El Paso Scene's

Reader Restaurant Reviews

Do you have a favorite El Paso restaurant you want to tell the world about? Send you review to epscene@epscene.com. The review must include name of restaurant, address and your name.

Alexandro's
5655 Gateway West
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Priscilla Quintero
Comments: Alexandros is the greatest Mexican restaurant I have ever eaten at. When I go with my family or my friends we like to order something new from the menu. Something we haven't tasted there. Usually we order the chile rellenos or flautas with our order, because those two foods taste just great. No matter what we order each platter is rich in flavor. Besides the food it has great service, and the employees are very nice, and help you pick out what food you would like to eat. I enjoy going there because it is also clean, and has a great dining room. It also has kid's platters so you can take your whole family to enjoy the food as well.

Ardovino's Wine Gourmet & Gifts
206 Cincinnati Ave. (also at 865 N. Resler)
Type of Food: Italian
Reviewer: Debra De La Rosa
Comments: Ardovino's, a quaint Italian eatery and gourmet specialty store in one. Perfect for a first date or an intimate meal with friends. Besides a mosaic of gourmet pizzas and other favorites to choose from, they carry an extensive selection of wine and other gourmet edibles ideal for a romantic picnic or dinner for two.

Back Burner Bistro
7130 N. Mesa (Colony Cove II)
Type of food: American
Reviewer: Randy Limbird
Comments: Back Burner started out as a gourmet take-out place on Doniphan, earning a reputation for delicious cuisine, then opened the intimate sit-down restaurant. The menu ranges from "jerk chicken" to crayfish etouffee to baby back ribs. My family keeps going back - we've yet to be disappointed. Reservations needed even on weekdays. Entree for entree, this may be the best place in town.

Beijing Lili Chinese Restaurant
4017 N. Mesa
Type of food: Chinese
Reviewer: Sarah Harlan
Comments: When I first entered the Beijing Lili Chinese Restaurant, I was overwhelmed with an open, friendly atmosphere. The decorations struck my eye immediately, as they were attractive and fun. The lunch buffet was offered at a very reasonable price. There was a wide selection of nutritious, non-meat dishes in the buffet line. I was especially fond of a dish made with sting beans and onions. The flavor of all the food was delicious, and surprisingly non-greasy. The service was excellent. My water glass was never empty. I will definitely go back to Beijing Lili, and once they stop playing cheesy music, I may even bring friends.

Bella Napoli
6331 North Mesa
Type of Food: Italian
Reviewer: Anthony Delgado
Comments: From the instant you walk through the doors of Bella Napoli, you are immediately blown away to Italy. The explicit array of authentic Italian cuisine is the best in El Paso. Not only are the meals excellent, but the atmosphere of the restaurant is inexplicable. Not to mention the attentive service you get. Bella Napoli is known for its manicotti made from scratch and its delicious veal parmigiana that will leave you wanting one more bite. So if you're off to impress your date, skip the Olive Garden and head to Bella Napoli for the dining experience of your life.

Billy Crews
1200 Country Club Rd.
Type of Food: Steak/Chicken/Seafood
Reviewer: Christy Cordova
Comments When I went to this restaurant I was with my boyfriend. It was a very fitting place to go during that time. It's very romantic and quite. The atmosphere was soothing and beautiful, I remember how I felt as I walk in, I felt like a Queen. I couldn't stop thinking about how romantic things all around us were. I loved this place because it was classy, it wasn't one of those places that some jerk off guy that all he wants from you is one thing would take you. The music was nice but didn't control your evening. As far as the food to tell you the truth, if I thought that the room was overwhelming you can imagine the menu. I didn't really know what half of the things were that were on the list. When I finally got through all of that I ordered the greatest steak that I had ever tasted with mushrooms in wine sauce. On the topic of wines the array that they had of wine was enough to drive you blind. That was as far as to say the greatest night I had ever had at a restaurant.

