The Top 5 Things to Do in El Paso

On the Rio Grande, just across the border – and actually part of Mexico before 1848 – El Paso is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in the United States! Let us show you our absolute favorites. 1. L & J Cafe You might have to wait a little while to get a table here, but you'll soon see why this restaurant is so popular with locals and tourists alike! Dating back to 1927, and the age of prohibition, this institution has a long and storied history. There's everything you'd expect on the menu. Still, if you're unsure, you can ask the friendly staff for recommendations or go for the full Mexican Combination Plate featuring an enchilada, a chile relleno, a taco, a beef flauta, chile verde con carne, rice, beans, and guacamole. It’s a perfect way to experience many different flavors – now you just have to try to choose a favorite for the next visit! 2. Kiki's Situated in Military Heights in a building that has its history traced back over one hundred years, Kiki's is a fantastic and straightforward restaurant and bar serving quality food that's packed with flavor. The restaurant runs a rotating lunch and dinner specials menu, so regulars or those on a budget can get well fed at a great price, but it's the famous specialties that we go there for. The Brisket Machaca is as good as its reputation, and the Chicken Molé must be experienced. 3. Carlos and Mickey's Well known for its lively atmosphere and great for parties and celebrations, this restaurant also has live music from local acts every day! We can't resist starting with the Nachos Grande with beef or chicken and plenty of beans, cheese, and jalapenos. After this, you're spoiled for choice, but we were advised to try the Tacos al Pastor with pork, beans, and a secret sauce from the chef's hometown – it was an excellent option. There's a limited dessert choice, but that doesn't matter since Pancho's Sopapillas are all we need! 4. Leo's Open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and even breakfast on the weekends, this restaurant won't let you down, however hungry you are! It's been run by the family at the same location since 1946, so it is quite the local landmark. There's a great menu of Mexican staples, all cooked fresh and packed with flavor. The staff is accommodating and happy to explain any of the dishes you might not be too sure about. The enchiladas here are particularly popular, and we love the chicken ones with green sauce. Kids are well looked after here with a menu with both Mexican and American options to keep the little ones happy. 5. Tacos Chinampa There are four locations to this small, local chain that offers authentic food with a fun atmosphere. While famous for the tacos, they also have an excellent selection of appetizers, salads, and Mexican plates. But it's the choice of tacos that we visit for, like Al Pastor pork or the Fajitas de Pollo, each with a selection of salsas made fresh in-house. We rarely leave space for dessert here after our taco fill, but we're told the sweet flans are well worth trying! Be sure to check their websites for dining options, as some may only have take-out or delivery available. When you’ve got a craving for some comida deliciosa, visit one of – or all! – of these tasty locales and who knows: you may find a new favorite!

If you're looking for the best barbecue in all of El Paso, we've got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite go-to smokehouses. State Line The magical flavors that come out of State Line's smokers and kitchen attract visitors from across the city and state. We're talking BBQ heaven with an assortment of platters that include chicken, peppered turkey breast, and our favorite, State Line's Original Lean Brisket Platter. Their team of smokers is the best in the business, up at the crack of dawn each morning to have mouthwatering meats ready for you at lunch. Don't forget to order some of their popular homemade bread! Rudy's Country Store and BBQ In the heart of the downtown core is where you'll find RUDY'S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q. This legendary smokehouse opened its doors in 1989 and has been slow cooking to perfection ever since. The secret behind Rudy's cooking process is the use of slow-burning oak wood rather than mesquite. Combine that with their homemade dry rub and sauces, and you have yourself a recipe that delivers some of the best BBQ in the whole state of Texas. Rib Hut If you love fall-off-the-bone ribs as much as we do, you've got to pay a visit to this establishment that's been dishing out savory ribs since 1984. Rib Hut’s pitmaster's 20 years of experience is apparent from the very first bite of food you order. They do ribs better than anyone in the city, but also offer incredibly tasty classics like brisket, smoked chicken, and sausages. If you're going with the family or group of friends, enjoy one of their bountiful BBQ platters! Desert Oak BBQ Desert Oak BBQ is located on the East side of the city and is one of the top spots to score delectable smoked meats and classic sides. Everything on the menu will tantalize your taste buds, but we suggest the brisket or smoked chicken – and can't recommend the mac and cheese enough! Desert Oak is also known for its warm ambiance and friendly staff, so you can enjoy a day with your family and feel like a part of theirs. Johnny's Pit BBQ Tender, juicy, glorious, and smoky: these four words best describe the magic you'll experience with every bite you take from Johnny's brisket, pulled pork, and anything else you order off their menu! Johnny's Pit BBQ has been proudly serving generations of customers since 1955. This family-owned establishment puts pride and love into its dishes with an array of spices and seasonings that will make you regret the day you ever considered becoming a vegetarian. Tony's the Pit BBQ Tony's The Pit BBQ serves up an assortment of classic meats and sandwiches that are sure to have your taste buds thanking you! Their brisket and pulled pork sandwiches are piled high with perfectly seasoned meat and slathered in a flavorful homemade sauce. They feature different specials every day of the week, so you've always got a delicious reason to drop in. With so many delicious options out there, you’ll have a hard time deciding which is your favorite! Quench your BBQ craving at any one of these decadent establishments – you may regret having waited so long!

