26 editor picks in El Paso.
26 cheap eats places in El Paso, editor-picked. the best low-budget spots in El Paso: the places editors actually return to. All El Paso food.
Chico's Tacos is El Paso's most singular institution: rolled corn tacos submerged in seasoned tomato broth and topped with shredded cheese, served.
OrderRolled tacos in tomato broth with shredded cheese
TipCash only at all locations. Order a combination of tacos plus a tostada for the full experience.
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.
OrderRolled tacos in tomato broth with shredded cheese
TipCash only. The late-night crowd peaks after midnight on weekends.
La Colonial Tortilla Factory on Paisano Drive is one of El Paso's oldest tortilla producers, pressing handmade flour and corn tortillas daily alongside.
OrderFresh-pressed flour tortilla burrito with brisket
TipArrive early; the burrito line builds by 08:00 and the brisket sells out by 11:00.
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.
OrderRolled tacos in tomato broth with shredded cheese
TipCash 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.
OrderBrisket burrito with fresh-pressed flour tortilla
TipThe brisket sells out before 11:00; order when you arrive, not when you plan to eat.
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.
OrderRolled tacos in tomato broth with cheese
TipMultiple locations operate late; the Alameda Avenue location is the most accessible from downtown and the one listed here.
Chico's Tacos on Alameda Avenue feeds most people under $7 with rolled tacos in tomato broth served cash-only, the most signature budget meal in El Paso.
OrderPlate of rolled tacos in tomato broth with cheese
TipCash 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.
OrderBrisket burrito in a handmade flour tortilla
TipArrive by 08:00 for the brisket; later arrivals may find only bean and cheese options left.
Cafe Mayapan on Texas Avenue, run by La Mujer Obrera since 2001, serves pre-Hispanic dishes including nopales tacos, tamales, and pozole made in-house.
OrderRoasted cactus tacos or the pozole
TipLunch only; closes at 15:00. Saturday opens at 08:00 for breakfast tamales and atole.
El Jacalito on Myrtle Avenue is a breakfast-and-lunch-only address celebrated for migas plates and authentic Mexican home cooking served under a painted.
OrderMigas plate or huevos rancheros
TipCloses at 15:00; order migas for the quintessential El Paso morning plate.
Cafe Mayapan on Texas Avenue, run by La Mujer Obrera, serves pre-Hispanic Mexican including cactus dishes, tamales, and pozole in a community room.
OrderNopales tacos or the roasted corn pozole
TipLunch only, closes at 15:00. The Saturday breakfast with tamales and atole starts at 08:00.
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.
OrderMigas plate or huevos a la mexicana with salsa
TipCloses at 15:00; get here before noon on weekends as the line builds quickly.
Cafe Con Leche in Five Points on Wyoming Avenue serves pan dulce baked in-house and cafe de olla, the traditional Mexican cinnamon-spiced coffee, in a small.
OrderPan dulce assortment with a cafe de olla
TipCash preferred; the conchas and polvorones sell out by 10:00 on weekends.
El Jacalito on Myrtle Avenue serves El Paso's quintessential morning street food: migas with scrambled eggs, crispy tortilla strips, salsa, all for under $9.
OrderMigas plate or breakfast burrito with migas
TipThe migas breakfast burrito is the portable version; perfect for eating while walking downtown.
Cafe Mayapan on Texas Avenue serves pre-Hispanic Mexican street food traditions including nopales (cactus) tacos, tamales, and atole from a community.
OrderNopales taco or the tamale plate at Saturday breakfast
TipSaturday 08:00-15:00 is the tamale and atole breakfast; the most distinctive morning experience in El Paso.
Cafe Mayapan at La Mujer Obrera community centre on Texas Avenue is El Paso's best-kept culinary secret, serving pre-Hispanic dishes including nopales.
OrderNopales taco or tamales with atole on Saturday mornings
TipLook for the La Mujer Obrera entrance on Texas Avenue; the cafe is inside the building. Saturday 08:00 for tamales and atole.
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.
OrderTamale plate with beans or the daily soup
TipThe 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.
OrderMigas plate or breakfast tacos with salsa
TipThe combo plate with migas, beans, and rice runs about $8; the most economical sit-down breakfast downtown.
El Jacalito on Myrtle Avenue is the best budget brunch in downtown El Paso, serving migas, chorizo, and classic Mexican egg plates from 07:00 daily.
OrderMigas plate or chorizo con huevos with fresh tortilla
TipOpen at 07:00 which is earlier than most downtown spots; the migas here are El Paso morning eating at its most authentic.
Tony's The Pit Bar-B-Q on Myrtle Avenue is El Paso's classic barbecue address, with mesquite-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage since the 1970s.
OrderBrisket sandwich or the pork ribs
TipGet there by 13:00 because popular cuts sell out before the evening push.
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.
OrderBrisket sliced plate with jalopy pickled onions, or the pork ribs
TipPopular cuts sell out; arrive by 13:00 for the full selection.
La Mejor Tortilleria on North Piedras Street is a Five Points panaderia producing traditional pan dulce including conchas, polvorones, and elotes, plus.
OrderConchas or polvorones with cafe de olla
TipSunday pan dulce sells out by 10:00; arrive before 09:00 for the full selection.
Tony's The Pit on Myrtle Avenue serves mesquite-smoked brisket sandwiches at walk-up prices: the most accessible barbecue counter in downtown El Paso.
OrderBrisket sandwich or the chopped beef plate
TipBrisket is smoked from the night before and ready at opening; the early-afternoon run on brisket leaves slim pickings by 15:00.
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.
OrderBrisket sandwich or the chopped beef plate
TipThe brisket sandwich with chips is the best deal; add a drink and lunch is done under $12.
Viejo on North Stanton Street serves Mexican-inspired coffee: iced coffee in a plastic bag, horchata lattes, and colourful borderland murals throughout.
OrderIced coffee in a bag (traditional Mexican style) or the horchata latte
TipThe coffee-in-a-bag is an El Paso street tradition; Viejo offers the cleanest downtown version.
Su-Casa Restaurant on Yandell Drive is a neighbourhood Mexican staple, serving gordita plates, enchiladas, and tacos at everyday prices in a low-key local.
OrderGordita plate with beans and rice, or green chile enchiladas
TipConsistent neighbourhood kitchen; generous portions and cash is preferred.
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