Cappetto's
2716 Montana Ave. (566-9357)
Type of Food: Italian
Reviewer: Michelle Mayr
Comments: Ciao! Let us tip our hats to the amazing chefs at Cappetto's! If you're looking for great Italian food in an atmosphere that could take you back to the old country itself, try Cappetto's. With a wide variety of luscious dishes and desserts, Cappetto's is undeniably the best Italian restaurant in El Paso. Their marinara and pesto sauses turn regular pastas into masterpieces and their seafood dishes are highly reccommended. Don't forget to top off your meal with one of those fabulous desserts that could cure any sweet tooth. So if you're hungry for some homemade Italian goodies, go to Cappetto's and let the chefs show you what Italian eating is all about!!

Casa Jurado
226 Cincinnati
& 4772 Doniphan
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Randy Limbird
Comments: An El Paso tradition in fine Mexican food for 25 years, Casa Jurado has earned the loyalty of generations of diners at both locations, Kern Place and the Upper Valley. I took one friend there for the first time, and he never went to any Mexican restaurant except Casa Jurado since. Besides the excellent food, made uncompromisingly from scratch the way Mrs. Jurado taught her sons, service is always a standard above anywhere else.


Cattle Baron's
1700 Airway
Type of food: Steak and Seafood
Reviewer: Ray Borrego
Comments: Steak and seafood are the best food in the world. And the best place that cooks this up is Cattle Barons. They also have A very friendly atmosphere and a caring staff. So if you feel like steak or seafood try Cattle Barons.

Cattleman's Steakhouse
303 Old Hueco Tanks Rd.
Fabens, Texas
Type of food: Steaks
Reviewer: Jacqueline Chavez
Comments: Cattleman's steaks are a long tradition here in El Paso. Cattleman's is not only a restaurant, it was originally a cattle ranch in the outskirts of El Paso. The owners decided to share their grade-A beef with the rest of the nearby area. Located at 303 Old Hueco Tanks Rd. this steakhouse also offers catering services for those who'd rather have their steaks at home. So next time you visit us herein El Paso don't forget to drop on in to have yourself a real Texan meal at Cattleman'sSteakhouse and Ranch.

CiCi's Pizza
11335 Montwood Dr.
Type of food: Pizza
Reviewer: Joey Delgado
Comments: Pizza, pizza, and more pizza! That's what you get at CiCi's pizza. They make any type of pizza you desire. They sell all kinds of pizza from regular pepperoni pizzas to outrageous pizzas such as pineapple (which I personally do not recommend). Only $2.99 for all you can eat pizza is a good buy, and if you need dessert with your pizza they have one of the greatest desserts in town. Chocolate and powdered covered desserts are an original dessert on pizza bread. The restaurant service is very pleasing. The employees are friendly with the customers. With a combination of great food and service you are surely bound to leave with a satisfied feeling.

Cooks Steakhouse
1204 Airway
Reviewer: Chris Freeman
Comments: This is one of the best steak houses I have been to in my life. I like the concept to where you can pick out your steak and then cook it to your specifications. They have the reddest and juiciest steak I have ever witnessed. The service is perfect and the waitresses are very polite and attentive. They have many tables to choose from . The potato bar has a lot of condiments to choose from to put on your potato. I would recommend it to everyone.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
7540 Remcon (I-10 at North Mesa)
Type of food: American (Southern)
Reviewer: Randy Limbird
Targeted at I-10 travelers, the restaurant seems like a truck stop for the RV crowd. It's half gift-shop, with lots of Victorian decor items, souvenirs, gag gifts (I like the pig that goes "oink" whenever exposed to light - it's intended as a reminder to dieters whenever they open the refrigerator door). The food is down-home style - country fried steak, catfish filets, etc., with your choice of vegetables and other side dishes. If you need your Southern food fix, this this your best bet on the West Side.

Dominic's Italian Restaurant
717 E. San Antonio Ave.
Reviewer: Ana C. Flores
Comments: Elegant atmosphere - reasonable prices - generous portions - delicious choices - fast & friendly service. P.S. I have yet to finish a full serving in one sitting ... even the leftovers are delicious!

Doña Lupe Cafe
2919 Pershing
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Randy Limbird
Comments: An authentic family-style restaurant in the Five Points neighborhood, Doña Lupe delivers everything you expect in a Mexican meal: ample servings, refried beans cooked just right so that the beans still have some personality, friendly service. A great place to stop in if you're in the Central El Paso area.

