Modern Mexican$$$DowntownSun-Wed 06:00-22:00; Thu-Sat 06:00-23:00
Ambar Restaurante at the Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park in El Paso grills over open wood flames, holding over 1,100 agave spirits behind a two-story amber bar.
Order: Wood-grilled whole asado with handmade tortillas, or the fresh ceviche
Tip: Thursday 19:00-21:00 live jazz; Saturday and Sunday brunch with live music 11:00-14:00. Book via Resy.
American$$$DowntownBistro Mon-Thu 11:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00; Sun 11:00-20:00. Upstairs Mon-Thu 17:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00
Anson 11 on North Oregon Street in downtown El Paso runs two dining rooms: a ground-floor bistro for casual meals, and an upstairs room for prime steaks.
Order: Prime ribeye upstairs, or the bistro cheeseburger at lunch
Tip: Book the upstairs via the website for dinner; the downstairs bistro takes walk-ins for lunch.
Modern Mexican$$$Five PointsTue-Thu 17:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00; Sun 16:00-21:00
Casa Pantera on Pershing Drive serves wood-fired contemporary Mexican in Five Points with premium beef and Oaxacan technique in an open grill kitchen.
Order: Mesquite-grilled octopus or the tomahawk steak with agave-morita chile glaze
Tip: Reserve online; the outdoor kitchen seating fills first on weekend evenings.
New American$$$DowntownMon-Thu 11:00-22:00; Fri 11:00-23:00; Sat 10:30-23:00; Sun closed
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.
Taqueria$$East El PasoTue-Sat 11:00-21:00
ELEMI on Eastlake Boulevard in east El Paso is the James Beard semifinalist taqueria of chef Emiliano Marentes, built around daily-ground heirloom corn.
Order: Handmade corn tortilla tacos made from daily-ground heirloom masa
Tip: Walk-ins welcome; parties over 10 call ahead. Worth the 20-minute drive from downtown.
Mediterranean$$DowntownMon-Thu 07:30-20:00; Fri 07:30-21:00; Sat 08:00-21:00; Sun 08:00-15:00
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.