Bistros, trattorias and the everyday rooms where El Paso actually eats.
Bistros, trattorias, taverns and neighbourhood rooms: the mid-tier places where El Paso actually eats.
Kiki's Mexican Restaurant on North Piedras Street is the definitive machaca destination in El Paso, serving braised brisket scrambled with eggs and Hatch.
Order: Brisket machaca with scrambled eggs and green chile
Tip: Closed Tuesdays. The green chile content changes by season; August through November is prime.
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.
Cafe Mayapan on Texas Avenue, run by La Mujer Obrera, serves pre-Hispanic Mexican including cactus dishes, tamales, and pozole in a community room.
Order: Nopales tacos or the roasted corn pozole
Tip: Lunch only, closes at 15:00. The Saturday breakfast with tamales and atole starts at 08:00.
The Italian Kitchen on Pershing Drive has served El Paso since 1948 with fettuccine alfredo, pepperoni pizza, and eggplant parmesan in large portions.
Order: Fettuccine alfredo or eggplant parmesan
Tip: Split a pasta as a starter; portions are generous enough for two to share.
Gom Ramen on Hunter Drive is El Paso's leading ramen specialist, offering rich tonkotsu, shoyu, and vegetarian broths in a city where the noodle shop.
Order: Tonkotsu ramen with soft-boiled egg and chashu pork
Tip: Closed Mondays; the miso ramen with corn is the best vegetarian option.
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.
Lamezze on North Stanton Street in downtown El Paso serves mezze, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and falafel with a bright Levantine-Borderplex aesthetic, open.
Order: Hummus with warm pita and charcoal kebabs
Tip: Good vegetarian spread at brunch; the falafel plate with tahini and pickled vegetables is the best plant-based order.
Crave Kitchen on Cincinnati Avenue runs breakfast through dinner daily, serving New American plates with a Southwest green chile accent at all-day hours.
Order: Green chile burger or breakfast tacos
Tip: All-day menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options; the most convenient downtown spot for hotel guests.
Tony's The Pit Bar-B-Q on Myrtle Avenue is El Paso's classic barbecue address, with mesquite-smoked brisket, pork ribs, and sausage served in a no-frills.
Order: Brisket sliced plate with jalopy pickled onions, or the pork ribs
Tip: Popular cuts sell out; arrive by 13:00 for the full selection.
The Hoppy Monk on North Mesa Street is El Paso's leading gastropub, with a rotating craft beer list, whiskey wall, and bar food for all-evening grazing.
Order: Cheese board with a regional craft beer flight, or the green chile burger
Tip: 21-plus after 19:00. Sunday opens at 11:00 for early-afternoon pints.
El Jacalito on Myrtle Avenue is a breakfast-and-lunch spot celebrated for its migas and classic Mexican egg dishes, served under a colourful painted mural.
Order: Migas plate or huevos a la mexicana with salsa
Tip: Closes at 15:00; get here before noon on weekends as the line builds quickly.
Los Bandidos de Carlos and Mickey's on Magruder Street serves classic El Paso Mexican: generous chimichanga plates, prickly pear margaritas, borderland decor.
Order: Chimichangas or prickly pear margarita with green chile enchiladas
Tip: The prickly pear margarita is the house signature; ask for it on the rocks, not blended.