The Border-Plex Pantheon: A Guide to El Paso’s Best Restaurants
El Paso’s culinary landscape is a singular entity, distinct from any other in Texas. Often mislabeled as “Tex-Mex,” the city’s food scene is a “Border-Plex” cuisine, forged by its unique geography bordering both Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and New Mexico. This creates a unique flavor profile you can’t find anywhere else. The search for the best restaurants in El Paso reveals a city defined by two forces: historic, century-old institutions and a new guard of chefs receiving national validation from the James Beard Foundation and Texas Monthly.
This isn’t just a list; it’s a definitive guide to the top 10 restaurants in El Paso. We’ve synthesized critical reviews, local buzz, and national accolades to bring you a canon of culinary greatness. From fancy restaurants in El Paso with 100-year-old traditions to the best Mexican restaurants in El Paso that are redefining the taco, this is your ultimate guide to the essential restaurants in El Paso.
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Cuisine | Price Guide | Vibe / Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L & J Cafe | Central El Paso | Historic Mexican (Border-Plex) | $$ | The Undisputed Historical Anchor |
| Cattleman’s Steakhouse | Fabens | Destination Steakhouse | $$$$ | A “Can’t-Miss” West Texas Experience |
| Elemi | Eastlake | Modern/Elevated Mexican | $$$ | A James Beard-Nominated Culinary Star |
| Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant | Central El Paso | Classic Mexican (Border-Plex) | $$ | A Food Network-Famous Local Legend |
| Cafe Central | Downtown | Historic Fine Dining | $$$$ | 100-Year-Old Fine Dining Elegance |
| Chico’s Tacos | Multiple Locations | Iconic Local (Tacos) | $ | A Cultural Rite of Passage |
| Track One | East El Paso | Casual American (Wings) | $$ | A Nostalgic, Unique Train-Car Joint |
| Ardovino’s Desert Crossing | Sunland Park, NM | Scenic Fine Dining (Farm-to-Table) | $$$$ | A “Desert Oasis” with Scenic Views |
| Taconeta | Central El Paso | Modern Taqueria | $$ | A Critically-Acclaimed Taco Hotspot |
| Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s | Central / East El Paso | Festive Mexican (Border-Plex) | $$ | The All-Time Celebration Destination |
1. L & J Cafe
📹 Video Source: Dave & Kathy
- 🍴Cuisine:Historic Mexican (Border-Plex)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Central El Paso
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:The Undisputed Historical Anchor
- 📍Location:3622 E. Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
L & J Cafe is the quintessential historical anchor of El Paso’s food scene. Established in 1927 as “Tony’s Place” during Prohibition, this 4th-generation family-run spot is the standard-bearer for “authentic” El Paso-style Mexican food. It’s a must-visit on any list of the best restaurants in El Paso and is universally cited by locals and media as a timeless classic.
Foodie Quote: “…universally cited across all sources…as the standard-bearer for ‘classic,’ ‘traditional,’ and ‘authentic’ El Paso-style Mexican food.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Undisputed Historical Anchor. With its 1927 Prohibition-era history and unanimous consensus from locals and media, it is the essential first stop to understand El Paso’s culinary soul.
2. Cattleman's Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch
📹 Video Source: The Texas Bucket List
- 🍴Cuisine:Destination Steakhouse
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Fabens (at Indian Cliffs Ranch)
- 💰Price:$$$$
- ✨Vibe:A “Can’t-Miss” West Texas Experience
- 📍Location:3450 S Fabens Carlsbad Rd, Fabens, TX 79838
Cattleman’s Steakhouse is El Paso’s culinary embassy to the world, selling the entire mythology of West Texas in one package. Located on a 32,000-acre working ranch, this is a true destination. Visitors can explore a zoo, snake pit, and movie sets before tackling classic Texas steaks like the two-pound “Cowboy” T-bone. It’s one of the most fun places to eat in El Paso.
Foodie Quote: “It is consistently recommended as the ‘most can’t miss restaurant’ for visitors, especially those not from Texas, who come for the ‘desert scenery and spectacular sunsets.'”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A True Destination Experience. This nationally ranked steakhouse on a 32,000-acre working ranch offers a unique adventure that is so much more than just a meal.
3. Elemi
📹 Video Source: SAVEUR Magazine
- 🍴Cuisine:Modern/Elevated Mexican
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Downtown
- 💰Price:$$$
- ✨Vibe:A James Beard-Nominated Culinary Star
- 📍Location:100 N Stanton St, El Paso, TX 79901
Elemi represents the culmination of El Paso’s culinary identity and is arguably its most critically acclaimed restaurant on the national stage today. Opened in 2019 by El Paso native Chef Emiliano Marentes, this restaurant is built on a fanatical dedication to nixtamalization—the ancient process of making tortillas from scratch using heirloom Mexican corn. This is one of the best new restaurants in El Paso that has achieved all-time status.
