12 restaurants in El Paso, editor-picked for monday dinner. Open on monday, the day most kitchens go dark. All restaurants in El Paso.

L and J Cafe ★ 4.8

Five Points · 3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903

Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00; Sat 09:00-20:00; Sun 09:00-17:00

L and J Cafe in El Paso, open since 1927, is the city's oldest Mexican restaurant, serving red enchiladas and house-made salsa from its East Missouri.

Tip: Arrive before noon on weekends; the lunch crowd fills every table by 12:30.

Ambar Restaurante ★ 4.6

Downtown · 106 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

Hours: Sun-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.

Tip: Thursday 19:00-21:00 live jazz; Saturday and Sunday brunch with live music 11:00-14:00. Book via Resy.

Chico's Tacos ★ 4.5

Ysleta · 4230 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905

Hours: Daily 10:00-23:30

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.

Kiki's Mexican Restaurant ★ 4.4

Five Points · 2719 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79930

Hours: Mon 10:30-21:00; Tue closed; Wed-Sun 10:30-21:00

Kiki's on North Piedras Street is El Paso's canonical machaca address: braised brisket scrambled with eggs and Hatch green chile since the 1970s.

Tip: Closed Tuesdays; the green chile comes from the Hatch Valley and changes seasonally.

Cafe Central ★ 4.4

Downtown · 109 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79901

Hours: Mon-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.

Tip: Bar stays open until 02:00 on weekdays; dress code is business casual for dinner.

Anson 11 ★ 4.3

Downtown · 303 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79901

Hours: Bistro 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.

Tip: Book the upstairs via the website for dinner; the downstairs bistro takes walk-ins for lunch.

EP Tasting Room ★ 4.3

Downtown · 127 W Mills Ave Ste A, El Paso, TX 79901

Hours: Mon-Thu 14:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 13:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-18:00

EP Tasting Room on West Mills Avenue inside the Lucchese Bootmaker store offers 60 to 90 minute premium tequila flight experiences in an intimate.

Tip: Reservations recommended for the guided flight experience; walk-ins for the bar seats.

Cafe Mayapan ★ 4.2

Downtown · 2000 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

Hours: Mon-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.

Tip: Lunch only; closes at 15:00. Saturday opens at 08:00 for breakfast tamales and atole.

Lamezze ★ 4.1

Downtown · 210 N Stanton St STE 4, El Paso, TX 79901

Hours: Mon-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.

Tip: Good vegetarian options; opens early so it also works for breakfast mezze before museum visits.

Los Bandidos de Carlos and Mickey's ★ 3.9

East El Paso · 1310 Magruder St, El Paso, TX 79925

Hours: Mon-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.

Tip: The prickly pear margarita is the local signature drink at this address.

Crave Kitchen and Bar ★ 3.9

Downtown · 300 Cincinnati Ave, El Paso, TX 79902

Hours: Mon-Thu 07:00-21:00; Fri-Sat 07:00-22:00; Sun 07:00-21:00

Crave Kitchen and Bar on Cincinnati Avenue runs all-day from breakfast through dinner, serving New American plates with a Southwest accent across multiple.

Tip: Multiple locations city-wide; the Downtown Cincinnati Avenue spot is closest to hotels.

Su-Casa Restaurant ★ 3.7

Kern Place · 2030 Yandell Dr, El Paso, TX 79903

Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00

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.