Guilty’s Underrated: Checking out El Paso’s food scene
By Kareem Gantt
EL PASO, TEXAS – JANUARY 12: People shop in the stores near the border crossing with Mexico, as the United States government continues its shutdown over a fight to fund more border wall construction on January 12, 2019 in El Paso, Texas. President Donald Trump wants $5.7 billion to build additional walls along the U.S.-Mexico border and the Democrats oppose the idea. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Guilty’s Underrated is counting down the top 10 most underrated foodie cities in America. For our number 10 spot, we head to the West Texas city of El Paso.
To some, El Paso is just some town on the U.S./Mexico border that is dusty and full or rock yards and also happens to be far away, from everything.
If that’s your thinking of the Sun City, well you need to take a trip to see one of America’s hidden gems, especially when it comes to food. The food scene in El Paso is a mix of traditional Mexican cuisine, Tex-Mex, and American Southwest fare all rolled up to create a dynamic atmosphere that serious foodies shouldn’t overlook.
There are the classics, such as the L&J Cafe in the Central area of El Paso that is, arguably, one of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the nation. Make sure you try their green chicken enchiladas paired up with their tacos. Trust me, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Then, there’s the revitalized Downtown, which has brought in a more varied food scene over the years. From Salt + Honey Bakery Cafe, with its irresistible pancakes, to Macs, one of the few spots in El Paso where you can find blissfully tasty Cajun/Creole cuisine. Downtown is growing as the epicenter of El Paso’s food scene, but being as sprawly as it is, you’ll find great restaurants all over town.
Watch your favorite shows on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
If you’re on the Eastside, don’t miss out on the juicy, flavorful steaks of West Texas Chophouse, which serves up some of the juiciest steaks in this parts of Texas. In fact, the Eastside could very well be the epicenter for El Paso’s dining scene, and why shouldn’t it be? The Eastside of El Paso is one of the fastest-growing areas of the city, home to a wide swath of middle-class neighborhoods with upper-class enclaves sprinkled amid the unique subdivisions. With such a diverse population, one wouldn’t be wrong to think that the dining scene is huge and varied.
Of course, you’ll have your choice of tasty Mexican restaurants, from the always reliable Chipotle to homegrown chains such as Carnitas Queretaro, which is famous for their rolled chicken enchiladas covered with creamy tomatillo sauce and topped with avocados and sour cream.