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 ★ 4.5
Ysleta · 4230 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905
Chico's Tacos is El Paso's most singular institution: rolled corn tacos submerged in seasoned tomato broth and topped with shredded cheese, served.
Tip: Cash only at all locations. Order a combination of tacos plus a tostada for the full experience.
Chico's Tacos ★ 4.5
Ysleta · 4230 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905
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.
Tip: Cash only. The late-night crowd peaks after midnight on weekends.
La Colonial Tortilla Factory ★ 4.5
Ysleta · 228 Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79901
La Colonial Tortilla Factory on Paisano Drive is one of El Paso's oldest tortilla producers, pressing handmade flour and corn tortillas daily alongside.
Tip: Arrive early; the burrito line builds by 08:00 and the brisket sells out by 11:00.
Chico's Tacos ★ 4.5
Ysleta · 4230 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905
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.
Tip: Cash only. The tomato broth is the whole point; do not ask for it on the side.
La Colonial Tortilla Factory ★ 4.5
Ysleta · 228 Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79901
La Colonial Tortilla Factory on Paisano Drive has been pressing handmade flour and corn tortillas since the 1940s, wrapping them around brisket and bean.
Tip: The brisket sells out before 11:00; order when you arrive, not when you plan to eat.
Chico's Tacos ★ 4.5
Ysleta · 4230 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905
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.
Tip: Multiple locations operate late; the Alameda Avenue location is the most accessible from downtown and the one listed here.
Chico's Tacos ★ 4.5
Ysleta · 4230 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905
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.
Tip: Cash only; the standard plate of six tacos plus broth is enough for one person.
La Colonial Tortilla Factory ★ 4.5
Ysleta · 228 Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Arrive by 08:00 for the brisket; later arrivals may find only bean and cheese options left.
Cafe Mayapan ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2000 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Lunch only; closes at 15:00. Saturday opens at 08:00 for breakfast tamales and atole.
El Jacalito ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2130 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Closes at 15:00; order migas for the quintessential El Paso morning plate.
Cafe Mayapan ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2000 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Cafe Mayapan on Texas Avenue, run by La Mujer Obrera, serves pre-Hispanic Mexican including cactus dishes, tamales, and pozole in a community room.
Tip: Lunch only, closes at 15:00. The Saturday breakfast with tamales and atole starts at 08:00.
El Jacalito ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2130 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Closes at 15:00; get here before noon on weekends as the line builds quickly.
Cafe Con Leche ★ 4.2
Five Points · 2430 Wyoming Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Cash preferred; the conchas and polvorones sell out by 10:00 on weekends.
El Jacalito ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2130 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: The migas breakfast burrito is the portable version; perfect for eating while walking downtown.
Cafe Mayapan ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2000 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Cafe Mayapan on Texas Avenue serves pre-Hispanic Mexican street food traditions including nopales (cactus) tacos, tamales, and atole from a community.
Tip: Saturday 08:00-15:00 is the tamale and atole breakfast; the most distinctive morning experience in El Paso.
Cafe Mayapan ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2000 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Look for the La Mujer Obrera entrance on Texas Avenue; the cafe is inside the building. Saturday 08:00 for tamales and atole.
Cafe Mayapan ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2000 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: The lunch plate changes daily; arrive before 13:00 to ensure full options are available.
El Jacalito ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2130 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: The combo plate with migas, beans, and rice runs about $8; the most economical sit-down breakfast downtown.
El Jacalito ★ 4.2
Downtown · 2130 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Open 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 ★ 4.1
Downtown · 1700 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Get there by 13:00 because popular cuts sell out before the evening push.
Tony's The Pit Bar-B-Q ★ 4.1
Downtown · 1700 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Popular cuts sell out; arrive by 13:00 for the full selection.
La Mejor Tortilleria ★ 4.1
Five Points · 2500 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79930
La Mejor Tortilleria on North Piedras Street is a Five Points panaderia producing traditional pan dulce including conchas, polvorones, and elotes, plus.
Tip: Sunday pan dulce sells out by 10:00; arrive before 09:00 for the full selection.
Tony's The Pit Bar-B-Q ★ 4.1
Downtown · 1700 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: Brisket 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 Bar-B-Q ★ 4.1
Downtown · 1700 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
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.
Tip: The brisket sandwich with chips is the best deal; add a drink and lunch is done under $12.
Viejo ★ 4.0
Downtown · 200 N Stanton St, El Paso, TX 79901
Viejo on North Stanton Street serves Mexican-inspired coffee: iced coffee in a plastic bag, horchata lattes, and colourful borderland murals throughout.
Tip: The coffee-in-a-bag is an El Paso street tradition; Viejo offers the cleanest downtown version.
Su-Casa Restaurant ★ 3.7
Kern Place · 2030 Yandell Dr, El Paso, TX 79903
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.
Tip: Consistent neighbourhood kitchen; generous portions and cash is preferred.