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MexicanDowntown
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.
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SeafoodYsleta
Mariscos Los Mariachis on Alameda Avenue serves Mexican seafood with tableside salsa, fish tacos, shrimp cocktails, and fried octopus in a casual room.
OrderShrimp tacos with tableside salsa or the fried octopus
TipClosed Mondays; the fried octopus and shrimp cocktail are the boldest orders.
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MexicanEast El Paso
Los Bandidos de Carlos and Mickey's on Magruder Street serves classic El Paso Mexican with chimichangas, enchiladas, and prickly pear margaritas in a room.
OrderPrickly pear margarita with green chile enchiladas or chimichangas
TipThe prickly pear margarita is the local signature drink at this address.
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JapaneseEast El Paso
Gom Ramen on Hunter Drive is El Paso's most-noted ramen shop, serving rich broths and carefully balanced bowls that stand out in a city where Mexican.
OrderTonkotsu ramen with marinated soft-boiled egg
TipClosed Mondays; the tonkotsu is the richest bowl; choose your spice level at the counter.
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MexicanDowntown
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.
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ItalianFive Points
The Italian Kitchen on Pershing Drive has fed El Paso since 1948 with fettuccine alfredo, pepperoni pizza, and eggplant parmesan in large portions.
OrderFettuccine alfredo with chicken, or eggplant parmesan
TipPortions are large enough to split; the fried mushrooms are a reliable starter.