and the brisket sells out by 11:00.
DeadBeach Brewery taproom on Durazno Avenue pours 20-plus house beers from lagered to barrel-aged, the heart of El Paso's craft beer scene since 2024.
Order: El Paso Lager or the Desert Prickly Pear seasonal
Tip: The prickly pear seasonal is only available August through October; ask if still on tap.
Chico's Tacos is El Paso's defining street-food experience: rolled corn tacos submerged in a spiced tomato broth and topped with shredded cheese, ordered.
Order: Rolled tacos in tomato broth with shredded cheese
Tip: Cash only. The tomato broth is the whole point; do not ask for it on the side.
La Colonial Tortilla Factory on Paisano Drive has been pressing handmade flour and corn tortillas since the 1940s, wrapping them around brisket and bean.
Order: Brisket burrito with fresh-pressed flour tortilla
Tip: The brisket sells out before 11:00; order when you arrive, not when you plan to eat.
DeadBeach Brewery on Durazno Avenue produces Mexican-influenced lagers, IPAs, and stouts with seasonal releases; El Paso's flagship craft brewer since 2024.
Order: El Paso Lager or the Desert Prickly Pear seasonal
Tip: The prickly pear seasonal is only available August through October. The taproom fills on Friday evenings from 18:00.
Chico's Tacos on Alameda Avenue feeds most people under $7 with rolled tacos in tomato broth served cash-only, the most iconic budget meal in El Paso.
Order: Plate of rolled tacos in tomato broth with cheese
Tip: Cash only; the standard plate of six tacos plus broth is enough for one person.
La Colonial Tortilla Factory on Paisano Drive makes the best-value brisket burrito in El Paso: fresh-pressed flour tortilla with braised brisket under $8.
Order: Brisket burrito in a handmade flour tortilla
Tip: Arrive by 08:00 for the brisket; later arrivals may find only bean and cheese options left.
Chico's Tacos on Alameda Avenue is El Paso's definitive late-night institution, serving rolled tacos in tomato broth until 23:30 every night, drawing.
Order: Rolled tacos in tomato broth with cheese
Tip: Multiple locations operate late; the Alameda Avenue location is the most accessible from downtown and the one listed here.
Chico's Tacos is El Paso's most important late-night institution: a cash-only counter restaurant serving rolled tacos in tomato broth until 23:30 nightly, packed from midnight onward with after-bar crowds and night workers.
Order: Plate of rolled tacos in tomato broth
Tip: The loudest, most alive table in El Paso after 23:00. Cash only, no exceptions.