Mexican$DowntownMon-Fri 11:00-15:00; Sat 08:00-15:00
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.
Seafood$$YsletaTue-Sun 10:00-21:00
Mariscos Los Mariachis on Alameda Avenue serves Mexican seafood with tableside salsa, fish tacos, shrimp cocktails, and fried octopus in a casual room.
Order: Shrimp tacos with tableside salsa or the fried octopus
Tip: Closed Mondays; the fried octopus and shrimp cocktail are the boldest orders.
Mexican$$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 with chimichangas, enchiladas, and prickly pear margaritas in a room.
Order: Prickly pear margarita with green chile enchiladas or chimichangas
Tip: The prickly pear margarita is the local signature drink at this address.
Japanese$$East El PasoTue-Sun 11:00-21:00
Gom Ramen on Hunter Drive is El Paso's most-noted ramen shop, serving rich broths and carefully balanced bowls that stand out in a city where Mexican.
Order: Tonkotsu ramen with marinated soft-boiled egg
Tip: Closed Mondays; the tonkotsu is the richest bowl; choose your spice level at the counter.
Mexican$DowntownTue-Sun 07:00-15:00
El Jacalito on Myrtle Avenue is a breakfast-and-lunch-only address celebrated for migas plates and authentic Mexican home cooking served under a painted.
Order: Migas plate or huevos rancheros
Tip: Closes at 15:00; order migas for the quintessential El Paso morning plate.
Italian$$Five PointsTue-Sun 11:00-21:00
The Italian Kitchen on Pershing Drive has fed El Paso since 1948 with fettuccine alfredo, pepperoni pizza, and eggplant parmesan in large portions.
Order: Fettuccine alfredo with chicken, or eggplant parmesan
Tip: Portions are large enough to split; the fried mushrooms are a reliable starter.