Mexican cuisine has been such an important part of American life over the years, spreading to every state and city across the USA. And no, we’re not talking about Chipotle or Taco Bell. Texas is one of the best states in the country for authentic Mexican eats, so we’ve rounded up the very best Mexican restaurants in El Paso.
From small food joints churning out impeccable tacos to Tex Mex and fine dining Mexican-fusion cooking, we have something for everybody on this list. If Mexican food is your bag you’ll want to get working your way through this list ASAP.
Best Mexican Restaurants In El Paso
How do these rankings work?
1. L&J Cafe
One of the oldest (since 1927!) and most-loved Mexican restaurants in El Paso, L&J Cafe is a local institution for quality Tex-Mex. As well as perfectly classic margaritas, there’s hearty tomato tortilla soups and mole enchiladas. If you don’t try L&J Cafe at least once, you’re seriously missing out.
2. Kiki’s Restaurant & Bar
There’s a reason that celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez calls the machaca plate here the best in the country. Kiki’s is a legendary spot when it comes to authentic Mexican fare. It’s a feast of your choice of brisket, chicken, or crab, grilled with tomatoes, onions, and green chilies, a little egg, then covered with their addictive green sauce and cheese, served with rice and beans.
3. Gonzalos G & R Restaurant
This classic but funky restaurant is a must-visit for its tasty menu and delicious Margarita cocktails. Expect to find authentic Mexican dishes such as tacos al pastor and an amazing green chile queso. Best bit? The prices are superb, with daily specials, too. So even if you’re on a budget you can still chow down on some of the best Mexican food in El Paso.
4. El Taquito
El Taquito might not look like much from the outside, but step through these doors and you’ll find yourself in one of the best Mexican restaurants in El Paso. Everything is made by hand – as it should be – with a homey and cosy vibe. Menu staples include tacos, flautas & tortilla soup, all as authentic and tasty as can be.
5. Avila’s
Avila’s has been an El Paso favourite since 1952, serving up border cuisine favourites to multiple generations of local families. (Some servers here have been on staff for more than 40 years!) What keeps customers coming back? One dish is the delicious picadillo taco: spicy ground beef studded with potatoes and chiles in a crisped-to-order hard-shell tortilla.
6. Andale Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
All the food at this fun and family-friendly restaurant is inspired by the owner’s memories of the delicious tamales, enchiladas & juicy flavours from their grandma’s kitchen. So it should come as no surprise that Andale’s is a must-visit spot for a proper Old World Mexico feast. Highlights include their breakfast dish of red chilaquiles with fried eggs.
7. Julio’s Mexican Food
A tasty gem since the 1940s, the menu here is made up of dishes using traditional family recipes. Every dish is made from scratch using only the freshest of ingredients, and you’ll go on a gourmet tour of Mexico as you taste the seafood, comfort food, steaks and much more. You’ll be a regular customer here after just one bite.
