Eat well in El Paso for under €15 a plate: the locals'-budget edition.
Eat well in El Paso for under €15 a plate: the places locals on a budget actually use.
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.
Cafe Mayapan on Texas Avenue serves a daily lunch plate with tamales, beans, and rice at community pricing under $10, making it the best-value traditional.
Order: Tamale plate with beans or the daily soup
Tip: The lunch plate changes daily; arrive before 13:00 to ensure full options are available.
El Jacalito on Myrtle Avenue runs a full breakfast and lunch under $10 per person, with migas, huevos rancheros, and breakfast tacos made to order.
Order: Migas plate or breakfast tacos with salsa
Tip: The combo plate with migas, beans, and rice runs about $8; the most economical sit-down breakfast downtown.
Tony's The Pit on Myrtle Avenue is El Paso's best-value BBQ address, serving mesquite-smoked brisket sandwiches and chopped beef plates under $12.
Order: Brisket sandwich or the chopped beef plate
Tip: The brisket sandwich with chips is the best deal; add a drink and lunch is done under $12.