You might think of El Paso as just being a hotspot for Tex-Mex and little else. But when we want a change and a social meal with family and friends, we often turn to Chinese food. If that sounds delicious to you, then allow us to share some of our favorite destinations in the area! 1. Red Lantern You'll find great food with great prices at the owner-operated Red Lantern restaurant that's been in the area for more than twenty years. For lunch or dinner, this is an excellent location with plentiful parking at the Zaragosa Crossing Mall. Lunch specials provide a great value choice on weekdays between 11 am and 3 pm. You can choose from a good range of main dishes that come with soup and rice. For dinner, the Yummy Wings appetizer with General Tso's sauce lives up to their name, and there are all the regular dishes you'd expect along with great chef's specials, including the excellent Red Lantern Hot Fish with Chinese spicy sauce. 2. Grand China Buffet This is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner and is incredibly kid-friendly as even the pickiest eaters will find something they like in the vast buffet selection that's on offer. Prices are fixed per person, and you can fill your plate up as much as you like! You'll find every Chinese appetizer and main dish you can imagine, and the desert choice is wide too. Meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes are plentiful, freshly cooked, and regularly replenished. If you have a large appetite, simply put – this is the place to head! 3. Peking Garden This restaurant has something of a reputation for its authenticity, the freshness of the ingredients used, and the care taken in traditional presentation. There are lunch specials, combination plates, a kids menu, as well as a regular and full choice of dishes for you to choose from. Appetizer Egg Rolls are our favorite here, usually followed by Chef's Special Walnut Shrimp which has numerous, succulent shrimp and always satisfies! All dishes can be ordered to your chosen spice level. 4. P.F. Chang's This national chain's local branch is a reliable stop for Asian food, and we always find it friendly and clean. Even though this is a chain, all food is prepared on-site, and we've found every meal to be fresh and tasty. The signature Chang's Lettuce Wrap appetizer needs to be tried with either chicken or vegetarian options. Then, you face the difficult choice between the hand-made Dim Sum pork or shrimp dumplings and excellent main dishes like the Mongolian Beef or Chang's Spicy Chicken. 5. Hongda This restaurant says it offers a modern interpretation of classic dishes, and indeed it's kept us happy every time we stop in! The restaurant is relatively small, but the food comes quickly, and the staff is incredibly attentive. The menu has everything you'd expect it to feature for lunch and dinner. The Boneless B.B.Q Ribs are our favorite appetizer, and the Hot and Sour Soup is some of the best we've had anywhere. Main dishes include a fabulous Orange Chicken, or if you're hungry, check out the Mongolian Triple Delight with shrimp, beef, and chicken. There’s no doubt about it – El Paso has loads of absolutely scrumptious restaurants where you can happily appease your craving for some mouth-watering Chinese food! Try one out tonight – or try them all and maybe find your new favorite!