El Paso is quite literally a border town – situated not only on the border between the U.S. and Mexico, but also on the border between Texas and New Mexico. As a result, the options at local dining establishments tend to tie in elements from multiple cultures – giving patrons a wealth of taste selections, a sumptuous reflection of the city’s colorful history. Some of the most popular place to pull up a chair when you’re in “Sun City” include:
- Tom’s Folk Café – Located inside a small charming house and tucked away from the busy streets, Tom’s Folk Cafe transports you to a cozy and eclectic atmosphere. It takes a spin on Americana by blending it with a taste of the Southwest region. By regularly bringing in seasonal and locally sourced food, the menu stays fresh all year round. Visitors rave about the fried chicken, the macaroni and cheese and the heirloom grits.
- Tabla – A tapas-style menu lets diners sample numerous tasty treats, with the Spanish cuisine always spiced up with new ideas. Fire pits on the patio create a warm and inviting atmosphere as you savor your Gnocci, made with sweet potato, duck confit, candied pecans and goat cheese, or the Bacon Dates, with pecan syrup and candied pecans. And be sure to save room for dessert – including the Crème Brulee, the Molten Lava Brownie or the apple-filled Churro.
- The Hoppy Monk – A throwback to the tradition of the “public house,” a saloon, bar, tavern or inn that served as a village gathering place where any and all could discuss daily life. The menu features many of the “bar food” staples – including burgers, pizza, fish and chips, sandwiches, etc. – but all with a gourmet twist, and several with a vegetarian alternative. For instance, the Veggie Monk is a tantalizing burger made with black bean-pumpkin veggie patty, provolone cheese, fresh-sliced tomatoes, red onions and a balsamic aioli.
- Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch – A large, family-style restaurant on a working ranch. Enjoy a western atmosphere, miles of desert scenery and spectacular sunsets at what Men’s Health magazine named “the Manliest Steakhouse in America.” Before or after the meal, you can visit an animal farm, where the ranch keeps goats, sheep – even rattlesnakes! The restaurant also maintains memorabilia from the numerous movies shot in the area. The New York Strip steak and the ribs come highly recommended, but there is also seafood, chicken, sausage and a heaping of family-style sides.
- L&J Café – A uniquely flavorful link between El Paso’s past and present. Originally known as Tony’s Place, the restaurant opened on the outskirts of El Paso in 1927, providing home cooking, home brew and slot machines through Prohibition. Later renamed the L&J Cafe, a fourth generation now continues the family tradition of delicious food and drink and excellent service. With a menu combining creative new twists on regional flavors and savory traditional plates, L&J always satisfies popular demand for delicious borderlands food.
- Julio’s Café Corona – Originally founded in Juarez, Mexico, it moved to El Paso in 1981 and continued the tradition of true, delicious Mexican cuisine. Pride is taken with each order, which is prepared individually and with loving care. Today, the menu – which originally included just Mexican food – includes Spanish, international and seafood dishes as well. Some of the top entrées are Filete Tampiqueña and Salpicon, with the number one specialty being Mole Poblano, a superb Mexican dish that dates back centuries.
- Rudy’s – This being Texas after all, you can’t pass up the opportunity for good barbecue. Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Qgives you a selection of succulent meats, from pork spare ribs to jalapeno sausage, from brisket to turkey breast – plus delicious sides and desserts. In addition, Rudy’s famous meats, “sause” and rubs are available for purchase, so you can take the taste of El Paso home with you.
With the variety available to people who roam the streets of El Paso, you certainly won’t go hungry when you visit… and you may just come back with a few extra pounds. To investigate a trip to El Paso, or any of our other 40+ scrumptious destinations, send an email to info@takethreenights.com.