Foodie Quote: “Offering ‘elevated traditional Mexican,’ with dishes like Duck al Pastor, Elemi has achieved ‘all-time’ status in just a few years.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A National Culinary Star. With multiple James Beard semifinalist nominations for its chef and a #2 Best Taco in Texas Monthly ranking, Elemi proves El Paso’s traditions are high art.
4. Kiki's Mexican Restaurant
📹 Video Source: Julie & Ren
- 🍴Cuisine:Classic Mexican (Border-Plex)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Central El Paso
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:A Food Network-Famous Local Legend
- 📍Location:2719 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79930
Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant is an “absolute classic” that represents the perfect fusion of a local legend and a national media icon. Housed in a building over 100 years old, Kiki’s rose to national prominence after being featured on the Food Network. It’s famed for its signature Green Chicken Enchiladas and Brisket Machaca, embodying the city’s New Mexican culinary influence.
Foodie Quote: “While the official menu simply lists ‘Chicken Enchiladas’ as a daily special, the ‘all-time’ favorite combination is ordering them with Kiki’s unique ‘Green Chile Con Queso’ sauce.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A Food Network-Famous Local Legend. Its national feature and its status as a multi-generational favorite for its best Mexican green chile enchiladas make it an essential stop.
5. Cafe Central
📹 Video Source: KTSM 9 NEWS
- 🍴Cuisine:Historic Fine Dining
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Downtown
- 💰Price:$$$$
- ✨Vibe:100-Year-Old Fine Dining Elegance
- 📍Location:109 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79901
Cafe Central is the original standard-bearer for culinary excellence in El Paso and the oldest restaurant on this list. Established in 1918 in Ciudad Juárez during Prohibition, it later migrated to downtown El Paso. It’s consistently lauded as the “best fine dining experience in El Paso” and one of the best restaurants in El Paso downtown.
Foodie Quote: “It offers ‘innovative taste with 100-year-old traditions’ and its signature ‘Cream-of-Green Chile Soup’ is a local legend.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Original Pillar of Fine Dining. As a 100-year-old institution with four past James Beard nominations, it set the precedent for culinary excellence in the city.
6. Chico's Tacos
📹 Video Source: The Daytripper
- 🍴Cuisine:Iconic Local (Tacos)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Multiple Locations
- 💰Price:$
- ✨Vibe:A Cultural Rite of Passage
- 📍Location:3401 Dyer St, El Paso, TX 79930 (Original)
Chico’s Tacos is arguably the most “all-time” iconic cultural litmus test in El Paso. Established in 1952, this local chain is famous for a singular, unique dish: “rolling tacos” (flautas) served “drenched in their special tomato soup-like sauce” and topped with shredded cheese. It’s a non-negotiable rite of passage for El Pasoans.
Foodie Quote: “Locals frequently describe it as an ‘iconic’ and ‘must-try’ experience, with the caveat that ‘you gotta try Chico’s at least once if you live here’.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A Cultural Rite of Passage. Featured on the Food Network and beloved by locals for 70+ years, its “all-time” status is based on its undeniable and unique cultural impact.
7. Track One
📹 Video Source: America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow
- 🍴Cuisine:Casual American (Wings/Burgers)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:East El Paso
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:A Nostalgic, Unique Train-Car Joint
- 📍Location:1330 Buffalo Soldier Rd, El Paso, TX 79925
Track One is the “all-time” champion of nostalgic, “theme” dining and one of the most fun places to eat in El Paso. A beloved local staple established in 1972, its iconic setting is built out of “actual vintage train cars,” including a 1920s dining car and a caboose. Through 50 years of consistency, this “gimmick” has become a beloved institution.
Foodie Quote: “The restaurant is widely known as the ‘home to the BEST WINGS IN EL PASO‘ and is also praised for its ‘Streamliner Kabob’.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A Unique Nostalgic Destination. This El Paso, TX restaurant is a classic, offering a one-of-a-kind experience dining in vintage train cars, making it an essential piece of the city’s history.
8. Ardovino's Desert Crossing
📹 Video Source: KTSM 9 NEWS
- 🍴Cuisine:Scenic Fine Dining (Farm-to-Table)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Sunland Park, NM
- 💰Price:$$$$
- ✨Vibe:A “Desert Oasis” with Scenic Views
- 📍Location:1 Ardovinos Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063
If Cattleman’s is the rustic destination, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing is its sophisticated counterpart. Established in 1949 and located just across the state line in New Mexico, it reinforces the region’s “Border-Plex” identity. It’s a “beautiful desert oasis” with “spectacular views,” making it one of the best restaurants in El Paso with a view.
