Best Mexican Places to Eat in El Paso

El Paso, Texas may not be known for its Mexican cuisine, but it should be. With a rich history and culture that blends both Mexican and American influences, El Paso boasts some of the best Mexican restaurants in the country. From traditional family-owned taquerias to modern fusion cuisine, there is something for everyone when it comes to Mexican food in El Paso. In this article, we’ll explore the best Mexican places to eat in El Paso, so grab your appetite and let’s get started!

The Best Mexican Places to Eat in El Paso: Our Top Picks

🌮 La Hacienda de Los Barrios

🌮 Cattleman’s Steakhouse

🌮 L & J Cafe

🌮 Kiki’s Restaurant and Bar

🌮 El Cometa

🌮 Lucha’s Mexican Grill

🌮 Barrigas Fine Mexican Food

🌮 Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s

🌮 El Taquito

🌮 La Choza

🌮 The Kitchen at 150 Sunset

🌮 El Jacalito

🌮 Ruli’s International Kitchen

Introduction

El Paso is a city with a rich history and diverse culture. It is located at the westernmost tip of Texas, and shares a border with Mexico. As a result, the city has a unique blend of influences from both Mexican and American cultures. One of the most significant ways this is evident is in the food. Mexican cuisine is a staple in El Paso, and the city boasts some of the best Mexican restaurants in the country. In this article, we will explore the best Mexican places to eat in El Paso, and what makes them so special.

The History of Mexican Cuisine in El Paso

Mexican cuisine has been a part of El Paso’s history since the city was founded in 1659. The Chihuahuan desert, which surrounds the city, was home to the indigenous peoples of the area, who had their own unique cuisine. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they brought with them their own food culture, which they blended with the indigenous cuisine. Over time, this fusion of Spanish and indigenous food became what we know today as Mexican cuisine.

When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, many Mexicans in the region moved north into Texas. This migration brought Mexican cuisine to Texas, where it was further influenced by American food culture. Today, Mexican cuisine is a staple in Texas, and El Paso is no exception.

What Makes Mexican Food in El Paso So Special?

El Paso’s location on the border between Mexico and the United States has had a significant impact on its food culture. Many of the restaurants in El Paso are family-owned and have been passed down through generations. This means that the recipes used in these restaurants have been perfected over time, and are often a blend of old family recipes and new ideas.

In addition to family-owned restaurants, El Paso also has a thriving food truck scene. Many of these food trucks specialize in Mexican cuisine, and offer unique takes on traditional dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for classic street tacos or a modern fusion of Mexican and American flavors, you can find it in El Paso.

Another reason why Mexican food in El Paso is so special is the quality of the ingredients. Many of the restaurants in the city use locally-sourced ingredients, which are often organic and free-range. This means that the food is not only delicious, but also healthy and sustainable.

The Best Mexican Places to Eat in El Paso

Now that we’ve covered the history and culture of Mexican food in El Paso, let’s dive into the best Mexican places to eat in the city. We’ve compiled a list of our top picks, based on factors such as quality of food, atmosphere, and service.

La Hacienda de Los Barrios

Located on the west side of the city, La Hacienda de Los Barrios is a family-owned restaurant that specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with colorful decor and friendly staff. The food is made from scratch using fresh ingredients, and the menu features a wide variety of dishes, from classic enchiladas to more modern fusion cuisine.

Cattleman’s Steakhouse

While not strictly a Mexican restaurant, Cattleman’s Steakhouse deserves a spot on this list for its unique blend of Tex-Mex and American cuisine. The restaurant is located on a working ranch just outside of El Paso, and offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The menu features dishes such as mesquite-grilled steaks and chile rellenos, and the atmosphere is rustic and cozy.

L & J Cafe

One of the oldest restaurants in El Paso, L & J Cafe has been serving up classic Mexican cuisine since 1927. The restaurant is located in a historic building in the heart of the city, and has a cozy, old-school vibe. The menu features dishes such as red enchiladas and chiles rellenos, and the margaritas are some of the best in the city.

Kiki’s Restaurant and Bar

Kiki’s Restaurant and Bar is another family-owned restaurant that has been a staple in El Paso since the 1970s. The restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, which is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. The menu features dishes such as mole enchiladas and chile verde, and the margaritas are a must-try.

El Cometa

El Cometa is a small, family-owned taqueria that is located in the heart of El Paso’s Segundo Barrio. The restaurant has been a local favorite for over 30 years, and is known for its delicious street tacos and homemade salsas. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with colorful decor and friendly staff.

Lucha’s Mexican Grill

If you’re in the mood for modern fusion cuisine, Lucha’s Mexican Grill is the place to go. The restaurant is located on El Paso’s west side, and offers a unique blend of Mexican and American flavors. The menu features dishes such as duck carnitas and chile relleno egg rolls, and the atmosphere is upscale and trendy.

Barrigas Fine Mexican Food

Barrigas Fine Mexican Food is a family-owned restaurant that has been a staple in El Paso since 1969. The restaurant is known for its classic Tex-Mex cuisine, which is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. The menu features dishes such as carne asada and fajitas, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s

Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s is a popular Mexican restaurant that is known for its festive atmosphere and delicious food. The restaurant has been a local favorite for over 30 years, and offers a wide variety of dishes, from classic enchiladas to modern fusion cuisine. The margaritas are also a must-try.

El Taquito

El Taquito is a small, family-owned taqueria that is located in downtown El Paso. The restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican street tacos, which are made from scratch using fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with colorful decor and friendly staff.

La Choza

La Choza is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up classic Mexican cuisine since 1985. The restaurant is located in a historic building in the heart of El Paso, and has a cozy, old-school vibe. The menu features dishes such as green chile stew and carne adovada, and the margaritas are some of the best in the city.

The Kitchen at 150 Sunset

The Kitchen at 150 Sunset is a modern fusion restaurant that offers a unique blend of Mexican and American cuisine. The restaurant is located on El Paso’s west side, and has an upscale, trendy atmosphere. The menu features dishes such as grilled octopus and duck mole, and the cocktails are some of the best in the city.

El Jacalito

El Jacalito is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up classic Mexican cuisine since 1974. The restaurant is located in a historic building in the heart of El Paso, and has a cozy, old-school vibe. The menu features dishes such as green chile stew and carne adovada, and the margaritas are some of the best in the city.

Ruli’s International Kitchen

Ruli’s International Kitchen is a modern fusion restaurant that offers a unique blend of Mexican and American cuisine. The restaurant is located on El Paso’s east side, and has an upscale, trendy atmosphere. The menu features dishes such as shrimp tacos and bacon-wrapped quail, and the cocktails are some of the best in the city.

FAQ

1. What is Mexican cuisine?

Mexican cuisine is a blend of indigenous