15 Best Restaurants in El Paso and Foods You Must Try If You Visit - 52 Perfect Days (2024)

Are you looking for the best restaurants in El Paso? Or what about the foods El Paso is most famous for? In west Texas, between New Mexico state and the Mexican border of Juarez, you’ll find the town of El Paso. The city is a cultural crossroads with a culinary scene to match.

From authentic southern steakhouses and Tex Mex joints to inventive new restaurants, get a taste of what this border town has to offer!

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15 Best Restaurants in El Paso and Foods You Must Try If You Visit - 52 Perfect Days (1)

There are so many fun things to do in El Paso, and eating should be at the top of your list!

Most cities have restaurants that offer foods from all over the world. Options are rarely limited these days which means you are often spoilt for choice, but El Paso really shines when it comes to Tex-Mex, authentic Mexican food and cooking a great steak.

When traveling you sometimes find a dish you have tried countless times in your life but never has it tasted so good as right there in that specific restaurant. El Paso, Texas has its fair share of one-of-a-kind restaurants and some delish ‘only in El Paso’ dishes!

Below you’ll find our top picks of what to eat in El Paso, Texas plus the foods El Paso is most known for, hence the foods you must try in this Texas town!

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Best Restaurants and Foods to Try in El Paso

This isn’t meant to be a definitive list of the city’s best eats, but I think it’s a good beginning of some of the best El Paso Restaurants. Because, here we don’t focus on good food, but instead great food!

Steak – Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch

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There is only one restaurant that can start this list and it’s Cattleman’s Steak House. Seating up to 600 people, the Cattleman’s Steak House is legendary in El Paso.

You receive much more than just a dining experience here as the restaurant and it’s grounds have been used countless times as film sets for movies starring the likes of Chuck Norris, Jack Nicholson, and David Carradine. Keeping its historical character intact the Cattleman’s Steak House has traditional relics scattered around the place and has a range of animals on site.

The Cattleman’s Steak House is situated in Fabens and is 4.5 miles north of I-10.

This West Texas chophouse offers a relaxed fine dining experience where you can find the freshest steak in town and worth every penny. Cooked to the exact preference for each guest, all steaks are served with the house special chili and pineapple coleslaw with the option of the largest baked potato you have ever seen.

Make sure to request a table near the rear deck where you can watch the sunset and scenic desert views. This is truly a one of the top restaurant experiences in El Paso!

Cattleman’s Steak House is open 5-10pm on weeknights and 12.30-10pm on weekends.

Address: 3450 S Fabens Carlsbad Rd, Fabens, TX 79838

Queso & a Texas Sized Margarita – Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s

One of the most popular Mexican restaurants in El Paso is Carlos & Mickey’s. This is an affordable Mexican restaurant with traditional décor and authentic tex-mex cuisine. They have live music on weekends, a great happy hour, and outdoor seating. They are known for their classic Texan appetizer, “Chili Con Queso” which is made with chorizo and chilis. This rich cheese-based special is a must when you visit El Paso.

You can also get your hands on, arguably the best margaritas in town which are available in three sizes – and of course one is the rather huge Texan size! If you think you’ve seen Texas-sized margaritas – think again. They offer traditional margaritas along with flavored ones including cherry, pomegranate, and mango and have a silently strong alcohol content, so be warned.

Served alongside warm tortilla chips, chile con queso is the unofficial dish of Texas. Most frequently referred to as just “queso,” at its simplest, it’s just a mixture of cheese and chile peppers. But especially in Texas, queso is so much more than the sum of its parts.

Address: 12111 Montwood Dr, El Paso, TX 79936

Avocado Toast – Block Table And Tap

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Highly rated by locals and tourists, the stylish Block Table And Tap offers a wide selection of food served throughout the day. A highlight on the menu of this upscale bistro is the avocado toast. This seems to be on menus all over the U.S. at the moment, and Block Table And Tap offer a great take on this simple combination.

The restaurant is a tap house and has an extensive list of beverages including exotic cocktails and up to 30 different beers both local brews and stone beers. It will probably be more difficult choosing what to drink than choosing what to eat here. Serving brunch and breakfast right the way up to 3 pm the Block Table And Tap is ideal for those days that get off to a late start.

Address: 4172 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902

Fries – Salt And Honey

Run by a Lebanese family who has fashionably renovated the 1920’s Henry Trost building that has now become the Salt And Honey Bakery and Café. Serving breakfast and lunch; the famous “Londoner” breakfast is served here and never disappoints.

