Best Food To Eat In El Paso: A Guide to the City’s Culinary Gems

Introduction

El Paso, Texas, is known for its unique blend of Mexican and Texan cuisine. The city boasts an array of restaurants and food spots that offer a taste of the local culture and tradition. From street tacos to gourmet steaks, El Paso has something to offer for every palate.

Whether you’re craving spicy salsa, juicy burgers, or a refreshing margarita, this guide will help you discover the best food to eat in El Paso.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 subcategories of food in El Paso, from fine dining to street food. Each section will include 2-3 recommended restaurants or food spots, as well as tips for what to order and what to expect.

So, let’s dive in and explore the culinary gems of El Paso!

Tex-Mex

The term Tex-Mex refers to the fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisine, and El Paso is one of the best places in the country to experience it. Here are three must-try Tex-Mex restaurants:

Taco Cabana 🌮

Taco Cabana is a popular fast-food chain that has been serving fresh, made-to-order Tex-Mex since 1978. Their menu includes a variety of tacos, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas, as well as sides like chips and guac and salsa. One of the customer favorites is the fajita taco – grilled steak or chicken with sautéed onions and peppers, served on a warm tortilla. Taco Cabana is open 24/7, making it a great choice for a late-night snack.

Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant 🍴

Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned and operated establishment that has been serving El Paso since 1976. Their menu features classic Tex-Mex dishes like enchiladas, chile rellenos, and tamales, all made from scratch using fresh ingredients. The standout dish at Kiki’s is the carne asada – tender, marinated steak served with rice, beans, and homemade tortillas.

Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s 🌯

Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s is a popular Mexican restaurant that has been a local favorite since 1957. Their menu features a blend of traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, such as sizzling fajitas, crispy chimichangas, and hearty burritos. One of the customer favorites is the carne adovada – slow-cooked pork marinated in a spicy red chile sauce, served with rice, beans, and tortillas.

Street Food 🚐

El Paso has a vibrant food truck scene, offering a variety of cuisines and flavors. Here are three food trucks not to miss:

Chuco Style 🔥

Chuco Style is a food truck that serves up delicious, Mexican-inspired street food. Their menu includes tacos, burritos, and bowls, as well as creative dishes like the Chuco Fries – crispy fries topped with carne asada, guac, and queso. Their homemade salsas are a must-try and come in a variety of flavors and heat levels.

The Hot Box 🍔

The Hot Box is a gourmet burger truck that specializes in handcrafted burgers and sandwiches. They use locally-sourced, grass-fed beef and feature creative toppings like avocado, bacon, and chipotle mayo. Their El Jefe burger – topped with caramelized onions, jalapeño jam, and smoked Gouda – is a customer favorite.

Raspados Colima 🍧

Raspados Colima is a food truck that serves up refreshing shaved ice and other sweet treats. Their menu features a variety of flavors and combinations, such as coconut and pineapple or tamarind and mango. They also offer traditional Mexican snacks like elotes and chicharrones.

Steakhouse 🥩

El Paso is home to several top-rated steakhouses, serving up juicy cuts of beef and other meats. Here are three must-try steakhouses:

Cattleman’s Steakhouse 🤠

Cattleman’s Steakhouse is a legendary establishment located on a working cattle ranch just outside of El Paso. Their menu features a variety of steaks, including their famous cowboy ribeye – a bone-in ribeye steak weighing in at 24 ounces. The restaurant is also known for its Texas-sized portions and rustic, Western atmosphere.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 🍷

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a high-end chain that serves up classic steakhouse fare. Their menu includes a variety of cuts, such as filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip – all served sizzling on a hot plate. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring over 200 selections from around the world.

Great American Steakhouse 🍽️

Great American Steakhouse is a local favorite that has been serving El Paso since 1988. Their menu features a variety of steaks, as well as other meats like prime rib, pork chops, and chicken. The restaurant also offers a salad bar and a selection of sides, such as creamed spinach and loaded mashed potatoes.

Breakfast 🍳

El Paso has several excellent breakfast spots, serving up everything from hearty scrambles to sweet pastries. Here are three must-try breakfast spots:

The Kitchen at 150 Sunset 🍴

The Kitchen at 150 Sunset is a trendy restaurant that serves up modern American cuisine. Their breakfast menu features creative dishes like the Green Chile Eggs Benedict – poached eggs on an English muffin with roasted green chile and hollandaise sauce. The restaurant also has a bar and lounge area, serving up craft cocktails and local beers.

Crave Kitchen & Bar 🍾

Crave Kitchen & Bar is a stylish eatery that offers a variety of breakfast dishes, from classic omelets to indulgent French toast. Their Crave Benny – poached eggs on an English muffin with avocado, bacon, and hollandaise – is a customer favorite. The restaurant also has a selection of cocktails and mimosas to enjoy with your meal.

Pershing Inn 🍩

Pershing Inn is a local diner that has been serving El Paso since 1947. Their menu features classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, and biscuits and gravy. The standout item at Pershing Inn is their homemade donuts – cripsy on the outside, soft on the inside, and available in a variety of flavors.

Barbecue 🍖

Barbecue is an essential part of Texas cuisine, and El Paso has several tasty options. Here are three must-try BBQ spots:

Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q 🍗

Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q is a popular chain that serves up classic Texas-style BBQ. Their menu includes brisket, sausage, ribs, and chicken, all smoked low and slow over oak wood. Rudy’s is also known for their Creamed Corn – a sweet and creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ.

Bowie BBQ 🍺

Bowie BBQ is a local joint that has been serving El Paso since 2016. Their menu features a variety of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and turkey. They also offer creative dishes like the BBQ Nachos – crispy tortilla chips topped with smoked meat, cheese, and jalapeños. The restaurant has a selection of local beers and ciders to enjoy with your meal.

Brisket Burger Bar 🍔

Brisket Burger Bar is a BBQ joint that specializes in – you guessed it – brisket burgers. Their menu features several variations of the burger, such as the Chorizo Brisket Burger and the Poblano Brisket Burger. They also offer classic BBQ dishes like ribs and pulled pork, as well as sides like mac and cheese and sweet potato fries.

Mexican Fine Dining 🍷

For a more upscale dining experience, check out El Paso’s Mexican fine dining options. Here are three restaurants not to miss:

Anson 11 🥂

Anson 11 is a chic restaurant that serves up modern Mexican cuisine. Their menu includes dishes like the Carne Asada Tacos – grilled steak with avocado crema and cilantro – as well as other creative dishes like the Lobster Mac & Cheese. The restaurant also has an extensive wine and cocktail list, featuring a variety of unique and interesting options.