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El Paso Restaurants
Mexican food is by far the staple cuisine here in El Paso. Lots and lots and lots of it. We have everything from Old-Mex to Tex-Mex to New-Mex to "This is Mex?" But there also many other types of restaurants here--a fact which is so often overshadowed by the ubiquity of the El Paso taco. Here are a few ideas in no particular order...
IndianIndia Palace 5380 N Mesa #116 El Paso, TX 79912 (915) 833-2245 Even if you (like me) have limited exposure to this type of food, you're likely to find something you like. The staff is very nice (patient) about answering any questions about the menu. Many of the dishes are available with your choice of meat or vegetable, making India Palace an appropriate place for vegetarians and omnivores alike.
SeafoodPelican's 130 Shadow Mountain Drive El Paso, TX 79912 (915) 581-1392 Pelican's is a great alternative to the chain restaurants that have cornered the seafood market. This locally owned restaurant has everything you would expect from a quality seafood place plus some more unique dishes as well. If you can't figure out what to order, try the Chilean sea bass.
Villa del Mar 7988 Gateway Boulevard East El Paso, TX 79907 (915) 591-1446 Villa del Mar is a Juárez restaurant that now has an El Paso location. That means you can enjoy this Mexican style seafood without the hassle of crossing the border. The ambiance is nice, and the menu is quite varied. You'll find everything from steak and potatoes to shrimp cocktail and fish fillets. You might try the Dos Salsas (Two Sauces) fish fillet or the Salmon, which is also quite good.
BBQSmitty's 6219 Airport Road El Paso, TX 79925 (915) 772-5876 For original El Paso Barbecue, take a drive down Montana Avenue to Smitty's. They have been serving up their pit barbecue for decades. Stop in for lunch sometime. Or, to feed the whole family, pick up a pound of brisket (don't forget the sauce) for take-out. Roll the meat in a tortilla for your very own BBQ burrito (not to be confused with "Barbacoa"). It doesn't get much more "Texican" than that.
Pizza/DeliHouse of Pizza 2016 N Piedras Street El Paso, TX 79930 (915) 565-7240 House of Pizza is located in Central El Paso near the older "Five Points" area. You can enjoy your order in their dining room or get it "to go". While you're waiting, enjoy a game of Pac-Man on the ancient table style video game. Not only do they offer pizza, but you can also order "deli" style sandwiches and subs. My favorite is the hot pastrami sandwich.
Ardovino's 206 Cincinnati Avenue El Paso, TX 79902 (915) 532-9483 Maybe the best pizza in El Paso. 'Nuff said.
BurgersHamburger Inn 3614 Alameda Avenue El Paso, TX 79905 (915) 532-1358 I only recently discovered this "hole-in-the-wall" burger joint on Alameda, even though it has been in operation for at least fifty years. It goes to show that there is always something new to discover in El Paso. If you encounter a language barrier, just point to your preferred menu item (menus are printed in English).
TamalesGussie's 2200 N Piedras Street El Paso, TX 79930 (915) 566-8209 Technically, Gussie's is a bakery, and not a restaurant. So don't expect to find any dining tables, as orders are for take-out only. What you will find at Gussie's are the best tamales in town. And you don't even have to wait for Christmas, as these corn husk wrapped treats available all year long. Their traditional pork red chile tamales are excellent, but for something different (or if you don't eat pork) try the vegetarian green chile and cheese variety. Don't forget to pick up some cookies or pan dulce (a Mexican sweet bread that resembles a small igloo) for dessert.
GorditasDelicious 3314 Fort Boulevard El Paso, TX 79930 (915) 566-1396 I hesitate to recommend just one El Paso Mexican restaurant, as there are so, so many good ones to choose from. But I would be remiss not to mention the gorditas at Delicious Mexican Eatery. This tiny restaurant also serves other traditional Mexican fare, and you won't be disappointed (unless you can't find a seat!). Take-out is also available.
Mediterranean/Middle EasternAl-Zaituna 4172 N Mesa Street El Paso, TX 79902 (915) 838-1260 If you like gyros and kebabs, you're in for a treat at Al-Zaituna. From the hand-rolled fresh dolmas to the perfectly seasoned lamb and beef, this menu is likely the best of its kind that you'll find in El Paso. Lunch Buffet specials are available every weekday, so you also have the opportunity to try everything on the menu.
So, this is the "short list" of El Paso restaurants that I can recommend, but there are so many places I haven't yet visited. I'm open to suggestions, so tell me...
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Chico’s Tacos or Bust
    
My first impression of the place was that the decor probably hadn’t been changed in over twenty years or so, and as it turned out, I was correct in my ...

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