Casa Pantera is a modern mexican restaurant in Five Points, El Paso.
Casa Pantera on Pershing Drive serves wood-fired contemporary Mexican in Five Points with premium beef and Oaxacan technique in an open grill kitchen.
Editorially verified June 26, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Must order: Mesquite-grilled octopus or the tomahawk steak with agave-morita chile glaze
Tip: Reserve online; the outdoor kitchen seating fills first on weekend evenings.
Address: 3015 Pershing Dr, El Paso, TX 79903
Cafe Central at 109 N Oregon St in downtown El Paso has operated since 1918 and holds a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, blending contemporary American.
Order: Miso Chilean sea bass or the grilled Angus tenderloin
Tip: Bar stays open until 02:00 on weekdays; dress code is business casual for dinner.
ELEMI on Eastlake Boulevard in east El Paso is the James Beard semifinalist taqueria of chef Emiliano Marentes, built around daily-ground heirloom corn.
Order: Handmade corn tortilla tacos made from daily-ground heirloom masa
Tip: Walk-ins welcome; parties over 10 call ahead. Worth the 20-minute drive from downtown.
Lamezze on North Stanton Street in downtown El Paso serves Mediterranean mezze, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and falafel in a bright space blending Levantine.
Order: Hummus with warm pita, charcoal-grilled kebabs, or the falafel plate
Tip: Good vegetarian options; opens early so it also works for breakfast mezze before museum visits.
Chico's Tacos is El Paso's most singular institution: rolled corn tacos submerged in seasoned tomato broth and topped with shredded cheese, served.
Order: Rolled tacos in tomato broth with shredded cheese
Tip: Cash only at all locations. Order a combination of tacos plus a tostada for the full experience.
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.
Order: Roasted cactus tacos or the pozole
Tip: Lunch only; closes at 15:00. Saturday opens at 08:00 for breakfast tamales and atole.
Mariscos Los Mariachis on Alameda Avenue serves Mexican seafood with tableside salsa, fish tacos, shrimp cocktails, and fried octopus in a casual room.
Order: Shrimp tacos with tableside salsa or the fried octopus
Tip: Closed Mondays; the fried octopus and shrimp cocktail are the boldest orders.
