American BBQ$DowntownTue-Sun 11:00-20:00
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.
New American$$Kern PlaceWed-Thu 16:00-00:00; Fri-Sat 12:00-02:00; Sun 11:00-22:00
The Hoppy Monk on North Mesa Street is El Paso's leading gastropub, with a rotating craft beer list, whiskey wall, and bar food for all-evening grazing.
Order: Cheese board with a regional craft beer flight, or the green chile burger
Tip: 21-plus after 19:00. Sunday opens at 11:00 for early-afternoon pints.
Mexican$DowntownTue-Sun 07:00-15:00
El Jacalito on Myrtle Avenue is a breakfast-and-lunch spot celebrated for its migas and classic Mexican egg dishes, served under a colourful painted mural.
Order: Migas plate or huevos a la mexicana with salsa
Tip: Closes at 15:00; get here before noon on weekends as the line builds quickly.
Mexican$$East El PasoMon-Thu 11:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-21:00
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.
Mexican$$Five PointsMon 10:30-21:00; Tue closed; Wed-Sun 10:30-21:00
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.
Mexican$YsletaDaily 10:00-23:30
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.