El Paso borders New Mexico and Mexico, which explains its bold and distinct point of view when it comes to food, especially Mexican food. Local favorites include The L & J Café, a local bar founded in 1927 during prohibition, and sits behind a cemetery. It is best known for its chili con queso, enchiladas, and red and green salsas. Another historic establishment is Bowie Bakery located in “Segundo Barrio” or second ward and is famous for its Pan Dulce, meaning sweet bread, and its Mexican wedding cookies. If breakfast is on the agenda, H & H Car Wash and Coffee Shop is your stop. Get your car washed while enjoying critically acclaimed breakfast tacos at this old time diner. Delicious Mexican Eatery also serves giant breakfast burritos once taste-tested by Julia Childs. “Delicious” serves many mouth watering dishes for lunch and dinner, including gorditas (a deep fried patty made up of corn, split and stuffed with meat, adorned with lettuce, tomato, and cheese). For authentic south-of- the-border eats, Pepe’s Tamales boasts tamales with some of the best masa-to- meat ratio around. Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s, has delicious food, friendly service, great margaritas, and a festive atmosphere. Be prepared to wait if you go Thurs. thru Sun. Your patience will be rewarded, as you are in for a treat and perhaps be entertained by mariachis or a trio. Chico’s Tacos is a small local restaurant chain based in El Paso. Around since July 4, 1953, it is considered a local institution in El Paso, and perhaps the city’s best-known restaurant. It was featured on the Food Network Show, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”. Chico’s, as the locals call it, is known for its rolled tacos in a soupy-tomato based sauce, and covered with cheese, along with its round hot dogs.
Food and its flavors may be the main staple blending the surrounding areas and its roots, but El Paso has much more to offer. Enjoy art and music festivals, museums, baseball games at a state of the art AAA ballpark featuring the El Paso Chihuahuas, and Broadway shows at the beautiful Plaza Theatre. Viva! El Paso, is a must see musical extravaganza and local production in the majestic McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater. It depicts the 400-yr. history and cultural evolution of the El Paso region. Performances are on Friday and Saturday nights in June, July, and August.
Interesting Facts:
- El Paso borders one of the most dangerous cities in the world, yet has been ranked the safest city in the U.S. for four consecutive years.
- It is in a region of over 27 million people and makes up the largest bilingual and binational work force in the Western Hemisphere.
- The Double Tree Hotel, once the El Paso International Hotel, boasts of celebrity guests such as Steve McQueen, Elvis Presley, and Ali McGraw.
- El Paso County’s Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Tigua Indian Reservation is one of two Indian reservations in the state of Texas, and for fun and a little gambling, visit Speaking Rock Casino.
- El Paso, meaning “the pass” was originally El Paso del Norte, meaning “the pass from the north”.