EastSide Cafe
11251 Rojas Dr.
Type of Food: mostly Mexican
Reviewer: Cheryl Bowman
Comments: EastSide Cafe is one of my favorites. The food is very good and not expensive. The portions are almost always far more than I can eat and they make great caldo de res. The service is ALWAYS GREAT whether they are busy or not so busy. It must be a great place to work since the same waiters and waitresses have been there for as long as I have gone there several years ago. I really appreciate the care they take with everything. THANKS, EastSide Cafe, for all the great meals.

Flores Meat Market
4945 Titanic Ave.
Type of food: Mexican/Traditional
Reviewer: Philip Scobell
Comments: I really enjoy this restaurant because it has many details that I like. They cook traditional Mexican food like tortas of a huge variety of meats, burritos, tamales etc. All of the food tastes and resembles home-cooked meals. What I also love about this place is that the service is quick. When they have a large amount of people, which is quite often, the cook is hard at work because he knows that you're hungry. Besides the food being excellent, the people there are extremely friendly. They know you by name, and greet you as you walk in & out. One final thing, at the restaurant, you can eat off the floor. It is really clean and sanitary. I don't have to worry about any diseases or things like that.

Gabriel's Cafe
9100 Alameda Ave.
Type of Food: Mexican
Reviewer: Mavi Ruth Cruz
Comments: Fine Mexican food prepared by the cooks who know what real Mexican food should taste like. A beautiful environment to feast, converse and enjoy one another's company. Prepared from scratch, this food has certainly earned quite a reputation for fine Mexican food. Tacos, Red Enchiladas, Gorditas plus many other delectable courses are sure to fill you up. Gabriel's Cafe serves one of the best traditional desserts in town that have customers craving more. The traditional sopaipillas a sure winner making customers crave for that brown, flaky pastry topped with sweet rich pure honey.

Golden Palace
5857 N. Mesa Suite 21
Type of food: Chinese
Reviewer: Marlene Tillman
Comments: West El Paso is fortunate in having some of the best Chinese food in town. It's well worth the trip over here if you live in another area. It may not have all the fancy decor, but the food more than makes up for it. The noon buffet is superb. Service is fast or you may leisurely take your time and visit with Michelle. She's always smiling and makes her guests feel comfortable. There are many new items added to the buffet. The latest are more spicy and are very popular. Try it, I know you will keep coming back.

Gonzalos' Restaurant (G&R)
401 E. Nevada (546-9343)
(also at 10801 Pebble Hills, 593-9051)
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Helen L. Brooks
Comments: While living in the Sun City my whole life, I have had my share of Mexican food at it's finest. I have tried numerous new Mexican food restaurants, but my heart is always set on the restaurant that I grew up with--Gonzalo's Restaurant (or shortened to G&R). G&R is located downtown on Nevada at Kansas Street, and has been operating to my knowledge since the late seventies. When seated and presented with a menu, you have the opportunity to choose from a variety items such as gorditas, chile rellenos, nachos, and many different kinds of enchiladas such as cheese, chicken and beef. They even offer sandwiches, salads, and hamburgers for those who do not enjoy Mexican food. My personal favorite is the combination plate #1 which contains one taco, two enchiladas, refried beans, and Spanish rice. G&R is a wonderful restaurant and the staff are very friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Great American Land & Cattle Co.
2200 Yarbrough
Type of food: Steak and Seafood
Reviewer: Abraham Garcia
Comments: Great American is a great place to eat. Its special, famous steak and meat seasoning gives the food a unique, one-of-a-kind taste. The setting gives you a sense of history and the service equals the taste. Great American is an experience that could only come from the Southwest.

Japanese Kitchen
4024 N. Mesa St.
Type of Food: Japanese
Reviewer: Charles Garcia
Comments: The moment you enter the Japanese Kitchen you will smell the sweet aroma of the best Japanese food around. From tender teriyaki chicken to fresh sushi, you will love anything you taste. My favorite dish has always been the fried rice; white rice with egg, corn, peas, and a succulent sweet sauce. For dessert try the fried ice cream. This ice cream is sure to satisfy anyone's taste buds. Another plus to this shrine of a restaurant is that they literally cook your meal in front of you. You will get the best food, the best desserts, and you make a friend. What other restaurant offers all of this? Not many, so make sure you visit the Japanese Kitchen!