Foodie Quote: “Its ‘innovative cuisine,’ with strong Italian and Mediterranean influences, is built on a farm-to-table ethos, using ingredients from its own estate gardens.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Ultimate Scenic Fine-Dining Experience. This 1949 institution offers innovative farm-to-table cuisine in a stunning “desert oasis” setting, complete with a farmers market.
9. Taconeta
📹 Video Source: El Paso Homes & Living
- 🍴Cuisine:Modern Taqueria
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Central El Paso
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:A Critically-Acclaimed Taco Hotspot
- 📍Location:311 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
Taconeta is the accessible, “hippster” leader of El Paso’s modern taco boom and one of the top 10 restaurants in El Paso. This modern Mexican taqueria stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Elemi in terms of critical acclaim, praised by locals and in recent vlogs for its “innovative” but casual tacos.
Foodie Quote: “Signature items include the suadero (brisket confit) and a creative cauliflower al pastor.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s A Critically-Acclaimed Taco Hotspot. Ranked in Texas Monthly’s “Top 10” & “Top 50” Best Tacos and “Top 25 New(ish) Taquerias”, its media validation is undeniable.
10. Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey's
📹 Video Source: Meats and Eats
- 🍴Cuisine:Festive Mexican (Border-Plex)
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Central / East El Paso
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:The All-Time Celebration Destination
- 📍Location:1310 Magruder St, El Paso, TX 79925
While other restaurants are on this list for their food or history, Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s holds its “all-time” status as the city’s essential restaurant for celebration. This long-standing “quintessential Tex-Mex” establishment is all about the “lively atmosphere,” “live mariachi music,” and “oversized margaritas”.
Foodie Quote: “It has been voted ‘El Paso’s Best Margarita’, which is a key component of its success and a major draw for large groups.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Go-To for Celebrations. As the top destination for birthdays, graduations, and large family gatherings, it serves an indispensable social function in the community.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Based on a deep analysis of history, critical acclaim, and local love, the top 10 restaurants in El Paso are: 1. L & J Cafe, 2. Cattleman’s Steakhouse, 3. Elemi, 4. Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant, 5. Cafe Central, 6. Chico’s Tacos, 7. Track One, 8. Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, 9. Taconeta, and 10. Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s.
The downtown area has some of the city’s absolute best. Cafe Central is the original standard-bearer for historic fine dining. Nearby, Elemi and Taconeta lead the modern, critically-acclaimed Mexican food scene. These are all top choices for best restaurants in El Paso downtown.
The “new guard” is incredibly strong. Elemi and Taconeta are two of the best new restaurants in El Paso that have quickly gained “all-time” status. Elemi’s chef is a multiple James Beard semifinalist, and Taconeta was named one of Texas Monthly’s best new taquerias. The honorable mention Casa Pantera is another “splurge-worthy” new spot.
For fun places to eat in El Paso, Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s is #1, famous for its lively atmosphere and live mariachi music. Track One is another fun, unique choice, as the entire restaurant is built inside vintage train cars. Chico’s Tacos is also a fun, iconic local experience.
Absolutely. For fancy restaurants in El Paso, Cafe Central is the 100-year-old historic fine-dining icon. Cattleman’s Steakhouse and Ardovino’s Desert Crossing are premier “destination” restaurants for a special occasion.
El Paso’s scene is legendary. For historic, “Border-Plex” classics, L & J Cafe and Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant are must-visits. For modern, critically-acclaimed tacos and dishes, Elemi and Taconeta are national standouts. For a festive, fun atmosphere, Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s is the top choice.
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing is a top fine-dining choice with “strong Italian and Mediterranean influences” and a “farm-to-table” ethos. For Greek & Mediterranean, the honorable mention Zino’s is a long-standing local favorite.
Cattleman’s Steakhouse is the most famous El Paso, TX restaurant for steak, offering a full “working ranch” experience. The honorable mentions West Texas Chophouse (a modern local favorite) and Casa Pantera (an upscale, chef’s table spot) are also top contenders.
El Paso has several! The “rolling tacos in tomato sauce” from Chico’s Tacos are a unique cultural rite of passage. The Green Chicken Enchiladas from Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant are a Food Network-famous classic. And the Green Chile Soup from Cafe Central is a 100-year-old fine-dining legend.
This list covers the entire region, but an honorable mention, West Texas Chophouse, has multiple locations and is a local favorite steakhouse, with a presence in West El Paso.
