Good Mexican Food in El Paso, Texas: Where to Find the Best Tacos, Burritos and More

El Paso, Texas is known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and most importantly, delicious Mexican food. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a local foodie, you’ll find a wide variety of authentic Mexican cuisine in El Paso that will tantalize your taste buds. From street tacos to burritos, enchiladas to chiles rellenos, El Paso’s Mexican food scene offers something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the city’s best Mexican food joints, as well as answer some of your most frequently asked questions about Mexican cuisine in El Paso.

The Best Mexican Restaurants in El Paso

🌮 Tacos Don Cuco: If you’re looking for some of the best tacos in El Paso, look no further than Tacos Don Cuco. This authentic Mexican restaurant has been serving up delicious tacos, burritos, and more for over 20 years and has become a local favorite.

🌯 Carnitas Queretaro: For mouth-watering burritos and other Mexican favorites, head to Carnitas Queretaro. This popular restaurant is known for its tender, juicy pork carnitas and delicious green chile sauce.

🍲 L&J Cafe: Looking for a classic Tex-Mex experience? Look no further than L&J Cafe. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious Mexican food since 1927 and is a local institution.

🌶️ Kiki’s Restaurant and Bar: For authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine, Kiki’s Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit. From sizzling fajitas to cheesy enchiladas, this restaurant has it all.

Tacos Don Cuco

Located in the heart of El Paso, Tacos Don Cuco is a popular Mexican restaurant known for its delicious tacos and burritos. The restaurant has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine for over 20 years and has become a local favorite. The menu features a variety of tacos, including al pastor, carne asada, and lengua, as well as burritos, quesadillas, and more. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the prices are reasonable. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, Tacos Don Cuco is the perfect spot.

Carnitas Queretaro

If you’re a fan of tender, juicy pork carnitas, you won’t want to miss Carnitas Queretaro. This popular restaurant is known for its delicious carnitas, as well as its flavorful green chile sauce. The menu also features a variety of other Mexican favorites, including burritos, enchiladas, and tacos. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making Carnitas Queretaro a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

L&J Cafe

L&J Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up delicious Mexican food since 1927. The restaurant is known for its classic Tex-Mex dishes, including chile con carne, enchiladas, and tamales. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, making it a great spot for a relaxing meal with friends or family. Don’t forget to try the famous margaritas!

Kiki’s Restaurant and Bar

Kiki’s Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes, including sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and tangy ceviche. The restaurant also has a full bar, with a variety of cocktails and margaritas to choose from. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a great spot for a night out with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is traditional Mexican food?

Traditional Mexican food is a type of cuisine that has developed over thousands of years, incorporating a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques. Some of the most common ingredients in traditional Mexican cuisine include corn, beans, chiles, tomatoes, and avocados. Popular dishes include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tamales.

What makes El Paso Mexican food unique?

El Paso Mexican food is unique because it draws from a variety of culinary traditions, including Mexican, Tex-Mex, and New Mexican cuisine. The result is a flavorful and diverse cuisine that incorporates a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques. El Paso Mexican food is also known for its use of chiles, which add heat and flavor to many dishes.

What are some must-try Mexican dishes in El Paso?

Some must-try Mexican dishes in El Paso include street tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and chiles rellenos. You should also try the city’s famous margaritas, which are made with fresh lime juice and tequila.

Is Mexican food in El Paso spicy?

Mexican food in El Paso can be spicy, but not all dishes are hot. If you’re sensitive to spice, be sure to ask your server for recommendations on milder dishes.

What is the best time to visit El Paso for Mexican food?

The best time to visit El Paso for Mexican food is anytime! The city has a vibrant Mexican food scene that is active year-round. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit during the off-season, which is typically from November to February.

Are there vegetarian options available in El Paso Mexican restaurants?

Yes, many Mexican restaurants in El Paso offer vegetarian options, such as bean burritos, cheese enchiladas, and veggie fajitas. Be sure to ask your server for recommendations.

What is the difference between Tex-Mex and Mexican food?

Tex-Mex is a type of cuisine that developed in Texas and incorporates elements of Mexican cuisine. It is often characterized by the use of ground beef, yellow cheese, and flour tortillas. Mexican food, on the other hand, is a broader category that encompasses a variety of regional cuisines from Mexico and relies more heavily on ingredients like corn, beans, and fresh vegetables.

What are some popular Mexican drinks?

Some popular Mexican drinks include margaritas, micheladas (beer with lime juice and spices), and horchata (a sweet, rice-based drink).

Can I find gluten-free options in El Paso Mexican restaurants?

Yes, many El Paso Mexican restaurants offer gluten-free options, such as corn tortillas and rice dishes. Be sure to ask your server for recommendations.

What is the price range for Mexican food in El Paso?

The price range for Mexican food in El Paso can vary depending on the restaurant and the dish. However, most dishes are reasonably priced, with tacos and burritos typically costing between $2-$5 and entrees costing between $10-$15.

Is tipping expected in Mexican restaurants in El Paso?

Yes, tipping is expected in Mexican restaurants in El Paso. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill.

What is the best way to get around El Paso to find the best Mexican food?

The best way to get around El Paso to find the best Mexican food is by car. Many of the best Mexican restaurants are located in different parts of the city, so having your own transportation will make it easier to get to each one.

Do Mexican restaurants in El Paso serve breakfast?

Yes, many Mexican restaurants in El Paso serve breakfast, such as huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, and chilaquiles.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, El Paso, Texas is the place to be. With a vibrant Mexican food scene that includes everything from street tacos to sizzling fajitas, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the best Mexican restaurants in El Paso, as well as answered some of your most frequently asked questions about Mexican cuisine in the city. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and try some of the best Mexican food in El Paso!

Disclaimer

The information in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. However, the restaurant industry is subject to change, and some of the information in this article may no longer be accurate. We recommend that you do your own research before dining at any of the restaurants mentioned in this article.