Mexican Food in El Paso (2025)

A downtown standard-bearer for heirloom-corn tacos, ELEMI nixtamalizes and mills its masa in-house, turning out tortillas that anchor refined, tradition-forward fillings. Featured by Food & Wine and Texas Highways, and recognized on Texas Monthly’s statewide tacos list, it’s a modern expression of El Paso’s border cuisine that stays rooted in community.

Affectionately called The Old Place by the Graveyard, this fourth‑generation landmark has served border classics since 1927. Expect red and green enchiladas, chile colorado, and a sense of place that keeps locals returning. Noted by food writers and highlighted by local tourism sources, it remains a rite of passage for visitors and residents alike.

A Central El Paso favorite since 1976, Kiki’s is famed for brisket machaca—spotlighted on The Best Thing I Ever Ate by chef Aarón Sánchez—and for plates like green crab enchiladas and mole. It’s a neighborhood institution that visiting chefs and local families cite as essential El Paso eating.

A lively taquería known for nixtamal tortillas and creative fillings, Taconeta turns out suadero, mushroom, and pollo tacos with bright salsas and a patio vibe. Lauded by Texas Highways and ranked on Texas Monthly’s Best Tacos in Texas list, it showcases El Paso’s new‑school craft without losing its roots.

Downtown’s beloved dive serves one of the country’s most talked‑about nachos—each chip individually built and broiled—alongside border favorites and Sunday menudo. Celebrated in Vice and cherished by locals, The Tap delivers El Paso character on a plate without pretense.

Operated by La Mujer Obrera, this community‑powered café cooks ancestral Mexican recipes—think nopales, calabacitas, and seasonal chiles en nogada—while training and employing local women. Featured by Texas Highways and praised by local media, it’s a meaningful taste of culture and activism on a plate.

Segundo Barrio’s menudo destination for decades, Jalisco Cafe is woven into neighborhood life—hosting community meals and marking World Menudo Day every New Year’s. Local news regularly spotlights its generosity and its weekend menudo tradition that keeps regulars lining up early.

Since 1951, this family bakery has fueled El Paso mornings with pan dulce, empanadas, and holiday roscas—plus savory burritos and tamales. A downtown staple with deep neighborhood ties, it’s frequently covered by local outlets for seasonal specialties and its enduring legacy.

A long‑running neighborhood kitchen known for everyday classics—mole on Mondays, tacos al pastor, gorditas, and hearty combo plates. Family‑owned and budget‑friendly, it draws loyal regulars for straightforward flavors that feel unmistakably El Paso.

Daytime-only comfort from a stalwart cafeteria‑style comedor: chilaquiles, enchiladas, sopapillas with honey, and weekend menudo. A steady presence on local listings, it’s the kind of low‑key spot where El Paso families gather for simple plates done right.