Mediterranean$$DowntownMon-Thu 07:30-20:00; Fri 07:30-21:00; Sat 08:00-21:00; Sun 08:00-15:00
Lamezze on North Stanton Street in downtown El Paso serves mezze, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and falafel with a bright Levantine-Borderplex aesthetic, open.
Order: Hummus with warm pita and charcoal kebabs
Tip: Good vegetarian spread at brunch; the falafel plate with tahini and pickled vegetables is the best plant-based order.
New American$$DowntownMon-Thu 07:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 07:00-22:00; Sun 07:00-21:00
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.
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.