They add a slightly sweet twist to their fries by serving them with goat’s cheese and lightly drizzled with honey, delicious and not too overpowering. Salt And Honey also offer gluten-free options including bread and bagels. All the food on the menu are family recipes and they even cure their own salmon. The gorgeous set up of the premises provides tables for large and small groups with a coffee bar and study tables.

Salt And Honey is definitely one of the Best Restaurants in El Paso for breakfast.

Address: 801 N Piedras St #6, El Paso, TX 79903

Machaca – L&J

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The L&J Cafe opened in 1927 and is El Paso’s oldest family-run restaurant and bar and another of the top Mexican restaurants in El Paso. The establishment is located down the street from Concordia Cemetery and legend has it, spirits roam the kitchen when the restaurant is closed. The extensive menu offers all things Mexican with reasonable prices and portion sizes that do not disappoint.

L&J offer some of the most authentic tex-mex breakfast options El Paso has to offer at an affordable price, L&J and are known for creating an amazing Machaca and delicious Mexican food across the board.

L&J serves food from 9 am to 9 pm most nights, happy Hour is daily from 5 pm to 8 pm and there are daily specials like Taco Tuesday and drink specials. The bar area has a lively yet casual vibe but it does fill up fast so head out early.

Address: 3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903

Breakfast – The Downtowner At Hotel Indigo

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The menu at the Downtowner is slightly smaller than your average restaurant but the dishes are very well prepared. Since The Downtowner is part of Hotel Indigo they sure know how to cook a scrumptious breakfast. You can get an array of pancakes, French toast, sandwiches, and burgers, all of which are packed and filling, you won’t get mouthfuls of plain buns or bread here.

The popular menu items are pecan and bacon pancakes and the cheddar and bacon sandwich. The Downtowner serves strong and tasty coffee to help start your day the right way.

Agua Fresca – El Super Market

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If your looking to kick back and cook up your own feast during your stay in El Paso then El Super Market a great place to go and stock up the fridge. They have a huge range of foods, some of which you won’t find in other supermarkets, with constant deals on fresh produce and meats.

There is a food court inside if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat whilst doing your shop and they offer 10% military discount. Inside the supermarket, there is a fresh seafood section and a bakery where the Agua Fresca is out of this world. The locals head to El Super Market specifically for the fresh tortillas.

Address: 10501 Gateway Blvd W # 600, El Paso, TX 79925

Horchata – Avila’s Mexican Food

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Avila’s is a family-run business that has impressively been around for over 65 years. As soon as you walk in you will see a wall splattered with awards and articles that Avila’s have collected over the years.

The décor may well be dated but the food and beverages do not deceive. It’s my guess that the recipes have been handed down throughout the generations as the Horchata is simply perfect. Avila’s is full of its original character and is ideal for a relaxed meal.

Address: 6232 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79912

Best Burger in El Paso – Toro Burger Bar

Serving the mother of all burgers, Toro Burger Bar is quickly rising to the top, and ranked number 4 by Texas Monthly magazine. If you are on the hunt to find the best burger in El Paso, this is where to go. With the headliner being the Toro Burger you get a chunky Angus patty with melted pepper jack cheese, creamy avocado, and the top-secret Toro Sauce.

All burgers are served with the stamp of approval presenting their logo, a toro bull, charred into the burger bun. The menu offers just about every formation of burger you can think of and if you do think of one that’s not on there, you have the option to “build your own burger.” Every month they create a new “Burger Of The Month” and every Wednesday they have $5 Toro Burgers. As if all that burger energy wasn’t enough, they also have a range of 40 beers on tap! It’s easy to understand why this is one of the best restaurants in El Paso for a burger!

Address: 6590 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79925

Paleta Popsicles – Flautas Y Paleteria Tepalca

Offering all kinds of authentic Mexican street food, Paleteria Tepalca comes highly rated for quick snacks and luxurious desserts. Shrimp cocktails and flautas are among their specialties with people raving about the flavors for weeks.

Their Paleta Popsicles are in high demand in El Paso, they have the viscosity of ice cream and are handmade using real Mexican fruits, a refreshing treat to cool down from the Texan heat. As you can see, some of the best Mexican food in El Paso can be found at big restaurants, food trucks or small shops.

Address: 500 N Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907

Pan Dulce – Bowie Bakery

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Bowie Bakery isn’t a sit-down and order from the menu type of joint, it is purely a bakery. This is probably down to the sheer quantity of customers that pass through its doors day in day out. Bowie Bakery offers everything you could think of in terms of baked goods and the star of the show is, of course, the Pan Dulce.

