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Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in El Paso

From Laura Cruz-Acosta, former About.com Guide

Mexican eateries in El Paso are as plentiful as gas stations, but finding the perfect Mexican restaurant will depend on your individual taste buds. Whether you like the mouthwatering effects of a spicy salsa or the heavenly combination of melted cheese and warm tortillas, this list of local Mexican restaurants will make you and ask for more. This list is presented in alphabetical order.

Café Mayapán

Café Mayapan operates as both a restaurant and a nonprofit organization that provides job training in South-Central El Paso. This noteworthy eatery offers some of the most authentic Mexican food that will please every palate. Try one their signature dishes or their scrumptious soups such as the caldo tlalpeño and wash it down with a refreshing agua de limón.

Address: 2000 Texas (map)
Telephone: (915) 351-1070

Carnitas Queretaro

Carnitas Queretaro is recognized for its succulent meats. While the restaurant’s traditional Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas and chile rellenos, are delicious; it’s the carnitas and chicken mole that make this eatery worthy of more than one trip. There are three locations in El Paso.

Westside Location:

Address: 6516 N. Mesa (map)
Telephone: (915) 584-9906

East-Central Location:

Address: 9077 Gateway West (map)
Telephone: (915) 633-9877

Eastside Location:

Address: 10801 Pebble Hills (map)
Telephone: (915) 633-6545

Casa Jurado

Casa Jurado has been a longtime staple in El Paso and for a very good reason. This restaurant’s extensive menu consistently pleases clients with various tasty dishes that get your taste buds hopping. Try the chile rellenos, flautas and salpicón.

Kern Place Location:

Address: 226 Cincinnati (map)
Telephone: (915) 532-6429

Upper Valley Location:

Address: 4772 Doniphan (map)
Telephone: (915) 833-1151

El Taco Tote Real Mexican Grill

Originally found in El Paso’s sister city, Ciudad Juárez, El Taco Tote is best known for its signature dish: tacos. What makes this eatery among the best are the handmade tortillas that melt in your mouth and the plentiful, tasty salsas.

Northeast Location:

Address: 9933 Kenworthy (map)
Telephone: (915) 751-8222

Westside Location:

Address: 7101 N. Mesa (map)
Telephone: (915) 584-3244

UTEP Location:

Address: 2921 N. Mesa (map)
Telephone: (915) 532-6212

Eastside Location:

Address: 9910 Montana (map)
Telephone: (915) 590-3090

Far East Location:

Address: 1461 N. Zaragoza (map)
Telephone: (915) 858-9998

Kiki’s Restaurant & Bar

An El Paso institution, Kiki’s is the place to go for a savory plate of machaca (pronounced ma-cha-ka) which combines your choice of meat, onions, tomato, cheese, eggs and chile. Kiki’s has common Mexican dishes, but you also can enjoy more unique dishes, such as crab tacos and crab enchiladas.

Address: 2719 N. Piedras (map)
Telephone: (915) 565-6713

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L & J Café

There is a reason this restaurant is always packed during the lunch hour. Located on the west side of the historic Concordia Cemetery (resting place of John Wesley Hardin), this “hole-in-the wall” diner may not be a delight for the eyes, but it belongs on your short list for El Paso restaurants.

Address: 3622 E. Missouri (map)
Telephone: (915) 566-8418

Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey's

With more than 70 items and quite possibly the most potent Margaritas in town, Carlos & Mickey’s is a premier Mexican restaurant. The festive atmosphere won’t disappoint out-of-town guests and neither will the food. Start out with a plate of guacamole, an order of fajitas, and finish off the meal with warm sopapillas with honey.

Address: 1310 Magruder (map)
Telephone: (915) 778-3323

Sombras del Pasado

Located in a historic building along the El Paso Mission Trails, this unique eatery gives clients an opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery and luscious flavors. This wonderful restaurant boasts innovative twists on traditional Mexican dishes crafted by chef and owner Juan Antonio Lara.

Address: 10205 Socorro (map)
Telephone: (915) 860-2124

The Riviera Restaurant

The Riviera is a good combination of Mexican and New Mexican food. This Upper Valley eatery starts off clients with thick and flavorful tortilla chips that compliment the yummy red salsa. Try the red enchiladas, the crispy flautas, or the beef tacos. Once you’re done eating skip over to the Riviera’s bar and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere or fun tunes by a local band.

Address: 5218 Doniphan (map)
Telephone: (915) 584-1542‎

Villa del Mar

Villa del Mar gives seafood lovers a fresh take on white fish fillets. Start off your meal with the sailor soup or a fish ceviche and then try the Filete Veracruzana or the Filete Gibraltar. Your taste buds will love you for it.

Address: 7988 Gateway Blvd East (map)
Telephone: (915) 591-1446

El Paso