Jaxon's Restaurant & Brewing Co.
1135 Airway
Type of food: Southwest/American
Reviewer: Edna Mitchell
Comments: Jaxon's is a very nice and tidy restaurant. As you walk into the restaurant you will sense the kindness in the atmosphere and the wonderful aroma in the air. There are two paintings located in the lobby that tell the history of El Paso. The menu has a variety of food from rich pastas to savory burgers and steaks. Prices range from as low as $4.50 to $15.00, but all well worth its price. It is a unique restaurant because of its microbrewery. I recommend this place for its rich food, great service and cleanliness.

Kern Place Cafe
2609 N. Mesa
Reviewer: Randy Limbird
Comments: Get here early for lunch - Kern Place Market's reputation for salads (be sure to try the baby greens) packs in the light-eating noontime crowd. The restaurant also specializes in "pannini" sandwiches - foccacia bread filled with gourmet combinations. The pizzas also are of the gourmet variety.

L & J Restaurant
3622 E. Missouri Ave.
Type of Food: Mexican
Reviewer: Hugo Lopez
Comments: A cozy little restaurant with great food and a soothing atmosphere. As soon as you enter this bustling establishment you can sense the history and carefree attitude. This family owned business is very friendly and considerate to their customers. The service is great which is accented by the delicious menu. Highly recommended are the green chicken enchiladas. The prices are good and are perfect to anything from a quick lunch to dinner meal. Besides the dining area is a bar where people can relax and enjoy a cold drink. Overall I recommend this excellent restaurant which everyone will enjoy.

La Hacienda
1720 W. Paisano Dr. (532-5094)
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Randy Limbird
Comments: Located at the crossing of the Rio Grande where Don Juan de Oñate began his trek from what's now El Paso to Santa Fe in 1598, La Hacienda is El Paso's most historic restaurant. It's the former home of Simeon Hart, who built a flour mill at the site in 1849. The restaurant -- fully renovated in 1998 under a new owner -- has a famous patio and several different rooms for banquets and meetings. Your meal will make history at La Hacienda!

La Pasadita
7689 North Loop
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Vanessa M. Macias
Comments: If you are looking for an out of the way restaurant to eat some hearty Mexican food, La Pasadita is the place for you. The place doesn't look very impressive, but once you enter the old fashioned, intricately carved wooden doors, you are transported into the courtyard of a Mexican hacienda. The friendly waitresses are attentive and courteous and consult you as to where you'd like to sit. The homemade tortilla chips and salsa set at the table for your enjoyment is just a hint as to the good food that is coming. On several occasions, I've had the flautas, which were accompanied by guacamole, refried beans, a side of lettuce and tomato, with a sprinkle of melted cheese over the whole plate. The flautas are two tortillas long and are enough to fill any hungry stomach. The fajitas come in a sizzling plate and are equally delicious. I recommend having a bowl of caldo de res as an appetizer if you wish to have the full La Pasadita experience. The bill which appears on the table at the end of the meal, at your request, will surprise you at it is inexpensive. At the end of you meal, you will feel enjoyment at having eaten at a place where the food is great, the atmosphere is quaint, and money remains in your pocketbook.

La Poblanita
4431 Montana (564-5787)
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Miguel Rubio
Comments: La Poblanita Restaurant is a very good Mexican restaurant because you can find lots of varieties of typical Mexican dishes. You can find Mexican food like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tostadas, flautas, etc. Also you can be very comfortable by being attended by very polite waiters. Also you get your food with a very fast service. La Poblanita is a very comfortable place to be.

Leo's Mexican Restaurant
5013 Montana
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Annette Y. Vitela
Comments: I like this place a whole lot. The environment is calm and inviting. Once your seated they give you tostadas with salsa, and is it good(it's also free). They have a wide variety of every kind of Mexican plate you could think of. From tacos to chile rellenos to sopaipillas. The price is reasonable and the service is great. I think everybody willing to eat Mexican food should try a meal there. I'm going again.