This sweet Mexican bread is baked slightly larger here than in other bakeries giving you more for your money. Also offered at Bowie Bakery are an assortment of donuts, cupcakes, breads, cookies, tarts, flans, and even tamales and burritos.

Address: 901 Park St, El Paso, TX 79901

Churros – Elotes Pepe Y Mas

Slightly tucked away and out of sight, Elotes Pepe doesn’t look like much from the outside but the churros certainly have a lot to offer. The classic churro is filled with caramel and dusted with cinnamon or you can turn it up a notch and go fully loaded with a churro split complete with cream, berries, and extra syrup. These dinky fried dough beauties are not overpoweringly sugared but are just enough to satisfy that sweet tooth. Elotes Pepe is a brilliant little fast food Mexican snack bar.

Address: 11360 Montwood Dr, El Paso, TX 79936

Brunch – Barrio Eats & Drinks

Did someone day bottomless mimosas for brunch? Pair this with their popular Barbacoa that is served with corn tortillas, onion cilantro and chile de arbol and it can’t be beat.

For breakfast they are also getting rave reviews on their chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.

They do a lot more than a great brunch. Some additional local favorites are the Enchiladas Suizas, Shrimp Tacos (tacos de camarones) and the Juárez Burger; an angus beef patty with bacon, chorizo, asadero cheese, mayo and grilled jalapeños.

Address: 502 N Oregon St A. El Paso, TX 79901

Biscuits and Jam at Ripe Eatery

They are known for their excellent service and if you had to pick one meal for Ripe Eatery it’s Sunday brunch! Their freshly baked bread with jam or biscuits with jam are the best in town. Your best option is to order this to share to start your meal with a flavor pop!

While their main entrees at brunch are delicious, it’s the starter that has people coming back!

They also have they have outdoor seating so you can bring your dog with you!

Address: 910 E Redd Rd, El Paso, TX 79912

Green Chile Soup – Café Central

Whether you visit for brunch, lunch or dinner, the meal must start with the super popular green chile soup and end with the signature tres leches cake!

While, just about anything you order from their impressive menu will sure to some of the best food you have in El Paso we do have a few recommendations.

The Dungeness crab cakes with spicy herbed remoulade, the Chilean Sea Bass tacos served with Chipotle Crème, cabbage salad, and pickled red onions or the Maine Lobster Roll with tarragon and chive served on a buttery brioche bun with parmesan french fries are our top picks at Cafe Central.


Address: 109 N. Oregon El Paso, Texas, 79901

A Cocktail At Rosa’s Cantina

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Rosa’s Cantina is legendary in El Paso and worldwide thanks to the shout out in the Marty Robbins song “El Paso”. Rosa’s Cantina offers a classic menu and is full of spirit with bartenders serving cocktails all night long. On weekends you can expect live music and an upbeat atmosphere, cheap prices, and the coldest beer around. Rosa’s Cantina is plastered with quirky memorabilia adding to its character, and if you feel like taking a keepsake home, they sell hats, t-shirts, and shot glasses.

What do you think about our list of top restaurants and foods to eat in El Paso, Texas? What did we miss? Please share your favorite restaurants and foods from El Paso in the comments.

Address: 3454 Doniphan Dr, El Paso, TX 79922

If you are really looking for the best Mexican food, head to Ciudad Juarez for the best Mexican restaurant options. Juarez is just a few miles from downtown El Paso and a fun day trip for the culture, food and history.

Looking for more on El Paso, Texas? Check out fellow travel blogger, Bob Bales article on Things to Do in El Paso.

El Paso Food & Drink FAQ

What is the oldest bar in El Paso Texas?

Rosa’s Cantina is the oldest bar in El Paso Texas. It opened sometime in the 1950’s. It took over the space of a previous bar and it’s said it didn’t formally (with the city) change it’s name until 1961.

What is the oldest restaurant in El Paso?

Café Central opened in 1918 and is one of the oldest restaurants in the El Paso del Norte region. It originally opened in Juarez, Mexico and then moved to El Paso.

What is the most famous foods from El Paso?

Authentic Mexican food, modern Tex-Mex and T-bone steaks.

Read More About Texas

  • 24 Things You Probably Don’t know about El Paso, Texas
  • Exploring the El Paso Mission Trail
  • A Perfect Summer Day in Austin, Texas

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A huge thank you to Visit El Paso for their generous hospitality. I enjoyed this visit as a professional blogger, butas always, all opinions my own.

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