How Can You Find the Best Mexican Food in El Paso?

El Paso is a vibrant, diverse city located in the Southwestern United States along the Rio Grande River. A city with a population of roughly 750,000 people, El Paso is a cultural melting pot that embraces its rich Latin American roots, and celebrates its culture through many of its attractions and events.

One area in which El Paso truly excels is Mexican food. Thanks to its proximity to Mexico, El Paso has access to some of the freshest and most authentic ingredients and flavors in all of Texas. From traditional favorites, such as tacos and guacamole, to unique dishes like cabrito and fajitas, El Paso has something for everyone’s tastes.

So if you’re searching for the best Mexican food in El Paso, where should you look? While there are many local favorites, here is a list of the top restaurants in town.

Papagayos Mexican Restaurant

Papagayos Mexican Restaurant is a great option when it comes to Mexican food in El Paso. Located downtown, Papagayos has been serving up traditional Tex-Mex dishes since 1969. Customers rave about their homemade tortillas and salsa, as well as their variety of enchiladas. They are known for their expansive breakfast menu, which includes breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, and huevos rancheros.

La Posta de Mesilla

For those looking for an authentic taste of New Mexico, La Posta de Mesilla is the perfect spot. This Mexican-food mainstay has been serving up traditional dishes since 1939, making it one of the oldest restaurants in El Paso. Many customers come here to sample their famous chili alongside tamales, flautas, and carne adovada. La Posta de Mesilla also has several vegetarian options as well.

Doña Diabla Roja

Doña Diabla Roja is a popular destination for Mexican comfort food in El Paso. Offering all the usual suspects—enchiladas, burritos, and tacos—the menu leans heavily towards more inventive dishes like deep-fried chimichangas and tamale casserole. Doña Diabla Roja’s atmosphere is lively and welcoming, thanks to its vibrant colors and friendly service.

El Molcajete

The award-winning El Molcajete restaurant is a must-try for those who crave truly authentic Mexican food. It’s located in an old building off of Mesa Street and serves up traditional favorites like chile relleno and mole. The atmosphere here is typically quite busy, thanks to its loyal customer base, and they often have live mariachi music playing in the background.

Ardovino’s Desert Crossing

Ardovino’s Desert Crossing takes Mexican food to the next level with its creative approach to traditional recipes. Located on the far east side of El Paso, Ardovino’s serves up combinations like shrimp burrito tacos and chile con queso tacos that have quickly become local favorites. Don’t forget to try their signature guacamole – it’s made from scratch daily and always top notch.

Whether you’re looking for traditional Tex-Mex cuisine or something more authentic, El Paso has plenty of options for you to enjoy. From Papagayos to Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, there are numerous restaurants to choose from that offer great Mexican dishes that live up to their reputations. So make sure to check them out on your next trip to El Paso – you won’t be disappointed!

For more information on the best Mexican restaurants in El Paso, check out InsidersGuideToElPaso.com, the ultimate guide to all the best places and things to do in this unique city!

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring El Paso, Texas

El Paso, Texas is located in the westernmost part of the state, bordering Mexico and New Mexico. This desert city has a rich culture blending American, Mexican and Native American influences. Visitors will be amazed by the stunning scenic views of the Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande, as well as the array of local attractions, culinary delights, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that make El Paso a unique destination.

Top Attractions

El Paso is home to several popular attractions that should make it onto your itinerary, including:

The Plaza Theatre

Built in the 1930s, the Plaza Theatre is a stunning atmospheric theatre located in the heart of downtown El Paso. It has been beautifully restored and still hosts performances ranging from concerts to Broadway shows.

El Paso Museum of Art

The El Paso Museum of Art is an excellent attraction for art lovers. It features works from around the world, including collections of American, European, and Mexican art, and is free to the public.

Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains State Park is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can hike over 100 miles of scenic trails through the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding desert.

Best Mexican Food in El Paso

When it comes to dining in El Paso, Mexican food is a must-try. The city is known for its delicious authentic Mexican cuisine, and there is no shortage of restaurants to choose from. Here are a few of the best Mexican food spots in El Paso:

L & J Café

L & J Café is a historic and popular restaurant on the west side of El Paso, serving up some of the best Mexican food in the city. Try their famous enchiladas or green chile chicken stew for a truly delectable experience.

El Cometa

El Cometa is another popular joint for Mexican food in El Paso. They are famous for their breakfast burritos and delicious chiles rellenos.

Taqueria El Cometa

For those looking for a true local experience, Taqueria El Cometa is the place to be. This small mom-and-pop shop serves up some of the best tacos and salsas in the city.

Cultural Experiences

El Paso is a melting pot of cultures, and there are several experiences that visitors should try to gain a deeper appreciation of the city’s diversity.

The Chamizal National Memorial

The Chamizal National Memorial is an excellent representation of the relationship between the United States and Mexico and the border’s crossing history. There is a public amphitheatre and galleries used to celebrate culture and host various performances and events.

The El Paso Mission Trail

El Paso Mission Trail takes you on a cultural journey filled with history and spirituality. The trail includes three 18th century Spanish mission churches — the Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and San Elizario Chapel— and perfect for history buffs interested in the settlement of the El Paso area.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

For those looking for a unique experience in El Paso, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

El Paso Zoo

The El Paso Zoo is an excellent place to visit with family or friends. Guests can enjoy a variety of exhibits featuring animals from all over the world, bird shows, and a vegetable garden.

El Paso Symphony Orchestra

El Paso is home to a professional symphony orchestra, and visitors can catch a performance at The Plaza Theatre. It offers an amazing musical experience featuring incredible local talent.

Ascarate Park

Ascarate Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic. It is located in the heart of El Paso with a man-made lake, playgrounds, sports fields, and a golf course.

El Paso’s rich history and culture, beautiful nature, and delicious food make it an excellent destination for travelers from all around the world. By experiencing everything El Paso has to offer, you’ll take away some memorable and iconic experiences to last throughout a lifetime.