Leo's
2285 Trawood Dr.
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: William R. Drake
Comments: You first walk into a large and traditional Mexican restaurant. It has a big dining hall with dark tile floors and solid wooden tables. Leo's serves almost any imaginable Mexican dish with very friendly service. The food and atmosphere is great with a very reasonable price. Most dishes range from $4 to $6 and are well worth it. I strongly recommend Leos for a great dining experience.

Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey's
1310 Magruder
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Randy Limbird
Comments: Although El Paso is blessed with great Mexican restaurants, only an elite few that truly combine great food and service with a spendid atmosphere. Carlos & Mickey's is among that elite. The waiters are attentive, the food is served promptly and cooked perfectly, and the ambience is charmingly Spanish Mediterranean.

Lucy's Restaurant
9737 Dyer
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Elizabeth Sifuentes
Comments: This restaurant has a great atmosphere and is always kept very clean. There is also a bar within the restaurant along with a big screen T.V. The service and the employees are very quick and friendly. The inexpensive menu offers a variety of delicious meals from breakfast to dinner. There is usually one or two plates on special everyday. You may order a drink from the bar along with your meal. My favorite plate is the tacos de carnitas plate. The appetizers are of great quantity and also inexpensive. This restaurant is a very good place to take the family and friends. It is a very comfortable place to have any one of the three meals.

The Mad Hatter Tea Room Marketplace
7933 N. Mesa
Type of food: Continental
Reviewer: Randy Limbird
Comments: The Mad Hatter is a rare (for El Paso) combination of unusual atmosphere, attentive service and excellent cuisine. It's inside its own antique, gift and art store, stocked by independent merchants. The Mad Hatter is open for lunch and high tea Tuesday-Saturday, plus Sunday brunch. If you're eating light, be sure to order one of the fabulous pasta entrees. At $6.95, salad included (with great gourmet dressings), there's no better meal for that price in El Paso.

Martha's Mexican Restaurant
7327 Alameda Ave.
Type of food: Mexican
Reviewer: Ester G. Tinajero
Comments: My favorite restaurant is Martha's Mexican Restaurant in the Lower Valley. It is my favorite restaurant for two main reasons: its outstanding food and its homey atmosphere. If you get home from work exhausted, you don't feel like cooking a meal and you are looking for a place to eat where you can still feel like your at home, Martha's is the place to go! They have a great menu for breakfast, lunch, and diner. So at any time of the day you can enjoy a home-cooked meal for a reasonable price. With whatever you order you also get a free soup and free desert. Martha's is a true five-star restaurant. But don't take my word for it.

Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant & Grocery
4111 N. Mesa
Type of food: Middle Eastern
Reviewer: Randy Limbird
Why settle for a run-of-the-mill hamburger or burrito when you can the hero of gryos here for $2.99 (regular) or $3.50 (large)? The Middle Eastern menu offers plenty of other choices, from appetizers to dessert. Owner is Dr. Sulaiman Abushagar, who's usually there greeting customers and making sure service and food are excellent. Come here to take a break from the ordinary.


Michelino's Italian Restaurant
3615 Rutherglen
Type of food: Italian
Reviewer: Ginger McDonald
Comments: Michelino's on the East Side is intimate as well as cozy. The people working there are so hospitable, it's like visiting with good friends. Diners return again and again to eat the great food served there. Especially nice is Anna, a server there who knows what you'd like before you do. She is a treasure. Honorable mention to Jaxon's on Airway, another special place.

1910
9077 Gateway West
Type of Food: Mexican
Reviewer: Jose Marquez
Comments: I thought the food and the atmosphere were great! You could have fun and enjoy a meal at the same time. The best part was the music - they have real mariachis.

Olive Garden
8401 Gateway Blvd. West
Type of food: Italian
Reviewer: Melissa Michelle Madrid
Comments: I have always loved the food at Olive Garden because it is delicious. Italian food has been my favorite type of food since I was a lit